Introduction of bible knowledge
What is Bible?
The word Bible comes from the Greek word “to biblion” in singular and “ta biblia” in plural, means “Books”.
The Bible is the library of 66 books, 39 from the old testament and 27 from the new testament written approximately by 40 different authors -over a period of nearly 1500 from 1400 years BC (Before Christ) to 100 A.D (Anno Domino).
The Bible is a collection of sacred of writing which were written by human authors in the different time and location under devine inspiration.
What is Bible Knowledge?
It is the knowledge someone acquires about the Bible, including the Origin and history of the Bible. The Book (Bible) in divide into two sections:
(i) Old Testament
(ii) New Testament
Language of the Bible
The Bible was first written in Hebrew and Aramaic languages. Later from Hebrew it was translation into Greek and the Greek translated of the Bible is called Septuagint.
During the 4th Century A.D. it was translated into Latin Language and this Latin translation is called Vulgate which is the official Bible of the church.
The theme
The theme of the Bible is about “Salvation” or redemption and it unifies all 73 books.
It is an account of what God has said and done in history to save mankind from the bondage of sin and disobedience against his creator.
There are four aspects equipping for every good work. These are
- Doctrine (teaching)
- Reproof (showing the wrong)
- Correction (showing the right)
- Instruction in righteousness
The story
The story of the Bible is about how God’s love extends to all humanity. It begins with creation of the world (Genesis). On the sixth days God created man on his own image and likeness (Genesis 1:26 – 31), he created both man and woman
He put them in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2) and gave them freedom to choose. He also gave them commandments to follow what God wants from them. But human failed to obey what God told them to do.
Consequently disobedience came into this world. Hence the story of the Old Testament shows how God actively sought to restore mankind to his intended purpose.
In summary, the Old Testament is the foundation for the salvation history. The New testament is the fulfillment of what was promised by God to our forefathers. Jesus said “I have come to fulfill the law and not to destroy it (Mathew 5: 17–18).
Old testament is the starting point of preparation for the birth of Christ. “God so loved the world that in fullness of time he sent his own son into the world” (John 3:16).
New testament is the story of our redeemer and Savior Jesus Christ. He was born in Bethlehem and it is known as Nativity of our Lord.
The last book of the Bible “Revelation” teaches about life after death. We believe in life after death and new heaven and earth. On the last day the faithful will be chosen and the evil will be punished. This is the story of the “Bible”.
The Relevance/Bible – What for?
1. Bible addresses many of today’s life issues like
- Sin - Friendship
- Marital relationship - Sex
- Injustice - Pain
- Corruption - Love, etc.
All the above are part of our life and the Bible gives the solutions of them all.
2. Historical and cultural setting is the same as ours.
The culture includes nomadic life style, drought, famine and sickness. All these can be found in our life today.
3. Old testament gives clear ideas about sin (Isaiah 59:2) and the power of almighty God.
Bible with other Books
Bible differs from any other books due to the following:
- It is the word of God
- It is written by human beings
- They were inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Reasons for writing Bible knowledge notes
1. It is in order to enable students to read and understand the Bible well.
2. To enable every one who wants to study the bible get relevant materials according to the proposed syllabus.
3. To help those who find the bible boring to be able at least to read the notes.
Bible knowledge format
A: NECTA coverage of form Two
- Genesis 1 - 50 - Exodus 1 – 40
- Numbers 1– 36 - Deuteronomy 34 – 35
- Mathew 1– 9 - Joshua 1– 24
- Judges 1– 21
B: NECTA format form 1V
Paper one
- Genesis 1 - 50 except 5, 10, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20
- Exodus 1 – 40
- Numbers 1– 36
- Deuteronomy 34 – 35
- Joshua 1– 24
- Judges 1– 21
Part two
- Gospel of like/Mathew 1– 21
- Acts of Apostles 1 – 21
Topic 1: Introduction To Bible Knowledge - Form Bible Knowledge Notes