Bible

Consideration

Before we attempt to interpret the Bible correctly, we must first understand what it is. If we misunderstand what the Bible is, we will either over-simplify it or over-complicate it, and both errors keep us from hearing God clearly.  Clarity about the Bible’s nature removes intimidation and invites confidence.

Your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. –Psalm 119:89

Information

The Bible is one unified narrative made up of many distinct components.

ORGANIZATION

Old Testament

• Written primarily in Hebrew, with some Aramaic
• Written approximately 1400-430 BC
• Contains 39 books
• Organized into:
  
  • Law
  • History
  • Wisdom
  • Prophets

New Testament

• Written in Greek
• Written approximately 45-90 AD
• Contains 27 books
• Organized into:
  
  • Gospels
  • Acts
  • Letters
  • Revelation

The Old Testament finds its fulfillment in the New Testament, as promised through the prophets and confirmed by Christ.

AUTHORSHIP

• Fully God
  The unity, coherence, and prophetic fulfillment of Scripture point to divine authorship.
• Fully Human
  God used real people in real places, writing with intention and context.
• Fully God / Fully Human
  Just as Jesus is fully God and fully man, Scripture bears both divine authority and genuine human expression.

CANONIZATION

• Canon means a measuring rod.
• The canon refers to the 66 books recognized as inspired Scripture.
• The church recognized authority; it did not create it.
• Timeline (simplified):
  
  • Written: completed by ~100 AD
  • Collected and read: 100-200 AD
  • Examined: 200-300 AD
  • Affirmed: 300-400 AD
• New Testament books met three criteria:
  
  • Apostolic (written by an apostle or a close associate of an apostle)
  • Catholic (received and used broadly across the churches, not limited to one location)
  • Orthodox (consistent with the teaching already recognized as Scripture)

Demonstration

Let’s study Hebrews 1:1-2 together. As you read it, pay attention to both the diversity of God’s communication and the unity of His message.

• What does this passage say about the timing of God’s communication?
• What does it reveal about the variety of Scripture?
• How does it assume unity rather than contradiction?

Summation  

The Bible is not chaotic, accidental, or unclear. It is God’s intentional revelation, carefully composed, faithfully preserved, and purposefully organized. Understanding what the Bible is removes fear and invites faithful study. As we move forward, clarity about Scripture’s composition prepares us to trust its authority.

Next, we will explore why Scripture speaks with authority, examining what it means for the Bible to be inspired, trustworthy, and binding for God’s people.

The Bible is God’s truth written by human hands.