AN OUTLINE OF THE BIBLE

INTRODUCTION

To effectively use the Bible in your work as a preacher, teacher or in every day study, you need to know something about its structure. By the time someone begins to seriously study from the Bible they know a little about its structure, yet they might not know its over all structure. This material will assist you in grasping an overview of the structure of the Bible. With this overview some charts will also be presented that put into clear view the outline and structure of the Bible. Only by years of study will these outlines become an integral part of your natural study and understanding of the Scriptures. Without this understanding, it is possible to wander from the truths revealed by the scriptures. Therefore make the structure of the Bible a part of your overall understanding of the scriptures.

THE BIBLE IS DIVIDED INTO TWO MAJOR DIVISIONS

We call the book of Scriptures -- The Bible. Actually the Bible contains the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old and the New Testaments make up the two separate divisions of the Bible. The word testament should actually be translated by the word "covenant." There is a difference between what we understand by the word testament and by the word covenant. We usually understand the word testament to refer to a will written by someone in contemplation of death. In a Testament, or Will, they state how they desire their estate to be handled and divided upon their death. It is an instrument that becomes effective only upon the death of the testator (the one who wrote the will), and it cannot be altered after the death of the testator. Our country, as well as most others in the world recognize the concept of wills or testaments.

A covenant is an agreement between two or more parties. Each party is obligated to that covenant and its stipulations. If one party breaks that covenant, then the other is not obligated to comply with their stated obligations to the other party. There are two types of covenants: bilateral and unilateral. A bilateral covenant exist between equals, or equals of sorts. This is very much like our loan agreements with a bank. The Bank agrees to loan us money to buy a car, and we intern agree to make payments to the bank until the car is paid off. There are conditions on both sides.

A unilateral covenant is between unequals, or where one party is the primary issuer of that covenant, and the other is invited to join in that covenant. There is a superior and an inferior party in this type of covenant. The one who issues the covenant is the one who has the power to change any aspects of that covenant. They are stating that they are going to be faithful to those with whom they have entered into covenant with. Those who have covenanted are under obligation to be faithful to the conditions stated in the covenant.

The structure of the Bible is in the form of a unilateral covenant, and it is patterned after the Suzerain form of covenants of the Hittites. The following is the pattern of this type of covenant.

PREAMBLE: Here the King, or Suzerain, sets forth the reasons for entering into a covenant with his vassals. Usually, the King conquered the vassals or freed them from some other power. In this portion the name of the King is clearly set forth as well as those who would be entering into covenant with the King.

PROLOGUE: Here is set forth, in detail, the reasons for the covenant and what the King has done for the vassals. This portion also details why the subjects should enter into this covenant.

CONDITIONS OR BODY: Here the specific commandments of the King are set forth. The obligations of the vassal is clearly presented.

BLESSINGS AND CURSINGS: In this section of the covenant, the King sets forth his obligation to be faithful in fulfilling his obligations to his vassals, only if they will be faithful in their obedience to his commands. If they are unfaithful, then the cursing or punishment for disobedience is detailed.

Whenever we speak of Bible Covenants there are always three things associated with each Bible Covenant. A body for sacrifice (usually some animal), which would indicate two things. First the seriousness of the covenant, and a symbol of what should be the fate of any who broke that covenant. Next there was the blood of the sacrifice. The blood shed by the sacrifice would ratify or make binding the covenant. Thus we speak of the blood of the covenant. Once the blood of the sacrifice was shed, then that covenant and all of its stipulations became binding. The final part is the covenant agreement. This was usually oral or written. This was the binding agreement between the covenanted parties, which became effective only upon the shedding of the blood of the sacrifice.

Whenever you read the book of Deuteronomy you can see the structure of the Suzerain type of covenant. There is an excellent book written by Meredith G. Kline, "The Structure of Biblical Authority," published by Eerdmans, which contains great portions of his out of print book "Treaty of the Greek King," that illustrates how the book of Deuteronomy follows this particular pattern for a covenant.

You cannot read the Old Testament long without running into the word covenant. The structure of the Old Testament is the structure of a Covenant, and its purpose is to provide for Israel the means by which they could know the covenant that God wanted for them. In review, the Old Testament, after stating what the covenant was, proceeds to illustrate how Israel responded to that covenant and how God responded to their obedience and their unfaithfulness.

Christ came to fulfill the Old Law (Matt. 5:17-20). This did not mean that He would destroy the Law, rather that He would being to full the things mentioned in that Law. Christ came to do the Will of the Father. To fulfill the law, in this sense, was to bring it concepts and prophecies to completion.

The Old Covenant was made effective by the sacrifice and blood of bulls and goats. The New Covenant was brought into full force by the sacrifice and blood of Jesus Christ. Christ's death removed the effective force of the Old Covenant, and made the new binding (cf. Rom. 7:1-6; and chapters 7-10).

