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Chapter 1: General Information of the Bible

Sections

  1. The Bible Is...
  2. Names of the Bible
  3. Purpose of the Bible
  4. Comparison of the Old and New Testaments
  5. Old Testament Overview
  6. New Testament Overview
  7. Principle Characters of the Bible
  8. Principle Places of the Bible
  9. Principle Events of the Bible

1. The Bible Is…

The Bible is God's written Revelation of His will to men.

God wrote no other book than the Bible. There is no other physical evidence of the details of God's will and His person than the Bible. Only by reading the Bible can we be sure of so many questions regarding God.

Who is God?

What is God like?

What does God want?

What is God's plan?

Why does God do what He does?, Etc.

In the Bible, God has provided the details of His will and the expression of His love for humanity. All other supposed revelation must harmonize with this great Book. The Holy Bible is the standard for all life--temporal and eternal!

The Bible is all about Salvation through Jesus Christ.

The Bible's central theme is salvation through Jesus Christ. ("central" main, chief, basic theme - a topic, as of a lecture.)

The Bible is Translated Today from Much Older Languages

The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew (with a small percentage in Aramaic.) The New Testament was originally written in Greek. The English King James Version is a translation from these original languages. To "translate" means to change from one language to another.

The Bible is ONE

The Bible is one book, one history, and one story--HIS STORY [God's Story]! We call it the HOLY Bible because it is God's Word and not merely the story of men. The word HOLY means sacred, pure, blameless, or religious, consecrated. The Bible is a divine book yet God used people to express His Divine truths. Holy men (human element) wrote as they were moved upon by the Holy Ghost (Divine element). Because it is God's Word, we cannot dispose of one book or passage of the Bible.

The Bible has 66 books, 39 in the OT and 27 in the NT. The Divine revelation of the Bible moves smoothly from the beginning in Genesis to its ending in Revelation. Genesis is a book of origins; Revelation is a book of endings. The books of the Bible in-between are God's redeeming words to a wrecked, ruined world. Each book of the Bible has its own message, yet in its entirety a complete message of salvation to man can be seen.

2. Names of the Bible

Holy Bible

The actual word bible appears nowhere within the text of the Bible. The word bible comes to us from the Greek word biblios which means "books". The word biblios was originally used to refer to the papyrus reed used in the making of ancient paper. The English word bible means "books". The Holy Bible refers to the collection of Holy books.

The Bible's Names for Itself

The Book

Genesis 5:1--This is the book of the generations of Adam.
Psalm 40:7--Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, (Heb. 10:7)
Matthew 1:1--The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Luke 4:17--And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,

Testament

The word testament means covenant or agreement. The Bible books under the old covenant are called the Old Testament and the Bible books under the new covenant are called the New Testament.

II Corinthians 3:14--But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.
II Corinthians 3:6--;Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

Scripture

The word scripture means "writings". This word is used to refer to sacred writings, and is usually used in connection with the Bible. Jesus refers to the writings of the prophet Isaiah as the Scripture (Lk. 4:21). Jesus questions the chief priests and elders: "Did ye never read in the Scriptures…" (Mt. 21:42) Jesus again used this word when talking to the Sadducces: "Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God". (Mt. 22:29) Other references: Lk. 24:27, Rom. 1:2, Rom. 15:4, II Tim. 3:15-16; I Peter 1:20

The Word of God

This is the most significant, powerful, and complete name for the Holy Bible. The Bible is the God's written and recorded word to man. The Bible is not the word of man. The Bible is the Word of God. References: Mk. 7:13, Rom. 10:17, II Cor. 2:17.

Hebrews 4:12--;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.

3. Purpose of the Bible

The Purpose of the Bible

The Bible was written that men might believe, understand, know, love, and follow Christ.

