Category Bible Basics and Introduction

Acts tells how a small group of Jesus' followers became a movement that spread across the Roman world. Learn its author, structure, key events and lessons for the church today.

Matthew, Mark, Luke and John each tell the story of Jesus from a different angle. Learn who wrote them, how they differ, why there are four, and which one to read first.

The last seventeen books of the Old Testament are the prophets. Learn what a prophet was, why some are called 'major' and 'minor', when they spoke and what their main messages were.

Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon speak to the heart: suffering, worship, everyday wisdom, the meaning of life and love. Here is a guide to each.

Joshua to Esther tells Israel's story from entering the promised land to returning from exile. Here is a guide to the twelve historical books and the main periods they cover.

Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy form the foundation of the Bible. Here is a clear guide to what each book contains and why the Pentateuch matters.

A complete list of common abbreviations for all 66 books of the Bible, as used in study Bibles, commentaries and sermons, with tips for reading them.

A simple step-by-step guide to reading Bible references like John 3:16 or 1 Corinthians 13:4–7, finding them quickly, and understanding the symbols used.

The original Bible books had no chapter or verse numbers. Learn who added them, when, and how to use them wisely — plus a few interesting facts about the longest and shortest chapters.

From the Tamil New Testament of 1714 to William Carey's work at Serampore and the Bible Society of India today, here is a short history of the Bible in Indian languages.