The Bible is a collection of books which are integral to the Christian faith.
It comprises of 66 books, 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament.
It was written by over 40 authors over a period of thousands of years.
Despite the time span and the number of authors, the books of the Bible are completely compatible with each other.
Let’s take a look at the 9 Genres in the Bible and Why they Matter to you today.
Law
The books of the Law are:
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
The first 5 books of the Bible are the books of the Law, also known as the Torah or the Pentateuch.
They were written by Moses, except for the last portion of Deuteronomy which tells of Moses death, between 1450BC to 1410BC.
They tell of the beginnings of life, the world and human history, of sin and separation from God, and God’s plan for redemption.
They are called the books of the Law because they record the Laws and instructions that God gave to Moses.
Knowing and understanding our beginnings, God as our creator, our separation from God through sin, and God’s plan of redemption from the beginning of time give us a foundation for our faith and helps to shape our worldview.
History
The books of History are:
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 & 2 Samuel
1 & 2 Kings
1 & 2 Chronicles
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther
Acts (NT)
The History section of the Bible (Old Testament) is made of up 12 books from Joshua to Esther and cover a period of 800 to 1000 years and I’ve included the book of Acts from the New Testament.
They span the history of Israel from their entry into the Promised Land, the reign of the Judges, and then of the Kings, Israel’s division into the Northern and Southern Kingdoms, the Northern Kingdom’s fall to Syria, the Southern Kingdoms exile into Babylon, and their return to Jerusalem.
And then in Acts it gives us a record of the birth and history of the early church.
We can learn many lessons from the defeats and victories of God’s people through the books of History.
We see God’s never-ending love for His people, despite their turning away from Him time and time again, He promises that He is their God and He will not forsake them.
It is comforting to know that God has a plan for us and His desire for us is to bless us, regardless of how many times we fail and fall short, God is always there, to comfort us, to deliver us, to bless us.
Poetry
The books of Poetry are:
Psalms
Song of Solomon
Lamentations
The 3 Poetry books are made up of the Song books, Psalms, Song of Solomon, and Lamentations.
These books are prayers and songs which were sung to God.
They talk about the experiences of God’s people, not from a factual viewpoint, but from a heart point of view.
These books help us to understand and connect with God’s people and His Word, we can relate to their experiences, their emotions, and their hunger for God.
Many of the Psalms can be use as prayers of worship in our own quiet times with God.
Wisdom
The books of Wisdom are:
Job
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
The 3 Wisdom books are Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes.
They talk about the world, what it should be, and what it is.
They offer God’s perspective and practical wisdom to everyday living.
Wisdom is to be desired. Proverbs 16:16 says, “How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.”
The book of James encourages us to ask God for His wisdom. Why not make it your prayer.
Major Prophets
The books of Major Prophets are:
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
These 5 Major Prophets of the Old Testament record the history of the Israelites. They are not Major Prophets because they are more important than the Minor Prophets but simply because the books are longer and reflect a lengthier insight into the history at the time.
The role of Prophets was not just to foretell the future, but they were to be the spokesperson for God, declaring His truth and His will to His people.
They spoke God’s Words, giving warnings and calling for repentance, and proclaiming words of encouragement to God’s people.
These books foretell God’s plan for our salvation, they speak of the Messiah and the events that lead to His birth, and His death.
Minor Prophets
The books of Minor Prophets are:
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephania
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
These 12 Minor Prophets are no less important than the Major Prophets, they are simply called Minor Prophets because of the length of the books.
Like the Major prophets their job was to be God’s spokesperson to His people.
They follow the same pattern as the Major Prophets of warning of pending judgement because of sin, an explanation of the sin, a description about the judgement to come, a call to repentance, and a promise of blessing and deliverance.
We can be encouraged by God’s forgiveness and promised blessing, no matter how we may have grieved Him, if we come to Him in repentance.
Gospels
The books of the Gospels are:
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
The Gospel are possible the most well known of the Bible genres.
The word Gospel means Good News and tells of the good news of Jesus Christ and His gift of salvation for all who believe.
Each of the books tells of the birth, life, ministry, miracles, teaching, and death of Jesus, each highlighting the stories from the perspective of, and in the style of, the writer.
