Chapter 1: What is the Bible?
- Definition of the Bible
- Division into Old and New Testaments
- Number of books in each Testament (39 in the Old, 27 in the New)
Language and Translation
- Original languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek
- Importance of translations: Septuagint, Vulgate, and modern translations
Chapter 2: How the Bible Became the Bible
Formation of the Canon
- Definition of “canon”
- Criteria for inclusion of books
- Process of canonization for Old and New Testaments
Historical Milestones
- Key councils and decisions (Council of Nicea, Council of Carthage)
- Role of early church leaders and scholars
The Apocrypha
- Explanation of the Apocryphal books
- Differences in Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox canons
Chapter 3: How People Wrote the Bible
Inspiration and Revelation
- Concept of divine inspiration
- Role of the Holy Spirit in guiding authors
Authors and Writing Styles
- Various authors: prophets, apostles, historians
- Different literary genres: law, history, poetry, prophecy, epistles
Transmission and Preservation
- Ancient manuscript traditions: Dead Sea Scrolls, Masoretic Text
- Scribes and the meticulous copying process
Chapter 4: What Makes the Bible Special?
Divine Authority
- Belief in the Bible as the Word of God
- Its unique role in revealing God’s will and character
Historical Reliability
- Archaeological evidence supporting biblical accounts
- Consistency and preservation over centuries
Transformative Power
- Impact on individuals and societies
- Testimonies of life changes and moral guidance
