ST. CHARLES AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH I plan to participate with the Congregation of St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church in THE YEAR OF THE BIBLE I will try to read through the entire Bible from May 2020 - April 2021.

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CONTENTS Letter from Michele Murphy ...... 3 Overview ...... 4 Readings May ...... 5 June-July...... 6-7 August-September ...... 8-9 October-November ...... 10-12 December-January ...... 12-13 February-March ...... 14-15 April...... 16 Synopses of Books of the Bible...... 17-33 DEAR FRIENDS,

You are taking an exciting step to let your roots grow down deep by committing The Year of the to regularly read the Bible. Jesus reminds us: “One does not live by bread alone, but by Bible every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Faithfully reading God’s word is essential is a 52-week Bible to our growth as disciples. reading plan. It does not read from Remember you are not alone on this journey, we may have started during social Genesis to distancing but there is strength in numbers. Together we will get through this, even Leviti- Revelation. cus! Instead, each day of the week focuses on a Think of the many blessing that we will experience and use this time to listen to different part of the what the Lord has to say to us. Bible.

In Christ, Michele Murphy

3 WEEKLY OVERVIEW

SUNDAY THURSDAY Epistles: The word epistle comes from the Greek word epistole that Poetry: The Poetical consist of five books—Job, Psalms, Proverbs, -Ec means “letter” or “message.” Since many of the New Testament books clesiastes, and Song of Solomon. were originally written as letters to churches or individuals, they are re- ferred to as the Epistles. The Epistles of the Bible include 21 of the New FRIDAY Testament’s 27 books, extending from Romans to Jude. All the known Prophecy: There have been prophets throughout every era of God’s authors of the Epistles are either an apostle (Paul, Peter, John) or a family relationship with mankind, but the books of the prophets address the member of Jesus ( James, Jude). “classical” period of prophecy—during the later years of the divided kingdoms of Judah and Israel, throughout the time of exile, and into the MONDAY years of Israel’s return from exile. The Prophetic Books were written from Law: The first five books of the Bible are sometimes called the Pen- the days of Elijah (874-853 B.C.) until the time of Malachi (400 B.C.). The tateuch which means “five books.” They are also known as the books of Prophetic Books are divided between the Major and Minor Prophets. the law because they contain the laws and instruction given by the Lord The terms “major” and “minor” are meant to describe their length and through Moses to the people of Israel. the importance of their message.

TUESDAY SATURDAY History: The 12 books that comprise the “historical books” contain Gospels and Acts: The Gospels recount the story of Jesus Christ, some of the most important segments of the entire Bible narrative. These each of the four books giving us a unique perspective on his life. The books tell the story of ancient Israel’s formation, rise to prominence, col- term “Gospel” comes from the Greek word euangelion, meaning “good lapse into moral and physical defeat, and restoration. Many of the most news.” Eventually, the meaning expanded to include any work dealing famous characters in the Bible—David, Elijah, Solomon, Ahab, Esther, and with the birth, ministry, suffering, death, and resurrection of the Mes- others—make their appearance in this section. siah, Jesus Christ.

WEDNESDAY Psalms: The book of Psalms contains some of the most beautiful po- etry ever written. The Hebrew title of the book translates to “praises.” Originally, these 150 poems were sung and were used in ancient Jewish worship services, accompanied by lyres, flutes, horns, and cymbals. King David established a 4,000-piece orchestra to play during worship. 4 M AY

MMayay 1 1-2 - 6 MMayay 7 3-9- 13 MMayay 1 10-164 - 20 MMayay 2 17-231 - 27 MMayay 2 24-308 - 31

(May 31) 🔲🔲 🔲🔲 🔲🔲 🔲🔲 SUNDAY EPISTLES Rom 9-10 2CorRom 6 1-2-8 2CorRom 9 3-4-10 2CorRom 11 5-6-13 GalRom 1-3 7-8

MONDAY THE LAW 🔲🔲 Ex 17-20 🔲🔲 ExGen 21- 241-3 🔲🔲 ExGen 25- 284-7 🔲🔲 ExGen 29 -328-11 🔲🔲 ExGen 33 12-15-36

TUESDAY HISTORY 🔲🔲 2Sam 5-9 🔲🔲 2SamJosh 101-5-14 🔲🔲 2JoshSam 156-10-19 🔲🔲 2JoshSam 11-1520-24 🔲🔲 1JoshKi 1 -416-20

WEDNESDAY PSALMS 🔲🔲 Ps 51-53 🔲🔲 Ps Ps54 -1-256 🔲🔲 Ps 57Ps -3-559 🔲🔲 Ps 60Ps -6-862 🔲🔲 Ps Ps63 9-11-65

THURSDAY POETRY 🔲🔲 Job 35-36 🔲🔲 JobJob 37 1-2-38 🔲🔲 JobJob 39 3-4-40 🔲🔲 JobJob 41 5-6-42 Job 7-8

