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BIBLE HELPS

A collection of biblical facts designed to help

THE OLD TESTAMENT
English Protestant Bibles contain 39 books.
Jews count these books rather differently and group some together to make a total of twenty two books.
Originally all the books which appear in the Old Testament were written in Hebrew.
For our purposes we will group them as follows:-

1 GENESIS Contains stories about creation and the Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the Joseph stories. 20 PROVERBS Collections of wise words. Some going back as far as the time of Solomon

2 EXODUS The story of the Jews escape from Egypt. How the Law was given at Mt Sinai. Also collections of Laws. 21 ECCLESIASTES Pessimistic wisdom literature which claims to be written by Koheleth (the preacher).

3 LEVITICUS Collections of Laws from various periods of Jewish history. 22 SONG OF SOLOMON Love poetry which some claim came from king Solomon.

4 NUMBERS A collection of laws and narratives about the Israelite people as they journeyed through the wilderness. 23 ISAIAH The writings of two prophets from different periods of Israel's history who write under the name "Isaiah".

5 DEUTERONOMY The book claims to be the farewell sermons of Moses, before his death. Some narrative, but much legal material. 24 JEREMIAH The writings of the pre-exilic prophet Jeremiah. A prophet who warned of the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC.

6 JOSHUA Early history of the Israelite people as they entered the land of Canaan after wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. 25 LAMENTATIONS Poetic laments which describe suffering of the Israelite people during the Babylonian exile. These were probably not written by Jeremiah.

7 JUDGES More history of the Israelite people as they began to occupy the land of Canaan. It tells how the land was ruled by a series of Judges. 26 EZEKIEL A visionary prophet who almost certainly lived during the Babylonian exile. His visions of the future gave hope to the Jews of is day.

8 RUTH A beautiful story about a widow and her daughter-in-law. A story of loyalty and friendship. Ruth eventually is shown to be the great-grandmother of King David. 27 DANIEL Apocalyptic literature which describes the life, dreams and visions of a Jewish hero Daniel. His visions tell in colourful language what happens at the end.

9 1SAMUEL The continuing saga of Jewish history. The book describes the life of Samuel and how kingship under Saul and David emerged. 28 HOSEA A prophet of Northern Israel before the fall of that kingdom to the Assyrians. Beautiful poetry which talks in family terms about God's love for his people.

10 2SAMUEL This book describes the reign of king David and his many adventures. These include how he came to power and his capture of Jerusalem. 29 JOEL A varied book of prophecy, which includes some passages of judgement, but also visions of the Day of the Lord

11 1KINGS The end of David's reign, life under King Solomon. The book also tells the story of the prophet Elijah 30 AMOS He was a reluctant prophet who took a message of doom and judgement to Northern Israel.

12 2KINGS The book opens with the stories of Elijah and Elisha. It describes the lives of the remaining kings of Israel and Judah until 587BC 31 OBADIAH A very short book of prophecy, only one chapter. The prophet warns about the impending Day of the Lord.

13 1CHRONICLES The alternative history of kingship in Israel part one. Mainly about the reign of King David. 32 JONAH An obscure prophet sent by God to warn the people of Nineveh. He had an encounter with a large fish!

14 2 CHRONICLES The alternative history of Israel part two. This deals with the remainder of the kings, beginning with Solomon. 33 MICAH A prophet who warned Jerusalem and Samaria of their impending crises. He preached God's judgement, but also the victory of the Lord.

15 EZRA He was a teacher of the law who came to Jerusalem and helped to re-establish the community after the exile. 34 NAHUM Another prophet who warned Assyria and Nineveh of the judgement of God.

16 NEHEMIAH A secular governor of Jerusalem who repaired the walls of the city. He was a contemporary of Nehemiah and he assisted the lawgiver. 35 HABAKKUK A sceptical prophet who asked questions about justice. He warns of judgement but urges faithfulness among the people.

17 ESTHER The story of Esther who is a heroine in so far as she delivers the Jews from persecution by the evil Haman, during the Persian period of Israel's history. The book contains no reference to God. 36 ZEPHANIAH A book of prophetic warning by Zephaniah who lived before the Babylonian Exile. The book describes the coming of the Day of the Lord and the consequences of disobeying God.

