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coram_deo 29-Sep-21, 11:55	Strategies for Reading the Bible The Holy Bible is not an easy book to read, especially because so much of it speaks to, and is dependent upon, God’s Holy Spirit inside us to fully understand and appreciate. And while God’s Holy Spirit indwells every believer at the moment he or she accepts and believes in Jesus Christ, one does not have His Holy Spirit before then (this is based on what the Bible says.) When I first tried reading the Holy Bible in my 40s, I didn’t make it through Genesis - in fact, I don’t think I got even halfway through Genesis. I was familiar with the Creation account in the opening chapters of Genesis, but after that, I was in unchartered territory and the Bible just didn’t hold my interest so I set it aside. Then, a few weeks later, I noticed the Bible was divided into the Old Testament and the New Testament, and, rather than try to read the Old Testament first, the way one would normally read a book, I decided to try to read the New Testament first. Eureka! I found the New Testament to be much easier to read and was able to complete it in a reasonable amount of time (I think I read from one to several chapters a night.) Anyone familiar with the Bible knows the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) are the first four books of the New Testament. And if you want to know Jesus Christ, and what Jesus Christ was all about, there’s no better place than the Gospels because they were written by people who knew Jesus well or by people who were close companions of Jesus’ disciples. In learning who Jesus was/is, one also learns who God the Father is. “If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?” (John 14:7-9) So, I think reading the New Testament first is the best way to read the Bible. After I finished reading the New Testament in the King James Version of the Holy Bible, I tried to read the Old Testament again but still couldn’t get through Genesis. So I picked up a different version of the Bible (the New Living Translation) and was able to read the Old Testament in that version. So it’s important to find a version you like and can read fairly easily. I’m a fan of the KJV, but I believe (could be wrong) that the New International Version is the version used in most churches today. The English Standard Version is also popular. The easiest version of the Bible to read is called, not surprisingly, the Easy-to-Read Version. Here are how the different versions present the opening verses of the Gospel of John. KJV: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” NIV: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” ESV: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” ERV: “Before the world began, the Word was there. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was there with God in the beginning. Everything was made through him, and nothing was made without him. In him there was life, and that life was a light for the people of the world. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not defeated it.” Due to the wonders of the Interwebs (lol,) people can read different versions of the Bible for free before deciding which version they like. A couple of notes on versions, from my perspective: • I wouldn’t trust a version that uses “young woman” instead of “virgin” in Isaiah 7:14. While most young Jewish woman back then were virgins (or at least assumed to be,) I believe virgin is the correct translation from the original Hebrew (the Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew, and the New Testament was originally written in Greek. The King James Version, New International Version and English Standard Version all use “virgin” in Isaiah 7:14. The Easy-to-Read Version uses “young woman.” Here’s an explanation on why “virgin” is the correct translation. From page 1 of the “Messianic Prophecies” thread in here: m.gameknot.com Some Bible translations say “young woman” instead of “virgin” in Isaiah 7:14, but here are excerpts from two sources that contend “virgin” is the correct word. “Some critics argue that the word translated as "virgin" at Isaiah 7:14 in the KJV ought to be translated as "young woman". However, words are to be translated in its context. Here the context requires “עלמה (almah)” to mean “virgin.” The verse says the conception of the עלמה is “a sign” from the Lord. The word for “sign” (אות) is used throughout the Old Testament to refer to miracles or extraordinary displays (e.g. “signs and wonders”). The word may sometimes refer to non-supernatural signs, but it still refers to something that is worthy of note. Thus the conception in Isaiah 7:14 must be something that is different from a normal conception. The