MacArthur's Quick Reference Guide to the Bible

The MacArthur

Quick Reference Guide to the Bible

The MacArthur

Quick Reference Guide to the Bible

BY

JOHN MACARTHUR

THE MACARTHUR QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE TO THE BIBLE

Copyright © 2001 by John MacArthur.

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced in any way, whatsoever, except as provided by the Copyright Act of the United States of America of 1976, as amended, without express written permission of the publisher.

Published by W Publishing Group, a Division of Thomas Nelson Inc.,

P. O. Box 141000, Nashville, Tennessee 37214.

Scriptures taken from the New King James Version.

Copyright © 1979, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Extrabiblical material, unless otherwise marked,

copyright © John MacArthur. Used by permission.

Published in association with The Livingstone Corporation,

Carol Stream, Illinois.

Cover art by The Office of Bill Chiaravalle

ISBN 0-8499-4280-2

All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.

02 03 04 05 06 07 PHX 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2

CONTENTS

How to Use the Quick Reference Guide to the Bible

Introduction to the Bible

How We Got the Bible

How to Study the Bible

Chronology of the Bible

The Biblical Books:

Genesis

Exodus

Leviticus

Numbers

Deuteronomy

Joshua

Judges

Ruth

1 and 2 Samuel

1 and 2 Kings

1 and 2 Chronicles

Ezra

Nehemiah

Esther

Job

Psalms

Proverbs

Ecclesiastes

Song of Solomon

Isaiah

Jeremiah

Lamentations

Ezekiel

Daniel

Hosea

Joel

Amos

Obadiah

Jonah

Micah

Nahum

Habakkuk

Zephaniah

Haggai

Zechariah

Malachi

Matthew

Mark

Luke

John

Acts

Romans

1 Corinthians

2 Corinthians

Galatians

Ephesians

Philippians

Colossians

1 Thessalonians

2 Thessalonians

1 Timothy

2 Timothy

Titus

Philemon

Hebrews

James

1 Peter

2 Peter

1 John

2 John

3 John

Jude

Revelation

Appendices:

Quick Notes on Theology

Chronology of Old Testament Patriarchs and Judges

Chronology of Old Testament Kings and Prophets

The Ministries of Jesus Christ

Index of Key Words

HOW TO USE THE QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE TO THE BIBLE

This guide has been prepared to help you develop good Bible-reading habits and a better understanding of the depth and breadth of God’s Word.

The MacArthurQuick Reference Guide to the Bible should be used next to your Bible. It does not replace your Bible; it simply offers you a source of answers for the kinds of questions that might discourage your personal study. By checking the Guide, you should be able to get back quickly to the Bible.

If you already own a study Bible, you will note many similarities between the MacArthurQuick Reference Guide and your Bible notes. There are, however, some features you will probably not find in your study Bible. In any case, having these materials at your side as you study the Scriptures will help you to stay focused on God’s Word itself.

QUICK TUTORIAL

1. Take a look at the Contents. As you read the entries, note which ones seem unfamiliar to you. Turn to those features and make sure you keep a mental record of what you find. Entries like harmonies and chronologies will be of great value to you when you are studying certain parts of Scripture.

2. Open to one of the Bible book entries. Note the features that you will find in each of those quick introductions:

• Title and Quick Notes

• Author and Date of the Book

• Key People in the Book

• Background and Setting—historical notes about the book

• Key Doctrines in the Book—central teachings in the book

• God’s Character in the Book—key aspects of God’s character illustrated

• Christ in the Book—how Christ can be found in that book

• Key Words in the Book—significant words used

• Quick Overview—brief outline of contents

• Meanwhile, in other parts of the world…—historical notes

• Frequently Asked Questions about the book

• Quick Study—basic questions for reflection as you read

1. Using the MacArthurQuick Reference Guide may seem a little awkward at first, but with practice, you will find it to be a rich resource of information as you study God’s Word.

INTRODUCTION TO THE BIBLE

The Bible is a collection of sixty-six documents inspired by God. These documents are gathered into two testaments, the Old (39) and the New (27). Prophets, priests, kings, and leaders from the nation of Israel wrote the Old Testament books in Hebrew (with two passages in Aramaic). The apostles and their associates wrote the New Testament books in Greek. The Old Testament begins with the creation of the universe and closes about four hundred years before the birth of Jesus Christ.