That men might believe that Jesus is the Christ. The main theme of the Bible is redemption through Jesus Christ. The word christ means "the anointed one", and refers to the Messiah. Men need to believe that Jesus is the Savior. The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes. (Rom. 1:16)

John 20:31--But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

That men might understand who Christ is. Jesus reveals Himself through His Word. The Bible tells us that the Scriptures testify of Jesus. Men need to understand through the Word that Jesus is the messiah; He is the savior and the only source of Salvation.

John 5:39--Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

That men might know Christ. The Bible helps men to know Christ. The songwriter stated, "I'm glad I know who Jesus is!" Paul desired to know Christ in a greater way. Christians can know who Jesus is, and also know Him in a personal way sharing fellowship with Him.

John 17:3--And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

That men might love Christ. According to the Scripture, in order for a man to love Christ he must keep the Words of Christ which are contained in the Bible. We need to study the Bible so that we can obey the Word of God and love Jesus.

John 14:23--…a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him…
I John 2:5--But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected…

That men might follow Christ. The word Christian means "one who follows Christ." The Bible was written that men might follow Christ.

John 10:27--My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
John 12:26--If any man serve me, let him follow me…

The Bible reveals the purpose and plan of God.

Concerning Salvation. The Bible explains that salvation is received through faith in Jesus and reveals man's need of salvation.

John 3:16--For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Concerning the Church. The plan of God for His Church is that she should be glorious, holy and without blemish. There is much instruction given to the Church in the Bible.

Ephesians 5:27--That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Concerning the last days. The Bible reveals God's plan for the last days. We understand from the Bible that we are living in the last days and God gave us warning of what would come to pass in these last days.

II Timothy 3:1--This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

The Bible is God's written Word to man.

1. It is a sure Word of prophecy. The Bible is the infallible Word of God. It does not merely contain God's Word, but is God's Word. The Bible is a sure word in a dark hour.

II Peter 1:19-21--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 Holy Ghost. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; where unto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 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 Holy Ghost.

It is a solid foundation. (I Cor. 3:11) The Word of God is a solid foundation of our faith. Jesus is the Rock of our salvation. Jesus is the Word that became flesh. When everything else is sinking; the Word of God will not fail.

I Corinthian 3:11--For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

It is the infallible, inspired Word of God. The word inspiration means "God breathed." There is life in the Word which is the very breath of God. God's Word is without error or contradiction.

II Timothy 3:16--All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

The Bible is the final authority.

1. Preaching and teaching must be founded upon God's Word. (II Tim. 4:2) Paul told Timothy to preach the Word. The Word is the foundation for our faith. (Rom. 10:17) What we believe and preach must be in harmony with the Bible.

Every question must be settled with the Word of God. The Bible must be the absolute authority in every area of question in the lives of men. The authority of the Word of God must never be questioned by the saint of God. This is why we need to know beyond all doubt that we have the Word of God today.

4. Comparison of the Old and New Testaments

OLD TESTAMENT & NEW TESTAMENT: COMPARED

Both begin with Divinity.

The Old Testament begins with God. -- Genesis 1:1

The New Testament begins with Christ. -- Matthew 1:1

Both share the same theme.

Salvation through Jesus Christ is the central theme of both Testaments.

Romans 1:16; I Peter 1:10; Isaiah 56:1; 59:17

The Old Testament looks forward by faith to the cross. Redemption through the blood of Jesus was God's plan for the Old Testament, and is God's plan for the New Testament.

Revelation 13:8--And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

The plan of God since the beginning of time was for Jesus who is the Lamb of God to shed His Divine Blood to purchase our salvation.

The New Testament looks back at the finished work of the cross.

Both center on Christ.

The Old Testament is full of prophecies of Christ. These are called Messianic Prophecies. The Old Testament contains many shadows and types that point to Christ. The law is a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ. -- Gal. 3:24 Christ is the fulfilling of the law. (Galatians 3:24; Romans 10:4)

Matthew 5:17--Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
Christ is the predominant person of the New Testament. Jesus is the mediator of the New Covenant. -- Heb. 12:24 (Heb. 8:6; 9:15)

5. Old Testament Overview

O.T. Overview

Psalm 119:105 -- Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education. -Theodore Roosevelt
The Bible will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from the Bible. -D.L. Moody

In the front of most Bibles is an index of all sixty-six books. From this index we can find where to turn to find each book. This is an invaluable aid to the novice but should not be used as a crutch for the serious Bible student. People spend much time developing their craft and honing their skills. The Christian ought to diligently and daily improve their knowledge of the Scriptures. One way we can increase our knowledge of the Bible is to memorize the names of the Books of the Bible in their order.