THE BOOKS OF THE OLD COVENANT

There are 39 books in the Old Covenant, which can be divided into four major groups:

The Books of the Law or TORAH:

Genesis -- The book of beginnings. The beginning of the world, man , sin and redemption.
Exodus -- This book means "an exiting out of," and gives the history of Israel from their bondage in Egypt to their deliverance and building of the tabernacle in the wilderness.
Leviticus -- The book of the Priests. This was written for the Priest of Israel as a guide book for all the sacrifices and services they rendered in the tabernacle and for the people.
Numbers -- As the book's title implies it refers to the numbering of the tribes of Israel. This book also supplies information regarding some of the journeyings of the nations of Israel in the wilderness.
Deuteronomy -- This word means "second law," or what Moses presented to the new generation prior to their entrance into the promised land.

The Books of History: twelve books in all.

Joshua, Judges, Ruth, I & II Samuel, I & II Kings. I & II Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Ester

The Books of Poetry and Wisdom: five books.

Psalms, Song of Solomon, Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes

The Books of Prophecy: five major and twelve minor.

Major: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel,Daniel
Minor: Hosea , Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi

The only difference between the major and the minor prophets was the length of their books. They were not major or minor in importance. The book of Daniel, in the Hebrew listing of books is not listed as a book of prophecy, rather it is listed under a title called "writings." They felt that most of that book had been fulfilled by the time that the books were canonized.

THE BOOKS OF THE NEW COVENANT

There are 27 books in the New Covenant: there are four divisions of these books:

Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John,

History: Acts

Epistles: 21 books; 13 Pauline; 1 unknown; 7 general.

Pauline: Romans, I & II Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Philemon

Unknown: Hebrews -- most scholars attribute the writing of this book to Paul.

General: James, I & II Peter, I & II & III John, Jude

Prophecy: Revelation

The following chart shows the order of writing, date and place of writing of the New Covenant books.
This table list the books of the New Testament in order of writing. The first column list the New Testament book, the second the year of composition, and the last the location where the book was written. Where there is (?) this means unknown or questioned.

James	44-49	Jerusalem
Mark	50-55	Rome (?)
I Thessalonians	52	Corinth
II Thessalonians	53	Corinth
I Corinthians	57	Ephesus
II Corinthians	57	Macedonia
Galatians	58	Corinth
Romans	58	Corinth
Luke	58-60	Caesarea
Matthew	60-66	Judea
Ephesians	62-63	Rome
Colossians	62-63	Rome
Philemon	62-63	Rome
Philippians	63	Rome
Acts	63-64	Rome
I Peter	64-65	Babylon
Jude	65-68	Jerusalem (?)
I Timothy	65-66	Macedonia
Titus	65-66	Ephesus
II Timothy	67	Rome
II Peter	67	(?)
Hebrews	67-68(?)	(?)
John	(66-69) 90-95	Ephesus
I & II & III John	(66-69) 90-95	Ephesus
Revelation	(66-69) 95-98	Patmos

UNDERSTANDING THE GOSPELS

The first division of the New Covenant is called The Gospels, because they present the story of Christ. These four books provide the details in varying degrees of the following:

The Birth of Jesus Christ.
The Life of Jesus Christ from the beginning of His personal ministry to His death.
The teachings of Jesus Christ while upon His earthly ministry.
The details of His last week upon this earth.
His death, burial and resurrection.
His last commission to His apostles.

The first three books (Matthew, Mark, Luke) are called the Synoptic Gospels. You can find similar material and incidents in the life of Christ. There is a harmony between these books and the events of the life of Christ. This is not to say that each book contains the exact same account, because there are different accounts which are unique to each book, yet, the majority of the events are found in varying degrees in each of these books.

The Gospel of John is different from the Synoptic in that it presents material not contained in the other three accounts. There is little of their the content of the Synoptics similarities found in the Gospel of John. In the Gospel of John we have more of the words of the Lord written than in the other gospels.

Each Gospel account has its own unique purpose. Each was written with a different group of people in mind.

Matthew -- Written by Matthew Levi, the tax collector. This gospel was directed to the Hebrew mind. You will find him quoting from the Old Covenant scriptures or saying "it might be fulfilled."
Mark -- Written by John Mark, and could be called the gospel according to Peter. He was a companion to Peter, thus, he wrote what Peter said. This gospel was written for the mind of the Roman's. In this gospel we find Christ pictured as a tower of strength, might and action. The brevity of this gospel appealed to the Roman way of thinking.
Luke -- Written by Luke the physician and traveling companion of Paul. This is the longest book in the New Covenant scriptures. It was written for the Greeks. The accounts of Christ in this record appeals to the way that Greeks thought.
John -- Written by the apostle John. This gospel was not directed to any particular group of individuals, rather was general in its scope. This gospel records the longest accounts of the words of Christ. The purpose of this gospel is best stated by John: "But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." (20:31).

