Bible Study

Lesson # 1 - History of the Bible

Before we begin, we need to talk about the Bible itself. Who wrote it? When did this take place? It is important to know the history behind the Bible, just as it is important to know the Bible itself. This lesson will provide some history of the Bible, and how it was written and passed down. In today*s world it is more important than ever to have a firm foundation on the Bible, and part of this, I believe, should include some background knowledge of the Bible. As the years go by, the Bible comes under constant attack, and if we are not prepared for these attacks, Satan can destroy our faith in the Bible.

Suppose you were going to write a book like the Bible. To duplicate the uniqueness of how the Bible was written, you would have to do the following:

-Hire 40 different writers representing 19 different occupations, whose lives are scattered over a period of 1600 years and who are writing in

        3 different continents
    -Starting at about 1500 B.C. use the first 1000 years to write 39 chapters in Hebrew
    -After these first 39 chapters, put the book on hold for 400 years and then finish the last 27 chapters in Greek by around 100 A.D.
    -Remember none of your 40 writers can work together on what they are writing since they are separated by time and/or space
    -Take all 66 chapters and compile them together to form your book, and have it all fit together in harmony without the chapters conflicting or

contradicting each other

If you could do all that, you would have duplicated the uniqueness of the Bible.

I. Where did the Bible come from?

The Bible is of Divine Origin. It began with God, not with man. Man was used to write it down, but the inspiration, the very words, came from God.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 "All scripture is given by ___________ of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."

II. Who did the writing?

God used men to write down the words. God worked through each writer*s personality to guide him to write what He wanted written.

2 Peter 1:20-21 "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the ____________________."

III. What about the language?

The Old Testament was written primarily in Hebrew, with a few portions of Daniel written in Aramaic. The New Testament was written primarily in Greek, with a few portions is Aramaic. The Greek that was used was called "Koine" or "common" Greek. It is no longer used. It is a dead language. If one were to go to Greece today and speak in Koine Greek, people would have difficulty understanding it.

IV. What is the Canon?

The word "Canon" refers to the 66 books that make up the Bible. These were the books that were recognized and accepted as the authoritative and inspired word of God.

The Canon is determined by:

A. Authority- One can frequently find the phrase "Thus saith the Lord..." throughout the Old Testament. Other phrases such as "As it is written..." can also be found. Books that claim specifically that God is speaking. Did the books give evidence of being divinely inspired?

B. Authenticity- No doctrinal errors are found when compared with previous revelation. Did they contain fabulous statements, or seem to contradict themselves? Did they contain anti-scriptural practices, such as, magical incantations, prayers for the dead, suicide? The Apocryphal books were written during the *silent years* of the Bible. (400 B.C. to the birth of Christ) None of these were written in Hebrew. They are mostly historical accounts of the captivity years in Babylon, or the persecutions under Antiochus Epiphanes. They do contain historical and geographical errors. In the books of the Maccabees, Antiochus is made to die three different deaths.

C. Acceptance- By the faithful Christians to whom the Bible was written. Letters/Epistles accepted by early Christians who personally knew the authors. Also known as church fathers. There were many books that were in circulation that were considered non-inspired. These include: The Shepherd Of Hermas, The Epistle of Barnabas, Judith, Bel And The Dragon, I & II Esdras, I-IV Maccabees plus others. The O.T. canon seems to have been set by about 400 B.C. with the help of Ezra and the members of the Great Synagogue. The Apocryphal books were written after this.

D. Prophetic Authorship- Was the writer a prophet? Was he prophesying? Prophets and Apostles were recognized as having been chosen by God for other service. Therefore their writings were considered credible and carried the weight of divine authority. Prophets emphasized the law, but considered their own works equally binding.

E. Apostolicity- Was the book written by an apostle or someone who had a close relation to an apostle? Every author of the N.T. actually knew Jesus personally, had contact with Him, and walked the earth with Him with the exception of ______________. Paul had his own experience with God.

V. Bible Dates

Dates are important to keep Bible history straight. It is difficult for most people to remember a long list of dates. Keep in focus the major dates, this will help in understanding the Bible.

Bible scholars agree closely on dates as far back as Abraham (about 2000 B.C.). Beyond this point it is difficult to be sure of chronology. One of thing to remember is the Hebrew expression, "Son of John" might actually mean a grandson, great-grandson, or great-great-grandson.

In Matthew 1:1 Jesus is the Son of ____________ and the Son of Abraham. We know there are 28 generations between Jesus and David and 42 between Jesus and Abraham. We can be safe in saying the date of Adam was at or around 4000 B.C. Don*t let this be a point of controversy.

VI. Present Influences from the Bible

There are many reasons why the Bible is unique. Among them is the Bible*s influence. No other book has influenced mankind the way the Bible has. From the Ten Commandments to the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Bible*s influence can be seen throughout many aspects of our everyday lives.

Contact us for a handout on the influences the Bible has had in our lives and the influence of when the Bible is removed from our schools and lives.

If you enjoyed this study and would like more please contact us for the next lesson. We can email, mail or drop it by.

If you would like a copy of the King James Bible please let us know.