The Bible used in this course, the King James Version (KJV), contains 66 books: 39 books in the Old Testament and 27 books in the New Testament.

The Old Testament contains writings about creation, Israel’s history, the Law, wisdom, and prophecy. The New Testament focuses on Jesus Christ, the early Church, and the teachings of the apostles.

Some Christian traditions include additional books in their Old Testament, so the number of books can differ between Bible traditions. In this course, we will use the 66-book Protestant Bible.

What Does the Bible Say?

Luke 24:44 (KJV)

“And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.”

Jesus referred to the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms when explaining the Scriptures to His disciples. These were recognized groupings of the Scriptures in His time.

Example

When you read Genesis, you encounter the beginning of the biblical story. When you read Matthew, you encounter the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. When you read Romans, you find a letter explaining important teachings about the gospel.

Each book has its own purpose and context, so we should understand the book we are reading rather than treating every passage as if it were written in the same way.

Remember

The KJV contains 66 books, and each book contributes to our understanding of the Bible’s message. Learn to recognize the type, purpose, and context of the book you are studying.