conception becomes extraordinary only by translating “עלמה” as “virgin.” A conception by an "old woman" would be a "sign" (such as the conception of John the Baptist, Luke 1:13-18), but a typical conception by a “young woman” is hardly a “sign.” “ (Source: www.kjvtoday.com) “There is no conclusive argument for “almah” in Isaiah 7:14 being either “young woman” or “virgin.” However, it is interesting to note, that in the 3rd century B.C., when a panel of Hebrew scholars and Jewish rabbis began the process of translating the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek, they used the specific Greek word for virgin, “parthenos,” not the more generic Greek word for “young woman.” The Septuagint translators, 200+ years before the birth of Christ, and with no inherent belief in a “virgin birth,” translated “almah” in Isaiah 7:14 as “virgin,” not “young woman.” This gives evidence that “virgin” is a possible, even likely, meaning of the term.” (Source: www.gotquestions.org) • If you decide to get the KJV, make sure it’s not a KJV version (I think from 1611) or you could be reading words with strange spellings! Here is an article that talks about the differences: To illustrate, here is a list of significant changes (i.e., changes which affect the meaning of the passage) made to the KJV text since 1611. The 1611 reading precedes the 1769. Joshua 3:11 – “Arke of the Couenant, euen the Lord” vs. “ark of the covenant of the Lord” Jeremiah 31:14 – “with goodnesse” vs. “with my goodness” Ezekiel 24:7 – “powred it vpon the ground” vs. “poured it not upon the ground” Daniel 3:15 – “a fierie furnace” vs. “a burning fiery furnace” 1 John 5:12 – “the Sonne, hath” vs. “the Son of God hath” www.rickbeckman.org In addition to the KJV, another translation exists, called the New King James Version. I think that just uses more modern English words - for example, the “thee’s” and “thou’s” aren’t in the NKJV. If I had to do it over again, I would have read the Old Testament out of order, starting with Psalms and Proverbs. I like Genesis now and can read it fairly easily now, but that wasn’t the case when I first read the Bible. By contrast, Psalms and Proverbs are much easier to read. Other strategies on reading the Bible: • Don’t rush through it! The Holy Bible is best read, understood and enjoyed in a slow and deliberative manner. • Read from the Bible every day, even if it’s only a few verses. • Write down verses you particularly like (or are intrigued by) in a notebook. • Before you read the Bible, ask God to open your heart and mind to understand it. • The more you read the Bible, the easier it is to read. • I would rely far more on God than on commentaries when you come across a difficult passage. God will open your eyes and enlighten your understanding about that passage far more than a commentary. While I believe many commentaries are good and useful, they don’t compare to understanding and revelation from God. • Unlike other books, verses and passages in the Bible can be read and understood in new ways, depending on your situation and circumstances and how much God’s indwelt Holy Spirit guides you. • The Bible is as relevant today as it was centuries and millennia ago because human nature hasn’t changed. • The Bible is comprised of 66 books, written by 40 men over 1,500 years on three continents. Yet it’s wonderfully harmonious. • The Bible was written by men under the guidance, influence and control of God’s Holy Spirit. Two verses from the Bible - about the Bible! “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) “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 perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
coram_deo 29-Sep-21, 18:52	While the Bible is divided into the Old Testament and the New Testament, books of the Old Testament and New Testament have their own classifications. The 39 books of the Old Testament are categorized as either Law, History, Wisdom Literature, Major Prophets and Minor Prophets. • The books of the Law, written by Moses, are the first five books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. Before I started handwriting the Bible on May 1, 2019, the pastor who suggested and encouraged me to do it said to write Leviticus last or I would never get through it. Apparently, Leviticus is not exactly a page turner lol. So far, I’ve handwritten 931 chapters in the Bible (which has 1,189 chapters) and I have yet to handwrite Leviticus. I’m saving it for last lol. • History books of the Bible are the next 12 books - Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther. The history books are mainly about the history of the Jews and their lack of faithfulness to God, repentance and return to faithfulness (before they