BIBLICAL
INTRODUCTION
SECTION I. THE BIBLE AS A LIBRARY.
A. Introduction
a. Was written on a series of scrolls made of leather or paper.
b. Had no divisions into chapters and verses.
c. The Old Testament was written in Hebrew and Aramaic, and the New Testament in Greek.
B. The divisions of the Bible, number of books in each and the name of the first book in each.
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OLD TESTAMENT |
(66 books) |
NEW TESTAMENT |
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39 books |
27 books |
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Law |
History |
Poetry (Devotion) |
Prophecy Major | Minor |
Biog. |
Hist. |
Epistles Pauline | General |
Prophecy |
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Books |
5 |
12 |
5 |
5 |
12 |
4 |
1 |
14 |
7 |
1 |
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First |
Gen. |
Josh. |
Job |
Isa. |
Hos. |
Matt |
Ac. |
Rom. |
Jas. |
Rev. |
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C. The books of the Old Testament.
LAW (“Torah” or “Pentateuch”)
GENESIS “Beginnings” History of the earth, man, Israel, the Law
EXODUS “Exit” from Egypt
LEVITICUS Laws given to the “Levites,” the priestly tribe
NUMBERS “Census” Numbering the people at beginning and end of 40 years wanderings
DEUTERONOMY “2nd giving of the Law” Repeating to the people at end of the journey.
HISTORY
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BEFORE KINGS |
PERIOD OF KINGS |
AFTER CAPTIVITY |
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JOSHUA Conquest of Canaan |
I SAMUEL Saul king |
I CHRONICLES (“records” ) |
EZRA Rebuilding temple |
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JUDGES Judging Israel |
II SAMUEL David king |
Covers I & II Sam |
NEHEMIAH Rebuilding Jerusalem |
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RUTH Moabite becomes Jew (ancestor of Jesus) |
I KINGS Solomon king Division of kingdom |
II CHRONICLES |
ESTHER Jewish Queen of Persia saved her people |
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II KINGS Decline of kingdom Fall of kingdom |
(covers I & II Kings) |
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POETRY
JOB Ancient drama. Faithful in suffering. “Comforted” by 3 friends. Oldest book.
PSALMS Hebrew songbook mostly by David, in five parts. “Psalms” means sung to instruments.
PROVERBS “Wisdom” by Solomon to his son. “Fear of God is beginning of knowledge.”
ECCLESIASTES “Preacher” by Solomon. Vanity of things “under the sun.” Conclusion: “Fear God”
SONG OF SOLOMON Love song in drama form. A girl dreaming of her shepherd sweetheart.
BOOKS OF MAJOR PROPHETS
ISAIAH called
the “Messianic Prophet”
Assyrians carrying away ten northern tribes (721 BC)
JEREMIAH “Weeping Prophet” prophesied to Jews in Palestine conquest by Babylonian (600 BC)
LAMENTATIONS Jeremiah’s poetic dirge over Jerusalem’s destruction
EZEKIEL Prophesied to Jews in Babylon. Theme: “They
Shall Know I am Jehovah.”
DANIEL Prophesied in Babylonian during 70 years captivity and later to Persian royalty.
MINOR PROPHETS
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HOSEA Israel’s unfaithfulness |
OBADIAH Edom doomed |
HABAKKUK Why the wicked triumph |
HAGGAI Rebuild temple |
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JOEL Judah--Locust plague |
JONAH Nineveh repents |
ZEPHANIAH The terrible day of God |
ZACHARIAH Messianic visions |
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AMOS Israel’s Idolatrous luxury |
MICAH Israel & Judah warned |
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MALACHI Elijah to come |
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NAHUM Nineveh doomed |
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D. Learn the books of the New Testament
BIOGRAPHY (life of Christ)
MATTHEW (Synoptic) “Jesus the Messiah” --Jewish perspective
MARK (Synoptic) “Jesus the power of God” --Roman perspective
LUKE (Synoptic) “Jesus the wisdom of God” --Greek perspective
JOHN “Jesus the son of God” --Emphasizes love of God and knowing God.
NEW TESTAMENT HISTORY
ACTS OF APOSTLES. Peter’s apostleship to the Jews and Paul’s apostleship to Gentiles.
PAUL’S LETTERS (Pauline Epistles)
ROMANS Imputed
righteousness through faith.
I CORINTHIANS A divided church
II CORINTHIANS Paul’s right to speak as an
apostle
GALATIANS A fickle church.
The problem of the Law.
EPHESIANS The glorious church
PHILIPPIANS “Rejoice.” Paul’s thanks for
their help.
COLOSSIANS Exaltation of Christ
I THESSALONIANS Jesus is coming again.
II THESSALONIANS Jesus is not coming immediately. Falling away first.
