What is the Bible? A guide to its history and importance

The composition of the Bible

The Two Main Sections: Old Testament and New Testament

As mentioned, the Bible is divided into two major parts: the Old Testament and the New Testament. Each of these sections serves a distinct purpose and contains different teaching.

The Old Testament: The Old Testament includes 39 books that cover history, poetry, prophecy, and laws. It begins with the creation of the world and traces the story of God’s relationship with humanity, focusing on His relationship with the people of Israel. The Old Testament looks forward to the coming saviour. It's a story without a conclusion. But that conclusion comes in the New Testament with the birth of Jesus Christ.

The New Testament: This section contains 27 books that focus on the life, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It also includes writings about the early Christian church and its growth. These books highlight the fulfilment of God’s promises and the hope of salvation for all people.

The central message of the Bible revolves around Jesus Christ. With everything in the Old Testament looking forward to His coming and ultimate sacrifice, and everything in the New Testament written in the light of it.

A Library of Genres

The Bible is made up of many literary genres, each adding depth and richness to its message.

These include:

• Historical narratives: Accounts of events, such as the history of Israel and the early Church. Many well known stories are found in its pages: Jonah and the whale, David and Goliath, Noah and the Ark along with many more.

• Poetry and songs: Expressions of worship, lament, and praise, such as the Psalms: these showcase to us the thoughts and feelings of the people of God, some of whom endured much hardship and yet found comfort and solace in their relationship with God.

• Prophecy: Particularly in the Old Testament God spoke to his people via prophets to explain what was going to happen to them and why. Many remarkable events, such as occurrences in the life of Jesus, were predicted hundreds of years previously. Some of the prophecy in the Bible is still to take place, whilst other prophecies are played out in its pages.

• Wisdom literature: The Bible also contains words of wisdom, particularly from King Solomon (referred to as "the wisest man who ever lived") who has written the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes which contain many helpful things for us today.

• Gospels: The gospels are four special books containing eyewitness accounts of the life of Jesus Christ and his teachings.

• Letters: The Bible also contains letters. Written from men who had witnessed Jesus personally, these letters contain teaching and practical help addressed to the early Christians. Some are written to individuals whilst others are written to Christians in particular localities, these letters help to explain the teachings of Jesus, and now form the basis of truths that Christians today still believe and practise.

Unity in diversity

Though written by more than 40 authors over a span of 1,500 years, the Bible maintains a remarkable unity. Its central themes of God’s love, justice, and redemption thread through every book, forming a cohesive message that has inspired countless generations.

As you explore the composition of the Bible, you may find that its diversity mirrors the complexity of life itself. Whether through a psalm of comfort, a parable of wisdom, or a prophecy of hope, the Bible’s many parts come together to offer guidance and encouragement for those who seek its truths. The reason for this is found in it's pages.

The Bible makes the bold claim that its origins are not of earth, but that God has given men the words to write.

These verses and others demonstrate why this book is held in such esteem by so many. It is often referred to as "the Word of God", as it is a message from God to his people. Many millions of people have trusted it and consider it a guide for their lives.

God has formed his word in such a way that its pages contain guidance and encouragement for all who read it in whatever circumstance they may be in.

The Bible's languages and origins.

The Bible was written across many different time periods. We are introduced to ancient Egypt and the Pharaohs; we meet famous historical figures such as king Nebuchadnezzar of  Babylon and King Cyrus of Persia; we encounter the Assyrian empire. Characters in the Bible have dealings with Roman centurions/soldiers and even Caesar himself.

Its languages and origins reflect its rich history and the efforts of its authors to communicate divine truths to their audiences.

The original languages

The Bible was originally written in three primary languages:

• Hebrew: The majority of the Old Testament was written in Hebrew, the language of ancient Israel. It is a vivid and poetic language, well-suited to the storytelling, laws, and songs found in these texts.

• Aramaic: Portions of the Old Testament, such as parts of Daniel and Ezra, were written in Aramaic. This was a common language in the Near East during the time of the Babylonian exile and the Persian Empire.

• Greek: The New Testament was written in Ancient Greek, the everyday language of the Mediterranean world during the first century. This choice allowed the message of Jesus Christ to reach a wide audience across many different cultures.

Oral tradition and writing

Before the Bible was written down, many of its stories and teachings were passed on through oral tradition. Storytelling was a vital way to preserve history and communicate values in ancient societies. Over time, these traditions were recorded by inspired authors, creating the texts we now know as the Bible.

The canonisation process

The books in the Bible are sometimes referred to as the Canon of Scripture. Some books are included, whereas others were recognised not to be valid. The process of determining which books would be included in the Bible was gradual and deliberate. Believers recognised the writings of the apostles as inspired and authoritative, preserving them as sacred Scripture. The Old Testament canon was largely settled by the time of Jesus, while the New Testament canon was acknowledged in early centuries following His life. We believe this process has been divinely guided, God ensuring that His words are faithfully put together and made available to all people.

Early Christians did not just choose which books would be included in the scriptures. They recognised the books that had come directly from eyewitness accounts of the life of Jesus, or the direct teachings of the apostles. By the time of the second century, Christians realised that it was important to formally acknowledge the books in the Scripture to ensure that additional books did not get added over time.

