The Complete Guide to The Bible: Summaries, Authors, And Insights for Every Book

The 66 books of the Bible are typically divided into two main sections: the Old Testament and the New Testament. Here they are:

Old Testament 

1. Genesis
2. Exodus
3. Leviticus
4. Numbers
5. Deuteronomy
6. Joshua
7. Judges
8. Ruth
9. 1 Samuel
10. 2 Samuel
11. 1 Kings
12. 2 Kings
13. 1 Chronicles
14. 2 Chronicles
15. Ezra
16. Nehemiah
17. Esther
18. Job
19. Psalms
20. Proverbs
21. Ecclesiastes
22. Song of Solomon (Song of Songs)
23. Isaiah
24. Jeremiah
25. Lamentations
26. Ezekiel
27. Daniel
28. Hosea
29. Joel
30. Amos
31. Obadiah
32. Jonah
33. Micah
34. Nahum
35. Habakkuk
36. Zephaniah
37. Haggai
38. Zechariah
39. Malachi

New Testament

40. Matthew
41. Mark
42. Luke
43. John
44. Acts (of the Apostles)
45. Romans
46. 1 Corinthians
47. 2 Corinthians
48. Galatians
49. Ephesians
50. Philippians
51. Colossians
52. 1 Thessalonians
53. 2 Thessalonians
54. 1 Timothy
55. 2 Timothy
56. Titus
57. Philemon
58. Hebrews
59. James
60. 1 Peter
61. 2 Peter
62. 1 John
63. 2 John
64. 3 John
65. Jude
66. Revelation

These books comprise the Bible as commonly accepted in both Protestant and Catholic traditions, though there may be slight variations in the canonical order and inclusion of additional books in different religious traditions.

Summary of Each Book

A detailed summary of all 66 books of the Bible in a single response would be quite extensive. Instead, I'll offer a concise summary of each book:

Old Testament:

  1. Genesis: Chronicles the creation of the world, the early history of humanity, and the patriarchs.
  2. Exodus: Describes the Israelites' enslavement in Egypt, their liberation by Moses, and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai.
  3. Leviticus: Provides instructions for worship, rituals, and laws for the Israelites, emphasizing holiness and purity.
  4. Numbers: Focuses on the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, including their census, laws, and preparations for entering the Promised Land.
  5. Deuteronomy: Restates the laws given in Exodus-Leviticus, emphasizes obedience, and recounts Israel's history in preparation for entering Canaan.
  6. Joshua: Tells the story of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua.
  7. Judges: Chronicles the period of the judges, highlighting cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance.
  8. Ruth: A narrative of loyalty and redemption, focusing on the life of Ruth, a Moabite woman.
  9. 1 Samuel: Documents the transition from the period of the judges to the monarchy, focusing on the lives of Samuel, Saul, and David.
  10. 2 Samuel: Continues the story of David's reign as king, including his triumphs and failures.
  11. 1 Kings: Chronicles the reigns of Solomon and subsequent kings, detailing the division of Israel and Judah.
  12. 2 Kings: Continues the narrative of the kings of Israel and Judah, emphasizing the consequences of disobedience.
  13. 1 Chronicles: Provides a genealogical and historical account from Adam to David, with a focus on David's reign.
  14. 2 Chronicles: Chronicles the history of Judah, highlighting the reigns of the Davidic kings and the importance of temple worship.
  15. Ezra: Tells of the return of the exiles to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple.
  16. Nehemiah: Chronicles Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and restore the city.
  17. Esther: A narrative of courage and providence, focusing on Esther's role in saving the Jewish people from destruction.
  18. Job: Explores the question of suffering and the sovereignty of God through the story of Job.
  19. Psalms: A collection of poetic hymns and prayers expressing a range of emotions and themes.
  20. Proverbs: Offers practical wisdom for daily living, emphasizing the fear of the Lord and the pursuit of righteousness.
  21. Ecclesiastes: Reflects on the vanity of life apart from God and the importance of fearing God and keeping His commandments.
  22. Song of Solomon: Celebrates love and marriage through poetic imagery and allegory.
  23. Isaiah: Contains prophecies concerning Israel, Judah, and the nations, emphasizing God's judgment and salvation.
  24. Jeremiah: Proclaims God's judgment on Judah for their disobedience and calls for repentance.
  25. Lamentations: Mourns the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the people.
  26. Ezekiel: Contains visions and prophecies regarding God's judgment, restoration, and the coming Messiah.
  27. Daniel: Narrates the experiences of Daniel and his companions in Babylon, including visions of future kingdoms and the reign of God.
  28. Hosea: Uses Hosea's marriage as a metaphor for God's relationship with Israel, emphasizing God's love and faithfulness.
  29. Joel: Contains prophecies of God's judgment and restoration, with a call to repentance.
  30. Amos: Condemns Israel's social injustice and religious hypocrisy, warning of impending judgment.
  31. Obadiah: Pronounces judgment on Edom for their violence against Israel.
  32. Jonah: Tells the story of Jonah's reluctant obedience to God's call to preach repentance to Nineveh.
  33. Micah: Condemns social injustice and idolatry while offering hope for restoration.
  34. Nahum: Pronounces judgment on Nineveh for their wickedness and predicts their downfall.
  35. Habakkuk: Wrestles with the problem of evil and expresses trust in God's sovereignty.
  36. Zephaniah: Warns of the coming day of the Lord's judgment and calls for repentance.
  37. Haggai: Encourages the rebuilding of the temple and promises God's presence among His people.
  38. Zechariah: Contains visions and prophecies regarding the restoration of Jerusalem and the coming Messiah.
  39. Malachi: Confronts Israel's spiritual apathy and calls for repentance and obedience.

