Chapter 2. Bibliology
I. The Authors of the Bible
The Bible was written by about forty authors over roughly 1,600 years (1446 B.C. – 95 A.D.).
Its writers include:
Lawgiver and philosopher: Moses
Military leader: Joshua
Priests: Samuel, Ezekiel
Kings: David, Solomon
Royal members and prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hosea, Joel, and others
Statesman: Daniel
Scribes: Ezra, Nehemiah
Shepherd: Amos
Lawyer and scholar: Paul
Tax collector: Matthew
Fishermen: Peter and John
Physician and historian: Luke
Yet, the true author of the Bible is God Himself. Though written over 1,600 years by more than forty men, the Bible remains unified, harmonious, and thematically consistent—an unmistakable testimony to divine authorship.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
— 2 Timothy 3:16–17
“Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things.
For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God
as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
— 2 Peter 1:20–21
II. The Canon of Scripture
The word canon in Hebrew and Greek means “a measuring rod,” signifying a standard or rule.
The canon rests upon three foundational Jewish convictions:
The existence of one absolute, supreme God
Divine revelation: God speaks and acts directly
Divine inspiration: God communicates His revelation through His servants—prophets or apostles—
who, using their own vocabulary, literary skill, and background, record God’s truth without error, guaranteed by His authority.
Thus, it is not that the Bible is a collection of approved books,
but rather an approved collection of divine books.
The Old Testament canon was established by the 5th century B.C. (Ezra’s time).
The New Testament canon was largely confirmed by the 2nd century A.D.,
and officially recognized at the Council of Carthage in 397 A.D.
III. The Nature of the Bible
From 1815 to 1975, over 2.5 billion copies of the Bible were distributed worldwide.
In 1998 alone, 580 million copies of various versions were printed.
The total number of Bibles ever distributed exceeds the global population,
showing its unrivaled importance and influence.
A Yale professor once remarked:
“I believe it is more valuable to know the Bible well without attending university
than to attend university without knowing the Bible.”
The Bible is foremost a book of revelation, revealing God’s plan of salvation.
It is also a guidebook covering every aspect of life—cosmos, nations, history, politics, science, love, family, relationships, and morality.
It is truly a complete masterpiece inseparable from human life.
- The Bible as Literature
It contains narratives, laws, poetry, biographies, essays, proverbs, sermons, theology, prophecy, and letters.
The Book of Job alone includes nearly all literary forms.
The Bible stands as one of the world’s richest literary treasures—
notable for its clarity, grandeur, elegance, and power.
- The Bible as History
It records the earliest history of humankind and serves as the foundation of world history.
It chronicles not only the Hebrew nation but also surrounding civilizations—Egypt, Babylon, Assyria, Persia, Greece, and Rome.
- The Bible as Religion
Its historical value lies in its religious meaning:
It records humanity’s relationship with God, the consequences of Israel’s apostasy,
and proclaims to all nations that behind cause and effect stands a righteous and loving God.
- The Bible as Revelation
It reveals humanity’s origin and ultimate destiny in God.
Apart from divine revelation, humans cannot know the world’s purpose or their final end.
- The Bible as Truth
The Bible is God’s revelation, and God’s revelation is truth—timeless and universal.
“Pilate said to Him, ‘What is truth?’” — John 18:38
“Jesus said, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” — John 14:6
Thus, truth is not a theory—it is a Person: Jesus Christ.
IV. The Structure and Organization of the Bible
The Bible has 66 books, unified in message and theme—centered on the cross,
with the Savior as the focus and God’s glory as the ultimate goal (John 5:39; Luke 24:44–45).
It consists of:
A. Old Testament (39 books)
Law (5): Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy
History (12): Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1–2 Samuel, 1–2 Kings, 1–2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther
Wisdom (5): Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs
Prophets (17): Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi
B. New Testament (27 books)
History (5): Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts
Pauline Epistles (13): Romans, 1–2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1–2 Thessalonians, 1–2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon
General Epistles (8): Hebrews, James, 1–2 Peter, 1–3 John, Jude
Prophecy (1): Revelation
V. The Inerrancy of Scripture
“All Scripture is God-breathed.” — 2 Timothy 3:16
Inspiration means “God-breathed.”
The Divine Author (Holy Spirit) guided the human authors—prophets and apostles—
so that using their own style and context, they accurately recorded God’s word without error.
Types of Inspiration:
Inspiration of the whole — Matthew 5:17–18; Luke 24:44
Inspiration of the parts — Matthew 4:4, 7, 10
Inspiration of the words — Matthew 22:31–32; 2 Timothy 3:16
Inspiration of the letters — Matthew 5:18
Inspiration of the New Testament — John 14:26; 2 Peter 1:21
Inerrancy means that when correctly interpreted and all facts are known,
the Bible in its original manuscripts is completely true in all it affirms—
whether in doctrine, history, science, geography, or any other field.
Stylistic or grammatical variations, or differing narrative details, do not invalidate its truth.
VI. Principles of Biblical Interpretation
Literal meaning
Grammatical relationship
Historical context
Literary context (the flow before and after the passage)
VII. The Believer’s Reading of Scripture
It nourishes us:
“Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” — Matthew 4:4
It guides us:
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” — Psalm 119:105
It blesses us:
“But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night… Whatever they do prospers.” — Psalm 1:2–3
It reveals God’s will:
“Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” — Ephesians 5:17
How to read the Bible: with desire, love, regularity, at a set time—through overview reading, detailed study, deep reflection, and practical application.
Appendix: The Bible — God’s Holy Book
This Book is the mind of God,
the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers.
Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions immutable.
Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, practice it to be holy.
It contains light to direct you, food to sustain 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.
Here paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell revealed.
Christ is its grand subject, our good its purpose, and the glory of God its end.
Let it fill your memory, rule your heart, and guide your steps.
Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully.
It is given to you in life, opened in judgment, and remembered forever.
It demands the highest responsibility, rewards the greatest labor, and condemns those who treat it lightly.
It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure.
Follow its precepts—it will lead you to Calvary, to the empty tomb,
and to a resurrected life in Christ—
to glory itself, for eternity.