Malachi (39th Book of the Old Testament).
Author.
Malachi the prophet.
Main point.
God wants His people to face up to their sins and get back to a right relationship with Him.
Main people.
Malachi, the priests.
Special features.
Uses a lot of questions from God as well as from His people. Does not allow for any excuses from the priests. Applauds the faithful few of Malachi's generation (and ours).
Date.
Approximately 430 B.C.
How many chapters?
4 chapters.
How the Book got it's name?
The author of the book, Malachi, was a prophet to the people of Jerusalem.
Showing posts with label Books of the Bible. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Books of the Bible. Show all posts
Friday, 17 July 2009
Thursday, 16 July 2009
Back to Basic! A basic breakdown of the bible books!
Zechariah (38th Book of the Old Testament).
Author.
Zechariah the prophet.
Main point.
God offers hope, for he will save his people through the Messiah who is to come.
Main people.
Zerubbabel, Joshua the high priest.
Special features.
Describes Zechariah's many unusual visions, including a flying scroll and chariots. Includes the prophet's resounding encouragement to keep up the work on the temple. Provides a lot of detail about the coming Messiah.
Date.
Approximately 520-518 B.C. (chapters 1-8), 480 B.C. (chapters 9-14)
How Many Chapters?
14 chapters.
How the Book got its name?
Zechariah was a prophet who communicated God's message to those who had returned to Jerusalem from captivity in Babylon.
Author.
Zechariah the prophet.
Main point.
God offers hope, for he will save his people through the Messiah who is to come.
Main people.
Zerubbabel, Joshua the high priest.
Special features.
Describes Zechariah's many unusual visions, including a flying scroll and chariots. Includes the prophet's resounding encouragement to keep up the work on the temple. Provides a lot of detail about the coming Messiah.
Date.
Approximately 520-518 B.C. (chapters 1-8), 480 B.C. (chapters 9-14)
How Many Chapters?
14 chapters.
How the Book got its name?
Zechariah was a prophet who communicated God's message to those who had returned to Jerusalem from captivity in Babylon.
Wednesday, 15 July 2009
Back to Basic! A basic breakdown of the bible books!
Haggai (37th Book of the Old Testament).
Author.
Haggai the prophet.
Main point.
God wants his people to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem, because He is worthy of worship.
Main people.
Haggai, Zerubbabel, Joshua the high priest.
Special features.
Packs a lot of challenge and promise into two short chapters. Shows how important the temple was to God. Provides an interesting look at how Haggai communicated to rulers and to the people as a whole.
Date.
520 B.C.
How many chapters?
2 chapters.
How the Book got its name?
The author, Haggai, had a clear message for God's people in Jerusalem and those in exile from the city.
Author.
Haggai the prophet.
Main point.
God wants his people to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem, because He is worthy of worship.
Main people.
Haggai, Zerubbabel, Joshua the high priest.
Special features.
Packs a lot of challenge and promise into two short chapters. Shows how important the temple was to God. Provides an interesting look at how Haggai communicated to rulers and to the people as a whole.
Date.
520 B.C.
How many chapters?
2 chapters.
How the Book got its name?
The author, Haggai, had a clear message for God's people in Jerusalem and those in exile from the city.
Tuesday, 14 July 2009
Back to Basic! A basic breakdown of the bible books!
Zephaniah (36th Book of the Old Testament).
Author.
Zephaniah the prophet.
Main point.
Wake up! Get serious about God and reaffirm your love for him!
Main people.
The people of Judah.
Special features.
Uses imagery about different days to come, both good and bad. Includes a reference to the Fish Gate. It is set against the background of King Josiah's good efforts toward reform.
Date.
Probably between 640 and 621 B.C.
How many chapters?
3 chapters.
How the Book got its name?
The author, Zephaniah, brings hope as well as challenge to the people of Judah.
Author.
Zephaniah the prophet.
Main point.
Wake up! Get serious about God and reaffirm your love for him!
Main people.
The people of Judah.
