Moses 1450-1410 B.C. Narrative

Meaning "the beginning or origin of something", Genesis is the first book of the Bible, recording Creation, the fall of man and the early years of the nation of Israel.

Moses 1450-1410 B.C. Narrative

God appoints Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land of Canaan, establishing a special relationship with them on the way to Mount Sinai.

Moses 1445-1444 B.C. Law

God gives Israel rules to live by and instructions to present themselves holy before Him.

Leviticus receives its name from the Septuagint (the pre-Christian Greek translation of the Old Testament) and means "concerning the Levites" (the priests of Israel).

Moses 1450-1410 B.C. Narrative

A sequel to Exodus, Numbers takes its name from two censuses (or "numberings") of the people of Israel, following their journey through the wilderness for forty years.

Moses 1407-1406 B.C. Narrative

Deuteronomy means “second law.” In this farewell speech, Moses recaps the promises of God, the law, and provides instructions for obedience.

Joshua & possibly Phinehas 1405-1383 B.C. Narrative

A book of conquest, Joshua details the Israelites' invasion and eventual occupation of the Promised Land through faith and action.

Probably Samuel. 1086-1004 B.C. Narrative

Israel enters a cycle of sin, suffering defeat and oppression, only to cry out to God for deliverance, who sends leaders (called "judges") to help them.

Unknown 1375-1050 B.C. Narrative

Occurring during some of the darkest days in Israel's history, Ruth follows the journey of two widows who lose everything, but find hope through God.

Samuel, Nathan & Gad. 930 B.C. Narrative

Israel rejects God's chosen leader, Samuel (a judge), and demands a king despite God's warnings.

Unknown. 930 B.C. Narrative

The life and career of King David, who subdues Israel's enemies and doubles the size of the kingdom, but is not without failings.

Unknown. 560-538 B.C. Narrative

Israel enjoys a period of peace and prosperity under King Solomon, but later splits in two after Rehoboam (his son) takes the throne.

Unknown. 560-538 B.C. Narrative

The kings of Israel and Judah ignore God and His prophets, eventually falling captive to invading nations and are exiled to foreign lands.

Ezra. 430 B.C. Narrative

Written to encourage the people returning from Babylonian exile, 1 Chronicles recaps the history and genealogy of Israel, emphasising the spiritual significance of David and future Messianic King.

Ezra. 430 B.C. Narrative

A continuation of the previous book, 2 Chronicles focuses on the kings of Israel, from King Solomon and the building of the temple, to subsequent division, exile and return from captivity.

Ezra. 450 B.C. Narrative

Fulfilling the promises of God, the Israelites return from exile after seventy years and rebuild the temple.

Nehemiah. 445-432 B.C. Narrative

Despite local opposition, Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem from exile, rallying the people to rebuild the city walls and gates in just fifty-two days.

Unknown. 483-471 B.C. Narrative

Occurring during the exile of Israel, Esther is a Jewish queen to a Persian king, who intercedes on behalf of her people to save them from a genocidal plot.

Possibly Job. 2100-1800 B.C. Poetry

A righteous man named Job loses everything and suffers greatly, but remains faithful to God and is blessed abundantly.

David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Heman, Ethan & Moses. 1440-586 B.C. Poetry

A collection of 150 songs of worship and praise to God that includes prophecies of the coming Messiah.

Solomon, Agur & Lemuel. 970-930 B.C. Wisdom Literature

The book of Proverbs contains God's divine wisdom, covering a variety of topics for every area of life.

Solomon. 935 B.C. Wisdom Literature

Solomon's analysis of life, which is meaningless and empty without God.

Solomon. 970-930 B.C. Poetry

A passionate yet gentle song of love between a husband and wife, symbolizing God's relationship with us.

Isaiah. 700-681 B.C. Prophecy

The first book of the Major Prophets, Isaiah contains warnings of God's coming judgement and detailed prophecies about the Messiah.

Jeremiah. 627-586 B.C. Prophecy

Known as the weeping prophet, Jeremiah passionately pleads with the people to repent before the coming Babylonian captivity, but is ignored.

Jeremiah. 586 B.C. Poetry & Prophecy

Lamentations is a book of sadness that reflects on the destruction of Jerusalem and captivity of Israel.

Ezekiel. 571 B.C. Prophecy

Ezekiel is called by God to preach a message of judgement and deliverance for the captives living in Babylon.

Daniel 535 B.C. Narrative & Prophecy

Like Ezekiel, Daniel has been taken to Babylon in captivity and receives prophetic visions while serving in the courts of the king.

Hosea 715 B.C. Prophecy

The first book of the Minor Prophets, Hosea is a tragic love story that demonstrates God's unending love for His people despite their unfaithfulness.

Joel 835-796 B.C. Prophecy

Joel warns the people to repent and turn back to God before judgement falls upon them.

Amos 760-750 B.C. Prophecy

A shepherd named Amos prophesies to the northern kingdom which has become self-sufficient and indifferent towards God during a time of great prosperity.

Obadiah 627-586 B.C. Prophecy

Only one chapter, Obadiah demonstrates God's ongoing protection of His people and coming judgement on the nation of Edom, which was indifferent during the Babylonian plunder of Jerusalem.

Jonah. 785-760 B.C. Narrative

A reluctant prophet, Jonah is sent by God to Nineveh, but refuses and learns the futility of it in the belly of a giant fish.