New Testament:

  1. Matthew: Presents Jesus as the Messiah and King, emphasizing His teachings, miracles, and fulfillment of prophecy.
  2. Mark: Portrays Jesus as the suffering Servant, focusing on His actions and miracles.
  3. Luke: Provides a detailed account of Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection, emphasizing His compassion for the marginalized.
  4. John: Portrays Jesus as the divine Son of God, emphasizing His identity and the necessity of faith in Him for eternal life.
  5. Acts: Chronicles the spread of the gospel and the growth of the early church through the ministry of the apostles.
  6. Romans: Expounds on the gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ and explores theological themes such as justification, sanctification, and God's sovereignty.
  7. 1 Corinthians: Addresses various issues in the Corinthian church, emphasizing unity, love, and the proper exercise of spiritual gifts.
  8. 2 Corinthians: Defends Paul's apostolic authority and addresses challenges to his ministry while emphasizing the nature of true Christian leadership.
  9. Galatians: Confronts legalism and affirms salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone.
  10. Ephesians: Explores the believers' identity in Christ and the unity of the church, emphasizing spiritual blessings and the armor of God.
  11. Philippians: Expresses joy and gratitude despite adversity, emphasizing humility, unity, and the pursuit of Christlikeness.
  12. Colossians: Warns against false teachings and emphasizes the supremacy of Christ and the believer's union with Him.
  13. 1 Thessalonians: Offers encouragement and instruction to the Thessalonian believers regarding Christ's return and holy living.
  14. 2 Thessalonians: Addresses misunderstandings about Christ's return and encourages believers to stand firm in the face of persecution.
  15. 1 Timothy: Provides pastoral guidance to Timothy regarding church leadership, sound doctrine, and godly living.
  16. 2 Timothy: Offers personal encouragement and exhortation to Timothy in his ministry, emphasizing perseverance and faithfulness.
  17. Titus: Instructs Titus in appointing elders, combating false teaching, and promoting sound doctrine and good works.
  18. Philemon: Appeals to Philemon to forgive and receive his runaway slave Onesimus as a brother in Christ.
  19. Hebrews: Exalts

Attributed Authors for Each of The 66 Books

Here are the traditionally attributed authors for each of the 66 books of the Bible:

Old Testament:

  1. Genesis: Traditionally attributed to Moses.
  2. Exodus: Also traditionally attributed to Moses.
  3. Leviticus: Generally attributed to Moses.
  4. Numbers: Likewise attributed to Moses.
  5. Deuteronomy: Also attributed to Moses.
  6. Joshua: Authorship traditionally attributed to Joshua.
  7. Judges: No specific author named, traditionally attributed to Samuel.
  8. Ruth: Authorship uncertain, traditionally attributed to Samuel.
  9. 1 Samuel: Generally attributed to Samuel, with possible later additions.
  10. 2 Samuel: Like 1 Samuel, traditionally attributed to Samuel.
  11. 1 Kings: Authorship traditionally attributed to Jeremiah or a prophet during the exile.
  12. 2 Kings: Authorship traditionally attributed to Jeremiah or a prophet during the exile.
  13. 1 Chronicles: Tradition attributes authorship to Ezra.
  14. 2 Chronicles: Also traditionally attributed to Ezra.
  15. Ezra: Attributed to Ezra the priest-scribe.
  16. Nehemiah: Also attributed to Ezra.
  17. Esther: Authorship unknown, traditionally attributed to Mordecai or Ezra.
  18. Job: Authorship uncertain, traditionally attributed to Job himself or Moses.
  19. Psalms: Various authors including David, Solomon, Asaph, and others.
  20. Proverbs: Mostly attributed to Solomon, though other contributors are recognized.
  21. Ecclesiastes: Traditionally attributed to Solomon.
  22. Song of Solomon: Traditionally attributed to Solomon.
  23. Isaiah: Attributed to the prophet Isaiah.
  24. Jeremiah: Attributed to the prophet Jeremiah.
  25. Lamentations: Traditionally attributed to Jeremiah.
  26. Ezekiel: Attributed to the prophet Ezekiel.
  27. Daniel: Attributed to the prophet Daniel.
  28. Hosea: Attributed to the prophet Hosea.
  29. Joel: Attributed to the prophet Joel.
  30. Amos: Attributed to the prophet Amos.
  31. Obadiah: Attributed to the prophet Obadiah.
  32. Jonah: Attributed to the prophet Jonah.
  33. Micah: Attributed to the prophet Micah.
  34. Nahum: Attributed to the prophet Nahum.
  35. Habakkuk: Attributed to the prophet Habakkuk.
  36. Zephaniah: Attributed to the prophet Zephaniah.
  37. Haggai: Attributed to the prophet Haggai.
  38. Zechariah: Attributed to the prophet Zechariah.
  39. Malachi: Attributed to the prophet Malachi.

New Testament:

  1. Matthew: Traditionally attributed to the apostle Matthew.
  2. Mark: Traditionally attributed to John Mark, companion of Peter.
  3. Luke: Traditionally attributed to Luke, a companion of Paul.
  4. John: Traditionally attributed to the apostle John.
  5. Acts: Also traditionally attributed to Luke.
  6. Romans: Attributed to the apostle Paul.
  7. 1 Corinthians: Attributed to the apostle Paul.
  8. 2 Corinthians: Attributed to the apostle Paul.
  9. Galatians: Attributed to the apostle Paul.
  10. Ephesians: Attributed to the apostle Paul.
  11. Philippians: Attributed to the apostle Paul.
  12. Colossians: Attributed to the apostle Paul.
  13. 1 Thessalonians: Attributed to the apostle Paul.
  14. 2 Thessalonians: Attributed to the apostle Paul.
  15. 1 Timothy: Attributed to the apostle Paul.
  16. 2 Timothy: Attributed to the apostle Paul.
  17. Titus: Attributed to the apostle Paul.
  18. Philemon: Attributed to the apostle Paul.
  19. Hebrews: Authorship uncertain, traditionally attributed to Paul or an associate of Paul.
  20. James: Attributed to James, the brother of Jesus.
  21. 1 Peter: Attributed to the apostle Peter.
  22. 2 Peter: Attributed to the apostle Peter.
  23. 1 John: Traditionally attributed to the apostle John.
  24. 2 John: Traditionally attributed to the apostle John.
  25. 3 John: Traditionally attributed to the apostle John.
  26. Jude: Attributed to Jude, the brother of James.
  27. Revelation: Attributed to the apostle John.

Please note that while traditional attributions exist, scholarly debates about authorship continue, particularly in cases where the texts themselves do not explicitly identify their authors.