PENTATEUCH

The first five books of the Bible are called the "Pentateuch". Pentateuch means "five scrolls". These have been called the books of Moses and by the Jews "The Torah" or "The Law".

Genesis

Genesis the book of beginnings. This book contains the account of the creation of the entire universe. It contains the record of the early history of Abraham and Israel.

Exodus

Exodus contains Israel"s sojourn into Egypt and their deliverance from the bondage of Egypt. The Ten Commandments and Israel" journey to Canaan are also included.

Leviticus

Leviticus is The Book of the Laws of God concerning mainly with worship and the ministry of the priesthood. Indelibly marked in Leviticus is the supreme importance of the Blood.

Numbers

The book of Israel"s forty years of wandering in the wilderness.

Deuteronomy

This contains a repetition or re-giving of the Laws of God.

HISTORY

Joshua

A record of the conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua, and the division of the land among the twelve tribes.

Judges

The history of the deliverance of the land under the Judges.

Ruth

Story of a gentile lady who marries Boaz becoming part of the line of Christ.

I& II Samuel

The history of Samuel and the early years of the kings Saul and David.

I&II Kings

The early history of the kingdom of Israel and of the divided kingdom. The prophets Elijah and Elisha appear in these books.

I&II Chronicles

A record of the reigns of David and Solomon and the kings of Judah up to the time of the captivity.

Ezra

A record of the return of the Jews from captivity, and the rebuilding of the temple.

Nehemiah

Describes the rebuilding of Jerusalem"s walls and re-establishing of the Law.

Esther

Israel"s and Esther"s story of deliverance from the wicked plot of Haman.

POETRY

Job

Tells the story of the affliction of Job and his victory over this affliction. Probably the oldest book of the Bible.

Psalms

A collection of poems, prayers, and spiritual songs.

Proverbs

A collection of moral and religious discourses and instructions in wisdom.

Ecclesiastes

Reflections on the vanity of life and man's duties to God.

Song of Solomon

Five songs symbolizing the love between Christ and His Bride.

MAJOR PROPHETS

Isaiah

The great prophet of the redemption. Isaiah warns Israel not to sin.

Jeremiah

The weeping prophet who lamented over the sins of his people. The warning to repent or face the judgment of God.

Lamentations

An account of the lamenting of the prophet Jeremiah.

Ezekiel

Ezekiel the prophet portrays the backslidden condition of God"s people.

Daniel

A record of some of the events under the captivity. The book contains end-time visions and prophecies given by God to Daniel.

MINOR PROPHETS

Hosea

Contemporary with Isaiah and Micah. The Apostasy of Israel is the central thought of the book.

Joel

A prophet of Judah who calls the nation to repentance. The book contains end-time prophecy and the promise of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Amos

The herdsman prophet. He denounces the sins of the people.

Obadiah

The doom of Edom and the final deliverance of Israel.

Jonah

The reluctant prophet who did not want to go to Nineveh as instructed by God. God got his attention in the belly of a whale and he went to Nineveh as instructed.

Micah

This book shows the bad moral condition of Israel and Judah.

Nahum

Foretells the destruction of Nineveh. Judah is promised deliverance from Assyria.

Habakkuk

Written in the Chaldean period. Speaks of the providence of God in allowing judgment to come to Israel.

Zephaniah

Contains the vision of the future glory of Israel.

Haggai

A contemporary of Zechariah. He reproves the people for slackness in building the second temple. There is a promise of a great returning of the glory of God to the temple.