The History of the Old Testament

• Creation of the universe

• Fall of man

• Flood over the whole earth

• Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Israel)—fathers of the chosen nation

• The history of Israel begins

• Exile in Egypt—430 years

• Exodus and wilderness wanderings—40 years

• Conquest of Canaan—7 years

• Era of Judges—350 years

• United Kingdom—Saul, David, Solomon—110 years

• Divided Kingdom—Judah/Israel—350 years

• Exile in Babylon—70 years

The details of Old Testament history are explained in the 39 books, which are divided into 5 categories:

• Return and rebuilding the land—140 years

• The Law—5 books (Genesis-Deuteronomy)

• History—12 books (Joshua-Esther)

• Wisdom—5 books (Job-Song of Solomon)

• Major Prophets—5 books (Isaiah-Daniel)

• Minor Prophets—12 books (Hosea-Malachi)

Prelude and History of the New Testament

After the completion of the Old Testament, there were four hundred years of silence, during which God did not speak or inspire any Scripture. That silence was broken by the arrival of John the Baptist, who announced that the promised Savior had come. While the thirty-nine Old Testament books focus on the history of Israel and the promise of the coming Savior, the twenty-seven New Testament books focus on the person of Christ and the establishment of the church.

The four gospels give the record of His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension. Each of the four writers views the greatest and most important event in history, the life of Jesus Christ, from a different perspective. Matthew looks at Him through His kingdom; Mark through His servant-hood; Luke through His humanity; and John through His deity.

The Book of Acts tells the story of the impact of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ—His ascension, the coming of the Holy Spirit, the birth of the church, and the early years of gospel preaching by the apostles and their associates. The twenty-one epistles (or letters) were written to churches and individuals to teach about the person and work of Jesus Christ and how to live and witness until He returns.

The New Testament closes with Revelation, which begins by addressing the current church age and culminates with the prophecies of Christ’s return, when He will establish His earthly kingdom, bring judgment on the ungodly, and bless His believers. Following Christ’s millennial reign will be the last judgment, in which all believers of all time will enter the ultimate eternal glory prepared for them, and all the ungodly will be consigned to eternal punishment in hell.

Central Theme

The one, unifying theme unfolding throughout the whole Bible is that for His own glory, God has chosen to create and gather to Himself a group of people, who will live in His eternal kingdom, to praise, honor, and serve Him forever, and through whom He will display His wisdom, power, mercy, grace, and glory. To gather His chosen ones, God must redeem them from sin. The Bible reveals God’s plan for this redemption, from its origin in eternity past to its completion in eternity future. All covenants and eras are secondary to the one continuous plan of redemption.

There is one God, who is Creator and Lord. The Bible is one book. It offers one plan of grace, recorded from its initiation in Creation, through its fulfillment in Christ, to its completion in Revelation. The Bible is the story of God’s redeeming His chosen people for His glory.

Supporting Themes

As God’s redemptive purposes and plan unfold in Scripture, five recurring motifs are constantly emphasized:

• the character of God

• the judgment for sin and disobedience

• the blessing for faith and obedience

• the sacrifice of the Lord Savior for sin

• the glory of the coming kingdom

Everything revealed in both the Old Testament and New Testament falls into these five categories. As one studies Scripture, it is essential to grasp these recurring themes that shape all of the passages and to recognize that what is introduced in the Old Testament is also clarified in the New Testament.

1. The revelation of the character of God

Above all else, Scripture is God’s self-revelation. In that self-revelation is established His standard of absolute holiness because of His holy character. From Adam and Eve, the standard of righteousness was established and is sustained through the last page of the New Testament.

2. The revelation of divine judgment for sin and disobedience

Scripture repeatedly deals with the matter of human sin. Of the 1,189 chapters in the Bible, only four do not involve a fallen world: the first two and the last two—before the Fall in Eden and after the creation of the new heaven and new earth. The rest is the chronicle of the tragedy of sin.