start the cycle over again) and the consequences of those actions. Incidentally, from what I understand, the Jews put themselves under the Law - they were doing fine living under God’s Grace after He led them out of Egypt, but then they boasted they could do whatever God required of them so God gave them the Law - and not just the Ten Commandments but all of the Mosaic Law, which I’m pretty sure includes 600+ different laws. Needless to say, the Jews failed to keep the Law and so God instituted sacrifices or offerings to cover their sins against Him. But it was the Jews who wanted the Law - just like the Jews later wanted to live under an earthly king, like all the other nations at the time, instead of under God. So God gave them what they wanted (and not all the kings were good) and always accepted them back when they repented. * The next five books are known as Wisdom Literature and include Job (believed by many to be the oldest book of the Bible,) Psalms (which are essentially 150 prayers to God; this is my favorite book of the Old Testament,) Proverbs (there are 31 Proverbs - one for every day of the month,) Ecclesiastes (which is essentially King Solomon’s search for the meaning of life,) and Song of Solomon (quite a romantic text.) • Then we have the Major Prophets, who are Isaiah (there are a lot of Messianic Prophecies in Isaiah, and Isaiah chapter 53 is entirely a Messianic Prophecy,) Jeremiah, Lamentations (don’t read Lamentations if you’re already depressed,) Ezekiel and Daniel (Daniel not only contains an accurate prophecy of the exact date Jesus Christ would be crucified, but also includes accounts of God’s people being unharmed after being thrown into a burning furnace and into a den of lions.) • Then we have the Minor Prophets (the difference between Major Prophets and Minor Prophets is solely on the length of their books.) The Minor Prophets are Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk (I like Habakkuk 3:17-18 so much I had it printed onto a shirt,) Zephaniah (I like Zephaniah 3:17 so much I had that printed onto a shirt too,) Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi. Minor Prophets is the category from which I’ve handwritten the fewest books. The last book of the Old Testament was written 500+ years before Jesus Christ was born to the Virgin Mary. The New Testament, which has 27 books, is divided into four categories. • The first category is the Gospels and includes Matthew, Mark, Luke and John (John’s Gospel is my favorite Gospel.) • Acts (or the Acts of the Apostles) often gets its own category and describes events immediately after Jesus Christ’s Resurrection and ascension into Heaven. Acts, which was written by Luke, a physician who also wrote the Gospel bearing his name, is mostly about the Apostles preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, both in Jerusalem and on mission trips, and the persecutions and hardships they endured - and overcame with the Lord’s help. • Next up are the Epistles, or letters, written by the Apostles to early churches. This category has by far the most books in the New Testament and most of these books were written by the Apostle Paul. The Apostle Paul, formerly known as Saul of Tarsus, was one of the worst persecutors of early Christians until he encountered the Resurrected Christ on the Road to Damascus, as described in Acts chapter 9. He then became one of Christianity’s greatest advocates and defenders. The books in the category of Epistles include Romans (Romans 8:1 may be the greatest verse in the entire Bible,) 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians (possibly my favorite epistle from Paul; it’s either Galatians or Romans,) Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, First Timothy, Second Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, First Peter, Second Peter, First John, Second John, Third John and Jude. The only epistles not written by Paul are James, First Peter, Second Peter, First John, Second John, Third John and Jude. Hebrews is often attributed to Paul, though some think the author of Hebrews is unknown - and some think Jesus Christ Himself wrote Hebrews(!) • The last category of the New Testament is referred to as Apocalyptic Literature and includes only one book - Revelation, the last book of the Bible, which was believed to be written by the Apostle John. It’s essentially a vision of the End Times. Why did I break up books of the Bible by categories? Because one way of reading the Bible is to read a book from each category. But I still think reading the entire New Testament in order from Matthew through Revelation is the best way to start reading the Bible. (And after that, Psalms and Proverbs from the Old Testament.) ✝️ 📖 👍👍