18 JOB Wisdom literature about the suffering of the character Job. Job and his friends try to discern why God allows suffering. 37 HAGGAI A post-exilic prophet who saw it as his job to encourage the returning exiles to rebuild the Temple of God in Jerusalem

19 PSALMS A collection of 150 poetic songs which come from the fund of traditional literature in Israel. Some may have even been used in Solomon's Temple 38 ZECHARIAH The book is in two parts. The first also deals with the reconstruction of the Temple, the second is a series of apocalyptic visions.

39 MALACHI A book of post-exilic prophecy which urges the people to be faithful and warns about disobedience. Before the end comes, Elijah will appear.

These Hebrew scriptures were written for Jews and by Jews.
For an example of Hebrew script click here. Hebrew is an ancient oriental language, written from right to left, there are 22 characters, all consonants, no vowels. The vowel sounds are added by the reader. It was a written language, designed to be read in the synagogue and was not developed with speech in mind.
Jews who lived in Palestine at the time of Jesus would have spoken Aramaic, which has similarities to Hebrew.

THE NEW TESTAMENT

A collection of 27 books.
These are Christian books, written by Christians and for Christians.
As with most educated literature of this period, the books were written in Greek.

1 THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW A gospel which may have been written for Jewish Christians. Contains a great deal of Jesus' teaching.	14 2ND LETTER TO THE THESSALONIANS Clearly Paul did not solve all the problems of this church in Thessalonica. A second letter was necessary.
2 THE GOSPEL OF MARK The shortest and most succinct gospel. It has a very dominant passion narrative and very little teaching material for the church. Thought by many to be the earliest gospel	15 1st LETTER TO TIMOTHY This seems to be the first of two personal letters written possibly by Paul to a young friend called Timothy. It contains many regulations for church ministers.
3 THE GOSPEL OF LUKE The first part of a two volume work. A gospel probably written for non-Jews. Shows Jesus' great concern for the poor and the outcasts.	16 2nd LETTER TO TIMOTHY Another personal letter from Paul to Timothy. In many ways it is similar to the first, although somewhat shorter.
4 THE GOSPEL OF JOHN A very different gospel which sees Jesus as part of the eternal living God. Jesus the proclaimed one inspires the faith of his followers.	17 LETTER TO TITUS Another personal letter possibly from Paul to someone called Titus. Like the leter to Timothy it refers to conduct of good church officials.
5 THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES Written by the author of the Gospel of Luke. This volume describes the development and progress of the Christian Church for 30 years after Jesus' death.	18 LETTER TO PHILEMON Philemon seems to have been the master of a runaway slave. Paul sent this letter back with the slave in the hope that the latter might be forgiven.
6. LETTER TO THE ROMANS A letter written by St Paul to the church at Rome. This was not a church founded by Paul and at times he has to be careful how he offers advice.	19 THE LETTER TO THE HEBREWS An unusual letter, not written by Paul. It contrasts the ministry of the Old Testament with the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus.
7 1st LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS The geographical position of Corinth explains to some extent why Paul had so much difficulty with this church. It was a sea port and the church there took some time to adapt to Christianity.	20 THE LETTER OF JAMES Sound teaching from an otherwise unknown writer called James. It seems to show Christian instruction which is slightly different from that given by Paul.
8 2nd LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS More sharp advice from Paul to this challenging church. Two letters exist to Corinth, but it is possible that another two may have been lost.	21 1ST LETTER OF PETER A carefully, well constructed letter by Peter, who may have been the Apostle. It comes under the heading of "instruction".
9 LETTER TO THE GALATIANS Paul gives advice by leter to the people of Galatia about the relevance of the Hebrew Law and their freedom in Christ.	22 2ND LETTER OF PETER Quite a short letter which seems to deal with issues faced by second or third generation Christians. May be the last book to be written for the New Testament.
10 LETTER TO THE EPHESIANS Ephesus was a church with problems that Paul helps them combat. He pleads for unity and that they should be imitators of God.	23 1ST LETTER OF JOHN Very distinctive teaching letter, using the style and themes of the fourth gospel, but not by the same author.
11 LETTER TO THE PHILIPPIANS Many believe that Philippi was one of Paul's favourite places. His letter to the church is full of Christian encouragement, love and appreciation of them.	24 2ND LETTER OF JOHN A very short letter - onlly 13 verses. The shortest book in the New Testament. It is written by "the Elder".
12 LETTER TO THE COLOSSIANS Paul writes in a more philosophical tone to the Church at Colosae. He warns agains secular philosophical speculation and encourages the worshippers to look to Christ as God's chosen ones.	25 3RD LETTER OF JOHN Yet another short letter from the Elder to someone called Gaius.
13 1ST LETTER TO THE THESSALONIANS A very early letter of Paul's to a Church alive with speculations about the return of Christ.	26 THE LETTER OF JUDE A letter of encouragement from someone claiming to be "Jude the brother of James". It is quite specific and unusual in theme.
	27 THE BOOK OF REVELATION Apocalyptic literature about the end. It speaks about the end of time and the victory of Christ.