The Gospels reveal to us the fulfilment of the prophecies about Jesus.
They show us God’s plan for our salvation and how we can come into a relationship with God through faith in Jesus.
Epistles
The books of the Epistles are:
Romans
1 & 2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 & 2 Thessalonians
1 & 2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon
Hebrews
James
1 & 2 Peter
1, 2 & 3 John
Jude
There are 21 Epistles in the Bible.
An Epistle is a letter or a message which is of an instructive nature, like that of a mentor or teacher to a student.
They were written by apostles to give instruction and teaching in the Christian faith.
The main authors were Peter, John, James and Jude.
Some are written to specific churches and some to the wider church, but regardless of who they were written to, they are relevant and applicable to us today.
End Times Prophecy
The book of the End Times Prophecy is:
Revelation
The book of Revelation was written around 95AD by the apostle John whilst he was in exile on the Island of Patmos.
It is the last book of the New Testament, and indeed the last book of the Bible.
It is prophetic in nature telling of the future of the world and predicting the end times.
It is the only book that promises a blessing to anyone who reads it.
There are many interpretations of Revelation but regardless of what view point you take the end is always the same, good triumphs over evil!
We often think of judgement when we think of Revelation, but rather than judgement, for those of us who are in Christ, it is a book of hope and victory.
God reigns supreme and we will be with Him.
Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that each person who belongs to God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Philippians is the 11th book of the New Testament, the 50th book in the whole Bible and was written by Paul.
Philippians is a letter to a church in Philippi that was on the verge of discord and heresy.
The aim of this letter is to promote unity through faith and love, despite their different backgrounds.
Who wrote the book of Philippians?
The first verse of Philippians states clearly that Paul is the author of the book, and like the book of Colossians he names Timothy in the opening verse, indicating that Timothy played some part in the writing of the book. It is unsure whether Timothy co-wrote the book with Paul or acted as a scribe for Paul.
The apostle Paul spent time in Philippi during his second missionary journey and visited again on his third missionary journey bringing the message of the Gospel and salvation to many.
When was the book of Philippians written?
Of the four prison epistles it is believed that Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians toward the end of his first imprisonment, around 61-62AD.
The other three prison epistles, Ephesians, Colossians and Philemon were written before Philippians and were delivered by Tychicus and Onesimus, whereas the letter to the Philippians was delivered by Epaphroditus.
What is the book of Philippians about?
Often Paul wrote to believers in response to a crisis or challenge they were facing, but this is not the case with Philippians.
The time that Paul spent with the church at Philippi and the joy and love he feels for them is evident in this letter. Paul opens his letter in verses 3 – 6 with these words:
“I thank my God whenever I remember you, always in every request of mine on behalf of you all, making my requests with joy, for your partnership in furtherance of the Good News from the first day until now; being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
The letter was written in response to a gift that Epaphroditus had brought to Paul in prison from the church in Philippi.
Paul wrote to thank them for their gift and to encourage them to grow in their faith.
Despite difficulties Jesus’ love, goodness and grace can be a source of joy and peace.
Philippians Video Overview
The Bible Project has many videos unpacking different books of the bible. This one on Philippians is a great overview to help you understand the book better.
Bible Study on the book of Philippians
The SOAP Bible Study Method is a great way to unpack the book of Philippians more. The study below uses this method to take you through passages of scripture.
Colossians is the 12th book of the New Testament and the 51st book in the whole Bible. It has 4 chapters and it’s theme is the supremacy of Christ.
The Book of Colossians is a letter written by Paul the Apostle. He wrote it to the Christians in the city of Colossae, which was a trade center located in modern-day Turkey.
In this letter, he speaks about how Jesus Christ, God’s Son, is superior to anything else and that as believers we should put our faith in Him as our Lord and Savior.
There are so many reasons why you should read this book – it’s a very important part of the Bible, it will provide new insights on Christ, and it contains some practical life advice.
Who wrote the book of Colossians?
The author of the book of Colossians is widely attributed to the Apostle Paul, and indeed the first two verses of Colossians read, “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
This would indicate that Paul was the author, and that Timothy also played some part in the writing of the book, in the same way Paul mentions Timothy in the first verses of Philippians. Whether Timothy co-wrote the book with Paul, or acted as a scribe for Paul, is unsure.