I TIMOTHY (Pastoral Epistle) How to
lead the church at Ephesus.
II TIMOTHY (Pastoral Epistle) Final
letter. Be faithful in persecution
TITUS (Pastoral Epistle) How to lead the churches in Crete.
PHILEMON Personal letter
concerning Onesimus, a slave, being returned
HEBREWS “Better things in Christ.” To Christian Jews of Palestine.
BOOKS OF GENERAL or MINOR EPISTLES
JAMES Justification is “not by faith only.” Importance of faithful living.
I PETER “Suffer as a Christian.”
II PETER “Make your election sure” Warning of enemies. Earth to be burned up.
I JOHN “Hereby we know.” Gnostics are “anti-Christ.”
II JOHN To the “elect lady.” Do not receive those who deny Jesus came in
flesh.
III JOHN Warning about Diotrephes “who loves to have the preeminence.”
JUDE “Contend earnestly for the faith.” Warning of enemies coming in.
NEW TESTAMENT PROPHECY
REVELATION John writes to seven churches and about
things to come.(AD 95)
E. Abbreviations for the books of the Bible.
Gen, Ex, Lev, Num, Deu. Josh, Jg, Ru, I Sam, II Sam. I K, II K, I Ch, II Ch, Ezr, Neh, Est, Job, Ps, Pr, Ec, S.S., (or Ca. “Canticles”), Isa, Jer, Lam, Ez. Dan. Ho, Joe, Am, Ob, Jon, Mic, Na, Hab, Zep, Hag, Zec, Mal
Mt, Mk (or Mr), Lk (or Lu), Jn (or Joh), Ac, Rom, I Co, II Co, Gal, Eph, Ph’p, Col, I Th, II Th, I Ti, II Ti, Tit, Ph’m, Heb, Jas, I Pe, II Pe, I Jn, II Jn, III Jn (or I Jo, II Jo, III Jo), Jd, Rev (Apoc. “Apocalypse”)
F. Introduction to the books of Law. (Genesis through Deut.)
1. These five books were written by Moses over a period of 40 years in the wilderness.
2. Since Genesis is introductory, we actually find the Law given only in Exodus through Deut.
3. Another name for the books of Law is “Pentateuch,” meaning, “The five books.”
4. These books were written about 1,500 BC
5. “BC” indicates the period before the birth of Christ.
6. Genesis gives the history that leads up to the giving of the law on Sinai.
7. The Old Testament is primarily concerned with the Hebrews (or Israelites).
G. Twelve Tribes of Israel
(Jacob)
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Leah (oldest daughter
of Laban) 1. Reuben 2. Simeon 3. Levi (Priesthood) 4. Judah (Royal line) 9. Issachar 10. Zebulun (also, Dinah, a daughter) |
Bilhah (Rachel’s servant) 5. Dan 6. Napthali |
Zilpah (Leah’s servant) 7. Gad 8. Asher |
Rachel (Leah’s sister) 11. Joseph 12. Benjamin |
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H. Writers of the New Testament 1. Matthew 2. Mark 3. Luke 4. John 5. Peter 6. Paul 7. James 8. Jude |
I. Two great commandments Mat. 22:38 (Lev.
19:18; Deut. 6:5) 38 Thou shalt love
the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all
thy mind. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour
as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. |
J. Versions of the Bible:
These fall under two general classifications:
1. Word-for-word translations
These attempt, as nearly as possible, to use English words which correspond exactly with those found in the original Greek or Hebrew. However, due to differences in language structure, thought concepts, and many other factors, it is extremely difficult to do this briefly and simply. A single Greek word may have several different uses which requires various English words to translate. Sometimes no single English word gives the full idea, and in some instances there is no English word that conveys the meaning at all. Also, several English words may provide similar meanings or there may be several ways of saying the same thing, thus providing a choice of words resulting in different combinations in different versions. Beyond this, we must recognize that our language is constantly changing and in time words become obsolete or may leave the reader with incorrect ideas. The King James Version (AV --Authorized Version) is an example of this problem. Consequently, new translations are produced to try to make the Bible understandable. However, the danger in any translation is that the translator may inject his own prejudices. Fortunately, the Bible is so written that the truth tends to come through in spite of the weaknesses of men.
2. “Free” translations.
These make little attempt to stick close to the original wording. Rather, they attempt to paraphrase and simplify ideas. While this can be very helpful sometimes, the danger is that either important concepts may be omitted or false ideas injected. “Good News for Modern Man” (T.E.V.--Today’s English Version) and the LIVING Bible, are examples.
CONCLUSION: In actual practice there is usually a great deal of blending between both styles of translation. Some word-for-word translations are extremely biased (such as the “Jehovah’s Witness’s” NEW WORD TRANSLATION. On the other hand, some free translations have been most helpful, especially when used by those with limited comprehension or reading skills, or to serve as a simple statement of the text in connection with commentaries. Remember that all translations are made by men and the man who reads them is only human. The original Greek or Hebrew can only be the final authority.
