The Breakdown of The Bible: Fun Facts

A message to Believers

The Old Testament is traditionally divided into several categories based on the type of literature and themes of the books. Here’s a breakdown:

The Old Testament

The Torah (Pentateuch) – The Law
These are the first five books, traditionally attributed to Moses:

– Genesis
– Exodus
– Leviticus
– Numbers
– Deuteronomy

Historical Books – Israel’s History
These books narrate the history of Israel from entering the Promised Land to the exile and return:

– Joshua
– Judges
– Ruth
– 1 Samuel
– 2 Samuel
– 1 Kings
– 2 Kings
– 1 Chronicles
– 2 Chronicles
– Ezra
– Nehemiah
– Esther

Poetic and Wisdom Books – Songs and Teachings
These books contain poetry, wisdom, and philosophical reflections:

– Job
– Psalms
– Proverbs
– Ecclesiastes
– Song of Solomon

Prophetic Books – Messages from God
These books contain prophecies, warnings, and encouragements from God through His prophets. They are divided into:

Major Prophets (Longer books)

– Isaiah
– Jeremiah
– Lamentations
– Ezekiel
– Daniel

Minor Prophets (Shorter books)

– Hosea
– Joel
– Amos
– Obadiah
– Jonah
– Micah
– Nahum
– Habakkuk
– Zephaniah
– Haggai
– Zechariah
– Malachi

The New Testament.

The Gospels – The Life of Jesus
These books narrate the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ:

– Matthew
– Mark
– Luke
– John

Historical Book – The Early Church
This book records the history of the early Christian church and the spread of the gospel:

– Acts of the Apostles

Epistles (Letters) – Teachings and Guidance
These letters were written to churches and individuals to provide instruction on Christian living. They are divided into:

Pauline Epistles (Written by the Apostle Paul)

– Romans
– 1 Corinthians
– 2 Corinthians
– Galatians
– Ephesians
– Philippians
– Colossians
– 1 Thessalonians
– 2 Thessalonians
– 1 Timothy
– 2 Timothy
– Titus
– Philemon

General Epistles (Written by other apostles)

– Hebrews
– James
– 1 Peter
– 2 Peter
– 1 John
– 2 John
– 3 John
– Jude

Prophetic Book – The End Times
This book contains apocalyptic prophecy about the end of the world and Christ’s return:

– Revelation

Terminology:

The word epistle comes from the Greek word ἐπιστολή (epistolē), which means “letter” or “message.” It refers to a written communication, often formal or instructional in nature. The term originates from the Greek verb ἐπιστέλλω (epistellō), meaning “to send to” or “to communicate by letter.”

The word apostle comes from the Greek word ἀπόστολος (apóstolos), which means “one who is sent off” or “messenger.” It is derived from the verb ἀποστέλλειν (apostéllein), meaning “to send off.” In the New Testament, an apostle refers to someone who is sent with a mission, particularly the disciples whom Jesus commissioned to spread His teachings. The term conveys the idea of an envoy or ambassador, someone carrying the authority of the one who sent them.

The word Torah comes from the Hebrew word תּוֹרָה (Torah), which means “direction” or “instruction.” It is derived from the root ירה (yarah), which originally meant “to throw” or “to shoot an arrow.” The noun Torah is rendered in a causative form, meaning “to cause something to move straight and true.” It conveys the idea of guidance, teaching, and law, offering strong and virtuous direction for life and practice.

1. Simon Peter: Previously known as Simon.
2. Andrew: Previously known as Andreas.
3. James: Previously known as Jacob.
4. John: Previously known as Yochanan.
5. Philip: Previously known as Philippos.
6. Bartholomew: Previously known as Nathanael.
7. Thomas: Previously known as Didymus.
8. Matthew: Previously known as Levi.
9. James (son of Alphaeus): Previously known as Jacob.
10. Thaddeus: Previously known as Judas.
11. Simon the Zealot: Previously known as Shimon.
12. Judas Iscariot: Previously known as Judas.

The books of the Bible and their authors and audience.