FRIDAY PROPHECY 🔲🔲 JerIsa 27 1-6-31 🔲🔲 JerIsa 32 7-11-36 🔲🔲 JerIsa 37 12-17-41 🔲🔲 JerIsa 42 18-22-46 Isa 23-28

SATURDAY GOSPELS 🔲🔲 MarkMatt 15 1-2-16 🔲🔲 LukeMatt 1 -23-4 🔲🔲 LukeMatt 3 -45-7 🔲🔲 LukeMatt 58-10-6 Matt 11-13

5 JUNE

JunJun 1 1-6 - 3 JJunun 4 7-13 - 10 JJunun 1 14-201 - 17 JunJun 121-278 - 24 JunJun 228-305 - 30

SUNDAY EPISTLES 🔲🔲 RomGal 4 11-12-6 🔲🔲 EphRom 1 13-14-3 🔲🔲 EphRom 4 -15-166 🔲🔲 Phil1 Cor 1-2 1-2

MONDAY THE LAW Gen 16-19 🔲🔲 ExGen 37 20-23-40 🔲🔲 LevGen 1 -324-27 🔲🔲 LevGen 4 -628-31 🔲🔲 LevGen 7 -932-25

TUESDAY HISTORY Josh 21-24 🔲🔲 1KiJudg 5-9 1-6 🔲🔲 1JudgKi 10 7-11-13 🔲🔲 1JudgKi 14 12-16-18 🔲🔲 1JudgKi 19 17-21-22

WEDNESDAY PSALMS Ps 12-14 🔲🔲 PsPs 66 15-17-68 🔲🔲 PsPs 69 18-20-71 🔲🔲 PsPs 72 21-23-74 🔲🔲 Ps 75-77

🔲🔲 🔲🔲 🔲🔲 🔲🔲 🔲🔲 THURSDAY POETRY ProvJob 19-10 ProvJob 211-12-3 ProvJob 413-14 ProvJob 515-16-6 Prov 7

FRIDAY PROPHECY 🔲🔲 JerIsa 47 29-33-52 🔲🔲 LamentationsIsa 34-39 🔲🔲 EzekIsa 40-44 1-6 🔲🔲 EzekIsa 45-507-12 🔲🔲 Ezek 13-18

SATURDAY GOSPELS 🔲🔲 MattLuke 714-16-8 🔲🔲 LukeMatt 9 17-19-10 🔲🔲 MattLuke 1120-22-12 🔲🔲 MattLuke 1323-25-14

6 JULY

JuJuln 1 1-4 - 3 JuJuln 4 5-11- 10 JJulun 112-181 - 17 JJulun 1 19-258 - 24 JJulun 226-315 - 30

SUNDAY EPISTLES 🔲🔲 Gal1 Cor 4-6 3-4 🔲🔲 Eph1 Cor 1-3 5-6 🔲🔲 Eph1 Cor 4-6 7-8 🔲🔲 Phil1 Cor 1-2 9-10

MONDAY THE LAW 🔲🔲 GenEx 37 36-39-40 🔲🔲 GenLev 1 40-43-3 🔲🔲 GenLev 4 44-47-6 🔲🔲 LevGen 7 -48-509

TUESDAY HISTORY 🔲🔲 1Ki Ruth5-9 🔲🔲 1Ki Sam 10- 131-5 🔲🔲 1 KiSam 14- 186-10 🔲🔲 11Ki Sam 19 -2211-15

WEDNESDAY PSALMS Ps 24-26 🔲🔲 PsPs 66 27-29-68 🔲🔲 PsPs 69 30-32-71 🔲🔲 PsPs 72 33-35-74 🔲🔲 PsPs 75 36-38-77

THURSDAY POETRY 🔲🔲 ProvJob 117-18 🔲🔲 ProvJob 19-202-3 🔲🔲 ProvJob 21-224 🔲🔲 ProvJob 23-245-6 🔲🔲 ProvJob 725-26

🔲🔲 🔲🔲 🔲🔲 🔲🔲 🔲🔲 FRIDAY PROPHECY JerIsa 47 51-55-52 LamentationsIsa 56-61 EzekIsa 62-66 1-6 EzekJer 71-6-12 EzekJer 137-11-18

🔲🔲 🔲🔲 🔲🔲 🔲🔲 SATURDAY GOSPELS MattLuke 726-28-8 LukeMark 9- 101-2 LukeMark 11 3-4-12 LukeMark 13 5-6-14

7 AUGUST

AuAugg 1 - 15 AAugug 6 2-8- 12 AAugug 1 39-15 - 19 AAugug 2 16-220 - 26 AugAug 223-297 - 31

(Aug 30) 🔲🔲 21Thes Cor11-12 🔲🔲 1Tim 1-3 🔲🔲 1Tim 4-6 🔲🔲 22Tim Cor 1- 21-3 SUNDAY EPISTLES 2 Cor 4-5 1 Cor 13-14 1 Cor 15-16

(Aug 31 MONDAY THE LAW 🔲🔲 LevEx 25 1-4-27 🔲🔲 NumEx 1 5-8-4 🔲🔲 NumEx 9-125-8 🔲🔲 NumEx 13-16 9-12 Ex 17-20)