There are some though who believe that Paul was not the author as the style of writing and certain phrases used were unlike Paul’s other writings.
When was the book of Colossians written?
The letter to the Colossians was written around 60–62AD while Paul was in prison in Rome and is one of four prison epistles. This was his first imprisonment and took place after his trip to Rome.
During this time Paul also wrote Ephesians and Philemon and all three letters were sent with and delivered by Tychicus who was accompanied by Onesimus.
What is the book of Colossians about?
The main theme of Colossians is the supremacy of Christ, and that Jesus Christ is Lord over everything, setting him above and apart from the other gods of the time.
He is the visible image of the invisible God.
Paul also emphasises the thought of Christ as head of the church and teaches a new and godly model for relationships and families.
The letter was intended to be an encouragement to the church, and as Paul often does, he encourages believers to live pure and godly lives.
It also comes to warn them about false teachers and false doctrines in their midst, instructing them to fight off sinful practices.
Colossians Video Overview
The Bible Project has a great video on Colossians to give you an overview of this book in the Bible.
Bible Study on the book of Colossians
The SOAP Bible Study Method is a great way to understand the scriptures better. The study below utilises this method and makes it easy to go through the book by breaking it down into sections. If you would like to dive deeper into Colossians and discover what it means for you personally then I recommend giving the Bible study a go.
Praying through Scripture is a great way to grow our prayer life.
Scripture is a wonderful resource when it comes to prayer, how to pray, and what to pray for.
God’s Word encourages us to pray according to His Will (1 John 5:14-15) and praying through Scripture is a good way to keep us in line with that.
The Psalms are particularly good for praying through and Psalm 91 is a great place to start.
What is Psalm 91?
Psalm 91 is known as a Psalm of protection for believers and it talks about God’s sovereign protection of His people.
It is not clear who wrote Psalm 91, some believe it was written by David, others believe it was written by Moses, with David incorporating it into his book of Psalms.
What is clear though is that whoever wrote it knew God, and knew that no matter what was going on around them at the time God was there, offering a safe place, and protection from the fears, threats and dangers they were faced with.
Why Pray Psalm 91?
Psalm 91 is a popular Psalm to pray through when seeking protection.
The busyness and worries of life are real and can often impact on our ability to cope with the every day things of life.
Maybe you are feeling overwhelmed, or unsafe, or anxious, or in need of God’s protection, Psalm 91 offers assurance and comfort to those who love God.
Take some time to read it through, meditate on it, and pray through it.
Psalm 91 Words
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of Yahweh, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
my God, in whom I trust.”
For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler,
and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his feathers.
Under his wings you will take refuge.
His faithfulness is your shield and rampart.
You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
nor of the arrow that flies by day,
nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,
nor of the destruction that wastes at noonday.
A thousand may fall at your side,
and ten thousand at your right hand;
but it will not come near you.
You will only look with your eyes,
and see the recompense of the wicked.
Because you have made Yahweh your refuge,
and the Most High your dwelling place,
no evil shall happen to you,
neither shall any plague come near your dwelling.
For he will put his angels in charge of you,
to guard you in all your ways.
They will bear you up in their hands,
so that you won’t dash your foot against a stone.
You will tread on the lion and cobra.
You will trample the young lion and the serpent underfoot.
“Because he has set his love on me, therefore I will deliver him.
I will set him on high, because he has known my name.
He will call on me, and I will answer him.
I will be with him in trouble.
I will deliver him, and honor him.
I will satisfy him with long life,
and show him my salvation.”
How to Pray Psalm 91
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Thank You that You are the Lord Most High, that You are the Almighty, and that You offer me a place of rest in You. I come to You my Lord and lay myself, my cares, my fears and my worries, at Your feet. Meet with me in Your safe and sheltered place, and give me Your promised peace and rest.
I will say of Yahweh, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.”
Thank You Lord that You are my refuge and that You offer me protection like that of a mighty fortress. Thank You that I am Your child and that I can trust in You and feel safe and secure in that trust.
For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly pestilence.
