FAQ About the Bible
What are Some Frequently Asked Questions About the Bible?
The Bible is the most widely read and influential book in history, yet many have questions about its origins, authors, and reliability. It was written over approximately 1,500 years by multiple authors, including prophets, kings, and apostles. The Old Testament was composed between 1400 and 400 BC, while the New Testament was written between AD 50 and 100. Originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, the Bible includes diverse genres such as history, poetry, prophecy, and letters. It has been preserved through thousands of manuscripts, with archaeological discoveries like the Dead Sea Scrolls confirming its accuracy. The Bible’s central message is God’s love, humanity’s sin, and redemption through Jesus Christ.
Introduction
The Bible is the most widely read, translated, and influential book in history. But for all its significance, many people have questions. Where did it come from? Who wrote it? What’s it even about? Whether you're new to the Bible or looking to deepen your understanding, this FAQ will walk through the essentials and clear up common misconceptions.
What is the Bible?
The Bible is a collection of sacred writings that Christians and Jews believe to be divinely inspired. It is divided into two main sections: the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) and the New Testament. The Old Testament primarily records God's dealings with Israel, while the New Testament focuses on Jesus Christ and the early church. Altogether, the Bible tells the story of God's relationship with humanity.
How many books are in the Bible?
That depends on which tradition you follow. Protestants recognize 66 books (39 in the Old Testament, 27 in the New Testament). Catholics include additional writings, bringing their total to 73 books. Eastern Orthodox Bibles contain even more, depending on the tradition.
Who wrote the Bible?
The Bible was written by multiple human authors over a span of about 1,500 years. These authors include prophets, kings, apostles, and others—people like Moses, David, Isaiah, Matthew, Paul, and John. Despite the diversity of authors, the Bible has a unified message centered on God's redemptive plan.
When was the Bible written?
The Old Testament was written roughly between 1400 and 400 BC, while the New Testament was composed between about AD 50 and 100. This means the final books of the Bible were completed nearly 2,000 years ago.
Scholars generally date the Old Testament’s composition between 1400 and 400 BC (Archer, 2007; Harrison, 1969). The New Testament was written between AD 50 and 100, with the final books completed nearly 2,000 years ago (Bruce, 1981; Carson & Moo, 2005).
What languages was the Bible originally written in?
The Bible was originally written in three languages:
Hebrew – The majority of the Old Testament.
Aramaic – Certain sections of Daniel and Ezra.
Greek – The entire New Testament.
What are the different genres in the Bible?
The Bible contains a variety of literary styles, including:
History (Genesis, 1 & 2 Kings, Acts)
Law (Exodus, Leviticus)
Poetry & Wisdom (Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes)
Prophecy (Isaiah, Revelation)
Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)
Letters/Epistles (Romans, Ephesians, Hebrews) Each genre shapes how a passage is read and understood.
Why are there different Bible translations?
Translations exist because languages change over time, and scholars work to make the Bible understandable to modern readers while staying true to the original texts. Some translations aim for word-for-word accuracy (e.g., NASB, ESV), while others focus on readability (e.g., NIV, NLT).
Which Bible Translation is good for you to read and study from?
How do we know the Bible is reliable?
The Bible has been preserved through thousands of ancient manuscripts, more than any other ancient text. The Dead Sea Scrolls, for example, confirm the accuracy of Old Testament copies. Additionally, historical and archaeological discoveries continue to support biblical accounts.
The Bible’s reliability is supported by thousands of manuscripts, surpassing any other ancient text (Bruce, 1981; Metzger & Ehrman, 2005). The Dead Sea Scrolls confirm the Old Testament’s accuracy (Vermes, 2011; Ulrich, 2015), while archaeology continues to validate biblical events (Kitchen, 2003; Blomberg, 2007).”
What is the main message of the Bible?
At its core, the Bible is about God’s love, humanity’s sin, and the redemption offered through Jesus Christ. From Genesis to Revelation, it tells a unified story of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration.
How do I start reading the Bible?
If you’re new to the Bible, start with:
The Gospel of John (for an introduction to Jesus)
The Gospel of Luke (focuses on God's love for ALL people)
Genesis (to understand the origins of the world and humanity)
Psalms & Proverbs (for wisdom and encouragement) It helps to read with a study guide or in a community setting to gain deeper insight.
Why do some Bibles have extra books?
The Catholic Bible includes the Deuterocanonical books, which were part of the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament). Protestants, following the Hebrew Bible, do not include these books. Different traditions have different views on their authority.
How does archaeology support the Bible?
Archaeological discoveries like the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Tel Dan Inscription, and the Pool of Siloam have confirmed historical details found in Scripture. While faith is not based on archaeology alone, these findings add credibility to the Bible’s historical accuracy.
Conclusion
The Bible is more than just an ancient book; it’s a living text that has shaped history, cultures, and individual lives for thousands of years. Hopefully, this FAQ helps answer some of your questions, but the best way to understand the Bible is to read it for yourself. Keep exploring, keep asking, and keep seeking truth.