TUESDAY HISTORY 🔲🔲 2Ki 21-25 🔲🔲 1Chr Sam 1 16-20-4 🔲🔲 11Chr Sam 5 21-25-9 🔲🔲 1 ChrSam 10 26-31-14 🔲🔲 12Chr Sam 15 1-4-19

WEDNESDAY PSALMS 🔲🔲 Ps 90-92 🔲🔲 PsPs 93 39-41-95 🔲🔲 PsPs 96 42-44-98 🔲🔲 PsPs 99 45-47-101 🔲🔲 PsPs 102 48-50-104

THURSDAY POETRY 🔲🔲 Prov 14-15 🔲🔲 ProvJob 27-2816 🔲🔲 ProvJob 1729-30-18 🔲🔲 ProvJob 31-3219 🔲🔲 ProvJob 33-3420-21

FRIDAY PROPHECY 🔲🔲 Ezek 43-48 🔲🔲 DanJer 112-16-6 🔲🔲 DanJer 717-21-12 🔲🔲 HoseaJer 22-26 1-7 Jer 27-31

SATURDAY GOSPELS 🔲🔲 JohnMark 1 -7-82 🔲🔲 JohnMark 3 9-10-4 🔲🔲 JohnMark 5 11-12-6 🔲🔲 MarkJohn 713-14-9 Mark 15-16

8 SEPTEMBER

SSepep 1 1-5 - 2 SepSep 36-12 - 9 SepSep 113-190 - 16 SSepep 1 20-267 - 23 SSepep 2 27-304 - 30

SUNDAY EPISTLES 🔲🔲 22Tim Cor 3- 46-8 🔲🔲 2Titus Cor 9-10 🔲🔲 2Philemon Cor 11-13 🔲🔲 HebGal 1 1-3-4

MONDAY THE LAW 🔲🔲 NumEx 21-24 13-16 🔲🔲 NumEx 25-28 17-20 🔲🔲 NumEx 29-32 21-24 🔲🔲 NumEx 33-36 25-28

TUESDAY HISTORY 2 Sam 5-9 🔲🔲 12Chr Sam 20 10-14-24 🔲🔲 12Chr Sam 25 15-19-29 🔲🔲 2 ChrSam 120-24-5 🔲🔲 21Chr Ki 61-4-10

WEDNESDAY PSALMS Ps 51-53 🔲🔲 PsPs 105 54-56-107 🔲🔲 PsPs 108 57-59-110 🔲🔲 PsPs 111 60-62-113 🔲🔲 PsPs 114 63-65-116

THURSDAY POETRY Job 35-36 🔲🔲 ProvJob 37-3822 🔲🔲 ProvJob 39-4023-24 🔲🔲 ProvJob 41-4225 🔲🔲 Prov 26-27

FRIDAY PROPHECY 🔲🔲 HoseaJer 32-36 8-14 🔲🔲 JoelJer 37-41 🔲🔲 AmosJer 42-46 1-4 🔲🔲 AmosJer 47-52 5-9 🔲🔲 Obadiah

SATURDAY GOSPELS 🔲🔲 JohnLuke 10 1-2-12 🔲🔲 JohnLuke 13 3-4-15 🔲🔲 JohnLuke 16 5-6-18 🔲🔲 JohnLuke 19 7-8-21 🔲🔲 Acts 1-2 9 OCTOBER

OctOct 1 - 71-3 OcOctt 8 - 14-104 OcOctt 15 11-17 - 21 OOctct 22 18-24 - 28 OcOctt 29 25-31 - 31

SUNDAY EPISTLES 🔲🔲 Heb 5-7 🔲🔲 HebGal 8 -104-6 🔲🔲 HebEph 11 1-3-13 🔲🔲 JamesEph 4-61-3 🔲🔲 JamesPhil 1-24-5

MONDAY THE LAW 🔲🔲 Num 29-32 🔲🔲 NumEx 37-40 33-36 🔲🔲 DeutLev 1 -1-33 🔲🔲 DeutLev 44-6-6 🔲🔲 DeutLev 7 7-9-9

🔲🔲 🔲🔲 🔲🔲 🔲🔲 🔲🔲 TUESDAY HISTORY 2Chr 11-15 2Chr1 Ki 16 5-9-20 21Chr Ki 2110-13-24 12 ChrKi 14-1825-28 12 ChrKing 29 19-22-32

WEDNESDAY PSALMS 🔲🔲 Ps 117-118 🔲🔲 PsPs 119 66-68 🔲🔲 PsPs 120 69-71-121 🔲🔲 PsPs 122 72-74-124 Ps 75-77

🔲🔲 🔲🔲 🔲🔲 🔲🔲 THURSDAY POETRY ProvProv 28 1 ProvProv 29 2-3-30 ProvProv 31 4 EcclProv 1 -25-6 Prov 7