Zechariah

He helped to stir the Jews to rebuild the temple.

Malachi

Portrays the closing period of Old Testament history. He tells of the need for reform before the coming of the Messiah.

6. New Testament Overview

New Testament Overview

Gospels

The word Gospel means: good news. The Gospels tell the Good News of Jesus Christ. They are not biographies and do not relate every event in the life of Christ.

Matthew. Matthew writes as 'an Israelite indeed,' a guileless converted Jew instructing his brethren. He often quotes from the Old Testament and emphasizes the Messiahship of Christ.

Mark. Mark wrote primarily for the Romans (i.e., frequent explanations of Jewish customs). Mark is factual and action driven in style and emphasizes the Servanthood of Christ.

Luke. Luke represents Christ as the compassionate Friend of sinners, the Savior of the world. It is the the gospel of the universal grace of God. It is addressed to the gentiles and emphasizes the Humanity of Christ with its repetition of the title "son of man."

John. John reveals Christ as the Son of God manifested in flesh. It is a spiritual, rather than historical gospel, omitting many things chronicled by the other evangelists, and containing much more than they do in details of spiritual concepts. John emphasizes the Divinity of Christ and contains the key verse of the Bible: John 3:16.

History

Acts contains the record of the birth of the Church on the day of Pentecost. This is the history of the development of the early Church.

Pauline Epistles

An Epistle is a letter. These are Holy Ghost inspired letters written to the Church.

Romans. The main theme is justification by faith. Paul addresses Christian duties in the second half of the book.

I&II Corinthians. Addressed to the Corinthian Church. The book deals with the cleansing of the church from error. Paul gives instruction to the church. This word still applies to the church today.

Galatians. Addressed to the Churches in Galatia. Paul expounds on Justification by faith and warns the church about reverting to Judaism.

Ephesians. Addressed to the Church at Ephesus. The main theme is the unity of the saints. Paul encourages unity between the converted Jews and Gentile saints.

Philippians. Addressed to the Philippian Church. Jesus Christ is the central message.

Colossians. Addressed to the Church at Colossae. Christ is emphasized as the head of the Church. Paul encourages the Church and also warns them against false doctrine.

I&II Thessalonians. Addressed to the Church in Thessalonica. Paul encourages the church. These Epistles deal with the second coming of Christ.

I&II Timothy. Paul counsels young Timothy in the ministry. Paul admonishes Timothy to preach the Word. These counsels and exhortations apply to anyone in the ministry.

Titus. Paul deals with ministerial duties. Good works are encouraged in this Epistle.

Philemon. A letter written by Paul to Philemon concerning the runaway slave Onesimus. Paul pleads with Philemon to forgive Onesimus who had been converted and to restore him. Paul leads by example in forgiving Onesimus and helping to care for his physical needs.

Hebrews. This Epistle is directed to the Hebrew converts. The author is not named in the book. It was probably another of Paul"s Epistles. The epistle sets forth Christ as the messiah and His fulfillment as Prophet, Priest, And King.

General Epistles

James. This Epistle was probably written by James the Lord"s brother. It deals with the concept that faith without works is dead. This deals with practical religion and the character of a true Christian.

I&II Peter Written by the Apostle Peter to encourage and strengthen the Church. The promise of the reserved inheritance is revealed in this Epistle. Peter encourages believers to receive the great and precious promises of God. This Epistle emphasizes the inspiration of Scripture. This Epistle contains a warning against false prophets.

I,II&II John. Written by the Apostle John. God is life, light, and righteous love. A warning against error and false teachers. An admonition to walk in the truth.

Jude. A call to contend for the faith that was once delivered to the saints. An alarm to be on guard against false teachers.

Prophecy

Revelation. Received by John on the Isle of Patmos in AD 100. Contains prophesies and visions concerning the last days and the end of the age.

7. Principle Characters of the Bible

Principle Characters of the Bible

Principle Characters of the Old Testament

God--The Bible tells us that God is a spirit (John 4:24). God is the infinite and perfect Spirit in whom all things have their source, support and end. (Strong) God is more than a character of the Bible; God is the source of all creation. The Bible reveals God to man.