In the Old Testament, God showed the disaster of sin—starting with Adam and Eve to Cain and Abel, the relentless record shows the continual devastation produced by sin. In the New Testament, the tragedy of sin becomes clearer as Jesus issues a call to repentance. Disobedience is even more flagrant than in the Old Testament because it involves the rejection of the Lord Jesus Christ in the brighter light of New Testament truth.

3. The revelation of divine blessing for faith and obedience

Scripture repeatedly promises wonderful rewards, in this life and in eternity, to those who trust and seek to obey God. In the Old Testament, God showed the blessings of repentance, faith, and obedience—as seen in the lives of Abel, the patriarchs, the remnant in Israel, and even Gentiles who believed, such as the people of Nineveh. In the New Testament, God showed the blessedness of redemption for those who responded to the preaching of John the Baptist, Jesus, and the apostles. To all those and to all who will believe through all of history, there is blessing promised in this world and the world to come.

4. The revelation of the Savior and His sacrifice for sin

This is the heart of both the Old Testament and the New Testament. The promise of blessing is dependent upon grace and mercy for the sinner. Such forgiveness is dependent upon a payment of sin’s penalty to satisfy God’s holy justice. That requires a substitute—one to die in the sinner’s place.

God’s chosen substitute—the only one who qualified—is Jesus. Salvation is always by the same gracious means, whether during Old Testament or New Testament times. When any sinner repents, convinced he has no power to save himself from the judgment he deserves, and pleads for mercy, God grants him forgiveness. God then declares him righteous because Christ’s sacrifice covers him.

In the Old Testament, God justified sinners that same way, in anticipation of Christ’s atoning work. Therefore, there is a continuity of grace and salvation through all of redemptive history. Having fulfilled all righteousness by His perfect life, Christ fulfilled justice by His death. Thus God Himself atoned for our sin, at a very high price. That is what Scripture means when it speaks of salvation by grace.

5. The glory of Christ and His kingdom

As in any book, how the story ends is the most crucial and compelling part—so with the Bible. Redemptive history is controlled by God, so as to culminate in His eternal glory. Scripture notes several very specific features of the end planned by God.

The Old Testament repeatedly mentions a kingdom ruled by the Messiah, accompanied by the salvation of Israel, the salvation of Gentiles, the renewal of the earth from the effects of the curse, and the bodily resurrection of God’s people who have died. Finally, the Old Testament predicts the creation of a new heaven and new earth—which will be the eternal state of the godly—and a final hell for the ungodly.

In the New Testament, these features are clarified and expanded. The King will return in glory, bringing judgment, resurrection, and His kingdom for all who believe. The LORD will reign in the renewed earth, exercising power over the whole world and receiving due honor and worship. Following that kingdom will come the dissolution of the renewed but still sin-stained creation, and the subsequent creation of a new heaven and new earth—which will be the eternal dwelling of those who believe.

To understand these five themes reveals the glorious pattern of the Bible. With these in mind, the Bible will unfold, not as sixty-six separate documents, or even two separate testaments—but as one Book, by one divine Author, who wrote it all with one overarching theme.

My prayer is that the magnificent and overwhelming theme of the redemption of sinners for the glory of God will carry every reader with captivating interest from beginning to end of the story. Christian, this is your story. It is from God for you—about you. It tells what He planned for you, why He made you, what you were, what you have become in Christ, and what He has prepared for you in eternal glory.

HOW WE GOT THE BIBLE

Considering the human tendency to doubt God, it is common for a person to be skeptical of the authenticity of the Bible, considering its bold claim to be the only, true Word of God. Many minds have struggled with valid questions, such as these:

• Where did the Bible originate?

• Who wrote the Bible—God or man?

• Has Scripture been protected from human tampering over the centuries?

• How close to the original manuscripts are today’s translations?

• How did the Bible get to our time and language?

If the Scriptures were written over a period of fifteen hundred years (about 1405 B.C. to A.D. 95), passed down since then for almost two thousand years, and translated into several thousand languages, what prevented the Bible from being changed by the carelessness or ill motives of men?

A study of the Scriptures alone settles all questions to the extent that someone need never be bothered by them again. Scripture gives this assurance.