From

Message

coram_deo
29-Sep-21, 11:55

Strategies for Reading the Bible

The Holy Bible is not an easy book to read, especially because so much of it speaks to, and is dependent upon, God’s Holy Spirit inside us to fully understand and appreciate. And while God’s Holy Spirit indwells every believer at the moment he or she accepts and believes in Jesus Christ, one does not have His Holy Spirit before then (this is based on what the Bible says.)

When I first tried reading the Holy Bible in my 40s, I didn’t make it through Genesis - in fact, I don’t think I got even halfway through Genesis. I was familiar with the Creation account in the opening chapters of Genesis, but after that, I was in unchartered territory and the Bible just didn’t hold my interest so I set it aside.

Then, a few weeks later, I noticed the Bible was divided into the Old Testament and the New Testament, and, rather than try to read the Old Testament first, the way one would normally read a book, I decided to try to read the New Testament first. Eureka!

I found the New Testament to be much easier to read and was able to complete it in a reasonable amount of time (I think I read from one to several chapters a night.) Anyone familiar with the Bible knows the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) are the first four books of the New Testament. And if you want to know Jesus Christ, and what Jesus Christ was all about, there’s no better place than the Gospels because they were written by people who knew Jesus well or by people who were close companions of Jesus’ disciples.

In learning who Jesus was/is, one also learns who God the Father is.

“If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.

Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?”

(John 14:7-9)

So, I think reading the New Testament first is the best way to read the Bible.

After I finished reading the New Testament in the King James Version of the Holy Bible, I tried to read the Old Testament again but still couldn’t get through Genesis. So I picked up a different version of the Bible (the New Living Translation) and was able to read the Old Testament in that version.

So it’s important to find a version you like and can read fairly easily. I’m a fan of the KJV, but I believe (could be wrong) that the New International Version is the version used in most churches today. The English Standard Version is also popular. The easiest version of the Bible to read is called, not surprisingly, the Easy-to-Read Version.

Here are how the different versions present the opening verses of the Gospel of John.

KJV:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The same was in the beginning with God.

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.”

NIV:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

He was with God in the beginning.

Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

ESV:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

He was in the beginning with God.

All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.

In him was life, and the life was the light of men.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

ERV:

“Before the world began, the Word was there. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.

He was there with God in the beginning.

Everything was made through him, and nothing was made without him.

In him there was life, and that life was a light for the people of the world.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not defeated it.”

Due to the wonders of the Interwebs (lol,) people can read different versions of the Bible for free before deciding which version they like.

A couple of notes on versions, from my perspective:

• I wouldn’t trust a version that uses “young woman” instead of “virgin” in Isaiah 7:14. While most young Jewish woman back then were virgins (or at least assumed to be,) I believe virgin is the correct translation from the original Hebrew (the Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew, and the New Testament was originally written in Greek.

The King James Version, New International Version and English Standard Version all use “virgin” in Isaiah 7:14. The Easy-to-Read Version uses “young woman.”

Here’s an explanation on why “virgin” is the correct translation.

From page 1 of the “Messianic Prophecies” thread in here:

m.gameknot.com

Some Bible translations say “young woman” instead of “virgin” in Isaiah 7:14, but here are excerpts from two sources that contend “virgin” is the correct word.

“Some critics argue that the word translated as "virgin" at Isaiah 7:14 in the KJV ought to be translated as "young woman". However, words are to be translated in its context. Here the context requires “עלמה (almah)” to mean “virgin.” The verse says the conception of the עלמה is “a sign” from the Lord. The word for “sign” (אות) is used throughout the Old Testament to refer to miracles or extraordinary displays (e.g. “signs and wonders”). The word may sometimes refer to non-supernatural signs, but it still refers to something that is worthy of note. Thus the conception in Isaiah 7:14 must be something that is different from a normal conception. The conception becomes extraordinary only by translating “עלמה” as “virgin.” A conception by an "old woman" would be a "sign" (such as the conception of John the Baptist, Luke 1:13-18), but a typical conception by a “young woman” is hardly a “sign.” “

(Source: www.kjvtoday.com)

“There is no conclusive argument for “almah” in Isaiah 7:14 being either “young woman” or “virgin.” However, it is interesting to note, that in the 3rd century B.C., when a panel of Hebrew scholars and Jewish rabbis began the process of translating the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek, they used the specific Greek word for virgin, “parthenos,” not the more generic Greek word for “young woman.” The Septuagint translators, 200+ years before the birth of Christ, and with no inherent belief in a “virgin birth,” translated “almah” in Isaiah 7:14 as “virgin,” not “young woman.” This gives evidence that “virgin” is a possible, even likely, meaning of the term.”