Micah 742-687 B.C. Prophecy

Micah warns of the coming judgement that will eventually exile the nation, and includes some of the clearest predictions of the Messiah.

Nahum 663-654 B.C. Prophecy

Nahum is the second prophet sent to Nineveh (Jonah being the first) to preach God's judgement on the Assyrian city and empire.

Habakkuk 612-589 B.C. Prophecy

God answers Habakkuk's complaints of wickedness and injustice in the land.

Zephaniah 640-621 B.C. Prophecy

Written shortly before the fall of Judah (Southern Kingdom of Israel) to Babylonian conquest, Zephaniah warns the people and the surrounding nations that the day of the Lord is near.

Haggai 520 B.C. Prophecy

Written after the Babylonian exile, work to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem had halted due to opposition and spiritual apathy, so Haggai motivates the people to finish.

Zechariah. 520-480 B.C. Prophecy

Zechariah ministered with Haggai after the 70-year exile, encouraging the remnant to return to God.

Malachi 430 B.C. Prophecy

The last book of the Old Testament, Malachi is a beautiful expression of God's love for a nation that continues to disobey Him.

Matthew (Levi). A.D. 60-65 Gospel

The first book of the New Testament, the Gospel of Matthew was primarily written for the Jews and references many Old Testament prophecies that were fulfilled by Jesus.

John Mark. A.D. 55-65. Gospel

Mark is the shortest Gospel, which emphasises Jesus' servanthood and miracles.

Luke. A.D. 60. Gospel

Unlike the other Gospel writers, Luke was a Gentile who wrote an account of Jesus' life for those outside the Jewish faith.

John. A.D. 85-90. Gospel

The last of the four Gospels, John is an eyewitness account of Jesus' ministry that focuses on the deeper meaning of events surrounding Christ's life, death and resurrection.

Luke. A.D. 63-70. History

A historical narrative of the early church which was empowered by the Holy Spirit to spread the Good News.

Paul. A.D. 70. Epistle

An epistle to the believers in Rome (hence the name) where Paul planned to visit. Romans sets a theological foundation for faith through Jesus.

Paul. A.D. 55. Epistle

The first of two letters from Paul to the believers in Corinth, 1 Corinthians was written in response to divisions and problems facing the local church.

Paul. A.D. 55-57. Epistle

The second and final letter from Paul to the church in Corinth, 2 Corinthians deals with persisting problems facing the believers there and warns against false teachers.

Paul. A.D. 49. Epistle

A letter from Paul to the church in Galatia, the book is a foundational study that addresses the problem of Jewish legalism and the fullness of salvation found in Jesus.

Paul. A.D. 60. Epistle

Written to the church in Ephesus during Paul's first imprisonment, Ephesians covers a variety of subjects including the gift of grace, love and how to walk as fruitful followers of Jesus.

Paul. A.D. 61. Epistle

An encouraging letter from Paul to the church in Philippi explaining the attitude and outlook believers must have to experience the joy of the Lord.

Paul. A.D. 60. Epistle

In this letter, Paul refutes certain false teachings that are impeding the church in Colossae, reaffirming the deity and superiority of Jesus Christ.

Paul. A.D. 51. Epistle

The first of two letters to the believers in Thessalonica, Paul writes to encourage and strengthen the church, emphasizing the principles of holy living through faith, hope and love.

Paul. A.D. 51. Epistle

A follow-up letter of encouragement to the persecuted church of Thessalonica, Paul reaffirms Jesus' second coming and matters preceding that event.

Paul. A.D. 54. Epistle

A letter from Paul to a young pastor named Timothy, offering guidance and important principles for church leadership that still apply today.

Paul. A.D. 67. Epistle

The second of two letters to Timothy, the book is probably Paul's final chronological epistle, urging his protégé to remain strong and faithful to Jesus.

Paul. A.D. 65. Epistle

A letter of guidance from Paul to Titus to address challenges facing his leadership of the churches on the island of Crete.

Paul. A.D. 60. Epistle

Consisting of only one chapter, the book is a short but profound letter from Paul to Philemon requesting forgiveness for a runaway slave named Onesimus.

Unknown. A.D. 68. Epistle

A letter urging Jewish believers not to return to their former traditions, summarizing key Biblical characters and events to emphasize the hope of salvation through Jesus.

James (Jesus' half-brother). A.D. 49. Epistle

A hard-hitting letter from James, encouraging believers to have a genuine faith with an emphasis on results.

Peter. A.D. 65. Epistle

The focus of Peter's first letter is persecution, sharing inspiring words of comfort for Christians living as an oppressed minority in the Roman Empire.

Peter. A.D. 66. Epistle

Peter's second letter warns against false teachers and reaffirms important spiritual truths.

John. A.D. 90-95. Epistle

Written to oppose heretical doctrine, the first letter from John echoes the Gospel, encouraging Christians to love one another and keep Jesus' commands.

John. A.D. 90-95. Epistle

A brief letter from John to "the chosen lady", urging believers to love one another and to be on guard against false teachings.

John. A.D. 90-95. Epistle

The shortest book in the Bible, 3 John commends Gaius and Demetruis for their faithful service.

Jude (Jesus' half-brother). A.D. 65. Epistle

A letter from Jude to address false teachings and urge Christians to defend the truth of the Good News.

John. A.D. 95. Apocalyptic

Written during John's imprisonment on the island of Patmos, Revelation is an apocalyptic book that contains prophetic visions of the Spiritual Realms and Jesus' return to Earth.