The Old Testament:

1. Genesis:
– Author: Traditionally attributed to Moses
– Written for: Israelites

2. Exodus:
– Author: Traditionally attributed to Moses
– Written for: Israelites

3. Leviticus:
– Author: Traditionally attributed to Moses
– Written for: Israelites, particularly the priests

4. Numbers:
– Author: Traditionally attributed to Moses
– Written for: Israelites

5. Deuteronomy:
– Author: Traditionally attributed to Moses
– Written for: Israelites

6. Joshua:
– Author: Traditionally attributed to Joshua
– Written for: Israelites

7. Judges:
– Author: Traditionally attributed to Samuel
– Written for: Israelites

8. Ruth:
– Author: Traditionally attributed to Samuel
– Written for: Israelites

9. 1 Samuel:
– Author: Traditionally attributed to Samuel and other prophets
– Written for: Israelites

10. 2 Samuel:
– Author: Traditionally attributed to Samuel and other prophets
– Written for: Israelites

11. 1 Kings:
– Author: Traditionally attributed to Jeremiah
– Written for: Israelites

12. 2 Kings:
– Author: Traditionally attributed to Jeremiah
– Written for: Israelites

13. 1 Chronicles:
– Author: Traditionally attributed to Ezra
– Written for: Israelites

14. 2 Chronicles:
– Author: Traditionally attributed to Ezra
– Written for: Israelites

15. Ezra:
– Author: Ezra
– Written for: Israelites

16. Nehemiah:
– Author: Nehemiah
– Written for: Israelites

17. Esther:
– Author: Traditionally attributed to Mordecai
– Written for: Israelites

18. Job:
– Author: Unknown (possibly Moses, Solomon, or Elihu)
– Written for: General audience

19. Psalms:
– Author: Various authors, including David, Asaph, and others
– Written for: General audience

20. Proverbs:
– Author: Solomon and other wise men
– Written for: General audience

21. Ecclesiastes:
– Author**: Solomon
– Written for: General audience

22. Song of Solomon:
– Author: Solomon
– Written for: General audience

23. Isaiah:
– Author: Isaiah
– Written for: Israelites, particularly Judah

24. Jeremiah:
– Author: Jeremiah
– Written for: Israelites, particularly Judah

25. Lamentations:
– Author: Jeremiah
– Written for: Israelites

26. Ezekiel:
– Author: Ezekiel
– Written for: Israelites in exile

27. Daniel:
– Author: Daniel
– Written for: Israelites in exile

28. Hosea:
– Author: Hosea
– Written for: Israelites, particularly the Northern Kingdom

29. Joel:
– Author: Joel
– Written for: Israelites

30. Amos:
– Author: Amos
– Written for: Israelites, particularly the Northern Kingdom

31. Obadiah:
– Author: Obadiah
– Written for: Israelites, specifically against Edom

32. Jonah:
– Author: Jonah
– Written for: Israelites and Ninevites

33. Micah:
– Author: Micah
– Written for: Israelites, particularly Judah

34. Nahum:
– Author: Nahum
– Written for: Israelites, particularly against Nineveh

35. Habakkuk:
– Author: Habakkuk
– Written for: Israelites, particularly Judah

36. Zephaniah:
– Author: Zephaniah
– Written for: Israelites, particularly Judah

37. Haggai:
– Author: Haggai
– Written for**: Israelites, particularly those returning from exile

38. Zechariah:
– Author: Zechariah
– Written for: Israelites, particularly those returning from exile

39. Malachi:
– Author: Malachi
– Written for: Israelites, particularly those returning from exile

The New Testament:

