Old Testament

Genesis

The book of "origins," covering creation, the first humans, the Great Flood, and the lives of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.

Exodus

Records Israel's deliverance from Egyptian slavery, the parting of the Red Sea, and the receiving of the Ten Commandments.

Leviticus

A manual of laws for the Levitical priests focusing on holiness, ritual purity, and sacrifice.

Numbers

Chronicles the Israelites' 40-year wandering in the desert and the census of the tribes.

Deuteronomy

Moses’ final sermons to Israel, restating the Law before they enter the Promised Land.

Joshua

The history of Israel's conquest of Canaan and the distribution of land among the twelve tribes.

Judges

Stories of Israel's cycle of sin and the heroic leaders (Judges) God raised to deliver them.

Ruth

A story of loyalty and redemption involving a Moabite widow who joins the people of Israel.

1 Samuel

The transition from judges to kings, focusing on the prophet Samuel and the rise and fall of King Saul.

2 Samuel

The reign of King David, detailing his military victories and his personal failings.

1 Kings

The reign of Solomon, the building of the first Temple, and the eventual split of the kingdom.

2 Kings

The decline and fall of both the northern and southern kingdoms, ending in the Babylonian exile.

1 Chronicles

A priestly retelling of Israel's history, emphasizing the genealogy and reign of David.

2 Chronicles

Focuses on the history of the kings of Judah and their faithfulness (or lack thereof) to the Temple.

Ezra

The return of Jewish exiles from Babylon and the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Nehemiah

The story of Nehemiah's leadership in rebuilding the broken walls of Jerusalem.

Esther

A Jewish woman becomes Queen of Persia and thwarts a genocidal plot against her people.

Job

An exploration of human suffering and divine sovereignty through the trials of a righteous man.

Psalms

A collection of 150 songs and prayers expressing every human emotion toward God.

Proverbs

Pithy sayings and practical wisdom for living a godly and successful life.

Ecclesiastes

Reflections on the meaning of life, concluding that all worldly pursuits are empty without God.

Song of Solomon

A poetic dialogue celebrating the beauty of romantic and marital love.

Isaiah

Major prophecies about judgment, the coming Messiah, and God’s future kingdom.

Jeremiah

The "weeping prophet" warns Judah of impending destruction while promising a new covenant.

Lamentations

Five poetic dirges mourning the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple.

Ezekiel

Vivid visions and symbolic acts warning of judgment and promising spiritual restoration.

Daniel

Stories of faithfulness in exile and apocalyptic visions of world empires and God's ultimate victory.

Hosea

Uses the prophet's marriage to an unfaithful wife as a metaphor for Israel’s spiritual adultery.

Joel

Proclaims a coming "Day of the Lord" using imagery of a devastating locust plague.

Amos

A shepherd-prophet who denounces social injustice and warns Israel of divine judgment.

Obadiah

A short decree of total destruction against the nation of Edom for its pride and cruelty.

Jonah

The story of a reluctant prophet who is swallowed by a great fish after fleeing his mission to Nineveh.

Micah

Denounces moral decay and corruption while promising a future ruler from Bethlehem.

Nahum

A prophecy of certain destruction for the wicked city of Nineveh.

Habakkuk

A dialogue where the prophet questions God about injustice and the use of the Babylonians as judgment.

Zephaniah

Warns of the "Day of the Lord" but promises restoration for a faithful remnant.

Haggai

Encourages the returned exiles to prioritize rebuilding God’s Temple over their own homes.

Zechariah

A series of visions encouraging the Temple’s completion and foretelling the Messiah’s entry into Jerusalem.

Malachi

Rebukes spiritual apathy and social injustice, ending with the promise of a future messenger.

New Testament

Matthew

Presents Jesus as the promised Messiah and King, emphasizing His fulfillment of Old Testament law.

Mark

A fast-paced account of Jesus’ ministry, focusing on Him as the Suffering Servant.

Luke

A detailed narrative highlighting Jesus’ compassion for the marginalized and outcasts.

John

Focuses on the deity of Jesus and the spiritual meaning of His signs and teachings.

Acts

The history of the early Church and the spread of the Gospel through the apostles.

Romans

A profound theological letter explaining salvation by grace through faith.

1 Corinthians

Addresses divisions and moral issues in the Corinthian church, including a famous chapter on love.

2 Corinthians

Paul defends his apostolic authority and discusses the "ministry of reconciliation".

Galatians

Defends Christian freedom against those who insisted on keeping the Jewish Law.

Ephesians

Explores the mystery of the Church and the spiritual armor of the believer.

Philippians

A letter of joy and gratitude, written from prison, encouraging humility and unity.

Colossians

Asserts the supremacy of Christ over all creation and against false teachings.

1 Thessalonians

Encourages a young church and clarifies the return of Jesus.

2 Thessalonians

Corrects misunderstandings about the timing of Christ’s second coming.

1 Timothy

Guidance for a young pastor on church leadership, worship, and opposing false doctrine.

2 Timothy

Paul’s final letter, urging Timothy to remain faithful and endure hardship.

Titus

Instructions on church order and Christian conduct for a leader on the island of Crete.

Philemon

A personal appeal for a runaway slave, Onesimus, to be welcomed back as a brother.

Hebrews

Explains how Jesus is the superior and final High Priest who fulfills the old covenant.

James

A practical guide on living out one's faith through works and controlling the tongue.

1 Peter

Encouragement for Christians suffering persecution, reminding them of their "living hope".

2 Peter

Warns against false teachers and reminds believers of the certainty of Christ’s return.

1 John

Emphasizes walking in the light, loving one another, and the assurance of eternal life.

2 John

A brief warning against welcoming false teachers into the church.

3 John

Commends hospitality and warns against a prideful leader named Diotrephes.

Jude

A short, urgent call to "contend for the faith" against godless intruders.

Revelation

An apocalyptic vision of the final battle between good and evil, ending in a new heaven and earth.