(Source: www.gotquestions.org)

• If you decide to get the KJV, make sure it’s not a KJV version (I think from 1611) or you could be reading words with strange spellings!

Here is an article that talks about the differences:

To illustrate, here is a list of significant changes (i.e., changes which affect the meaning of the passage) made to the KJV text since 1611. The 1611 reading precedes the 1769.

Joshua 3:11 – “Arke of the Couenant, euen the Lord” vs. “ark of the covenant of the Lord”

Jeremiah 31:14 – “with goodnesse” vs. “with my goodness”

Ezekiel 24:7 – “powred it vpon the ground” vs. “poured it not upon the ground”

Daniel 3:15 – “a fierie furnace” vs. “a burning fiery furnace”

1 John 5:12 – “the Sonne, hath” vs. “the Son of God hath”

www.rickbeckman.org

In addition to the KJV, another translation exists, called the New King James Version. I think that just uses more modern English words - for example, the “thee’s” and “thou’s” aren’t in the NKJV.

If I had to do it over again, I would have read the Old Testament out of order, starting with Psalms and Proverbs. I like Genesis now and can read it fairly easily now, but that wasn’t the case when I first read the Bible. By contrast, Psalms and Proverbs are much easier to read.

Other strategies on reading the Bible:

• Don’t rush through it! The Holy Bible is best read, understood and enjoyed in a slow and deliberative manner.

• Read from the Bible every day, even if it’s only a few verses.

• Write down verses you particularly like (or are intrigued by) in a notebook.

• Before you read the Bible, ask God to open your heart and mind to understand it.

• The more you read the Bible, the easier it is to read.

• I would rely far more on God than on commentaries when you come across a difficult passage. God will open your eyes and enlighten your understanding about that passage far more than a commentary. While I believe many commentaries are good and useful, they don’t compare to understanding and revelation from God.

• Unlike other books, verses and passages in the Bible can be read and understood in new ways, depending on your situation and circumstances and how much God’s indwelt Holy Spirit guides you.

• The Bible is as relevant today as it was centuries and millennia ago because human nature hasn’t changed.

• The Bible is comprised of 66 books, written by 40 men over 1,500 years on three continents. Yet it’s wonderfully harmonious.

• The Bible was written by men under the guidance, influence and control of God’s Holy Spirit.

Two verses from the Bible - about the Bible!

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

(Hebrews 4:12)

“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 perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

(2 Timothy 3:16-17)

coram_deo
29-Sep-21, 18:52

While the Bible is divided into the Old Testament and the New Testament, books of the Old Testament and New Testament have their own classifications.

The 39 books of the Old Testament are categorized as either Law, History, Wisdom Literature, Major Prophets and Minor Prophets.

• The books of the Law, written by Moses, are the first five books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.

Before I started handwriting the Bible on May 1, 2019, the pastor who suggested and encouraged me to do it said to write Leviticus last or I would never get through it. Apparently, Leviticus is not exactly a page turner lol.

So far, I’ve handwritten 931 chapters in the Bible (which has 1,189 chapters) and I have yet to handwrite Leviticus. I’m saving it for last lol.

• History books of the Bible are the next 12 books - Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther.

The history books are mainly about the history of the Jews and their lack of faithfulness to God, repentance and return to faithfulness (before they start the cycle over again) and the consequences of those actions.