Special features.
Uses imagery about different days to come, both good and bad. Includes a reference to the Fish Gate. It is set against the background of King Josiah's good efforts toward reform.
Date.
Probably between 640 and 621 B.C.
How many chapters?
3 chapters.
How the Book got its name?
The author, Zephaniah, brings hope as well as challenge to the people of Judah.
Monday, 13 July 2009
Back to Basic! A basic breakdown of the bible books!
Habakkuk (35th Book of the Old Testament).
Author.
Habakkuk the prophet.
Main point.
Sometimes it looks as if evil is winning, but God is still in control of the world.
Main people.
Habakkuk, the Chaldeans (also known as Babylonians).
Special features.
Expresses Habakkuk's honest questions to God. Is presented in question-answer format. Includes the powerful refrain “The LORD is in his holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before him!”
Date.
Between 612 and 589 B.C.
How many chapters?
3 chapters.
How the Book got its name?
The author, Habakkuk, presented God's message to Judah and God's people everywhere.
Author.
Habakkuk the prophet.
Main point.
Sometimes it looks as if evil is winning, but God is still in control of the world.
Main people.
Habakkuk, the Chaldeans (also known as Babylonians).
Special features.
Expresses Habakkuk's honest questions to God. Is presented in question-answer format. Includes the powerful refrain “The LORD is in his holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before him!”
Date.
Between 612 and 589 B.C.
How many chapters?
3 chapters.
How the Book got its name?
The author, Habakkuk, presented God's message to Judah and God's people everywhere.
Sunday, 12 July 2009
Back to Basic! A basic breakdown of the bible books!
Nahum (34th Book of the Old Testament).
Author.
Nahum the prophet.
Main point.
The evil nation of Assyria is under God's judgment, a message meant to comfort God's people Judah.
Main people.
The people of Assyria and Judah.
Special features.
Contains a message of repentance for Nineveh (capital city of Assyria) a century after Jonah preached there. Was directed to the greatest military power in the world at the time. Shows that human power is completely insufficient against God's.
Date.
Probably between 663 and 654 B.C.
How many chapters?
3 chapters.
How the Book got its name?
The author of the book, Nahum, spoke clearly to the capital city of Assyria.
Author.
Nahum the prophet.
Main point.
The evil nation of Assyria is under God's judgment, a message meant to comfort God's people Judah.
Main people.
The people of Assyria and Judah.
Special features.
Contains a message of repentance for Nineveh (capital city of Assyria) a century after Jonah preached there. Was directed to the greatest military power in the world at the time. Shows that human power is completely insufficient against God's.
Date.
Probably between 663 and 654 B.C.
How many chapters?
3 chapters.
How the Book got its name?
The author of the book, Nahum, spoke clearly to the capital city of Assyria.
Saturday, 11 July 2009
Back to Basic! A basic breakdown of the bible books!
Micah (33th Book of the Old Testament).
Author.
Micah the prophet.
Main point.
Do not be fooled: God's judgment is coming, so the time to repent is now.
Main people.
The people of Samaria and Jerusalem.
Special features.
Presents God's message in classic Hebrew poetry. Is organized in three parts, each beginning with “Hear” or “Listen” and ending with a promise from God. Includes many prophecies about Jesus the Messiah.
Date.
Possibly during the period 742-687 B.C., the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah.
How many chapters?
7 chapters.
How the Book got its name?
The author of the book, Micah, brought God's message to both Israel and Judah.
Author.
Micah the prophet.
Main point.
Do not be fooled: God's judgment is coming, so the time to repent is now.
Main people.
The people of Samaria and Jerusalem.
Special features.
Presents God's message in classic Hebrew poetry. Is organized in three parts, each beginning with “Hear” or “Listen” and ending with a promise from God. Includes many prophecies about Jesus the Messiah.
Date.
Possibly during the period 742-687 B.C., the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah.
How many chapters?
7 chapters.
How the Book got its name?