A global legacy

From its humble beginnings in ancient languages and small communities, the Bible has spread globally. Its translations, beginning with the Septuagint (a Greek translation of the Old Testament) and continuing through modern efforts and manuscripts discoveries, have made it accessible to people of nearly every culture and language.

The Bible’s languages and origins show us why this book has such an enduring impact. As you explore its pages, you are engaging with a text that has shaped civilisations and continues to speak to hearts and minds today. You are engaging with the thoughts of God himself.

How the Bible was preserved and transmitted

The preservation and transmission of the Bible is one of the most remarkable stories in the history of literature. For thousands of years, this sacred text has been meticulously copied, translated, and passed down from generation to generation. The Bible has survived wars, persecutions, and the challenges of time, remaining remarkably consistent across its many manuscripts.

Early manuscript transmission

The Hebrew Scriptures (known as the Old Testament) were carefully copied by scribes, while the Christian Scriptures (the New Testament) were written by the apostles and early Christians. These texts were handwritten on materials such as papyrus, parchment, and vellum, which were fragile and prone to wear and damage. However, the process of copying these texts was treated with great reverence.

Scribes developed a highly meticulous system of copying to preserve every word accurately. Their devotion ensured the fidelity of the Scriptures, as they counted every letter to avoid mistakes. Even slight errors or omissions were considered very serious and quickly corrected. Because these manuscripts were so precious, they were carefully stored and kept in places of worship, where they were protected and reverently handled.

The spread of manuscripts

As Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire and beyond, the Bible was translated into various languages. The earliest and most significant translations were the Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, and the Vulgate, a Latin translation of both the Old and New Testaments. These translations made the Scriptures accessible to a broader audience, further spreading the Bible across the ancient world.

The earliest surviving copies of the New Testament date back to ~100 AD, including fragments such as the Rylands Library Papyrus P52, a small piece of the Gospel of John. Over time, more complete copies of the Scriptures were made, and the New Testament books were recognised as authoritative by the early church. Despite many copies being made by hand, variations between them remained remarkably minor due to the care taken in the copying process.

The development of the printing press

The invention of the printing press in the 15th century revolutionised the transmission of the Bible. With the ability to mass-produce texts, the Bible could be printed quickly and accurately, allowing for its widespread distribution. One of the first major books printed was the Gutenberg Bible, completed in 1455, which helped to ignite the Reformation and increase access to the Bible in various languages.

Preservation through modern scholarship

In modern times, the field of textual criticism has been instrumental in ensuring the accurate transmission of the Bible. Scholars compare thousands of ancient manuscripts, fragments, and translations to reconstruct the most authentic version of the text. The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1947, which included Hebrew manuscripts of nearly every book of the Old Testament, further confirmed the Bible’s reliability and accuracy over millennia.

Despite the existence of thousands of manuscripts—some complete, some partial—modern Bible translations are based on rigorous scholarly methods that aim to preserve the meaning, integrity, and message of the original writings. Through the work of dedicated scholars and the technology available today, the Bible remains the most well-preserved and widely distributed book in the world, and is still being translated into many new languages as more and more people are able have a copy of this book in a language they can understand.

The preservation and transmission of the Bible is a testament to the dedication of those who have carefully protected and passed down its words over the centuries. Through the ancient manuscript tradition, early translations, and modern scholarly efforts, the Bible has remained remarkably consistent and accessible to all who seek it. This rich history of transmission demonstrates not only the resilience of the text but also its continued relevance to Christians today.

The impact of the Bible

The Bible has exerted a profound influence on individuals, cultures, and societies throughout history. Its teachings, stories and ethical principles have shaped not only religious thought but also law, art, literature, politics and social movements. The Bible's impact is not confined to a specific group or region; it has resonated with people across different eras, cultures and backgrounds. Its message has inspired countless individuals to seek purpose, justice and moral clarity, while also driving significant cultural transformations.

Impact on law and governance

The Bible has had a significant impact on the development of legal systems and governance, particularly in Western societies. Many foundational concepts in law, such as justice, fairness, and the protection of individual rights, have roots in Biblical teachings. For example, the idea that laws should be applied equally to all people, regardless of their status, can be traced back to Biblical principles found in texts like Leviticus and Deuteronomy.

In medieval Europe, the Bible played a central role in the formulation of legal codes. Early Christian monarchs and rulers often invoked Scripture to justify their authority and to guide their governance.

Even in the development of modern democracy, Biblical principles, such as the idea of being accountable to a higher moral authority, or the worth of each individual, have influenced the formation of democratic systems. The influence of Scripture can be seen in the drafting of key documents like the Magna Carta, the U.S. Declaration of Independence, and the Bill of Rights.

Conclusion

The length of time over which the Bible was written and the different people involved makes the Bible a truly unique book not only because it gives an incredible glimpse into historical events, but because its origins are divine. Can there be a more important book than one claiming to be from God himself?

If you have never read the Bible for yourself we would recommend it. It is available in many different translations and languages, and whilst that might seem daunting, feel free to get in touch with us as we would love to recommend a Bible to you and help you to understand how to read it. It is our prayer that this book might impact you as it has us and many others.