What is:THE BIBLE !

THE BIBLE ! WHO - Wrote The Bible? GOD. THE HOLY SPIRIT. ALL Scripture is GOD breathed.

2 Peter Chapter 1

18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.

19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost. GOD [ IS ] THEE AUTHOR… Man is the “pen.”

Who “ Penned” The Bible ? The First Five Books. According to both Jewish and Christian Dogma, the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy (the first five books of the Bible and the entirety of the Torah) were all written by Moses in about 1,300 B.C.

The bible is not in the order of appearance. It comes mostly arranged thematically.

Some of it, like what is known as the minor prophets, are arranged volumetrically { Which is based on their volume of words.} I never cared for the parsing by means of volume, It seems to convey a sense of them being ‘’lesser’’ - information wise, and nothing could be further from the truth! The Bible's Old Testament is thought to have been first written down in an ancient form of Hebrew) called: Paleo Hebrew. The First Five Books, According to both Jewish and Christian Dogma, the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy (the first five books of the Bible and the entirety of the Torah) were all written by Moses in about 1,300 B.C. The oldest book in the Bible however, is the book of Job. The Pentateuch (the first five books of Moses) would have been written after the time of the Patriarchs, so Job would be, by default, the oldest book in the Bible.

[ Job ] is a Gentile much like Abram was. (Abram later became Abraham.)

We hear the term: “Torah” and the term: “Pentateuch” being used. The "Torah" is the 5 books of Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy). The "Pentateuch" is Greek and means "Five Books", and refers to the Torah i.e.

( also sometimes known as )“The book of the law of Moses.” The first known translation of the Bible into Greek is called the Septuagint (LXX; 3rd–1st centuries BC). The LXX was written in Koine Greek. It contains the Hebrew Bible translated from Hebrew and Aramaic. The Septuagint was made for the Jewish community in Egypt when Greek was the common language throughout the region.

Most of the Jews then, did not read or write Hebrew. By the time of Christ, the chief

institution among the Jews was the Synagogue. This institution encouraged

the learning of at least a rudimentary level of Hebrew literacy, at least

for the more well off male Jews. Often times, ( 1 ) person who was literate in the community would stand up and read from the Torah. Aramaic was common, and Greek was common and quickly becoming the standard or norm in that time. ( I’m trying to keep this brief without getting too involved ! )

Here is a link concerning the literacy percentages if you want to explore that.

http://evidenceforchristianity.org/were-people-literate-in-the-time-of-jesus-r/

Although Christians believe that the sixty-six books of the Bible are all part of sacred Scripture, the books are not arranged in any God-given order. The reasons for the way they are variously arranged is as follows.

The Old Testament (Protestant Order)

According to the Protestant order, the books of the Old Testament are divided along a topical arrangement. They are divided into sections for sake of convenience. The usual Protestant (or) (canonical) order is as follows.

The Law (5 Books)

Poetry (5 Books)

1. Genesis

1. Job

2. Exodus

2. Psalms

3. Leviticus

3. Proverbs

4. Number

4. Ecclesiastes

5. Deuteronomy

5. Song of Solomon

Prophets (17 Books)

History (12 Books)

Major Prophets(5)

Minor Prophets(12)

1. Joshua

1. Isaiah

1. Hosea

2. Judges

2. Jeremiah

2. Joel

3. Ruth

3. Lamentations

3. Amos

4. 1 Samuel

4. Ezekiel

4. Obadiah

5. 2 Samuel

5. Daniel

5. Jonah

6. 1 Kings

6. Micah

7. 2 Kings

7. Nahum

8. 1 Chronicles

8. Habakkuk

9. 2 Chronicles

9. Zephaniah

10. Ezra

10. Haggai

11. Nehemiah

11. Zechariah

12. Esther

12. Malachi

This division goes back to the time the Old Testament was translated from Hebrew, Aramaic, and some Chaldean into Koine Greek. This translation, known as the Septuagint (which means seventy and is abbreviated LXX), began in the third century before Christ. Jerome, who translated the Old Testament into Latin in the fourth century A.D., also adapted this division. The English division follows Jerome.

The traditional number of Old Testament books is twenty-four. First century writer Flavius Josephus said the Jews recognized twenty-two sacred books. Most likely he placed Ruth with Judges and Lamentations with Jeremiah.

The Hebrew Bible has a different structure than the English Bible. The grouping of books is according to their literary character. The Hebrew Bible divides the Scripture into three divisions - the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings. The Hebrew terms are Torah, Nebhiim, and Kethubiim. The acronym: TeNaKh is used to describe the entire collection (Torah, Nebhiim, Kethubiim).

There Is Early Testimony To The Threefold Division

The earliest testimony to the threefold division goes back two hundred years before the time of Christ in the prologue to apocryphal, the Book of Ecclesiasticus. First century historian, Flavius Josephus, also noted the threefold division.

Jesus Himself referred to the threefold division of the Old Testament.

He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms" (Luke 24:44).

Philo of Alexandria, who lived in the first century A.D., mentioned the three different sections of the Old Testament (De Vita Contemplative 25). Like Jesus he calls the third section "the Psalms."

