The Bible An Introduction

What does "Holy Bible" mean ?What does "Holy Bible" mean ?

The word "Bible" comes from the Greek wordThe word "Bible" comes from the Greek word " "biblosbiblos" meaning "book". "Holy" is a word m" meaning "book". "Holy" is a word meaning "set apart" or "separate", with the idea eaning "set apart" or "separate", with the idea of being set apart or dedicated by or for God. of being set apart or dedicated by or for God. Therefore the name "Holy Bible" was given to Therefore the name "Holy Bible" was given to this book because it was seen to be God's inspithis book because it was seen to be God's inspired Word, thus making it separate from all othred Word, thus making it separate from all other books ever written.er books ever written.

When was the Bible written?When was the Bible written?

The Bible is in fact a collection of books or The Bible is in fact a collection of books or writings that were written over a period of writings that were written over a period of approximately 1600 years by many different approximately 1600 years by many different writers. The first books were written by Moses writers. The first books were written by Moses about 1500BC, while the last was written by about 1500BC, while the last was written by John the ApostleJohn the Apostle around 100AD.around 100AD.

Why is the Bible divided into the Old and New Why is the Bible divided into the Old and New Testaments?Testaments?

The translators divided these books into the The translators divided these books into the Old and New Testaments many years after Old and New Testaments many years after they were written. The Old Testament contains they were written. The Old Testament contains 39 books that were written in Hebrew before 39 books that were written in Hebrew before the birth of Christ, while the New Testament the birth of Christ, while the New Testament contains 27 books that were written in Greek contains 27 books that were written in Greek after Christ. after Christ.

Old TestamentOld TestamentGenesis Genesis 创世纪 创世纪 Exodus Exodus 出埃及记出埃及记 Leviticus Leviticus 利末记利末记Numbers Numbers 民数记 民数记 Deuteronomy Deuteronomy 申命记 申命记 Joshua Joshua 约书亚记约书亚记Judges Judges 士师记 士师记 Ruth Ruth 路的记 路的记 1 Samuel 1 Samuel 撒母耳记上 撒母耳记上 2 Samuel 2 Samuel 撒母耳记下撒母耳记下1 Kings 1 Kings 列王记上 列王记上 2 Kings 2 Kings 列王记下列王记下1 Chronicles 1 Chronicles 历代志上 历代志上 2 Chronicles2 Chronicles 历代志下历代志下EzraEzra 以斯拉记 以斯拉记 NehemiahNehemiah 尼希米记尼希米记Esther Esther 以斯帖记 以斯帖记 Job Job 约伯记 约伯记 Psalms Psalms 诗篇 诗篇 Proverbs Proverbs 箴言箴言Ecclesiastes Ecclesiastes 传道书 传道书 Song of Songs Song of Songs 雅歌雅歌Isaiah Isaiah 以赛亚书 以赛亚书 Jeremiah Jeremiah 耶利米书 耶利米书 Lamentations Lamentations 耶利米哀歌耶利米哀歌Ezekiel Ezekiel 以西结书 以西结书 Daniel Daniel 但以理书 但以理书 Hosea Hosea 何西阿书何西阿书JoelJoel 约珥书 约珥书 Amos Amos 阿摩司书 阿摩司书 ObadiahObadiah 俄巴底亚书 俄巴底亚书 JonahJonah 约拿书 约拿书 MicahMicah 弥迦书 弥迦书 NahumNahum 那鸿书那鸿书HabakkukHabakkuk 哈巴谷书 哈巴谷书 ZephaniahZephaniah 西番雅书 西番雅书 HaggaiHaggai 哈该书哈该书ZechariahZechariah 撒迦利亚书 撒迦利亚书 MalachiMalachi 玛拉基书玛拉基书

New TestamentsNew TestamentsMatthewMatthew 马太福音 马太福音 MarkMark 马可福音马可福音LukeLuke 路加福音 路加福音 JohnJohn 约翰福音约翰福音ActsActs 使徒行传 使徒行传 RomansRomans 罗马书罗马书1Corinthians1Corinthians 哥林多前书 哥林多前书 2Corinthians2Corinthians 哥林多后书哥林多后书GalatiansGalatians 加拉太书 加拉太书 EphesiansEphesians 以弗所书以弗所书PhilippiansPhilippians 腓立比书 腓立比书 ColossiansColossians 歌罗西书歌罗西书1Thessalonians1Thessalonians 帖撒罗尼迦前书 帖撒罗尼迦前书 2Thessalonians2Thessalonians 帖撒罗尼迦后书帖撒罗尼迦后书1Timothy1Timothy 提摩太前书 提摩太前书 2Timothy2Timothy 提摩太后书提摩太后书TitusTitus 提多书 提多书 PhilemonPhilemon 腓利门书 腓利门书 HebrewsHebrews 希伯来书 希伯来书 JamesJames 雅各书 雅各书 1Peter1Peter 彼得前书 彼得前书 2Peter2Peter 彼得后书 彼得后书 JohnJohn 约翰一书 约翰一书 JohnJohn 约翰二书 约翰二书 JohnJohn 约翰三书约翰三书JudeJude 犹大书 犹大书 RevelationRevelation 启示录启示录

