The Law and Israel's history
Genesis tells of creation, humanity’s fall, and God’s covenant with Abraham’s family. Exodus recounts Israel’s rescue from Egypt and God’s covenant at Sinai. Leviticus teaches holiness, sacrifice, and worship. Numbers follows Israel’s wilderness unbelief and God’s faithfulness. Deuteronomy renews the covenant before Israel enters the land.
Joshua records Israel entering Canaan. Judges shows Israel’s repeated failure and rescue. Ruth tells of loyal love and David’s family line. 1 Samuel follows Samuel, Saul, and David’s rise. 2 Samuel tells of David’s reign, sin, and God’s promise of an enduring king. 1 Kings covers Solomon, the temple, and the divided kingdom. 2 Kings records Israel and Judah falling into exile.
1 Chronicles retells David’s story with worship at its centre. 2 Chronicles traces Judah’s kings, exile, and the first return. Ezra describes the temple’s rebuilding after exile. Nehemiah tells of Jerusalem’s rebuilt walls and renewed commitment. Esther shows the preservation of God’s people in Persia.
Poetry, wisdom, and prophecy
Job wrestles with suffering and God’s wisdom. Psalms gives Israel songs of praise, grief, prayer, and trust. Proverbs offers practical wisdom rooted in honouring God. Ecclesiastes faces life’s frustrations and calls people to fear God. Song of Solomon celebrates committed marital love.
Isaiah warns of judgement but promises salvation and God’s servant. Jeremiah calls Judah back and promises a new covenant. Lamentations grieves Jerusalem’s destruction while hoping in mercy. Ezekiel speaks of judgement, a new heart, and restoration. Daniel shows that God rules over every human kingdom.
Hosea pictures God’s faithful love for an unfaithful people. Joel calls for repentance and promises God’s Spirit. Amos confronts injustice and empty worship. Obadiah announces Edom’s judgement. Jonah reveals God’s compassion for Nineveh. Micah promises a ruler from Bethlehem and calls God’s people to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly. Nahum foretells Nineveh’s fall. Habakkuk learns to live by faith amid evil. Zephaniah warns of the day of the Lord and promises restoration. Haggai urges the rebuilding of the temple. Zechariah gives hope of restoration and a coming king. Malachi confronts careless worship and looks ahead to God’s messenger.
Jesus and the spreading good news
Matthew presents Jesus as the promised King and teacher. Mark tells the fast-moving story of Jesus the suffering servant. Luke highlights Jesus’ welcome for outsiders and his mission to seek the lost. John calls readers to believe that Jesus is the Christ and find life in him. Acts follows the risen Jesus’ witnesses as the good news moves from Jerusalem towards Rome.
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
Letters and the final hope
Romans explains the gospel of grace, faith, and new life. 1 Corinthians corrects a troubled church and centres on Christ’s resurrection. 2 Corinthians shows God’s strength working through weakness. Galatians defends freedom in Christ. Ephesians celebrates salvation and unity in the church. Philippians calls believers to joyful, humble service. Colossians proclaims Christ’s supremacy. 1 Thessalonians encourages holy hope. 2 Thessalonians corrects confusion about the day of the Lord.
1 Timothy and Titus guide healthy church life and teaching. 2 Timothy urges perseverance. Philemon appeals for reconciliation. Hebrews presents Jesus as the greater priest and final sacrifice. James calls for a lived-out faith. 1 Peter gives hope to suffering Christians. 2 Peter warns about false teachers. 1 John gives assurance through truth and love. 2 John guards against deception. 3 John commends faithful hospitality. Jude urges believers to contend for the faith. Revelation unveils Christ’s victory and God’s renewed creation.
And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.