The Bible is a collection of 66 books written by over 40 different authors over a period of 1500 years. These authors came from diverse backgrounds and wrote in different times and places, yet their writings all tell one unified story centered on God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. Knowing about the authors can give us insight into the meaning and context of each book.
Old Testament Authors
The Old Testament has 39 books written by numerous authors across Israel’s history. Some of the major authors include:
- Moses: Wrote the first five books of the Bible – Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. Moses received the Law from God and led the Israelites out of Egypt.
- Joshua: Wrote the book of Joshua. He was Moses’ successor who led Israel to conquer Canaan.
- Samuel: Wrote Judges and part of 1 Samuel. He was the last judge of Israel and anointed Israel’s first two kings.
- David: Wrote many of the Psalms. He was Israel’s greatest king and the one through whom God’s promise of an eternal throne was made.
- Solomon: Wrote Song of Songs, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. He was known for great wisdom and built the first temple in Jerusalem.
- The major and minor prophets: Wrote books named after them – Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi. They issued God’s calls for repentance before the exile.
- Ezra: Wrote the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. He led exiles back from Babylon and rebuilt the temple and walls of Jerusalem.
- Esther: Wrote the book of Esther. A Jewish queen of Persia who saved her people from genocide.
These authors wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, though their individual writing styles are still apparent. Their works are grounded in historical events but ultimately point toward God’s saving plan fulfilled in Christ.
New Testament Authors
The New Testament has 27 books written by 9 authors:
- Matthew: Wrote the gospel of Matthew. He was one of Jesus’ 12 disciples.
- Mark: Wrote the gospel of Mark. A disciple of Peter who recorded Peter’s account of Jesus’ life.
- Luke: Wrote the gospel of Luke and Acts. A physician and Paul’s traveling companion.
- John: Wrote the gospel of John, 1-3 John and Revelation. One of Jesus’ inner circle of disciples.
- Paul: Wrote Romans, 1&2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians, 1&2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon. Originally a persecutor of Christians, he became perhaps the most important early church leader and missionary.
- James: Wrote the book of James. He was Jesus’ brother and a key leader of the Jerusalem church.
- Peter: Wrote 1&2 Peter. Member of Jesus’ inner circle who became a prominent church leader.
- Jude: Wrote the book of Jude. He was another of Jesus’ brothers.
- Unknown: The author of Hebrews is unknown.
These authors were either eyewitnesses to Jesus’ ministry, or close associates of the apostles. Their writings circulated through the early church from AD 45-90. They tell the story of Jesus, document the early church, and provide doctrine and practical instruction for Christian living.
Major Themes and Literary Forms
Though the Biblical authors came from diverse backgrounds, their writings share unified themes that point to Christ, including:
- God’s attributes of holiness, justice, love, mercy
- Human sinfulness and need for salvation
- God’s redemptive plan through the Messiah
- God’s faithfulness in keeping His promises
- The call to love God and neighbor
The Bible contains many literary forms that were used at the time, including:
- Historical narrative – Genesis, Exodus, Acts
- Law and covenant – Leviticus, Deuteronomy
- Poetry and wisdom – Psalms, Proverbs
- Prophecy – Isaiah, Daniel, Revelation
- Gospel/biography – Matthew, Mark, Luke, John
- Letters – Romans, Corinthians, Timothy
These forms help communicate God’s truth within the cultural context of the original audiences. Understanding the genre helps us interpret the meaning properly.
Major Sections and Types of Books
The Protestant Bible is divided into Old and New Testaments. The Catholic Bible also includes the Apocrypha. There are several types of books:
Old Testament
- Law/Pentateuch – Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. Record Israel’s beginnings and God giving the law through Moses.
- History – Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1&2 Samuel, 1&2 Kings, 1&2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther. Record Israel’s history as God’s chosen nation.
- Wisdom – Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs. Writings on the topics of wisdom, worship, and love.
- Major Prophets – Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel. Books by four major prophets warning Israel of exile if unrepentant.
- Minor Prophets – Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi. Books by 12 minor prophets also warning Israel.