WOMEN IN THE BIBLE

THE OLD TESTAMENT

Abigail 1 Sam 25:14
Athaliah 2 Kings 8:26 A queen mother
Bathsheba 2 Samuel 11:3 Mother of King Solomon
Bilhah Gen 29:29
Deborah Jud 5 A powerful prophetess and Judge of Israel
Delialah Jud 16:4 Lover and betrayer of Samson
Dinah Gen 30:21 Daughter of Jacob
Eve Gen 3:20 Partner of Adam Retired to Norwich to run a pub! Hagar Gen 16 The mother of Ishmael
Jael Jud 4:17 she killed Sisera - opponent of Israel
Jezebel 1 Kings 16:31 Wife of King Ahab
Keturah Gen 25 Abraham's second wife
Leah Gen 29:16 Elder daughter of Laban, Jacob's uncle
Merab 1 Sam 14:49 Daughter of King Saul
Michal 1 Sam 14:49 Daughter of Saul
Miriam Num 12:2 Sister of Moses
Naomi Ruth 1:2 Ruth's mother-in-law
Orpah Ruth 1:4 Sister-in-law of Ruth
Puah Exodus 1:15 Midwife in Israel
Rachel Gen 29:6 Wife of Jacob
Rebecca Gen 22:24 Wife of Isaac
Ruth Ruth 1:4 Heroine of romantic story in the Old Testament
Sarah or Sarai Gen 17 Wife of Abraham Shiphrah Exodus 1:15 Another Israelite midwife
Ziporah Exod 2:21 Wife of Moses

THE NEW TESTAMENT

Anna Luke 2:36 A prophetess
Aquila Acts 18:2 Friend of St Paul
Candace Acts 8:27 A queen of Ethiopia
Chuza Luke 8:3 One of the women who followed Jesus
Damaris Acts 17:34 Someone Paul encountered
Dorcas Acts 9:36 Raised from the dead by Peter
Elizabeth Luke 1 Mother of John the Baptist
Eunice Acts 16:1 Friend of St Paul
Lois 2 Tim 1:5 An elderly lady known to Paul
Lydia Acts 16 A seller of purple goods
Martha Luke 10:38 Member of a family with whom Jesus stayed
Mary Luke1-2 Mother of Jesus
Mary of Magdala Mark 16:1 Witness to Jesus' resurrection
Salome Mark 16:1 Also one of the women who went to the tomb
Susanna Luke 8:3 One of the women who followed Jesus
Tabitha Acts 9:36 Friend of St Paul