Brief Bible StoryBrief Bible Story

Adam and Eve in the Garden of EdenAdam and Eve in the Garden of Eden

God created the heavens and the earth God created the heavens and the earth and everything was very good. and everything was very good. AdamAdam and and Eve Eve could eat from any tree, except one, could eat from any tree, except one, in in the Garden of Edenthe Garden of Eden. God warned them . God warned them that if they ate from it they would die.that if they ate from it they would die.

The fallThe fall

TheThe serpent serpent ((SatanSatan) tempted Eve to eat ) tempted Eve to eat from the forbidden tree. Eve convinced from the forbidden tree. Eve convinced Adam to eat the fruit. Both Adam and Eve Adam to eat the fruit. Both Adam and Eve were disobedient and ignored the warning were disobedient and ignored the warning of God.of God.

Exile from the Garden of EdenExile from the Garden of Eden

Adam's disobedience brought Adam's disobedience brought sinsin into the into the world and caused God to drive Adam and world and caused God to drive Adam and Eve from the paradise Garden of Eden. Eve from the paradise Garden of Eden. God placed an angel with a flaming sword God placed an angel with a flaming sword at the entrance of the Garden to keep at the entrance of the Garden to keep them from returning.them from returning.

Cain and AbelCain and AbelCain and Abel were brothers. Abel chose to be a Cain and Abel were brothers. Abel chose to be a shepherd, while Cain became a farmer. At a timeshepherd, while Cain became a farmer. At a timeappointed by God, Cain brought his harvest from theappointed by God, Cain brought his harvest from the field as an offering unto the Lord, but Abel brought afield as an offering unto the Lord, but Abel brought alamb. The Lord showed respect toward Abel and hislamb. The Lord showed respect toward Abel and hisoffering, but He did not honor Cain and his offering. Cainoffering, but He did not honor Cain and his offering. Cainwas furious. He blamed the problem on Abel, and when was furious. He blamed the problem on Abel, and when

they were in the field, Cain attacked Abel andthey were in the field, Cain attacked Abel andkilled him. God cursed Cain for killing his brother, andkilled him. God cursed Cain for killing his brother, andCain went out from the presence of the Lord. HisCain went out from the presence of the Lord. Hisrebellion against God caused the first murder and the rebellion against God caused the first murder and the

first broken family.first broken family.

The floodThe flood

Years later, mankind again proved Years later, mankind again proved disobedient to God. A great flood was sent disobedient to God. A great flood was sent in judgment that covered the whole world. in judgment that covered the whole world. Because Because Noah Noah was obedient, God spared was obedient, God spared him and his family and the animals which him and his family and the animals which God brought to theGod brought to the arkark..

Noah’s Big ArkNoah’s Big Ark

Noah's ArkNoah's Ark was a huge barge (a boat without sails, was a huge barge (a boat without sails, paddles or engine). This picture compares the Ark paddles or engine). This picture compares the Ark to the average size one-story home. The Ark was to the average size one-story home. The Ark was so big that it could hold at least 569 railroad cars.so big that it could hold at least 569 railroad cars.

The Tower of BabelThe Tower of Babel

Many generations after Noah, when the whole earth still Many generations after Noah, when the whole earth still spoke the same language, people traveled to a plain in spoke the same language, people traveled to a plain in the Middle East and settled there. The people made a the Middle East and settled there. The people made a tower designed for worshiping the sun, moon and stars. tower designed for worshiping the sun, moon and stars. Mankind had chosen to worship God's creations Mankind had chosen to worship God's creations instead of the Lord Himself.instead of the Lord Himself.

This decision was a direct refusal to obey God's This decision was a direct refusal to obey God's command to go out and fill the earth. The Lord mixed command to go out and fill the earth. The Lord mixed up their language, causing them to stop building the up their language, causing them to stop building the city.city.

Therefore the name of that city became "Babel", which Therefore the name of that city became "Babel", which means confusion; because there the Lord multiplied means confusion; because there the Lord multiplied language on the earth, causing people to scatter language on the earth, causing people to scatter abroad.abroad.