K. How we got our Bible.
God guided (“inspired”) holy men to write it, confirming their authority to do so by special miraculous signs (II Peter 1:21; Hebrews 2:3, 4; Mark 16:20). Later inspired writers helped authenticate which books should be regarded as inspired and bring them together for use. From century to century they were copied with the utmost care, and often translated into other languages. We now have it in most of the languages of the earth.
BIBLICAL INTRODUCTION (continued)
SECTION II. THE BIBLE CONSIDERED BY PERIODS
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PATRIARCHAL |
MOSAICAL |
CHRISTIAN |
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“Rule of the Fathers” (God spoke to the Patriarchs) |
“Rule of Moses” (Under the Law of Moses) |
“Rule of Christ” (Under law to Christ) |
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← Creation |
↑ Sinai |
↑ Pentecost (“fiftieth”) |
End of World → |
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Genesis |
Exodus |
Acts 2 |
Revelation |
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1. Innocence (Eden) 2. Ante-deluvian period (before the flood) 3. Post-deluvian period (after the flood) 4. Period of the Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph) 5. Period of bondage (in Egypt) 6. Deliverance (Moses led Israel out of Egypt)
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1. Wilderness Wanderings (40 years in Sinai desert) 2. Conquest of Canaan (Joshua leads) 3. Period of Judges (God rules through Judges) 4. United Kingdom (Saul, David, Solomon) 5. Divided Kingdom (Ten northern tribes rebel) 6. Northern Exile (Assyria carries Israel away) 7. Southern Exile (Babylon carries Judah away) 8. Post-Exile (Persians allow Judas’s return) 9. Inter-testament (400 years prophetic silence) 10. Life of Christ (preparation for the church) |
1. Apostolic Jewish Evangelism (Began in Jerusalem on Pentecost) 2. Apostolic Gentile Evangelism (from Cornelius by Peter) 3. Post-apostolic Period (100 AD to AD 325) (“falling away” began) 4. Roman Domination of the church until fall of Rome in 476 A.D. 5. Division of Empire and power in the church between Rome and Constantinople. 6. Reformation (AD 1517 by Luther) 7. Restoration Movement (Holy Roman Empire ends around 1800 AD 8. Israel returns as a nation (1946) 9. Israel to be converted. (Yet future. Rom. 11) 10. “Little Season” Rev. 20 (Final attack on Christians) 11. Return of Christ (End of earth, resurrection judgment, New earth)
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E. Twelve apostles
(song) 1. Peter 2. Andrew 3. James and 4. John, Fishermen of Capernaum 5. Thomas and 6. St. Matthew
too 7. Philip and 8. Bartholomew 9. James the less 10. Jude the brave 11. Simon the Zealot 12. Judas the knave Twelve disciples here in all Answering the Master’s call |
F. Ten Plagues 1. Waters to Blood 2. Frogs 3. Lice 4. Flies 5. Murrain (sores) on cattle 6. Boils 7. Hail 8. Locusts 9. Darkness 10. Death of first-born. |
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G. Ten Commandments (Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5) (The Decalogue) 1. Thou shalt have no other Gods 2. Thou shalt make no graven images to bow down to and serve 3. Thou shalt not take the name of God in vain (disrespectful use) 4. Remember the Sabbath day (Rest on Saturday, the seventh day) 5. Honor your father and your mother (show care and respect) 6. Thou shalt not kill (Do not murder) 7. Thou shalt not commit adultery (Don’t make love to anyone other than your own mate) 8. Thou shalt not steal (Do not take what does not belong to you) 9. Thou shalt not bear false witness (Do not lie) 10. Thou shalt not covet (Do not feed a desire for that which you cannot properly have. |
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H. John 3:16 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. |
I. The Great Commission. (Matt. 28:18-20)
18 And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. 9 Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: 20 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.
J. The 23 Psalm
KJV Psa 23:1 *A Psalm of David.* The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
K. The “Golden Rule” (Mat. 7:12)
12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you,
do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets
L. The “Lord’s Prayer”
Mat.6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.
Amen.
M. Events of the seven days
of Creation (Gen. 1)
1st Made light and divided it from darkness = night and day.
2nd Atmosphere divided the water above from the seas below.
3rd Land separated from the seas. Vegetable life began.
4th Sun, moon and stars made to rule over day and night.
5th Sea life began.
6th Land animals and humans made.
7th God rested from His work of creation
N. Tabernacle.
Show features, dimensions and what was foreshadowed. (See special Tabernacle notes)
O. Old Testament Sacred Occasions.
Tell what they commemorated and what they foreshadowed. (See special sacred Occasions sheet.)