FRIDAY PROPHECY 🔲🔲 LamentationsJonah 🔲🔲 MicahEzek 1-6 🔲🔲 NahumEzek 7-12 🔲🔲 EzekHabakkuk 13-18 Ezek 19-24

SATURDAY GOSPELS 🔲🔲 ActsLuke 3 9-10-4 🔲🔲 ActsLuke 5 11-12-6 🔲🔲 ActsLuke 7 13-14-8 🔲🔲 LukeActs 915-16-10 Luke 17-18

10 NOVEMBER

NNovov 1 1-7 - 4 NNovov 5 8-14 - 11 NovNov 115-212 - 18 NovNov 122-289 - 25 NovNov 229-306 - 30

SUNDAY EPISTLES 🔲🔲 1PetPhil 1 3-4-3 🔲🔲 1PetCol 4 -51-2 🔲🔲 2PetCol 3-4 🔲🔲 1John Thes 1 1-3-3

MONDAY THE LAW 🔲🔲 DeutLev 10-1210-12 🔲🔲 DeutLev 13-1513-15 🔲🔲 DeutLev 16-1816-19 🔲🔲 DeutLev 19-2120-22

TUESDAY HISTORY 🔲🔲 22Chr Ki 33 1-5-36 🔲🔲 Ezra2 Ki 1 6-10-5 🔲🔲 Ezra2 Ki 611-15-10 🔲🔲 Neh 1-4

WEDNESDAY PSALMS 🔲🔲 PsPs 125 78-80-127 🔲🔲 PsPs 128 81-83-130 🔲🔲 PsPs 131 84-86-133 🔲🔲 PsPs 134 87-89-136 🔲🔲 Ps 137-139

THURSDAY POETRY 🔲🔲 EcclProv 3 -48-9 🔲🔲 EcclProv 5- 610 🔲🔲 EcclProv 7 11-12-8 🔲🔲 EcclProv 9-10 13 🔲🔲 Eccl 11-12

🔲🔲 Zechariah 1- 🔲🔲 Zechariah 8- FRIDAY PROPHECY 🔲🔲 ZephaniahEzek 25-30 🔲🔲 EzekHaggai 31-36 Ezek 37-42 Ezek 43-48 7 14

SATURDAY GOSPELS 🔲🔲 LukeActs 11 19-20-12 🔲🔲 LukeActs 1321-22-14 🔲🔲 ActsLuke 15 23-24-16 🔲🔲 ActsJohn 17 1-2-18

11 DECEMBER

DDecec 1 1-5 - 2 DecDec 36-12 - 9 DDecec 1 13-190 - 16 DDecec 120-267 - 23 DDecec 2 27-314 - 30

SUNDAY EPISTLES 🔲🔲 11John Thes 4 4-5-5 🔲🔲 2John2 Thes 🔲🔲 31John Tim 1-3 🔲🔲 Jude1 Tim 4-6

MONDAY THE LAW 🔲🔲 DeutLev 22-2423-25 🔲🔲 DeutLev 25-2726-28 🔲🔲 DeutNum 29 1-4-31 🔲🔲 DeutNum 32 5-8-34

TUESDAY HISTORY 2 Ki 16-20 🔲🔲 Neh1 Chr 5-9 1-4 🔲🔲 Neh1 Chr 10 5-9-13 🔲🔲 1Esther Chr 10-141-5 🔲🔲 1Esther Chr 15-19 6-10

WEDNESDAY PSALMS Ps 90-92 🔲🔲 PsPs 140 93-95-142 🔲🔲 PsPs 143 96-98-145 🔲🔲 PsPs 14699-101-148 🔲🔲 PsPs 102-104149-150

🔲🔲 🔲🔲 🔲🔲 🔲🔲 THURSDAY POETRY Prov 14-15 SongProv 1 -162 SongProv 17-183-4 SongProv 5 19-6 ProvSong 20-21 7-8

🔲🔲 🔲🔲 🔲🔲 🔲🔲 🔲🔲 FRIDAY PROPHECY MalachiDan 1-6 RevDan 1 -67-12 RevHosea 7-11 1-7 RevHosea 12 -178-14 Rev 18-22

SATURDAY GOSPELS 🔲🔲 ActsJohn 19 3-4-20 🔲🔲 ActsJohn 21 5-6-22 🔲🔲 ActsJohn 23 7-9-24 🔲🔲 JohnActs 2510-12-26 🔲🔲 Acts 27-28

12 JANUARY

JanJan 1-1-2 7 JanJan 8 4-9 - 14 JanJan 15 10-16 - 21 JanJan 2217-23 - 28 JanJan 29 24-30 - 31

SUNDAY EPISTLES 🔲🔲 Rom(Jan 131)-2 🔲🔲 Rom2 Tim 3 -1-24 🔲🔲 Rom2 Tim 5 -3-46 🔲🔲 RomTitus 7-8 🔲🔲 RomPhilemon 9-10 Heb 1-4

MONDAY THE LAW 🔲🔲 Gen 1-3 🔲🔲 GenNum 49-12-7 🔲🔲 NumGen 813-16-11 🔲🔲 NumGen 1217-20-15 🔲🔲 NumGen 1621-24-19

