Books of the Bible

Authored under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit by laymen and scholars, commoners and nobility alike, the Bible is as unique as it is profound. Containing 66 ancient books, it has shaped laws, influenced culture, and inspired billions to faith over three millennia. It is God’s written Word, offering true life and salvation to all who read and embrace its teachings.

Format

# Book Title
A one-sentence description of the book.

• Author
• c. Year Written
• Genre
• Reading Time

Old Testament

A collection of divinely inspired books written between 1450 B.C. and 430 B.C., the Old Testament is a historical record of God's people, laws, sayings and promises that function as a model for moral living and conduct.

1. Genesis

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
• 135 mins

2. Exodus

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
• 1450-1410 B.C.
• Narrative
• 110 mins

3. Leviticus

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

• Moses
• 1445-1444 B.C.
• Law
• 80 mins

4. Numbers

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
• 1450-1410 B.C.
• Narrative
• 105 mins

5. Deuteronomy

A farewell speech from Moses to the people of Israel shortly before his death, Deuteronomy recaps the promises of God and provides instructions to obey Him in the Promised Land.

• Moses
• 1407-1406 B.C.
• Narrative
• 100 mins

6. Joshua

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

• Joshua, and possibly Phinehas
• 1405-1383 B.C.
• Narrative
• 65 mins

7. Judges

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.

• Probably Samuel
• 1086-1004 B.C.
• Narrative
• 65 mins

8. Ruth

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.

• Unknown
• 1375-1050 B.C.
• Narrative
• 10 mins

9. 1 Samuel

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

• Samuel, Nathan, and Gad
• 930 B.C.
• Narrative
• 90 mins

10. 2 Samuel

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
• 930 B.C.
• Narrative
• 70 mins

11. 1 Kings

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
• 85 mins

12. 2 Kings

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

• Unknown
• 560-538 B.C.
• Narrative
• 80 mins

13. 1 Chronicles

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
• 70 mins

14. 2 Chronicles

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
• 430 B.C.
• Narrative
• 90 mins

15. Ezra

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

• Ezra
• 450 B.C.
• Narrative
• 25 mins

16. Nehemiah

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

• Nehemiah
• 445-432 B.C.
• Narrative
• 35 mins

17. Esther

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.

• Unknown
• 483-471 B.C.
• Narrative
• 20 mins

18. Job

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

• Possibly Job
• 2100-1800 B.C.
• Poetry
• 55 mins

19. Psalms

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

• David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Heman, Ethan, and Moses
• 1440-586 B.C.
• Poetry
• 130 mins

20. Proverbs

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

• Solomon, Agur, and Lemuel
• 970-930 B.C.
• Wisdom Literature
• 40 mins

21. Ecclesiastes

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

• Solomon
• 935 B.C.
• Wisdom Literature
• 20 mins

22. Song of Songs

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

• Solomon
• 970-930 B.C.
• Poetry
• 10 mins

23. Isaiah

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

• Isaiah
• 700-681 B.C.
• Prophecy
• 110 mins

24. Jeremiah

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

• Jeremiah
• 627-586 B.C.
• Prophecy
• 140 mins

25. Lamentations

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

• Jeremiah
• 586 B.C.
• Poetry and Prophecy
• 10 mins

26. Ezekiel

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

• Ezekiel
• 571 B.C.
• Prophecy
• 125 mins

27. Daniel

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

• Daniel
• 535 B.C.
• Narrative and Prophecy
• 40 mins

28. Hosea

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.

• Hosea
• 715 B.C.
• Prophecy
• 15 mins

29. Joel

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

• Joel
• 835-796 B.C.
• Prophecy
• 6 mins

30. Amos

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

• Amos
• 760-750 B.C.
• Prophecy
• 15 mins

31. Obadiah

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.

• Obadiah
• 627-586 B.C.
• Prophecy
• 2 mins

32. Jonah

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.

• Jonah
• 785-760 B.C.
• Narrative
• 5 mins

33. Micah

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

• Micah
• 742-687 B.C.
• Prophecy
• 10 mins

34. Nahum

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

• Nahum
• 663-654 B.C.
• Prophecy
• 4 mins

35. Habakkuk

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

• Habakkuk
• 612-589 B.C.
• Prophecy
• 4 mins

36. Zephaniah

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.

• Zephaniah
• 640-621 B.C.
• Prophecy
• 5 mins

37. Haggai

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.

• Haggai
• 520 B.C.
• Prophecy
• 4 mins

38. Zechariah

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

• Zechariah
• 520-480 B.C.
• Prophecy
• 20 mins

39. Malachi

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

• Malachi
• 430 B.C.
• Prophecy
• 6 mins

New Testament

The New Testament is a collection of twenty-seven sacred books that centre on the life, death, resurrection and teachings of Jesus Christ.

40. Matthew

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.

• Matthew (Levi)
• A.D. 60-65
• Gospel
• 80 mins

41. Mark

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

• John Mark
• A.D. 55-65
• Gospel
• 50 mins

42. Luke

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

• Luke
• A.D. 60
• Gospel
• 80 mins

43. John

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.

• John
• A.D. 85-90
• Gospel
• 65 mins

44. Acts

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

• Luke
• A.D. 63-70
• History
• 80 mins

45. Romans

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. 70
• Epistle
• 30 mins

46. 1 Corinthians

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
• Epistle
• 30 mins

47. 2 Corinthians

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. 55-57
• Epistle
• 20 mins

48. Galatians

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. 49
• Epistle
• 10 mins

49. Ephesians

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. 60
• Epistle
• 10 mins

50. Philippians

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. 61
• Epistle
• 7 mins

51. Colossians

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. 60
• Epistle
• 7 mins

52. 1 Thessalonians

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

• Paul
• A.D. 51
• Epistle
• 6 mins

53. 2 Thessalonians

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. 51
• Epistle
• 4 mins

54. 1 Timothy

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. 54
• Epistle
• 7 mins

55. 2 Timothy

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. 67
• Epistle
• 4 mins

56. Titus

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. 65
• Epistle
• 3 mins

57. Philemon

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.

• Paul
• A.D. 60
• Epistle
• 2 mins

58. Hebrews

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

• Unknown
• A.D. 68
• Epistle
• 20 mins

59. James

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

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

60. 1 Peter

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. 65
• Epistle
• 7 mins

61. 2 Peter

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

• Peter
• A.D. 66
• Epistle
• 5 mins

62. 1 John

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
• 10 mins

63. 2 John

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
• 1 min

64. 3 John

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

• John
• A.D. 90-95
• Epistle
• 1 min

65. Jude

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

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

66. Revelation

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.

• John
• A.D. 95
• Apocalyptic
• 40 mins

Bible Teaching Resources

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