Scripture’s Self Claims

Take the Bible and let it speak for itself. Does it claim to be God’s Word? Yes! Over two thousand times in the Old Testament alone, the Bible asserts that God spoke what is written within its pages. From the beginning (Genesis 1:3) to the end (Malachi 4:3) and continually throughout, this is what Scripture claims.

Passages in Scripture make powerful statements about the Bible, setting it apart from any other religious instruction ever known in the history of mankind. Its content marks it as sacred (2 Timothy 3:15) and holy (Romans 1:2). The Bible claims ultimate spiritual authority in doctrine, correction, and instruction because it represents the inspired Word of Almighty God. Scripture asserts its spiritual sufficiency, so much so that it claims exclusivity for its teaching (see Isaiah 55:11; 2 Peter 1:3–4).

God’s Word declares that it is inerrant (Psalms 12:6; 119:140; Proverbs 30:5a; John 10:35) and infallible (2 Timothy 3:16–17). In other words, it is true and therefore trustworthy. All of these qualities are dependent on the fact that the Scriptures are God-given (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20–21), which guarantees its quality at the Source and at its original writing.

THE PUBLISHING PROCESS

Revelation

God took the initiative to reveal Himself to mankind (Hebrews 1:1), sometimes through the created order, visions and dreams, or speaking prophets. However, the most complete and understandable self-disclosures were through the propositions of Scripture (1 Corinthians 2:6– 16). The revealed and written Word of God is unique in that it is the only revelation of God that is complete and that so clearly declares man’s sinfulness and God’s provision of the Savior.

Inspiration

The revelation of God was captured in the writings of Scripture by means of inspiration. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16). Peter explains the process: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20–21). Through the work of the Holy Spirit, the Word of God was protected from human error.

Canonicity

We must understand that the Bible is actually one book with one Divine Author, though it was written over a period of fifteen hundred years through the pens of almost forty human writers.

The Bible begins with the creation account of Genesis 1–2, written by Moses about 1405 B.C., and extends to the eternity future account of Revelation 21–22, written by the Apostle John about A.D. 95. But this raises a significant question: How was it determined which sacred writings were to be included in the canon of Scripture, and which ones were to be excluded?

Over the centuries, three widely recognized principles were used to validate those writings that were divinely inspired. First, the writing had to have a recognized prophet or apostle as its author (or one associated with them, as in the case of Mark, Luke, Hebrews, James, and Jude). Second, the writing could not disagree with or contradict previous Scripture. Third, the writing had to have general consensus by the church as an inspired book.

Preservation

God anticipated man’s and Satan’s malice towards the Scripture with divine promises to preserve His Word. The very continued existence of Scripture is guaranteed in Isaiah 40:8: The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever (see 1 Peter 1:25). This even means that no inspired Scripture has been lost in the past and still awaits rediscovery. The battle for the Bible rages, but Scripture has and will continue to outlast its enemies.

So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it (Isaiah 55:11).

Transmission

Through the centuries, the practitioners of textual criticism, a precise science, have discovered, preserved, catalogued, evaluated, and published an amazing array of biblical manuscripts from both the Old and New Testaments. In fact, the number of existing biblical manuscripts dramatically outdistances the existing fragments of any other ancient literature. By comparing text with text, the textual critic can confidently determine what the original prophetic/apostolic, inspired writing contained.

For example, the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1947–1956 (manuscripts that are dated about 200–100 B.C.) proved to be monumentally important. After comparing the earlier Hebrew texts with the later ones, only a few slight variants were discovered, none of which changed the meaning of any passage. Although the Old Testament had been translated and copied for centuries, the latest version was essentially the same as the earlier ones.

The New Testament findings are even more decisive because a much larger amount of material is available for study; there are over five thousand Greek New Testament manuscripts that range from the whole testament to scraps of papyri containing as little as part of one verse. A few existing fragments date back to within fifty years of the original writing.

New Testament textual scholars have generally concluded that 1) 99.99 percent of the original writings have been reclaimed, and 2) of the remaining one-hundredth of one percent, there are no variants substantially affecting any Christian doctrine.

SUMMING IT UP

God intended His Word to abide forever (preservation). Therefore His written self-disclosure (revelation) was protected from error in its original writing (inspiration) and collected in the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments (canonicity).