Satan--The word Satan means accuser. He is the Accuser of the brethren. - Revelation 12:10. Satan is also called the devil. God did not create the devil. God created the angel Lucifer who fell because of sin and became the devil. -Is. 14:12, Lk.10:18.

Adam--God made Adam, the first man, and placed him in the Garden of Eden. It was by him that sin was introduced into the human race. -Rom. 5:12

Eve--God made Eve, the first woman, from one of Adam's ribs. -Genesis 2:21-22

Cain--Adam's first son. He was a tiller of the ground. Cain killed his brother Abel and became the first murder. -Gen. 4;1

Abel--Adam's second son who was murdered by Cain. He was a shepherd. Gen. 4:2

Seth--Adam's third son. - Gen. 5:3

Noah--Built an ark to preserve life on the earth. Gen. 6:13-22

Abram--God called Abram to leave his home and go to an unknown land where God would make him the father of a mighty nation, thus began the history of the Hebrews. Gen. 12:1-3 God changed his name from Abram high father to Abraham father of a multitude. Gen. 17:5

Isaac--Son promised to Abraham in his old age and the covenant son. Gen. 17:19

Jacob--His name was changed by God to Israel. His twelve sons would form the tribes of the nation of Israel. Gen. 32:28

Joseph--A son of Jacob who was sold into Egypt as a slave. God promoted him to second in the kingdom and used him to preserve Egypt and Israel. Jacob and his family came to dwell in Goshen a district of Egypt. Gen. 37:36,42:1-3.

Pharaoh--The title of the ruler of Egypt. The Children of Israel became slaves in Egypt for 400 years. God hardened the heart of the Pharaoh who ruled at the time of the Exodus and delivered Israel out of Egypt with a mighty hand. Ex. 1:11-14, 6:1

Moses--God raised up Moses to bring the Children of Israel out of Egypt. He received the Law and the pattern for the Tabernacle on Mt. Sinai. He led Israel for 40 years. Ex. 3:10-12

Aaron--Brother of Moses and the first High Priest of the Levitical order. Ex. 28:1-3

Caleb--One of the spies Moses' sent out who brought back a good report. Nu. 13:30

Joshua--He was chosen by God to be the successor of Moses. Joshua led Israel in the conquest of Canaan. -Nu. 27:18-23

Judges--There were 15 judges that ruled Israel after the death of Joshua. Also, the name of a book in the O.T.

Ruth--Moabitess who returned to Bethlehem with Naomi. Her husband died in Moab before her return to Bethlehem. Ruth married Boaz and became part of Christ's lineage.

Samuel--Called as a boy and became one of Israel's greatest prophets. I Sam. 3:20

Saul--The first king of Israel. I Sam. 15:1

David--The shepherd boy who slew Goliath. God chose him to be king over Israel in the place of Saul. II Sam. 5:3-12

Solomon--A son of David and his successor as king. God granted him favor to ask for anything he chose. He prayed for an understanding heart and God made him the wisest of all men. He built the temple which became known as Solomon's Temple. I Kings 3:5-12

Elijah--A mighty prophet of God. He pronounced a drought upon Israel because of Sin. He prayed down fire from heaven in a showdown with the prophets of baal on Mt. Carmel. He overcame death and was taken to heaven in a fiery chariot. -II Kings 2:11

Elisha--The servant of Elijah who was chosen by God to take his place as prophet to Israel. I Kings 19:16

Isaiah--He saw a vision of God high and lifted up and the glory of God filled the temple. The prophet who warned Israel to repent or face the judgment of God. -Is. 6:1

Jeremiah--He was called to be a prophet of God from the womb. He was referred to as the weeping prophet who travailed over the sins of Israel. -Jer. 1:5

Ezekiel--He foretold the capture of Jerusalem because of their sin. -Ezk. 3:4

Daniel--Carried off by Nebuchadnezzar among the captives of Jerusalem. He interpreted Nebuchadnezzar's dream foretelling the progression of Empires. He received visions concerning the end times and was prominent in both the Babylonian and Persian Empires. -Dan. 1:6

Ezra--Priest and scribe who returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. -Ezra 7:6

Nehemiah--He was a cup bearer who returned to Jerusalem and was a leader in the rebuilding of the temple. -Described in the book of Nehemiah.