The author of the book, Micah, brought God's message to both Israel and Judah.
Friday, 10 July 2009
Back to Basic! A basic breakdown of the bible books!
Jonah (32nd Book of the Old Testament).
Author.
Jonah.
Main point.
God expects obedience from His people, especially when they are given the message that His grace reaches out to all people, everywhere.
Main people.
Jonah, the boat's captain, the crew, a big fish.
Special features.
Is considered a book of prophecy but concentrates on the prophet rather than the prophecy. Weaves the famous account of the disobedient prophet who was swallowed (and then spit out) by a huge fish, Jonah had a whale of a time in the big fish. Includes the surprising account of Jonah's angry response when Nineveh repented. Was mentioned by Jesus as a picture of His death and resurrection.
Date.
Approximately 785-760 B.C.
How many chapters?
4 chapters.
How the Book got its name?
The book of Jonah takes its name from the central character; the reluctant prophet, Jonah.
Author.
Jonah.
Main point.
God expects obedience from His people, especially when they are given the message that His grace reaches out to all people, everywhere.
Main people.
Jonah, the boat's captain, the crew, a big fish.
Special features.
Is considered a book of prophecy but concentrates on the prophet rather than the prophecy. Weaves the famous account of the disobedient prophet who was swallowed (and then spit out) by a huge fish, Jonah had a whale of a time in the big fish. Includes the surprising account of Jonah's angry response when Nineveh repented. Was mentioned by Jesus as a picture of His death and resurrection.
Date.
Approximately 785-760 B.C.
How many chapters?
4 chapters.
How the Book got its name?
The book of Jonah takes its name from the central character; the reluctant prophet, Jonah.
Thursday, 9 July 2009
Back to Basic! A basic breakdown of the bible books!
Obadiah (31st Book of the Old Testament).
Author.
Obadiah the prophet.
Main point.
God judges those who hurt his people.
Main people.
The Edomites.
Special features.
Is one of the shortest books of the Bible. Takes the form of poetry, a funeral hymn of doom.
Date.
Possibly during Jehoram's reign in Judah, 853-841 B.C.
How Many Chapters?
1 chapter.
How the Book got its name?
The name Obadiah means “servant of the Lord” or “worshiper of Jehovah;” both meanings apply to this prophet.
Author.
Obadiah the prophet.
Main point.
God judges those who hurt his people.
Main people.
The Edomites.
Special features.
Is one of the shortest books of the Bible. Takes the form of poetry, a funeral hymn of doom.
Date.
Possibly during Jehoram's reign in Judah, 853-841 B.C.
How Many Chapters?
1 chapter.
How the Book got its name?
The name Obadiah means “servant of the Lord” or “worshiper of Jehovah;” both meanings apply to this prophet.
Wednesday, 8 July 2009
Back to Basic! A basic breakdown of the bible books!
Revelation (27th Book of the New Testament).
Author.
John the apostle.
Main point.
Be hopeful but be warned: Jesus is the Christ who reigns and will come again!
Main people.
John, Jesus.
Special features.
Opens with powerful letters to seven churches in Asia, which we can learn from today. Features the scene of God on his heavenly throne, complete with crowns, lightning, winged creatures, and more. Uses many prophetic images found throughout the rest of the Bible. Tells of a grand white horse from heaven, whose rider's name is Faith and True. Describes Satan's destruction and the creation of a new earth and a new earth.
Date.
About A.D. 95.
How many chapters?
22 chapters.
How the Book got its name?
The name revelation refers to the visions of the future that God revealed to John.
Author.
John the apostle.
Main point.
Be hopeful but be warned: Jesus is the Christ who reigns and will come again!
Main people.
John, Jesus.
Special features.
Opens with powerful letters to seven churches in Asia, which we can learn from today. Features the scene of God on his heavenly throne, complete with crowns, lightning, winged creatures, and more. Uses many prophetic images found throughout the rest of the Bible. Tells of a grand white horse from heaven, whose rider's name is Faith and True. Describes Satan's destruction and the creation of a new earth and a new earth.
