Bible Book Groups

Books of the Bible

The Old Testament

I. Pentateuch

1. Genesis.
2. Exodus.
3. Leviticus.
4. Numbers.
5. Deuteronomy.

They are also referred to as the Law Books or Torah Law.

II. Historical Books

There are 12 Historical books and they record the history of the Israelites from the time they entered Canaan and settled until after the Babylonian exile.  

1. Joshua.
2. Judges.
3. Ruth.
4. 1st and 2nd Samuel.  
5. 1st and 2nd Kings.
6. 1st and 2nd Chronicles.
7. Ezra.
8. Nehemiah.
9. Esther.

III. Poetic Books

There are five and contain words of wisdom. They are poetic in nature.

1. Job.
2. Psalms.
3. Proverbs.
4. Ecclesiastes.
5. Songs of Songs.

IV. Prophetic Books

They contain the prophecies of the people of Israel.  They are further sub-divided into two

• Major Prophets

They are referred to as Major Prophets because their messages cover a longer historical period and are five in number

1. Isaiah.
2. Jeremiah.
3. Lamentations.
4. Ezekiel.
5. Daniel.

• Minor Prophets

The messages of these prophets cover a shorter historical period. There are twelve of them

1. Hosea
2. Nahum
3. Joel
4. Habakkuk
5. Amos
6. Zephaniah
7. Obadiah
8. Haggai
9. Jonah
10. Zechariah
11. Micah    
12. Malachi

The New Testament

I. The Gospels / Biographical Books

They are referred to as Gospels. These Gospels were written by the disciples of Jesus Christ. They tell the life story and ministry of Jesus Christ. They are four in number

1. Mathew.
2. Mark
3. Luke
4. John

The first three books in the New Testament are also referred to as the synoptic Gospels.

II.  Historical Book

It outlines the history and development of the church after Jesus’ ascension. It is one book namely:

1. Acts of the Apostles

The author is Luke. It deals with the history of the early church after the ascension of Christ.

II. Pauline Epistles

There are 13 letters written by Paul to the congregation and individuals to address certain problems that arose among them. They are:

1. Romans    
2. Colossians
3. 1^st and 2^nd Corinthians
4. 1^st and 2^nd Thessalonians
5. Galatians
6. 1^st and 2^nd Timothy
7. Ephesians
8. Titus
9. Philippians
10. Philemon.

III. General Epistles

These letters are not addressed to specific churches or individuals but to all Christians to encourage them. There are eight namely

1. Hebrews.
2. James.
3. 1^st and 2^nd Peter.
4. 1^st 2^nd and 3^rd John.
5. Jude.

IV.  Prophetic Book

There is only one book   

1. Revelation.

It presents God’s will for the future.