Reading the Bible Yourself

Which Scriptures Apply to Which Groups of People? Where do the books of the Bible fit into this plan? Old Testament Historical Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 & 2 Samuel 1 & 2 Kings 1 & 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther The Historical books of the Old Testament describe many events. Some of these include: the creation; man's original sin, the choosing of Abram from among the scattered human race, and the history of his descendents - Israel. Poetic Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon The poetic books of the Old Testament are comprised largely of speeches, songs, or sayings, and were written during the times covered by the historical books. Prophetic Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi The prophetic books of the Old Testament were written mainly during the time of the kings of Israel - covered by the historical books of 1&2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Some of these, however, were written during and after Israel was taken away into exile - covered by the historical books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther.                               The New Testament Historical Matthew Mark Luke John Acts The Historical books of the New Testament cover the life, death, and resurrection of Christ; with the exception of Acts which details the acts of the Apostles after this time. Acts Period Letters Romans 1&2 Corinthians Galatians 1&2 Thessalonians Hebrews James 1&2 Peter 1,2,3 John Jude Revelation - prophetic (See Appendix 3) These letters were written during the period covered by the book of Acts. They were written to believers who were living during the time that Israel was still dominant in God's plans for mankind. Post Acts Period Letters Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1&2 Timothy Titus Philemon These letters were written after the period covered by the book of Acts. They were written to believers who were living AFTER Israel ceased to be dominant in God's plans for mankind. Summary of Chapter 3: The story-line of the Bible revolves around the nation of Israel, which was intended to be God's messenger to the world. The nation was largely unfaithful in its loyalty to the Lord, and consequently ceased to maintain the prior place in God's plans after Acts 28. The believers of today are now "God's people", but the unfulfilled promises which concern Israel will still be carried out sometime in the future. <BACK        NEXT>