TUESDAY HISTORY 🔲🔲 Josh 1-5 🔲🔲 1Josh Chr 620-24-10 🔲🔲 1Josh Chr 1125-29-15 🔲🔲 Josh2 Chr 16 1-5-20 🔲🔲 Josh2 Chr 21 6-10-24

WEDNESDAY PSALMS 🔲🔲 Ps 1-2 🔲🔲 PsPs 105-1073-5 🔲🔲 Ps 108-1106-8 🔲🔲 PsPs 9111-113-11 Ps 114-116

THURSDAY POETRY 🔲🔲 Job 1-2 🔲🔲 JobProv 3- 422 🔲🔲 ProvJob 523-24-6 🔲🔲 JobProv 7- 825 Prov 26-27

FRIDAY PROPHECY 🔲🔲 Isa Joel1-6 🔲🔲 IsaAmos 7-11 1-4 🔲🔲 IsaAmos 12 -175-9 🔲🔲 IsaObadiah 18-22 Jonah

SATURDAY GOSPELS 🔲🔲 JohnMatt 13-151-2 🔲🔲 JohnMatt 16-183-4 🔲🔲 JohnMatt 19-215-7 🔲🔲 MattActs 8 1-2-10 Acts 3-4

13 FEBRUARY

FFebeb 11-7 - 4 FFebeb 5 8-14 - 11 FFebeb 1 15-212 - 18 FebFev 1 22-289 - 25 FFebeb 2 23-296 - 28

🔲🔲 🔲🔲 🔲🔲 🔲🔲 SUNDAY EPISTLES Heb 5-7 RomHeb 11 8-10-12 HebRom 1311-13-14 RomJames 15 -1-316 1Cor 1-2

🔲🔲 🔲🔲 🔲🔲 🔲🔲 MONDAY THE LAW Num 25-28 GenNum 2029-32-23 NumGen 2433-36-27 GenDeut 28 1-3-31 Gen 32-35

TUESDAY HISTORY 2 Chr 11-15 🔲🔲 Judg2 Chr 1 16-20-6 🔲🔲 2Judg Chr 7 21-24-11 🔲🔲 Judg2 Chr 12 25-28-16 🔲🔲 Judg 17-21

WEDNESDAY PSALMS 🔲🔲 PsPs 12117-118-14 🔲🔲 Ps Ps15 119-17 🔲🔲 PsPs 120-12118-20 🔲🔲 PsPs 21122-124-23

THURSDAY POETRY 🔲🔲 JobProv 9-10 28 🔲🔲 ProvJob 11 29-30-12 🔲🔲 JobProv 13 31-14 🔲🔲 JobEccl 15 -1-216

FRIDAY PROPHECY 🔲🔲 IsaMicah 23-28 🔲🔲 IsaNahum 29-33 🔲🔲 IsaHabakkuk 34-39 🔲🔲 IsaZephanaiah 40-44

SATURDAY GOSPELS 🔲🔲 MattActs 11 5-6-13 🔲🔲 MattActs 14 7-8-16 🔲🔲 MattActs 179-10-19 🔲🔲 MattActs 2011-12-22

14 MARCH

MMarar 11-6 - 4 MaMarr 5 - 7-1311 MMarar 1 214-20 - 18 MMarar 1 921-27 - 25 MMarar 2 628-31 - 31

SUNDAY EPISTLES 🔲🔲 1JamesCor 3 -44-5 01Cor1 Pet 5-6 1-3 🔲🔲 11Cor Pet 7 -4-58 🔲🔲 1Cor2 Pet9-10

MONDAY THE LAW Deut 4-6 🔲🔲 GenDeut 36 7-9-39 🔲🔲 GenDeut 40 10-12-43 🔲🔲 GenDeut 44 13-15-47 🔲🔲 GenDeut 48 16-19-50

🔲🔲 🔲🔲 🔲🔲 🔲🔲 TUESDAY HISTORY 2 Chr 29-32 2Ruth Chr 33-36 1EzraSam 11-5-5 1EzraSam 66-10-10 1SamNeh 11 1-4-15

🔲🔲 🔲🔲 🔲🔲 🔲🔲 WEDNESDAY PSALMS Ps 24125-127-26 0PsPs 27-29 128-130 PsPs 131-13330-32 Ps 33134-136-35 Ps 36137-139-38

THURSDAY POETRY 🔲🔲 JobEccl 17 3-4-18 🔲🔲 JobEccl 19 5-6-20 🔲🔲 JobEccl 21 7-8-22 🔲🔲 JobEccl 23 9-10-24 🔲🔲 Job 25-26

Zecharaiah Zecharaiah FRIDAY PROPHECY 🔲🔲 IsaHaggai 45-50 🔲🔲 Isa 51-55 0IsaMalachi 56-61 🔲🔲 IsaMalachi 62-66 🔲🔲 Jer 1-6 1-7 8-14