Incidentally, from what I understand, the Jews put themselves under the Law - they were doing fine living under God’s Grace after He led them out of Egypt, but then they boasted they could do whatever God required of them so God gave them the Law - and not just the Ten Commandments but all of the Mosaic Law, which I’m pretty sure includes 600+ different laws.

Needless to say, the Jews failed to keep the Law and so God instituted sacrifices or offerings to cover their sins against Him. But it was the Jews who wanted the Law - just like the Jews later wanted to live under an earthly king, like all the other nations at the time, instead of under God. So God gave them what they wanted (and not all the kings were good) and always accepted them back when they repented.

* The next five books are known as Wisdom Literature and include Job (believed by many to be the oldest book of the Bible,) Psalms (which are essentially 150 prayers to God; this is my favorite book of the Old Testament,) Proverbs (there are 31 Proverbs - one for every day of the month,) Ecclesiastes (which is essentially King Solomon’s search for the meaning of life,) and Song of Solomon (quite a romantic text.)

• Then we have the Major Prophets, who are Isaiah (there are a lot of Messianic Prophecies in Isaiah, and Isaiah chapter 53 is entirely a Messianic Prophecy,) Jeremiah, Lamentations (don’t read Lamentations if you’re already depressed,) Ezekiel and Daniel (Daniel not only contains an accurate prophecy of the exact date Jesus Christ would be crucified, but also includes accounts of God’s people being unharmed after being thrown into a burning furnace and into a den of lions.)

• Then we have the Minor Prophets (the difference between Major Prophets and Minor Prophets is solely on the length of their books.)

The Minor Prophets are Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk (I like Habakkuk 3:17-18 so much I had it printed onto a shirt,) Zephaniah (I like Zephaniah 3:17 so much I had that printed onto a shirt too,) Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi.

Minor Prophets is the category from which I’ve handwritten the fewest books.

The last book of the Old Testament was written 500+ years before Jesus Christ was born to the Virgin Mary.

The New Testament, which has 27 books, is divided into four categories.

• The first category is the Gospels and includes Matthew, Mark, Luke and John (John’s Gospel is my favorite Gospel.)

• Acts (or the Acts of the Apostles) often gets its own category and describes events immediately after Jesus Christ’s Resurrection and ascension into Heaven.

Acts, which was written by Luke, a physician who also wrote the Gospel bearing his name, is mostly about the Apostles preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, both in Jerusalem and on mission trips, and the persecutions and hardships they endured - and overcame with the Lord’s help.

• Next up are the Epistles, or letters, written by the Apostles to early churches. This category has by far the most books in the New Testament and most of these books were written by the Apostle Paul.

The Apostle Paul, formerly known as Saul of Tarsus, was one of the worst persecutors of early Christians until he encountered the Resurrected Christ on the Road to Damascus, as described in Acts chapter 9. He then became one of Christianity’s greatest advocates and defenders.

The books in the category of Epistles include Romans (Romans 8:1 may be the greatest verse in the entire Bible,) 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians (possibly my favorite epistle from Paul; it’s either Galatians or Romans,) Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, First Timothy, Second Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, First Peter, Second Peter, First John, Second John, Third John and Jude.

The only epistles not written by Paul are James, First Peter, Second Peter, First John, Second John, Third John and Jude. Hebrews is often attributed to Paul, though some think the author of Hebrews is unknown - and some think Jesus Christ Himself wrote Hebrews(!)

• The last category of the New Testament is referred to as Apocalyptic Literature and includes only one book - Revelation, the last book of the Bible, which was believed to be written by the Apostle John. It’s essentially a vision of the End Times.

Why did I break up books of the Bible by categories? Because one way of reading the Bible is to read a book from each category.

But I still think reading the entire New Testament in order from Matthew through Revelation is the best way to start reading the Bible. (And after that, Psalms and Proverbs from the Old Testament.)

✝️ 📖 👍👍

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