Abraham and IsaacAbraham and Isaac

Later, another man showed that he would Later, another man showed that he would obey God. obey God. Abraham Abraham trusted God enough trusted God enough that he would even sacrifice his own son, that he would even sacrifice his own son, IsaacIsaac. God provided a . God provided a ramram as a substitute as a substitute sacrifice. sacrifice.

Moses and the burning bushMoses and the burning bush

God talked to Moses from within a burning God talked to Moses from within a burning bush. God promised that He would deliver bush. God promised that He would deliver Israel from Egypt, just as He had Israel from Egypt, just as He had promised. God was faithful and rescued promised. God was faithful and rescued the nation of Israel from the Pharaoh.the nation of Israel from the Pharaoh.

Moses and the 10 commandmentsMoses and the 10 commandments

God gave Moses the God gave Moses the 10 commandments10 commandments, , rules which must be obeyed if people are to rules which must be obeyed if people are to please God. One of these rules is that people please God. One of these rules is that people must only worship God. The commandments must only worship God. The commandments were carved in stone by the finger of God were carved in stone by the finger of God HimselfHimself

Prophets Describe the SaviorProphets Describe the SaviorAfter 40 years in the desert, the Israelites (Jews), enteredAfter 40 years in the desert, the Israelites (Jews), enteredCanaanCanaan. God spoke to the Jews through King David and . God spoke to the Jews through King David and prophetsprophets,, reminding them to be holy as a witness to all reminding them to be holy as a witness to all nations. Later, Israel was disobedient and rebellednations. Later, Israel was disobedient and rebelled against God, rejecting His laws and killing the prophets.against God, rejecting His laws and killing the prophets.Finally, after 800 years of rebellion, Israel was taken outFinally, after 800 years of rebellion, Israel was taken outof her own land and was made captive in the nations ofof her own land and was made captive in the nations ofAssyria and Babylon .But God continued to speakAssyria and Babylon .But God continued to speakthrough prophets during the Jews' captivity, and some ofthrough prophets during the Jews' captivity, and some ofThe messages prophecies about the Savior who wouldThe messages prophecies about the Savior who wouldCome to rescue sinful mankind.Come to rescue sinful mankind.

Fiery FurnaceFiery Furnace(Shadrach, Mesach and Abednego(Shadrach, Mesach and Abednego))

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego obeyed Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego obeyed God's commandments and would not worsGod's commandments and would not worship another god. Nebuchadnezzar, the kinhip another god. Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, didn't like their commitment tg of Babylon, didn't like their commitment to God and ordered that they be thrown into God and ordered that they be thrown into a o a furnacefurnace filled with fire. filled with fire.

Safe in the FireSafe in the Fire

God was with Shadrach, Meshach and AbGod was with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the furnace of fire. When Nebucednego in the furnace of fire. When Nebuchadnezzar saw that they were not hurt by thadnezzar saw that they were not hurt by the fire, and that there were now 4 people ihe fire, and that there were now 4 people in the furnace, he called for them to come n the furnace, he called for them to come out. God had perfectly protected them.out. God had perfectly protected them.

Birth of JesusBirth of Jesus

After70 years of captivity, the Lord allowed HisAfter70 years of captivity, the Lord allowed Hispeople to come back to the land of Israel. 500 years people to come back to the land of Israel. 500 years later, when Rome ruled Israel, two young Jews namedlater, when Rome ruled Israel, two young Jews namedJoseph and Mary planned to marry. But before theyJoseph and Mary planned to marry. But before theycame together, Mary became pregnant through thecame together, Mary became pregnant through thepower of the Holy Spirit of God. The Child was namedpower of the Holy Spirit of God. The Child was named'Jesus', which means Savior, for He will save His people'Jesus', which means Savior, for He will save His peoplefrom their sins.from their sins.In a city called Bethlehem, Jesus was born.In a city called Bethlehem, Jesus was born.

The angel and the shepherdsThe angel and the shepherds

And in the same country, there were shepherds And in the same country, there were shepherds watching over their flocks at night. And the watching over their flocks at night. And the angel of the Lord came to them, and the glory angel of the Lord came to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were of the Lord shone around them, and they were very frightened. Then the angel said, "Don't be very frightened. Then the angel said, "Don't be afraid: for I bring good news of great joy, for all afraid: for I bring good news of great joy, for all people. Today a Savior was born for you which people. Today a Savior was born for you which is Christ the Lord."  is Christ the Lord."  

Joseph, Mary, and Baby JesusJoseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus

600 years after the time of Daniel, Mary 600 years after the time of Daniel, Mary and Joseph worshiped the one true God - and Joseph worshiped the one true God - Mary's son Jesus. God took the form of a Mary's son Jesus. God took the form of a man, being born as a baby, so that He man, being born as a baby, so that He could deliver the world from sin.could deliver the world from sin.