SATURDAY GOSPELS 🔲🔲 MattActs 2313-14-25 🔲🔲 MattActs 2615-16-28 🔲🔲 MarkActs 17-181-2 🔲🔲 MarkActs 19-203-4

15 APRIL

MAprar 11-3 - 4 MaAprr 5 - 4-1011 MAprar 1 211-17 - 18 MAprar 1 918-24 - 25 MAprar 2 625-30 - 31

3 John & SUNDAY EPISTLES 🔲🔲 1Cor John 3- 41-3 01Cor1 John 5-6 4-5 🔲🔲 1Cor2 John 7-8 🔲🔲 1Cor 9-10 Jude

MONDAY THE LAW 🔲🔲 DeutGen 3620-22-39 🔲🔲 DeutGen 4023-25-43 🔲🔲 GenDeut 44 26-28-47 🔲🔲 GenDeut 48 29-34-50

TUESDAY HISTORY 🔲🔲 RuthNeh 5-9 🔲🔲 1NehSam 10-13 1-5 🔲🔲 1EstherSam 6 -1-510 🔲🔲 1EsthSam 6-1011-15

WEDNESDAY PSALMS 🔲🔲 Ps 24-26 0PsPs 27-29 140-142 🔲🔲 Ps 30143-145-32 🔲🔲 Ps 33146-148-35 🔲🔲 Ps 36149-150-38

THURSDAY POETRY 🔲🔲 JobEccl 17 11-12-18 🔲🔲 JobSong 19 -1-220 🔲🔲 JobSong 21 -3-422 🔲🔲 JobSong 23 -245-6 🔲🔲 JobSong 25 -7-826

FRIDAY PROPHECY 🔲🔲 IsaRev 45 1-6-50 🔲🔲 IsaRev 51 7-11-55 0IsaRev 56-61 12-17 🔲🔲 IsaRev 62 18-22-66 🔲🔲 Jer 1-6

SATURDAY GOSPELS 🔲🔲 MattActs 21-2223-25 🔲🔲 ActsMatt 23-2426-28 🔲🔲 MarkActs 25-261-2 🔲🔲 MarkActs 27-283-4

16 ROMANS New Testament GENESIS Old Testament Written: 56-57 A.D. Roman Period Written:1445-1400 B.C. in Egypt Author: One or more verses, as well as early church fathers and Christian Author: Several Old Testament and New Testament books name Moses traditions, state Paul. Also, internal and historical evidence point to Paul. Why: Demonstrate’s God’s sovereignty and love for His creation Why: Often called the flagship of the New Testament, this was written to show how faith and salvation come together to live a victorious life in Setting: The three most prominent areas are Mesopotamia, the Promised Christ. Land and Egypt. Setting: Corinth (near Athens) through Achaia, Macedonia, to Jerusalem. Key Idea: The Beginnings and Ancestors of Israel’s Faith Paul wrote his letter to Christians who hadn’t received any teaching from an apostle. Key People: Adam, Eve, Cain, Abel, Noah, Abraham, Lot, Hagar, Ishmael, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, Laban, Rachel, Esau, Joseph Key Idea: Righteousness Intended Audience: Children of Israel would later become the nation of Key People: Paul, Phoebe, Timothy, Lucius, Jason, Sosipater, Tertius, Israel. Erastus Intended Audience: The Christians in Rome and believers everywhere

JOSHUA Old Testament PSALMS Old Testament Written: 1410-430 B.C. Written: 1405-1383 B.C. Author: David wrote the majority along with Korah, Asaph, Solomon, Author: Jewish tradition states Joshua, who is most likely given eye-wit- Heman, Ethan, Moses and others. ness accounts. Some suggest Eleazar or his sons wrote final section. Why: To encourage and strengthen the people to be faithful and coura- Why: Demonstration of worshiping and praising God. geous in serving the Lord. Setting: Though not written or intended for historical narrative, they often Setting: In the Promised Land (Canaan), or present-day Israel including parallel historical events—especially those written by David during his flight parts of Jordan and Syria. The Israelites are now crossing from the east side from Saul. The setting is the land of Palestine including the modern-day of the Jordan River into modern day Israel. Israel, Palestine and Syria. Key Idea: Choices of a Nation Key Idea: Our Relationship and Communication with God Key People: Joshua, Two Spies, Rahab, Achan, Phinehas, Eleazar Key People: David, Solomon Intended Audience: Nation of Israel as a reminder of what God had Intended Audience: Nation of Israel as a reminder of what God had done for them. done for them. 17 JOB Old Testament ISAIAH Old Testament Written: approx. 2000-1800 B.C. Written: 740-680 B.C. Iron Age Author: Unknown; however, Jewish tradition suggests Moses (and the time Author: Several verses, as well as Jewish and Christian tradition, state frame is the same). Conversely, there’s similarity of content with Ecclesiastes, Isaiah. which could indicate Solomon wrote it. Why: To remind God’s people that salvation and hope come through Why: Shows us God’s sovereignty and how to remain faithful through faithfulness to God and to demonstrate that the Messiah is Christ Jesus our persecution, suffering and loss. Lord. Setting: Modern-day Israel and Palestine; though Isaiah prophesized in Setting: The land of Uz (most likely today’s Syria). and around Jerusalem he had prophesies against many cities and kingdoms Key Idea: In Tribulation Placing our Trust in God including: Jerusalem, Assyria, Egypt, Babylon, Samaria, Philistia, Moab, Ethiopia and Tyre. Key People: Job, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shiite, Zophar the Key Idea: God’s Holiness and Restoration Naamathite, Elihu the Buzite, Job’s wife Key People: Isaiah, Ahaz, Cyrus, Amoz, Tiglath-Pileser III, Hezekiah, Intended Audience: Nation of Israel as a reminder of what God had Uzziah, and Jotham done for them. Intended Audience: Nation of Israel