Through the centuries, tens of thousands of copies and thousands of translations have been made (transmission), which did introduce minute errors. Because there is an abundance of existing ancient Old Testament and New Testament manuscripts, however, the exacting science of textual criticism has been able to reclaim the content of the original writings (revelation and inspiration) to the extreme degree of 99.99 percent, with the remaining one-hundredth of one percent having no effect on its content (preservation).

The sacred Book which we read and obey deserves to unreservedly be called The Bible, since its author is God and it bears the qualities of total truth and complete trustworthiness that also characterize its divine source.

IS THERE MORE TO COME?

How do we know that God will not amend our current Bible with a sixty-seventh inspired book? In other words, Is the canon forever closed? The most compelling text on the closed canon is the Scripture, to which nothing has been added for nineteen hundred years.

For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book (Revelation 22:18,19).

THE BIBLE

This Book contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Read it to be wise, believe it to be saved, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully.

For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE

Why is God’s Word so important? Because it contains God’s will for your life (2 Timothy 3:16–17). The Bible is the only source of absolute, divine authority for you as a servant of Jesus Christ. Consider the following descriptive claims from Scripture: The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple (Psalm 19:7). Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar (Proverbs 30:5–6). For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book (Revelation 22:18–19). So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it (Isaiah 55:11).

What Are the Basics of Bible Study?

The idea of personal Bible study is simple but requires discipline and long-term goals. I want to share with you five steps for Bible study that will give you a pattern to follow.

STEP 1—Reading.

Develop a plan of how you will approach reading through the Bible. Unlike most books, you will probably not read it straight through from cover to cover. There are quite a number of good Bible reading plans that will help you read the Bible systematically. Read a passage of Scripture repeatedly until you understand its theme, meaning the main truth of the passage.

For example, in the Old Testament I would suggest you read it straight through, spread over time. Since that is a significant reading project, do not feel overwhelmed. Simply try to find the truths that God has revealed for you to learn. In the New Testament, you may want to take a more repetitious approach. You can read one book numerous times in a row so that you will retain what you have read. If you want to try this, begin with a short book, such as 1 John, and read its five chapters carefully through in one sitting. After you have finished, begin again, reading 1 John every day for thirty days. At the end of that time, you will really know what is in the book.

STEP 2—Interpreting.

As you read Scripture, always keep in mind one simple question: What does this mean? Let the Holy Spirit be your teacher (1 John 2:27), for this is the Book that He authored. Pray for wisdom to understand the meaning, and read diligently. As you interpret Scripture, several common errors should be avoided.

1. Do not draw any conclusions at the price of proper interpretation.

That is, do not make the Bible say what you want it to say, but rather let it say what God intended.

2. Avoid superficial interpretation.

You have heard people say, To me, this passage means, or I feel it is saying.… Recognize that between your time and the biblical times, you must bridge cultural, geographical, and historical gaps. These gaps do not invalidate biblical truth, but you will understand the message much more clearly if you understand the context in which it was written.

3. Do not spiritualize the passage.

Interpret and understand the passage in its normal, literal, historical, grammatical sense, just as you would understand any other piece of literature you were reading today.

Four principles should guide us as we interpret the Bible: literal, historical, grammatical, and synthesis.

• The Literal Principle. Scripture should be understood in its literal, normal, and natural sense. While the Bible does contain figures of speech and symbols, they were intended to convey literal truth. In general, the Bible speaks in literal terms, and we must allow it to speak for itself.

• The Historical Principle. We must ask what the text meant to the people to whom it was first written. In this way we can develop a proper contextual understanding of the original intent of Scripture.

• The Grammatical Principle. Ask simple questions about the basic structure. To whom do the pronouns refer? What is the tense of the main verb? Simple details like these make the meaning of the text clearer.

• The Synthesis Principle. The Reformers called this analogia scriptura, meaning that the Bible does not contradict itself. If an interpretation of one passage contradicts a truth taught elsewhere in the Scriptures, our interpretation cannot be correct. Scripture must be compared with Scripture to discover its full meaning.

STEP 3—Evaluating.