Date.
About A.D. 95.
How many chapters?
22 chapters.
How the Book got its name?
The name revelation refers to the visions of the future that God revealed to John.
Tuesday, 7 July 2009
Back to Basic! A basic breakdown of the bible books!
Jude (26th Book of the New Testament).
Author.
Jude, James's brother and Jesus' half-brother.
Main point.
Always be alert for false teaching, and stay strong in your faith.
Main people.
Jude, James, Jesus.
Special features.
Talks about burglars to describe how false teachers operate. Refers to exciting characters from the Old Testament, including the archangel Michael.
Date.
About A.D. 65.
How many chapters?
1 chapter.
How the Book got its name?
This brief letter was written by Jude to Jewish Christians specifically and all Christians generally.
Author.
Jude, James's brother and Jesus' half-brother.
Main point.
Always be alert for false teaching, and stay strong in your faith.
Main people.
Jude, James, Jesus.
Special features.
Talks about burglars to describe how false teachers operate. Refers to exciting characters from the Old Testament, including the archangel Michael.
Date.
About A.D. 65.
How many chapters?
1 chapter.
How the Book got its name?
This brief letter was written by Jude to Jewish Christians specifically and all Christians generally.
Sunday, 5 July 2009
Back to Basic! A basic breakdown of the bible books!
3 John (25th Book of the New Testament).
Author.
John the disciple.
Main point.
Be generous, be loving. Welcome people into your heart and into your home.
Main people.
John, Gaius, Diotrephes, Demetrius.
Special features.
Describes three lives to learn from; two by positive example, one by negative. Convinces readers of the need to support and help Christian workers and missionaries.
Date.
About A.D. 90.
How many chapters?
1 chapter.
How the Book got its name?
This third letter from John was written to Gaius, a Christian leader.
Author.
John the disciple.
Main point.
Be generous, be loving. Welcome people into your heart and into your home.
Main people.
John, Gaius, Diotrephes, Demetrius.
Special features.
Describes three lives to learn from; two by positive example, one by negative. Convinces readers of the need to support and help Christian workers and missionaries.
Date.
About A.D. 90.
How many chapters?
1 chapter.
How the Book got its name?
This third letter from John was written to Gaius, a Christian leader.
Saturday, 4 July 2009
Back to Basic! A basic breakdown of the bible books!
2 John (24th Book of the New Testament).
Author.
John the disciple.
Main point.
You just cannot overemphasize the importance of truth and love in the Christian walk.
Main people.
John, the elect lady, her children.
Special features.
Contains the message of the New Testament in a nutshell. As one of the Bible's briefest books, proves the saying that good things come in small packages. Tells us in no uncertain terms to love one another.
Date.
About A.D. 90.
How many chapters?
1 chapter.
How the Book got its name?
This second letter from John was written to an unnamed woman or possibly to a church.
Author.
John the disciple.
Main point.
You just cannot overemphasize the importance of truth and love in the Christian walk.
Main people.
John, the elect lady, her children.
Special features.
Contains the message of the New Testament in a nutshell. As one of the Bible's briefest books, proves the saying that good things come in small packages. Tells us in no uncertain terms to love one another.
Date.
About A.D. 90.
How many chapters?
1 chapter.
How the Book got its name?
This second letter from John was written to an unnamed woman or possibly to a church.
Friday, 3 July 2009
Back to Basic! A basic breakdown of the bible books!
1 John (23rd Book of the New Testament).
Author.
John the disciple.
Main point.
Here are the facts about Christianity, so calm down and grow strong in your faith.
Main people.
John, Jesus.
Special features.
Shows why John is called the apostle of love, for love is mentioned throughout the letter. Uses brief statements and simple contrasts (light and darkness, love and fear, etc.) in a powerful way. Encourages readers to be down-right bold in their prayers.
Date.
Probably between A.D. 85 and 90.
How many chapters?
5 chapters.