Mary and Baby JesusMary and Baby Jesus

The Shepherds come to see the Savior, Christ The Shepherds come to see the Savior, Christ the Lord.the Lord."When the angels had gone away from them into "When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, 'Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, another, 'Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.' So they came in a Lord has made known to us.' So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the and the baby as He lay in the mangermanger

Baby JesusBaby Jesus

"This will be a sign for you: you will find a "This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."    --Luke 2:12manger."    --Luke 2:12

The Star of BethlehemThe Star of Bethlehem

"When they had heard the king, they "When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child and stood over where the young child was."was."    --Matthew 2:9    --Matthew 2:9

The Wise men Worshipping JesusThe Wise men Worshipping Jesus The Wise men brought gifts for Jesus.The Wise men brought gifts for Jesus.

"After coming into the house they saw the "After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh."    --Matthew 2:11myrrh."    --Matthew 2:11

Jesus in the templeJesus in the temple

Mary and Joseph search for Jesus.Mary and Joseph search for Jesus.

"After three days they found Him in the "After three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them both listening to them and asking them questions."questions."   --Luke 2:46   --Luke 2:46

Jesus being baptizedJesus being baptized

John the John the BaptistBaptist and Jesusand Jesus"After being baptized, Jesus came up "After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him, and behold, a voice out of lighting on Him, and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, 'This is My beloved Son, the heavens said, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.'" in whom I am well-pleased.'" 

   --Matthew 3:16-17--Matthew 3:16-17

Jesus healing a lame manJesus healing a lame man

Jesus healed the lame and made blind Jesus healed the lame and made blind people see. Jesus did miracles to show people see. Jesus did miracles to show that His teachings are true and that He that His teachings are true and that He can forgive people of their sins.can forgive people of their sins.

The Betrayal and CrucifixionThe Betrayal and CrucifixionAfter supper, Jesus walked to a garden for a time of After supper, Jesus walked to a garden for a time of prayer. Judas approached Jesus, greeting Him with aprayer. Judas approached Jesus, greeting Him with akiss of betrayal. After that, Jesus allowed himself to bekiss of betrayal. After that, Jesus allowed himself to be tied up and brought into the high priest's house.tied up and brought into the high priest's house.Early the next morning, the crowd led Jesus to theEarly the next morning, the crowd led Jesus to theRoman governor, Pilate. Pilate, wanting to satisfy theRoman governor, Pilate. Pilate, wanting to satisfy thepeople, had Jesus brutally whipped, and then turnedpeople, had Jesus brutally whipped, and then turnedHim over to be Him over to be crucified.crucified. Afterwards they took Jesus and Afterwards they took Jesus andled Him away, making Him carry a wooden cross up to aled Him away, making Him carry a wooden cross up to aplace called Calvary, also known as Golgotha or theplace called Calvary, also known as Golgotha or theplace of a skull.place of a skull.

Jesus on the crossJesus on the cross

Jesus died on the cross for our sins.Jesus died on the cross for our sins."For God so loved the world, that He gave "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life"    --John 3:16eternal life"    --John 3:16

Jesus rose from the deadJesus rose from the dead

After three days ,Jesus conquered death After three days ,Jesus conquered death and rose from the grave. and rose from the grave.

Thomas declaring Jesus as his GodThomas declaring Jesus as his God When Thomas saw Jesus after the When Thomas saw Jesus after the

resurrection, he felt the nail wounds in resurrection, he felt the nail wounds in Jesus' hands and feet. Thomas knelt Jesus' hands and feet. Thomas knelt before Jesus and proclaimed him to be his before Jesus and proclaimed him to be his Lord and his God.Lord and his God.

Resurrection to EternityResurrection to EternityJesus continued appearing to many people, showing Jesus continued appearing to many people, showing them that He was alive, which gave infallible proof of Histhem that He was alive, which gave infallible proof of Hisresurrection.resurrection. At the end of forty days, Jesus announced to HisAt the end of forty days, Jesus announced to Hisdisciples, "You shall receive power after the Holy Spiritdisciples, "You shall receive power after the Holy Spiritcomes upon you, and you shall tell others about Me,comes upon you, and you shall tell others about Me,both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria,both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria,and to the uttermost part of the earth."and to the uttermost part of the earth."As they watched, Jesus was taken up, and a cloud tookAs they watched, Jesus was taken up, and a cloud tookHim out of their sight to the eternal kingdom. Him out of their sight to the eternal kingdom.