MATTHEW New Testament JUDGES Old Testament Written: 50-60 A.D. Roman Period Written: 1086-1004 B.C. Early Iron Age Author: Early church fathers confirmed Matthew* Author: Jewish tradition states Samuel wrote the book, also details given Why: To show that Jesus is the true Messiah, the one Who fulfills all proph- including period before a king strongly suggest Samuel as author. ecy. Why: Reminder of the importance of faithfulness to the Lord and the Setting: Bethlehem, Nazareth, Bethsaida, Gennesaret, Tyre, Sidon, Bethany consequences of sin personally and nationally. and Jerusalem. Matthew’s Gospel focuses on proclaiming to fellow Jews that Jesus is King of the Jews and the Messiah. Setting: The land of Canaan later called Israel Key Idea: Jesus the King Key Idea: Compromise and Failure Key People: Jesus, Holy Spirit, God the Father, Mary, Joseph, John the Key People: Deborah, Gideon, Samson, Othniel, Ehud, Abimelech, Del- Baptist, etc. ilah, Barak, Jotham, Shamgar Intended Audience: Jewish population Intended Audience: Nation of Israel as a reminder of what God had *Several scholars argue that because Matthew, Mark and Luke bear similarities, they done for them. must have borrowed from one another or an unknown source.

18 1 CORINTHIANS New Testament RUTH Old Testament Written: 55-56 A.D. Roman Period Written: 1046-1035 B.C. Author: One or more verse, as well as early church fathers and Christian Author: Jewish tradition states Samuel wrote Ruth; however, no scripture tradition, state Paul. Also internal and historical evidence point to Paul. or external testimony credit Samuel. Why: To address division, immorality, and abuses of Christian freedom Why: As a demonstration of faitfulness, loyalty and love toward God and Setting: Greek city of Corinth, a major crossroads of the Roman Empire. those who follow Him. However, the city was known for moral corruption, and its name was synon- Setting: Modern day-Palestine, in the area surrounding the dead sea, near ymous with depravity. Paul wrote this letter because the church had trouble the ancients cities of Jericho, Heshbon, Dibon, and Bethlehem in the coun- separating from the immoral culture. tries of Judah of Moab. Key Idea: Sanctification Key Idea: Picture of the Kinsman Redeemer Key People: Paul, Priscilla, Aquila, Chloe, Stephanas, Fortunatus, Achaicus Key People: Ruth, Naomi, Boaz, Elimelech, Mahlon, Chilion, Orpah Intended Audience: The church in Corinth and believers everywhere Intended Audience: Nation of Israel as a reminder of what God had done for them.

1 SAMUEL Old Testament MARK New Testament Written: 1050-722 B.C. Early Iron Age Written: 50-60 A.D. Roman Period Author: Jewish tradition credits Samuel, Nathan or Gad; however, Author: Early church fathers confirm Mark; Papias Bishop of Hierapolis Samuel’s death is recorded in the first book. The author is considered also states Mark.* anonymous. Why: To show us Jesus, the true Messiah, would suffer and die for our Why: Records the history of Israel and her first king. sins. Setting: The land of modern-day Israel, west of the Dead Sea. Some key Setting: Central Palestine or modern-day Israel. Mark’s Gospel focuses on the cities include Jerusalem, Ziklag, Mizpah, Shiloh and Gilgal. Roman audience, particularly Gentiles. Key Idea: Establishment of Israel’s Kingdom Key Idea: Jesus the Servant Key People: Eli, Hannah, Samuel, Saul, Jonathan, David, Abigail Key People: Jesus, Holy Spirit, God the Father, Mary, Joseph, John the Intended Audience: Nation of Israel as a reminder of what God had Baptist, etc. done for them. Intended Audience: Christians in Rome where the Gospel was written.