Sometimes They are Divided Into Two Sections

Sometimes they were divided into two sections - the Law and the Prophets. Jesus said.

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 7:12).

The New Testament uses (both) the twofold division- as well as the threefold division in referring to the Old Testament books.

New Testament

The Protestant division of the New Testament is as follows...

Gospels (4 Books)

History (1 Book)

Matthew

Acts

Mark

Luke

John

Paul's Letters (13 Books) The General Letters

1. Romans

9. 2 Thessalonians

1. Hebrews

2. 1 Corinthians

10. 1 Timothy

2. James

3. 2 Corinthians

11. 2 Timothy

3. 1 Peter

4. Galatians

12. Titus

4. 2 Peter

5. Ephesians

13. Philemon

5. 1 John

6. Philippians

6. 2 John

7. Colossians

7. 3 John

8. 1 Thessalonians

8. Jude

Prophecy (1 Book)

Revelation

*They Are Not Placed In The Order They Were Written*

The twenty-seven books are roughly chronological but they are not placed in the order in which they were written.

The Order Of Gospels ---

The order of the four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John is known as the Augustinian order. This is named after the early Church Father, Augustine. Augustine concluded that the gospels were written in this chronological order - Matthew the first and John the last. Most modern scholars assume that Mark was written first,

Many argue even that. The Order Of The New Testament Letters..

In the western Church, the letters of Paul are placed before the general letters. In the eastern Church this is reversed - -the general letters come before Paul's writings.

The Order Of Paul's Writings...

The thirteen letters of the Apostle Paul are not ordered as to when they were written but rather according to their length. The Book of Romans is the longest letter that Paul wrote to the churches while Colossians is the shortest. First Timothy is the longest letter that Paul wrote to an individual while Philemon is the shortest.

Genesis And Revelation Are In The (Right Position), Relatively speaking... (Chronologically, the Bible starts with John 1:-2; Psalm 90:2; Genesis 1:1, Isaiah 14:12-17.)

The books of the Bible are not in any sacred order but rather they are in a some-what logical order. However, (two of them), Genesis and Revelation, must stand in their present position. The Book of Genesis must be the first book of Scripture because it records the beginning of all created things. In the same manner, the Book of Revelation must stand last because it chronicles the end of all things present as well as the promise of a new heaven and a new earth.

The Septuagint is arranged by similar subject matter. There is Law, historical books, poetry, wisdom, and prophets. Jerome in the Latin Vulgate followed this sequence. Most Christian Bibles today keep this order. It is closer to, but NOT in, a chronological sequence. Therefore Ruth is after Judges and Chronicles is before Ezra-Nehemiah.

How The Books Were Named ---

Some of the books in Scripture have their name based upon the various topics in which they write about. This would include the books of Kings and Chronicles. Other books, such as Psalms and Proverbs are named for the literary form in which they are written. Paul's letters are named after either the churches to whom he was writing (such as Thessalonica) or the individuals to whom he addressed (such as Timothy). The four gospels were named after the individuals whom it is believed authored the works.

Almost All Of The Books Were Written By Jews

It appears that Hebrews, or Jews, wrote all the books of the Scripture. Scripture says that the Jews were entrusted with the very words of GOD. *(Although, Nebuchadnezzar wrote chapter 4 in the book of Daniel..)*

What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? Much in every way! First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God (Romans 3:1,2).

The one exception is writings of Luke. He wrote the gospel that bears his name, as well as the Book of Acts. It seems that ( Luke was a Gentile.) Paul spoke of him in this manner.

Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings (Colossians 4:14).

Before he sent greetings from Luke, Paul made this statement...

These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me (Colossians 4:11).

After Paul mentioned the various Jews who provided comfort to him, he then went on to mention a number of [Gentiles.] ( Luke ) ( is in this group of people.) Therefore it seems Luke is associated with the Gentiles, or non-Jews, who sent their greetings.

~Summary~

The books of the Bible are divided for sake of convenience - there is no sacred order. Because the order of the books is human-made it is not necessary to read the Bible in this sequence, ALTHOUGH ~ It (IS) good to read it in Chronological Order, which provides a more completed picture.

A CHRONOLOGICALLY ORDERED BIBLE…..

This timeline puts all of the chapters in the Bible in chronological order. The Bible only loosely arranges its books in chronological order. I suggest, that everyone get a Chronological Bible and read it ( at least once )This way. It makes more sense ( to me ) because it puts everything into the order by which it happened. Here is a link to read The Bible chronologically if you don’t already have one.

https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-reading-plan/chronological.html

• If these links do not work properly, you can always copy & paste them onto your browser’s search bar.

Why should we read The Bible?? Well --- Here are 6 reasons why we should read the bible! { Thought you were getting off easy, huh? }

1. It contains God’s will for our lives

“What is God’s will for my life?” There is no Bible verse that explicitly tells us what profession to pursue, where to live or whom to marry. But, nonetheless, the Bible’s exhortations, guidelines, commandments and encouragement give us very concrete and infallible insight into God’s will for us in every aspect of life.