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1 GENESIS Contains stories about creation and the Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the Joseph stories.	20 PROVERBS Collections of wise words. Some going back as far as the time of Solomon
2 EXODUS The story of the Jews escape from Egypt. How the Law was given at Mt Sinai. Also collections of Laws.	21 ECCLESIASTES Pessimistic wisdom literature which claims to be written by Koheleth (the preacher).
3 LEVITICUS Collections of Laws from various periods of Jewish history.	22 SONG OF SOLOMON Love poetry which some claim came from king Solomon.
4 NUMBERS A collection of laws and narratives about the Israelite people as they journeyed through the wilderness.	23 ISAIAH The writings of two prophets from different periods of Israel's history who write under the name "Isaiah".
5 DEUTERONOMY The book claims to be the farewell sermons of Moses, before his death. Some narrative, but much legal material.	24 JEREMIAH The writings of the pre-exilic prophet Jeremiah. A prophet who warned of the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC.
6 JOSHUA Early history of the Israelite people as they entered the land of Canaan after wandering in the wilderness for 40 years.	25 LAMENTATIONS Poetic laments which describe suffering of the Israelite people during the Babylonian exile. These were probably not written by Jeremiah.
7 JUDGES More history of the Israelite people as they began to occupy the land of Canaan. It tells how the land was ruled by a series of Judges.	26 EZEKIEL A visionary prophet who almost certainly lived during the Babylonian exile. His visions of the future gave hope to the Jews of is day.
8 RUTH A beautiful story about a widow and her daughter-in-law. A story of loyalty and friendship. Ruth eventually is shown to be the great-grandmother of King David.	27 DANIEL Apocalyptic literature which describes the life, dreams and visions of a Jewish hero Daniel. His visions tell in colourful language what happens at the end.
9 1SAMUEL The continuing saga of Jewish history. The book describes the life of Samuel and how kingship under Saul and David emerged.	28 HOSEA A prophet of Northern Israel before the fall of that kingdom to the Assyrians. Beautiful poetry which talks in family terms about God's love for his people.
10 2SAMUEL This book describes the reign of king David and his many adventures. These include how he came to power and his capture of Jerusalem.	29 JOEL A varied book of prophecy, which includes some passages of judgement, but also visions of the Day of the Lord
11 1KINGS The end of David's reign, life under King Solomon. The book also tells the story of the prophet Elijah	30 AMOS He was a reluctant prophet who took a message of doom and judgement to Northern Israel.
12 2KINGS The book opens with the stories of Elijah and Elisha. It describes the lives of the remaining kings of Israel and Judah until 587BC	31 OBADIAH A very short book of prophecy, only one chapter. The prophet warns about the impending Day of the Lord.
13 1CHRONICLES The alternative history of kingship in Israel part one. Mainly about the reign of King David.	32 JONAH An obscure prophet sent by God to warn the people of Nineveh. He had an encounter with a large fish!
14 2 CHRONICLES The alternative history of Israel part two. This deals with the remainder of the kings, beginning with Solomon.	33 MICAH A prophet who warned Jerusalem and Samaria of their impending crises. He preached God's judgement, but also the victory of the Lord.
15 EZRA He was a teacher of the law who came to Jerusalem and helped to re-establish the community after the exile.	34 NAHUM Another prophet who warned Assyria and Nineveh of the judgement of God.
16 NEHEMIAH A secular governor of Jerusalem who repaired the walls of the city. He was a contemporary of Nehemiah and he assisted the lawgiver.	35 HABAKKUK A sceptical prophet who asked questions about justice. He warns of judgement but urges faithfulness among the people.
17 ESTHER The story of Esther who is a heroine in so far as she delivers the Jews from persecution by the evil Haman, during the Persian period of Israel's history. The book contains no reference to God.	36 ZEPHANIAH A book of prophetic warning by Zephaniah who lived before the Babylonian Exile. The book describes the coming of the Day of the Lord and the consequences of disobeying God.
18 JOB Wisdom literature about the suffering of the character Job. Job and his friends try to discern why God allows suffering.	37 HAGGAI A post-exilic prophet who saw it as his job to encourage the returning exiles to rebuild the Temple of God in Jerusalem
19 PSALMS A collection of 150 poetic songs which come from the fund of traditional literature in Israel. Some may have even been used in Solomon's Temple	38 ZECHARIAH The book is in two parts. The first also deals with the reconstruction of the Temple, the second is a series of apocalyptic visions.
	39 MALACHI A book of post-exilic prophecy which urges the people to be faithful and warns about disobedience. Before the end comes, Elijah will appear.