New Testament
- Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. Biographical accounts of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.
- History – Acts. Records the early church’s growth and spread after Jesus’ ascension.
- Pauline Epistles – Romans, 1&2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians, 1&2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon. Letters to churches and individuals by Paul.
- General Epistles – Hebrews, James, 1&2 Peter, 1-3 John, Jude. Letters to the broader church by various apostles.
- Prophecy – Revelation. A vision of God’s future judgment and the new creation.
Key Insights on Specific Authors
Moses
Moses grew up a prince in Egypt but later led the Israelites out of slavery. God spoke to Moses through a burning bush and gave him the 10 Commandments. Key facts:
- Wrote the first five books of the Bible – Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy
- Lived approx. 1500 BC
- Was Israel’s leader, prophet and lawgiver
- His writings established Israel’s identity as God’s chosen people
- Genesis narrates God’s creation and early history. Exodus-Deuteronomy detail God’s law and covenant with Israel
David
David was Israel’s model king who unified the nation. He was promised an everlasting dynasty. Key facts:
- Wrote many Psalms
- Lived approx. 1000 BC
- Established Jerusalem as Israel’s capital
- His psalms express worship, lament, prophecy of Christ
- Described as “a man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14)
Isaiah
Isaiah was one of Israel’s major prophets, who called the nation to repentance. He prophesied the coming Messiah. Key facts:
- Wrote the book of Isaiah
- Lived approx. 700 BC
- Prophesied before the Babylonian exile
- Prophesied the Virgin Birth of Christ (Isaiah 7:14)
- Wrote about the suffering servant (Christ) in Isaiah 53
Jeremiah
Jeremiah was known as the weeping prophet. He prophesied Judah’s coming destruction but also restoration. Key facts:
- Wrote Jeremiah, Lamentations
- Lived approx. 600 BC
- Prophesied Judah’s destruction by Babylon
- Wrote book of Lamentations after Jerusalem fell
- Prophesied a new covenant written on hearts (Jeremiah 31:31-34)
Ezra & Nehemiah
Ezra and Nehemiah were post-exilic prophets who led the restoration of Israel. Key facts:
- Ezra wrote Ezra and likely 1&2 Chronicles
- Nehemiah wrote Nehemiah
- Both lived approx. 400 BC
- Led exiles back to Jerusalem from Babylon
- Rebuilt the temple and walls of Jerusalem
- Sparked spiritual renewal in Israel through reading Scripture (Nehemiah 8)
Matthew
Matthew was one of Jesus’ 12 apostles. His gospel emphasizes Jesus as the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament. Key facts:
- Wrote the gospel of Matthew
- Lived approx. 5 BC – 50 AD
- Was a tax collector before following Jesus
- Emphasizes Jesus’ teaching ministry (Sermon on the Mount, parables)
- Organized by narratives and five teaching discourses
John
John was Jesus’ beloved disciple. His gospel and letters emphasize Jesus’ divine identity and call to believe. Key facts:
- Wrote gospel of John, 1-3 John, Revelation
- Lived approx. 5 BC – 100 AD
- Part of Jesus’ inner circle with Peter and James
- Calls Jesus the eternal Word of God (John 1:1)
- Emphasizes believing in Christ for salvation (John 3:16, 20:31)
Paul
Paul (Saul) persecuted the church then dramatically converted after a vision of Christ. He became the most influential missionary. Key facts:
- Wrote 13 New Testament books – Romans through Philemon
- Lived approx. 5 – 67 AD
- Originally named Saul, a Pharisee who persecuted the church
- After his conversion, took the gospel to Gentiles across the Roman Empire on three journeys
- His letters form the bulk of New Testament theology and teaching
Conclusion
The Bible was written by ordinary people from different times and places, inspired to write God’s word. Getting to know these authors gives insight into each book’s context and themes. From Moses to Paul, each author contributes to the unified narrative of salvation through Christ. Their works have resonated for millennia as God’s living and active word (Hebrews 4:12). Though penned by many writers over 15 centuries, the Bible has a single Divine Author guiding the process.
