The Bible is actually a collection of books…66 books with 40 different authors. The word “bible” is from the latin word “biblia” meaning books (plural). It is a reliable collection of historical documents, written by eyewitnesses during the lifetime of other eyewitnesses. They report supernatural events that took place in fulfillment of specific prophecies, and they claim to be divine rather than human in origin.
Bible breakdown: 66 books made the cut (the Canon). You may find 15 more books in the Catholic Bible, for instance. This is called the Apocrypha. Not to worry, though. They are still considered historically accurate, just not on the same level of the Hebrew Scriptures.
It consists of the Old Testament and the New Testament. (39 O.T books and 27 N.T. books) It has a grand total of 31,102 verses.
The O.T. was written primarily in Hebrew. The N.T. was written primarily in Greek.
Old Testament breakdown——
Genesis-Deuteronomy: The Law/The Pentateuch/The Torah
Joshua-Esther: Historical
Job-Song of Solomon: Poetic
Isaiah-Daniel: Major Prophets
Hosea-Malachi: Minor Prophets
New Testament breakdown——
Matthew-John: Gospels/Historical account of Jesus
Acts: History/Birth of the church (The Acts of the Holy Spirit through the disciples)
Romans-Philemon: Paul’s letters to churches/various individuals
Hebrews-Revelation: Letters by other authors
The chapters and verses was something man added to help us find our way easier, however just because you get to a new chapter doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a break in thought.
Translations: There are many in many different languages. I primarily read from the King James Version, although I wouldn’t recommend beginning with that. I’d recommend the New American Standard Bible. The only version to steer clear of is the New World Translation (Jehovah Witness Bible). The most important thing regarding which translation to read is TO READ a version of the Bible! That’s the key.
So why read the Bible? The Bible, called the Word of God, is absolutely essential for many reasons. Jesus called it bread, daily bread. If you don’t eat, you could die. Likewise, no daily bread of the Word, no spiritual life. It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). The Bible contains answers to man’s age old questions. It reveals God’s character, His plan, His will and ways. It reveals man’s true identity & purpose.
There are plenty of benefits, both temporary and eternal, both physical and spiritual, to reading the Bible. I’m talking actual health benefits! (Proverbs 4:20-22)
The Bible is where we turn to for the source of hope, for wisdom, for clarity, for instruction, for truth, for doctrine, for freedom, for mind renewal, for inspiration, for empowerment, for joy, for peace, to hear the voice of God (God is love), and ultimately as a love letter from the Heavenly Father.
2 Timothy 3:14-17: But continue in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing of whom you have learned them from; and that from a child you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be complete, throughly furnished unto every good work.
2 Timothy 2:15: Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth.
Read it, study it, believe it, drink it down, bounce it off of others, do it, speak it, sing it, confess it, let it become a part of your very identity. Let the Words of Jesus sink way down into your ears (Luke 9:44). Let the Word of God become more real to you than what others say, think, or report. There is a reason why the longest recorded chapter in the whole Bible is wholly dedicated to the Word of God (Psalm 119).
Read until you make that connection. The Bible is big with a lot of things happening. So it’s important to connect the dots. Remember those old games we got as kids where we saw dots with numbers but the picture was incomplete. Well, the more we’re able to connect those “dots” in the Bible, all the more we’ll be able to make sense out of it…and before long, we’ll be able to see the beautiful picture that is hidden within.
Proverbs 4:20-22: My son, attend to my words; incline your ears to my sayings. Let them not depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart. For they are life to those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
Famous quotes about the Bible–
Reading God’s Word everyday is what gives me strength. Without God, I’m nothing. -Manny Paquiao
I chose this gospel (Matthew) (as one of my favorite books) -Ben Afflect
I read the Bible everyday. I read something great yesterday. It said, “Don’t aspire to make a living. Make a difference”. -Denzel Washington
I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man. All the good from the Savior of the world is communicated to us through this book. -Abraham Lincoln
A Bible that is falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t. -Charles Spurgeon
Just as you wouldn’t be able to survive on vitamins alone, since they’re only a supplement, you can’t only survive by going to church once a week. You must have the daily sustenance of the Word. -Scott Boyer (me)
The Bible is meant to be bread for daily use, not cake for special occasions. -Unknown
A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more to me than a college education. -Theodore Roosevelt
No educated man can afford to be ignorant of the Bible. -Theodore Roosevelt
Reading the Bible without meditating on it is like trying to eat without swallowing. -Unknown
The Bible is the only book where the author is in love with the reader. -Unknown
When you open your Bible, God opens His mouth. -Mark Batterson
Out of 100 men, one will read the Bible, the other 99 will read the Christian. -D.L. Moody
Let us seek friends that will stir up our prayers, our Bible reading, our use of time, and our salvation. -J.C. Ryle
Don’t say God is silent when your Bible is closed. -Unknown
I never saw a useful Christian who was not a student of the Bible. -D.L. Moody
These days, even if you’re dyslexic, there’s really no excuse for biblical illiteracy. There are dozens of tools, apps, and digital ways of getting God’s Word into your heart. Men died to get this to us. There may come a time when it is taken from us. It’s already one of the most controversial things we have. May we commit to it wholeheartedly.