1. Matthew:
– Author: Matthew (also known as Levi)
– Written to: Jewish Christians

2. Mark:
– Author: John Mark
– Written to: Gentile Christians, particularly in Rome

3. Luke:
– Author: Luke, a physician and companion of Paul
– Written to: Theophilus and Gentile Christians

4. John:
– Author: John, the Apostle
– Written to: General Christian audience

5. Acts:
– Author: Luke
– Written to: Theophilus and general Christian audience

6. Romans:
– Author: Paul, the Apostle
– Written to: Christians in Rome

7. 1 Corinthians:
– Author: Paul
– Written to: Christians in Corinth

8. 2 Corinthians:
– Author: Paul
– Written to: Christians in Corinth

9. Galatians:
– Author: Paul
– Written to: Churches in Galatia

10. Ephesians:
– Author: Paul
– Written to: Christians in Ephesus

11. Philippians:
– Author: Paul
– Written to: Christians in Philippi

12. Colossians:
– Author: Paul
– Written to: Christians in Colossae

13. 1 Thessalonians:
– Author: Paul
– Written to: Christians in Thessalonica

14. 2 Thessalonians:
– Author: Paul
– Written to: Christians in Thessalonica

15. 1 Timothy:
– Author: Paul
– Written to: Timothy

16. 2 Timothy:
– Author: Paul
– Written to: Timothy

17. Titus:
– Author: Paul
– Written to: Titus

18. Philemon:
– Author: Paul
– Written to: Philemon

19. Hebrews:
– Author: Unknown (traditionally attributed to Paul, but debated)
– Written to: Jewish Christians

20. James:
– Author: James, the brother of Jesus
– Written to: Jewish Christians in the diaspora

21. 1 Peter:
– Author: Peter, the Apostle
– Written to: Christians in Asia Minor

22. 2 Peter:
– Author: Peter
– Written to: General Christian audience

23. 1 John:
– Author: John, the Apostle
– Written to: General Christian audience

24. 2 John:
– Author: John
– Written to: The elect lady and her children (interpreted as a church and its members)

25. 3 John:
– Author: John
– Written to: Gaius

26. Jude:
– Author: Jude, the brother of Jesus
– Written to: General Christian audience

27. Revelation:
– Author: John, the Apostle
– Written to: Seven churches in Asia Minor

Biblical Numbers and Their Meanings

1. Unity
2. Witness and Division
3. Resurrection and Divine Completeness
4. Creation and Earth
5. Grace and Favor
6. Man and Imperfection
7. Spiritual Perfection and Completion
8. New Beginnings and Renewal
9. Judgment and Finality
10. Law and Divine Order
11. Disorder and Judgment
12. Divine Authority and Government
13. Rebellion and Sin
14. Deliverance and Salvation
15. Rest and Mercy
16. Love
17. Victory and Resurrection
18. Bondage and Oppression
19. Faith and Hearing
20. Redemption and Completion
21. Sinfulness and Rebellion
22. Light and Revelation
23. Death and Judgment
24. Priesthood and Worship
25. Grace upon Grace
26. The Power of God
27. Preaching the Gospel
28. Eternal Life
29. Expectancy and Waiting
30. Maturity and Dedication
31. Offspring and Promise
32. Covenant and Communication
33. Promise and Divine Blessing
34. Judgment and Deliverance
35. Hope and Expectation
36. Enemy and Oppression
37. Wisdom and Revelation
38. Weakness and Healing
39. Mercy and Redemption
40. Testing and Preparation
41. Testing and Trial
42. Completion of a Cycle
43. Judgment and Separation
44. Chosen People and Divine Selection
45. Preservation and Protection
46. Work and Effort
47. Spiritual Insight and Revelation
48. Multiplication and Blessing
49. Final Preparation
50. Jubilee and Freedom
51. God’s Presence and Support
52. Spiritual Growth and Learning
53. Restoration and Renewal
54. Divine Guidance and Protection
55. Double Grace and Abundance
56. Transformation and Change
57. Completion and Fulfillment
58. Covenant and Commitment
59. Judgment and Mercy
60. Divine Authority and Order
61. God’s Presence and Support
62. Fellowship and Community
63. Divine Leadership
64. Justice and Truth
65. Hope and Renewal
66. Man’s Imperfection and Sin
67. Spiritual Awakening
68. Eternal Mercy
69. Judgment and Spiritual Warfare
70. Completion and Restoration
71. Spiritual Growth and Strength
72. Divine Government and Authority
73. Sanctification and Purity
74. God’s Blessing and Multiplication
75. Victory and Triumph
76. Cleansing and Renewal
77. Double Spiritual Perfection
78. Divine Wisdom and Understanding
79. Spiritual Strength and Endurance
80. New Beginnings and Redemption
81. Faithfulness and God’s Promises
82. Spiritual Authority and Power
83. God’s Guidance and Instruction
84. Judgment and Reconciliation
85. Grace and Abundance
86. Rest and Peace
87. Covenant and Divine Commitment
88. New Creation and Resurrection
89. Divine Protection and Strength
90. Completion and Fulfillment
91. Faith and Endurance
92. Kingdom Expansion and Growth
93. Holiness and Righteousness
94. Justice and Deliverance
95. Preparation for the Next Season
96. Victory and Ultimate Triumph
97. Completion of a Divine Task
98. Harvest and Multiplication
99. Divine Order and Judgment
100. God’s Perfect Authority