At times you will find it helpful to consult others to ensure that you have interpreted the Bible correctly. Read Bible introductions, commentaries, and background books to enrich your thinking. In your evaluation, be a true seeker. Accept the truth of God’s Word even though it may cause you to change what you have always believed or it may require you to alter your life pattern.

STEP 4—Applying.

Studying Scripture without allowing it to penetrate the depths of your soul would be like preparing a banquet without sitting down to eat and enjoy it. Ask the ultimate question: How do the divine truths apply to my attitude and actions? Jesus made this promise to those who would carry their personal Bible study through to this point: If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them (John 13:17).

Having read and interpreted the Bible, you should have a basic understanding of what the Bible says and what it means by what it says. But studying the Bible does not stop there. The ultimate goal should be to hear its message and to grow spiritually. That requires personal application.

Bible study is not complete until we ask ourselves, What does this mean for my life, and how can I practically apply it? We must take the knowledge we have gained from our reading and draw out the practical principles that apply to our personal lives. If there is a command to be obeyed, we obey it. If there is a promise to be embraced, we claim it. If there is a warning to be followed, we heed it. This is the ultimate step: We submit to Scripture and let it transform our lives. If you skip this step, you will never enjoy your Bible study, and the Bible will never change your life.

STEP 5—Correlating.

Finally, make connections between the doctrine you have learned in a particular passage with divine truths and principles taught elsewhere in the Bible to form the big picture. Always keep in mind that the Bible is a single book in sixty-six parts, and its truths are taught over and over again in a variety of stories and principles. By correlating and cross-referencing, you will begin to build a sound doctrinal foundation.

What Now?

It is not enough just to study the Bible. We must meditate upon it and immerse ourselves in the purifying solution of God’s Word. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success (Joshua 1:8).

CHRONOLOGY OF THE BIBLE

OLD TESTAMENT

NEW TESTAMENT

GENESIS

The Book of Beginnings

Genesis covers a longer span of history

than any other book of the Bible.

God started everything. The Bible doesn’t begin with an argument for God’s existence; it begins by accepting that our existence depends on God. The ancient Greek translation of the Bible (called the Septuagint, or LXX) titled this first book Genesis, meaning origins. Eventually, English translators borrowed the word directly. The title used in Hebrew texts simply highlights the very first word, which means in the beginning.

AUTHOR AND DATE

Written by Moses, approximately 1445 to 1405 B.C.

Although Genesis does not name its author, and the events described in the text end almost three centuries before his birth, both the Old Testament and the New Testament designate Moses as the author. In addition, Moses’ educational background makes him the likely candidate (Acts 7:22). No compelling reasons have been forthcoming to challenge Mosaic authorship.

KEY PEOPLE IN GENESIS

Adam and Eve —the original human beings (1:26–5:5)

Noah —the faithful builder of the ark (6:5–9:29)

Abraham and Sarah —the parents of a nation called God’s chosen people (12:1–25:8)

Isaac and Rebekah —the original members of a new nation (21:1–35:29)

Jacob —the father of the twelve tribes of Israel (25:21–50:14)

Joseph —the preserver of his people and the nation of Egypt (30:22–50:26)

BACKGROUND AND SETTING

The initial setting for Genesis is eternity past. God, by willful act and divine word, spoke all creation into existence, furnished it, and finally breathed life into a lump of dirt that He fashioned in His image to become Adam. God made this human the crowning point of His creation; that is, companions who would enjoy fellowship with Him and bring glory to His name.

Genesis has three distinct and sequential geographical settings: 1) Mesopotamia (chapters 1–11); 2) the Promised Land (chapters 12–36); 3) Egypt (chapters 37–50). The time frames of these three segments are 1) creation to 2090 B.C.; 2) 2090 to 1897 B.C.; 3) 1897 to 1804 B.C.

KEY DOCTRINES IN GENESIS

Most of the central teachings of Christianity have their roots in the Book of Genesis.