Paul writes that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God …” 2 Timothy 3:16. In some translations it even says that Scripture is God-breathed.

Have you ever thought about this? The Bible is inspired by God Himself! It is His Word, containing His wisdom, His goodness, His intentions, His judgements, His heart. Have you been so interested in understanding God’s will that you spend time with His very own Word?

2. It is our nourishment

Imagine that you go a day without eating anything. Then a week. And a month. As time goes on, you become weaker and weaker. Our bodies need nourishment to live. And it’s the same in our spiritual lives.

It is through our spirit we can have contact with God. Our spirit is what will enter eternity and it needs nourishment to be alive and awake to the will of God. Jesus said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4. He also says, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the sins of the flesh, are anything that goes against God’s will and His laws. To commit sin is to transgress or disobey these laws. The lust to sin dwells in human nature. In other words, it is contaminated and motivated by the sinful tendencies that dwell in all people as a result of the fall into sin and disobedience in the garden of Eden. This... More profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63.

If we want to gain life and nourishment for our spirit, it is essential that we spend time with God’s Word. God’s Word is a source of life! It contains infinite help and wisdom. And, when it is read and obeyed in a spirit of faith, it leads us to unimaginable spiritual growth.

3. It gives us discernment

The author of Hebrews writes, “For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12.

As human beings, it is natural to seek our own (Philippians 2:21), so it isn’t easy for us to discern between good and bad. Our natural judgments are often tainted by own personal opinions, emotions and experiences that go against God’s good and perfect will.

But, God’s Word cuts through all of this; it separates out all self-seeking in our lives and determines what is truth and righteousness. “‘Is not My word like a fire?’ says the Lord, ‘And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?’” Jeremiah 23:29. God’s Word is powerful; it is full of authority. It is a holy two-edged sword that divides between our will and the will of God, a fire that consumes impurity and a hammer that has power to demolish all innate sinSin is anything that goes against God’s will and His laws. To commit sin is to transgress or disobey these laws. The lust to sin dwells in human nature. In other words, it is contaminated and motivated by the sinful tendencies that dwell in all people as a result of the fall into sin and disobedience in the garden of Eden. This... More! Don’t you desire to make use of this Word in your own life?

4. It instructs us in righteousness

“How can a young man cleanse his way?” David asked. “By taking heed according to Your word.” Psalm 119:9.

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

The Bible contains all the instruction that we need to come to a life of true purity and righteousness. It teaches us how we can follow Christ in truth. It contains words and examples from heroes of faith, prophets, apostles, Jesus Christ and God Himself! What better teaching, what better instruction is there for those who want to live a life that is well-pleasing to God our Creator?

5. It contains power to overcome

After we have made the firm decision to serve God wholeheartedly and refrain from sinning against Him, we will still experience temptation in our lives. James says that we are tempted when we are drawn away and enticed by our own lusts and desiresThe desires that we experience that go against God’s will. In other words, a desire for anything sinful. See James 1:14. Also called “sin in the flesh.” Although the expression “youthful lusts” is often thought of in connection with sinful sexual desires, lusts include anything that go against what is good and right in God’s eyes. (2 Timothy 2:22.; Galatians... More. (James 1:14)

It’s clear from Scripture that Satan makes use of these natural lustsThe desires that we experience that go against God’s will. In other words, a desire for anything sinful. See James 1:14. Also called “sin in the flesh.” Although the expression “youthful lusts” is often thought of in connection with sinful sexual desires, lusts include anything that go against what is good and right in God’s eyes. (2 Timothy 2:22.; Galatians... More and desires. He tries to get us to disobey God’s will, by offering things that appeal to us naturally: honour, riches or self-satisfaction. He even tempted Jesus, trying to get Him to give into egotism, pride and self-seeking.

But, for each temptation Jesus faced, He had a counterattack. And every single counterattack involved God’s Word. “Jesus said to him, ‘It is written again, “You shall not tempt the Lord your God.”’” And further, He says, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’” Matthew 4:1-11.

Do you also have a counterattack for every temptation that you face in life? Do you fill yourself with God’s Holy Word? Paul writes, “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God …” Ephesians 6:17. The Bible, God’s Word, is a weapon. It is a sword that gives us power and authority to overcome in the midst of temptation. Why not pick up this sword today?

6. It teaches us about God’s promises

And finally, not least of all, the Bible is full of extraordinary promises. It speaks of the all things that belong to the God-fearing!

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” Revelation 2:7.

There are an almost infinite number of promises made to those who live according to God’s will. Are you livingly interested in these precious promises? Do you want to see what God does, and will do, for those who live according to His will? Then, by all means, pick up your Bible! It will tell you of all the promises that can be yours, both in this life and in eternity, if you do the will of God.

AND ~ While your at it ---- DON’T FORGET your Exhaustive Concordance ! Here is a link for it as well. https://www.eliyah.com/lexicon.html

https://www.blueletterbible.org/ So -----------Here’s your hat, what’s your hurry? Go ! Go study your Bible !!! GOD Bless.