Esther--The queen of Ahasuerus who was a king in a province of Persia. She was used by God to stop a plot to destroy her people the Jews. Described in the book of Esther

Principle Characters of the New Testament

John the Baptist--The forerunner of the Christ. He baptized those who repented of their sins in the river of Jordan. Mt. 3:5-6

Jesus Christ--The only begotten Son of God. The main figure of the New Testament. The entire N.T. especially centers around the human ministry of Christ, but the entirety of Biblical revelation concerns Him in one way or another.

The 12 Disciples--Called and taught by Jesus; they would become the leaders of the N.T. church.

Peter

Peter's name was Simon (meaning "reed"), but Christ called him "Peter" meaning stone or rock. Legend says Peter was crucified on a cross like Jesus, but upside down.

Andrew, Peter's brother

James the son of Zebedee

John, James' brother

Philip (the Evangelist)

The Deacon and Evangelist (Acts 6:5; 21:8; Eph 4:11). Having four daughters who were endowed with the gift of prophecy (Acts 2:17; 21:8-9). After the death of Stephen, he preached the gospel in Samaria including to the Ethiopian eunuch with great success, and wrought many miracles.

Bartholomew

Thomas

Matthew the Publican

James the son of Alphaeus

Thaddaeus

Simon the Canaanite

Judas Iscariot

Stephen--One of the seven deacons first chosen by the church at Jerusalem, and distinguished among them as "a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost." He was stoned to death by the Sanhedrin of which Saul of Tarsus was a member for his supposed heresy. Stephen's death was the start of an intense persecution effort led by Saul, which resulted in a greater spread of the Gospel. (Acts 8:1,4; 11:19-21)

Paul--Raised up to be the Apostle to the Gentiles. He was the human vessel that gave us most of the N.T. Acts 9:15

8. Principle Places of the Bible

Principle Places of the Bible

This section is intended to help the Bible student visualize the lands of Bible Times. Following will be a list of the principal places of the Bible with a brief explanation of what happened at each place. Memorizing these places and knowing what happened at each place will give you an overview of the entire Bible. Much more attention and detail is given to these Bible lands in the Bible Atlas course.

O.T. PRINCIPAL PLACES

NAME DESCRIPTION TEXT
Eden God made man and placed him in the Garden of Eden. The location of the fall of man. Scripture locates Eden in the midst of four rivers. Gen. 2:8-14
Mt. Ararat The place where Noah's ark came to rest after the flood. Gen. 8:1-5
Mesopotamia The land between the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers. Acts 7:2
Babel The tower was built to reach heaven and God caused men to speak in different languages. Babel means confusion. Gen. 10:10; 11:4
Ur of Chaldees Where Abram was first called to go to Canaan. The land of what would later become Babylon. Neh. 9:7
Canaan The Promised Land where Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob dwelt. Conquered later by Joshua and each tribe was given a portion. Gen. 12:5
Egypt Where Joseph was sold into slavery. Israel became slaves for 400 years. Moses led Israel out of Egypt. Gen. 12:10
Mt. Sinai Where Moses first saw the burning bush and would later receive the Law and the pattern for the tabernacle. Ex. 19:11
Wilderness The children of Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years because of unbelief. Acts 7:42
Assyria Captives of Israel were taken into Assyria. 2 Kings 18:11
Babylon Captives of Judah were taken into Babylon. Daniel was among these captives. Daniel 1:1

  • Roll Over Map Place Names for a description:
  • CanaanEgyptMt. SinaiWilderness?EdenMt. AraratAssyria?Babel/BabylonUr of Chaldees