God the Father —the authority of God in creation (1:1–31; Psalm 103:19; 145:8–9; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 3:9; 4:6)

God the Son —the agent of God in creation (1:1; 3:15; 18:1; John 1:1–3; 10:30; 14:9; Philippians 2:5–8; Colossians 1:15–17; Hebrews 1:2)

God the Holy Spirit —the presence of God in creation (1:2; 6:3; Matthew 1:18; John 3:5–7)

God as one yet three —the Trinity (1:1,26; 3:22; 11:7; Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 45:5–7; Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 8:4; 2 Corinthians 13:14)

Human beings —created in Christ’s image yet fallen into sin and needing a Savior (1:26; 2:4–25; 9:6; Isaiah 43:7; Romans 8:29; Colossians 1:16; 3:10; James 3:9; Revelation 4:11)

Sin (the Fall) —the infection of all creation with sin by rebellion toward God (2:16–17; 3:1–19; John 3:36; Romans 3:23; 6:23; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Ephesians 2:1–3; 1 Timothy 2:13–14; 1 John 1:8)

Redemption —the rescue from sin and restoration accomplished by Christ on the cross (3:15; 48:16; John 8:44; 10:15; Romans 3:24–25; 16:20; 1 Peter 2:24)

Covenant —God establishes relationships and makes promises (15:1–20; 17:10–11; Numbers 25:10–13; Deuteronomy 4:25–31; 30:1–9; 2 Samuel 23:5; 1 Chronicles 16:15–18; Jeremiah 30:11; 32:40; 46:27–28; Amos 9:8; Luke 1:67–75; Hebrews 6:13–18)

Promise —God commits Himself into the future (12:1–3; 26:3–4; 28:14; Acts 2:39; Galatians 3:16; Hebrews 8:6)

Satan —the original rebel among God’s creatures (3:1–15; Isaiah 14:13–14; Matthew 4:3–10; 2 Corinthians 11:3,14; 2 Peter 2:4; Revelation 12:9; 20:2)

Angels—special beings created to serve God (3:24; 18:1–8; 28:12; Luke 2:9–14; Hebrews 1:6–7,14; 2:6–7; Revelation 5:11–14)

Revelation —Natural revelation occurs as God indirectly communicates through what He has made (1:1–2:25; Romans 1:19,20). Special revelation occurs when God directly communicates Himself as well as otherwise unknowable truth (2:15–17; 3:8–19; 12:1–3; 18:1–8; 32:24–32; Deuteronomy 18:18; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 1:1–4; 1 Peter 1:10–12)

Israel —Jacob’s God-given name that became the name of the nation he fathered; inheritors of God’s covenant with Abraham (32:28; 35:10; Deuteronomy 28:15–68; Isaiah 65:17–25; Jeremiah 31:31–34; Ezekiel 37:21–28; Zechariah 8:1–17; Matthew 21:43; Romans 11:1–29)

Judgment —God’s righteous response to sin (3; 6; 7; 11:1–9; 15:14, 18:16– 19:29; Deuteronomy 32:39; Isaiah 1:9; Matthew 12:36–37; Romans 1:18–2:16; 2 Peter 2:5–6)

Blessing —a special benefit or a hope-filled statement to someone about their life (1:28; 9:1; 12:1–3; 14:18–20; 27:1–40; 48:1–20; Numbers 6:24–27; Deuteronomy 11:26–27; Psalm 3:8; Malachi 3:10; Matthew 5:3–11; 1 Peter 3:9)

GOD’S CHARACTER IN GENESIS

Many of God’s character traits are first revealed in Genesis.

God is the Creator —1:1–31

God is faithful (keeps promises) —12:3,7; 26:3–4; 28:14; 32:9,12

God is just —18:25

God is long-suffering —6:3

God is loving —24:12

God is merciful —19:16,19

God is omnipotent —17:1

God is powerful —18:14

God is provident —8:22; 24:12–14,48,56; 28:20–21; 45:5–7; 48:15; 50:20

God is truthful —3:4–5; 24:27; 32:10

God is wrathful —7:21–23; 11:8; 19:24–25

CHRIST IN GENESIS

Jesus’ entrance into humanity was planned from before the beginning of time. God potentially mitigated the curse that resulted from the sin of Adam and Eve by offering a promise that someday a Seed would rise up to crush the serpent (3:15). Even though death came through Adam, Christ’s coming