UNDERSTANDING ACTS

This is the only historical record of the Church found in the New Testament. It records the history of the birth and early growth of the Church. It is the only book that records what men were commanded to do and what they did for salvation. This is the only book that records the examples of people obeying the gospel. This book was written by Luke to Theophilus as an account of the order of events in the lives of the Apostles.

The book of Acts can be divided into two historical perspectives: Chapters 1-12 we find the history of the Church as it revolves around the apostle Peter. Chapters 13-28 is the history of the Church as it revolves around the apostle Paul. Historically, in Paul's journey to Rome we have preserved for us the details of how ships traveled in that day. This record is unique. The book concludes with the imprisonment of Paul in Rome for the first time.

UNDERSTANDING THE EPISTLES

This is the largest group of books. The word epistle means "letter." There are two major groups of Epistles: those written by Paul and those written by other writers.

There are three types of Epistles:

Those Epistles written to various congregations: Those written in response to questions asked by individuals and congregations; Those written in regard to problems that existed within a congregation; Those written in general interest or purpose of the apostles and prophets.
Epistles that were written to individuals:
The general of Catholic Epistles: these were not written to any one congregation or individual.

The Epistles of Paul

The first Group of Epistles:

Romans -- Paul had not been to Rome when he wrote this epistle. In this epistle he expresses his desire to come and his anticipation of that journey. This epistle develops the system of our redemption from the Jews to the Gentiles. Oneness in the faith is taught, and the doctrine of faith is well developed from the stand point of our obedience. Just because one was a Jew did not mean that they had a better opportunity for salvation.
I & II Corinthians -- Paul had established this congregation, and was writing in response to various questions and problems that existed in the congregation. Some of the problems were an incestuous relationship, worship, and other such problems. His second letter was a defense of his apostleship and response to the lack of the Corinthians in fulfilling their obligations to contribute to the needy saints, which they had boasted that they would do.
Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians: These are small epistles, yet powerful in doctrinal material. The concern various operations and problems within the local congregations.
I & II Thessalonians -- Paul had established this congregation, but had to leave before he could really place that congregation on a firm footing. These letters were written to help finish the work he had begun.

The second group or Pastoral Epistles: These are called Pastoral because they concern personal instructions to young men regarding Elders, Deacons and general attitudes in church government.

I & II Timothy -- A young traveling companion of Paul, whose faith was well established. Much teaching can be found for the correct behavior and attitudes that we must possess. His second epistle was his last and expresses many of Paul's deep feelings for this young man and for the future of the Church.
Titus -- Another young man who had traveled with Paul. He was sent to Crete to set the churches in order and to ordain Elders.
The third group of epistles: Philemon -- This is the only example of personal correspondence between Paul and a member of the Church. This book deals with a very touchy problem of that day -- slavery. The underlying concept presented is that we do things out of Love rather than blind obedience.

The last group: Hebrews -- This book is credited to Paul by most scholars, although others have been cited as possible authors. This book could be called a book of comparisons. Soon Jerusalem would be destroyed by Titus, and with the coming trials, many Christians were being persuaded to renounce Christianity and return to Judaism. The book compares every aspect of Judaism with Christianity, showing that the Christian system is superior in all aspects.

The Catholic or General Epistles.

James -- This was the first book written. Its author is the Lord's own brother, and is about Christian perfection.

I & II Peter -- Written by the apostle Peter. Peter supports the teachings of the apostle Paul on Law and Grace in relation to our salvation. He also reminds brethren of their duty to Christ.

I & II & III John -- These were written by the apostle John. He confronts false doctrines. These are short but powerful epistles which encourage us to be obedient to the faith and of our responsibility to the truth. The first epistle is the best proof for the fact that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

Jude -- Written by the brother of James, who was the brother of our Lord. Jude warns against false doctrine, and he is the first one to encourage a return to the simple truths once and for all delivered to the saints.

UNDERSTANDING REVELATION

The book of Revelation is the only book of prophecy in the New Testament, although other books have some prophecy, this book is primarily prophecy. There are various systems of interpretation for this book, and you will receive as many interpretations as you have writers. The major views are:

FUTURISTS -- these feel that the events of revelation only occur at the end of time. They take a literal approach to all the things spoken in this book.
PRETERISTS -- feel that all the events of this book took place at the destruction of Jerusalem.
HISTORICALISTS --believe that this book speaks of specific historical events from the time shortly after the book was written to yet future times.
PHILOSOPHY OF HISTORY -- believes that there are not specific events of history, rather that common events in history that repeat throughout history with increasing intensity.

Regardless of the view taken, the over riding message is that in the end the Church will be victorious.

CLOSING COMMENTS

This is a brief outline from which you can build as you study the scriptures. It is suggested that you start a file on each of the books of the Bible, and as you obtain information on that book, file it away for future use. As you study a chapter, write down some notes, and file them away. Before long, you will be surprised at the amount of information that you will have gathered on each of the books of the Bible.

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