How the Book got its name?
The letter is the elderly disciple's first letter in the Bible, written to several churches.
Author.
John the disciple.
Main point.
Here are the facts about Christianity, so calm down and grow strong in your faith.
Main people.
John, Jesus.
Special features.
Shows why John is called the apostle of love, for love is mentioned throughout the letter. Uses brief statements and simple contrasts (light and darkness, love and fear, etc.) in a powerful way. Encourages readers to be down-right bold in their prayers.
Date.
Probably between A.D. 85 and 90.
How many chapters?
5 chapters.
How the Book got its name?
The letter is the elderly disciple's first letter in the Bible, written to several churches.
Thursday, 2 July 2009
Back to Basic! A basic breakdown of the bible books!
2 Peter (22nd Book of the New Testament).
Author.
Peter the disciple.
Main point.
False teachers can spring up anywhere, so stay strong in your faith and knowledge of Christ.
Main people.
Peter, Paul.
Special features.
Refers to Peter's experience of the Transfiguration of Jesus on a mountain. Provides solid ammunition against those who would attack the truth about Jesus. Was the last book to be included in the official New Testament.
Date.
About A.D. 67.
How many chapters?
3 chapters.
How the Book got its name?
This is the second letter believed to be written by Peter.
Author.
Peter the disciple.
Main point.
False teachers can spring up anywhere, so stay strong in your faith and knowledge of Christ.
Main people.
Peter, Paul.
Special features.
Refers to Peter's experience of the Transfiguration of Jesus on a mountain. Provides solid ammunition against those who would attack the truth about Jesus. Was the last book to be included in the official New Testament.
Date.
About A.D. 67.
How many chapters?
3 chapters.
How the Book got its name?
This is the second letter believed to be written by Peter.
Wednesday, 1 July 2009
Back to Basic! A basic breakdown of the bible books!
1 Peter (21st Book of the New Testament).
Author.
Peter the disciple.
Main point.
When you are going through hard times, God has not abandoned you. He still loves you and wants to comfort you.
Main people.
Peter, Silvanus, Mark.
Special features.
Uses images given to Peter straight from Jesus, including stones and sheep. Shows how Peter had grown in his faith from the scared disciple who denied he even knew Jesus. Encourages and offers down-to-earth advice to people who are suffering.
Date.
About A.D. 62-64.
How many chapters?
5 chapters.
How the Book got its name?
Peter, whose name is a pun on the Greek word rock (Petra), it is writing to Jewish Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor.
Author.
Peter the disciple.
Main point.
When you are going through hard times, God has not abandoned you. He still loves you and wants to comfort you.
Main people.
Peter, Silvanus, Mark.
Special features.
Uses images given to Peter straight from Jesus, including stones and sheep. Shows how Peter had grown in his faith from the scared disciple who denied he even knew Jesus. Encourages and offers down-to-earth advice to people who are suffering.
Date.
About A.D. 62-64.
How many chapters?
5 chapters.
How the Book got its name?
Peter, whose name is a pun on the Greek word rock (Petra), it is writing to Jewish Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor.
Tuesday, 30 June 2009
Back to Basic! A basic breakdown of the bible books!
James (20th Book of the New Testament).
Author.
James (Jesus' half-brother).
Main point.
The church must show its faith and its action, there is no place for hypocrisy in God's kingdom.
Main people.
None are mentioned by name.
Special features.
Is often considered a how-to book on Christian living. Includes a famous passage on faith versus works. Compares the tongue to fire in vivid language. Reveals God's opinions on swearing.
Date.
Probably A.D. 49.
How many chapters?
5 chapters.
How the Book got its name?
The letter is written by James to Jewish Christians specifically and to all Christians generally.
Author.
James (Jesus' half-brother).
Main point.
The church must show its faith and its action, there is no place for hypocrisy in God's kingdom.
Main people.
None are mentioned by name.
Special features.