Thank You Lord that whatever I am going through right now I know that You are my deliverer and that You will bring me through this.
He will cover you with his feathers. Under his wings you will take refuge. His faithfulness is your shield and rampart.
Cover me Lord with Your protection, just as a mother bird protects her chicks, so Lord I seek refuge in You. Thank You for Your faithfulness to me. I ask You Lord to shield me and protect me from anything that would come against me and seek to bring me harm or danger.
You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that wastes at noonday.
Help me Lord not to be afraid. I give my fears to You and I thank You that I don’t need to be afraid because You have promised to be with me always.
A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes, and see the recompense of the wicked.
Help me Lord to keep my eyes fixed on you and not on the circumstances around me, help me to trust in You, no matter what others are saying or doing.
Because you have made Yahweh your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place, no evil shall happen to you, neither shall any plague come near your dwelling.
Lord, protect me from evil and its influences. Thank You Lord that nothing can touch me that You have not allowed. Be my shield and defence against the enemy I pray.
For he will put his angels in charge of you, to guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, so that you won’t dash your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and cobra. You will trample the young lion and the serpent underfoot.
Thank You Lord for your angels, thank You that they do Your Will. I ask that You would assign Your angels to me to guard and protect me throughout my day and my night.
“Because he has set his love on me, therefore I will deliver him. I will set him on high, because he has known my name.
Thank You Lord for Your unconditional and never-ending love for me. Thank You that You know me intimately and personally and You call me by my name. Your love for me is amazing!
He will call on me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him, and honor him.
Thank You Lord that You promise to be with me in trouble, and that You promise to deliver me. Thank You that You promise to answer me when I call on You. I call on You now Lord, and ask for your strength, Your protection, Your deliverance, and Your peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
I will satisfy him with long life, and show him my salvation.”
Thank You Lord for Your gift of salvation to me. Thank You that I am Your child, and You are my Heavenly Father. Thank You that You promise to bless me and to provide for me and to protect me.
Amen
God offers His protection for us and all we have to do is ask for it.
How wonderful is that!
Praying protection for ourselves, and our families is something we should do every day.
Why not start today?
No one can give you protection the way God can give you protection!
The following Scripture verses, with the free printable download, will shed a light on what God’s purity is, and what He expects of us.
1 Corinthians 6:13
“Foods for the belly, and the belly for foods,” but God will bring to nothing both it and them. But the body is not for sexual immorality, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.
Colossians 3:5
Put to death therefore your members which are on the earth: sexual immorality, uncleanness, depraved passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
1 Timothy 4:12
Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.
1 Timothy 5:22
Lay hands hastily on no one. Don’t be a participant in other people’s sins. Keep yourself pure.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report: if there is any virtue and if there is any praise, think about these things.
Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me.
Matthew 5:8
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
1 Corinthians 6:18
Flee sexual immorality! “Every sin that a man does is outside the body,” but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.
2 Timothy 2:21
If anyone therefore purges himself from these, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, and suitable for the master’s use, prepared for every good work.
Hebrews 13:4
Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled; but God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.
Proverbs 16:2
All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits
Proverbs 20:11
Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.
2 Corinthians 6:6-7
By pureness, by knowledge, by long suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left.
Psalm 119:9
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
1 John 3:3
And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
Psalm 119:9
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
Romans 13:14
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, for its lusts.
Titus 2:5
To be sober minded, chaste, workers at home, kind, being in subjection to their own husbands, that God’s word may not be blasphemed.
Philippians 2:14-15
Do all things without complaining and arguing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without defect in the middle of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you are seen as lights in the world.
Luke 11:34-35
The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore when your eye is good, your whole body is also full of light; but when it is evil, your body also is full of darkness.Therefore see whether the light that is in you isn’t darkness.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
For this is the will of God: your sanctification, that you abstain from sexual immorality, that each one of you know how to control his own body in sanctification and honor, not in the passion of lust, even as the Gentiles who don’t know God.
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
1 Peter 1:22
Seeing you have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth through the Spirit in sincere brotherly affection, love one another from the heart fervently.
Hi, I'm Steph! I want to equip you with faith resources to encourage a love of Gods word in your life.
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