The Bible, as we have discussed is divided into two parts: Old Testament and New Testament. There are 66 books in the Bible with 40 different authors, but one consistent message – God’s plan to save sinful man. In the New Testament, there are 27 books which are divided into the following sections: Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), Early Church History (Acts), Letters from Paul (Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon), General Epistles (Hebrews, James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1, 2, & 3 John and Jude), and Revelation.
The Epistles are listed below each with a brief description or its content or focus.
Hebrews (Illustrates the superiority of Christ over the old covenant. The author of Hebrews is unknown, but many believe it was Paul. The audience was the Hebrew believers.)
James (Anyone who has studied the book of James knows that it pulls no punches. In this epistle to the Jewish believers, James lays out clearly what it means to live a life of faith and to evaluate one’s own faith honestly in light of scripture.)
1 Peter (Letter from Peter to all Christians that discusses the issues of holiness, submission and suffering.)
2 Peter (Letter from Peter to all Christians to warn against the danger of false teachers and exhorts the believers to grow in the true knowledge of Christ.)
1 John (Letter from John to all Christians. The key themes found in this book are love in Christ and fellowship with God.)
2 John (Letter from John to the Elect Lady while John was in Ephesus. The letter reminds the reader to walk in love and beware of false teachers.)
3 John (Letter from John to Gaius. The letter thanks Gaius for his support of the gospel and criticizes Diotrephes for his pride.)
Jude (The final letter in the General Epistles written by Jude to all Christians. The letter warns against heresy and false teachers and exhorts believers to contend earnestly for the faith.)
The final book of the Bible is the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
Revelation (This books includes things which have been, which are and which are yet to be. It gives hope to those who suffer persecution and provides a vision of Christ’s return. It also gives good insights and images of what it is like in heaven.)
Psalm 119:11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You!