    N.T. PRINCIPAL PLACES

    NAME DESCRIPTION TEXT
    Bethlehem Place of the nativity--birth of Christ in a manger. Luke 2:7
    Galilee was divided into three provinces, Judea, Samaria, and Galilee, which included the whole northern section of the country (Acts 9:31), and was the largest of the three. Luke 4:14
    Gethsemane Christ's place of prayer and betrayal by Judas. Matt. 26:39
    Golgotha Location of the Christ's crucifixion. "The place of a skull." Mark 15:22-28
    Jerusalem called also: Salem, Ariel, Jebus, the "city of God," the 'holy city;"once 'the city of Judah"The location of the birth of the NT Church. Acts 1:8 (2 Chr. 25:28)
    Samaria Samaria occupied the centre of Palestine but is not regarded as a part of the Holy Land at all. The distance between Samaria and Jerusalem, the respective capitals of the two kingdoms, is only 35 miles in a direct line. John 4:1-5

    9. Principle Events of the Bible

    Creation--The account of the creation of the world. -- Genesis 1,2

    Fall of Man-- Eve was persuaded by the serpent to eat of the forbidden fruit. Adam also ate of the fruit that was given to him by Eve. The Bible tells us that Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Rom. 5:12 This account of the first sin is referred to as the fall of man.

    The Flood-- God told Noah that He would destroy all flesh because of the sin of man. God instructed Noah build an Ark to save him and his family. God instructed Noah to bring two of every unclean animal and seven of every clean animal into the ark. Genesis 6

    Call of Abram-- The LORD called Abram out of the Ur of the Chaldees. God told him He would show him the way to a different land. Abram received the promise that he would become a great nation. The land of Canaan was the land that God would lead him to. Abram received the promise that all families would be blessed in Abram. This is a promise that the Messiah would come from the seed of Abram. Gen. 12:1-3

    Egyptian Bondage-- Jacob sent his sons to Egypt to buy bread because there was a famine in the land. God put Joseph second in command of all Egypt. Jacob and his sons came to live in Goshen a province of Egypt to keep the Children of Israel alive during the time of famine. A pharaoh eventually rose to power that enslaved the Hebrews.

    Exodus-- God raised up Moses to deliver Israel out of Egypt. God led Israel out of Egypt with a mighty hand. This exit from Egypt is referred to as the Exodus.

    Giving of the Law-- Moses received the Law of God on Mt. Sinai. God gave him The Ten Commandments on two tables of stone.

    Wilderness Wanderings-- The Children of Israel wandered in the wilderness for forty years because of sin. God would not allow them to enter the Promised Land because of their unbelief. Heb. 3:19

    Conquest of Canaan-- God raised up Joshua to lead Israel into the Promised Land. The account of Israel possessing the Promised Land is called the conquest of Canaan.

    Building of the Temple-- God used Solomon to build a permanent place of worship. Israel used a moveable place of worship called the tabernacle while they were on route to Canaan. God instructed Solomon to build a permanent place of worship when they became established in the land.

    Babylonian Captivity-- God allowed Israel to be overcome by Babylon because of their sin. The Temple was destroyed and the golden vessels were carried away. There were three distinct times when Israel were taken captive and brought to Babylon.

    Temple Rebuilt-- God raised up Ezra and Nehemiah to rebuild the Temple.

    Birth of Christ-- Christ was born in Bethlehem according to prophecy. The birth of Christ is the central event of all history. Dates are recorded as BC before Christ and AD in the year of our Lord.

    Crucifixion of Christ-- Jesus came to purchase man's salvation. Christ was crucified to be the supreme sacrifice for the sins of humanity.

    Resurrection of Christ-- Jesus arose from the dead. Through death He destroyed him that had the power over death; that is the devil. Heb. 2:14

    Day of Pentecost-- The church was birthed on the Day of Pentecost. This was the day that God gave the gift of the baptism of the Holy Ghost.