Is often considered a how-to book on Christian living. Includes a famous passage on faith versus works. Compares the tongue to fire in vivid language. Reveals God's opinions on swearing.
Date.
Probably A.D. 49.
How many chapters?
5 chapters.
How the Book got its name?
The letter is written by James to Jewish Christians specifically and to all Christians generally.
Monday, 29 June 2009
Back to Basic! A basic breakdown of the bible books!
Hebrews (19th Book of the New Testament).
Author.
Unknown, possibly Paul, Luke, Barnabas, Apollos, Silas, Philip, or Priscilla.
Main point.
Jesus Christ was and is greater than anyone or anything. He is more than worthy of our trust and faith.
Main people.
Men and women of faith.
Special features.
Is called a letter but actually takes the form of a well-crafted sermon. Reassures the Hebrew Christians, who were being harassed by both Jews and Romans. Includes the inspiring “Hall of Faith” section that describes God's heroes over the centuries. Describes what happens to those who refuse to listen.
Date.
Probably before the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem in A.D. 70.
How many chapters?
13 chapters.
How the Book got its name?
The letter is addressed to Hebrew (Jewish) Christians, some of whom were probably considering a return to Judaism.
Author.
Unknown, possibly Paul, Luke, Barnabas, Apollos, Silas, Philip, or Priscilla.
Main point.
Jesus Christ was and is greater than anyone or anything. He is more than worthy of our trust and faith.
Main people.
Men and women of faith.
Special features.
Is called a letter but actually takes the form of a well-crafted sermon. Reassures the Hebrew Christians, who were being harassed by both Jews and Romans. Includes the inspiring “Hall of Faith” section that describes God's heroes over the centuries. Describes what happens to those who refuse to listen.
Date.
Probably before the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem in A.D. 70.
How many chapters?
13 chapters.
How the Book got its name?
The letter is addressed to Hebrew (Jewish) Christians, some of whom were probably considering a return to Judaism.
Sunday, 28 June 2009
Back to Basic! A basic breakdown of the bible books!
Philemon (18th Book of the New Testament).
Author.
Paul the apostle.
Main point.
Forgive others and accept brothers and sisters in Christ, no matter what their status or personality.
Main people.
Paul, Philemon, Onesimus.
Special features.
One of the shortest books of the Bible, it is a masterpiece of grace and tact. It was written during Paul's first prison term in Rome.
Date.
About A.D. 60.
How many chapters?
1 chapter.
How the Book got its name?
The book is a letter from Paul to Philemon and other leaders of the church at Colossae.
Author.
Paul the apostle.
Main point.
Forgive others and accept brothers and sisters in Christ, no matter what their status or personality.
Main people.
Paul, Philemon, Onesimus.
Special features.
One of the shortest books of the Bible, it is a masterpiece of grace and tact. It was written during Paul's first prison term in Rome.
Date.
About A.D. 60.
How many chapters?
1 chapter.
How the Book got its name?
The book is a letter from Paul to Philemon and other leaders of the church at Colossae.
Saturday, 27 June 2009
Back to Basic! A basic breakdown of the bible books!
Titus (17th Book of the New Testament).
Author.
Paul the apostle.
Main point.
Sound leadership principles must combine with spirituality to guide a church.
Main people.
Paul, Titus.
Special features.
Is brief but packed with information and encouragement. It was written to Paul's special representative on the island of Crete. Convinces Titus and modern readers of the stupidity of arguing.
Date.
About A.D. 64.
How many chapters?
3 chapters.
How the Book got its name?
The book is a letter from Paul to Titus, another young leader in the church.
Author.
Paul the apostle.
Main point.
Sound leadership principles must combine with spirituality to guide a church.
Main people.
Paul, Titus.
Special features.
Is brief but packed with information and encouragement. It was written to Paul's special representative on the island of Crete. Convinces Titus and modern readers of the stupidity of arguing.
Date.
About A.D. 64.
How many chapters?
3 chapters.
How the Book got its name?
The book is a letter from Paul to Titus, another young leader in the church.
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