19 JEREMIAH Old Testament EXODUS Old Testament Written: 1445-1440 B.C. Late Bronze Age Written:626-570 B.C. Persian Period Author: Several verses, as well as Jewish and Christian tradition, state Author: Old Testament scripture and Jewish tradition confirm Moses as Jeremiah. the author. Why: To warn Judah of coming destruction, including the destruction of Why: Provide guidance for living a healthy life and to show God’s faithful- the Temple because of their apostasy and sinfulness. ness to His covenant and His people. Setting: The story begins in southern Egypt and moves north through Palestine to Jerusalem. Then we see Babylon move in 605 BC when King Setting: The southern portion of the Middle East, the northern portion of Nebuchadnezzar defeats Egypt (Pharaoh Necho) and later sacks Jerusalem Egypt which leads into the Sinai Peninsula and the southern part of Pales- and burns the temple. tine. Key Idea: Shepherd and Covenant Key Idea: Deliverance, Birth and Redemption Key People: Jeremiah, Hananiah, Hilkiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim (Eliakim), Key People: Moses, Joshua, Jethro, Miriam, Pharaoh, Aaron, Zipporah Zedekiah Intended Audience: Judah (the southern kingdom) Intended Audience: Intended Audience: Children of Israel would later become the nation of Judah (the southern kingdom) Israel.

2 CORINTHIANS New Testament 2 SAMUEL Old Testament Written: 1050-722 B.C. Written: 55-56 A.D. Roman Period Author: Jewish tradition credits Samuel, Nathan or Gad; however, Author: One or more verses, as well as early church fathers and Christian Samuel’s death is recorded in the first book. The author is considered tradition, state Paul. Also, internal and historical evidence point to Paul. anonymous. Why: Written to address false doctrine and false teachers who creep into Why: Records the history and of Israel and king David. the body of Christ to deceive believers. Setting: Modern-day Palestine through the ancient areas of Philistia, Canaan, Setting: Greek city of Corinth, a major crossroads of the Roman Empire, Ammon which are all modern-day Israel, Jordan and Syria. known for moral corruption and depravity. Paul wrote this letter because the church had trouble separating from the immoral culture. Key Idea: Establishment of Israel’s Kingdom Key Idea: Christian Ministry Key People: Eli, Hannah, Samuel, Saul, Jonathan, David, Abigail Key People: Paul, Priscilla, Aquila, Chloe, Stephanas, Fortunatus, Achaicus Intended Audience: Nation of Israel as a reminder of what God had Intended Audience: The church in Corinth and believers everywhere done for them.

20 LUKE New Testament GALATIANS New Testament Written: 60-62 A.D. Roman Period Written: 49-55 A.D. Roman Period Author: Luke fits the profile; early church fathers state Luke.* Author: One or more verses, as well as early church fathers and Christian Why: To show that Jesus came to save all who accept Him as Lord and tradition, state Paul. Also, internal and historical evidence point to Paul. Savior from their sins. Why: Written to warn against legalism and to defend salvation by faith Setting: Central Palestine. While all the Gospels speak of Jesus’ life, events, alone in Jesus alone and not by any type of works of the flesh. and divinity, Luke’s was a letter to Theophilus (possibly a well-known Roman Setting: Galatia. Paul wrote this letter because of problems with legalism, dignitary and/or the Christian referred to as part of “Caesar’s Household.”) which had snuck into the church by false Jewish preachers who tried to Key Idea: Jesus the Son of Man convince the Gentile believers they were required to fulfill all mosaic laws. Key People: Jesus, Holy Spirit, God the Father, Mary, Joseph, etc. Key Idea: Christian Liberty Intended Audience: Theophilus and people everywhere Key People: Paul, Peter, Barnabus *Several scholars argue that because Matthew, Mark and Luke bear similarities, they Intended Audience: The church in Galatia and believers everywhere must have borrowed from one another or an unknown source.

1 KINGS Old Testament PROVERBS Old Testament Written: 590-538 B.C. Early Iron Age Written: 971-686 B.C. Early Iron Age Author: Jeremiah is proposed by Jewish tradition; however, Jeremiah never Author: Jewish tradition states Solomon created and compiled the list of went to Babylon and the second book records events there. Mostly likely his writings and the writings of others. written by Jeremiah and an unknown prophet. Why: Edification to all of God’s people, providing wisdom and guidance Why: As a reminder of the results of sin on our lives and nationally as a in our day to day lives. country. Setting: During the period of the early kingdom of Israel, before the divi- Setting: After Solomon’s reign, the kingdom divided geographically and sion of Israel into the northern and southern kingdoms. During this period, spiritually into northern and southern kingdoms. First Kings covers the the kingdom of Israel encompassed the largest geographical area in its histo- Assyrian exile of the northern kingdom Israel. ry, covering the majority of modern-day Palestine. Key Idea: Destruction of Israel’s Kingdom Key Idea: Principles and Instruction for Life Key People: David, Solomon, Rehoboam, Jeroboam, Elijah, Elisha, Ahab, Key People: Solomon Jezebel, Asa, Ahaziah, Jehoshaphat Intended Audience: Nation of Israel Intended Audience: Nation of Israel 21 LAMENTATIONS Old Testament EPHESIANS New Testament Written: 586-584 B.C. Persian Period Written: 60-64 A.D. Roman Period Author: The author is not named; Jewish and Christian tradition and Author: One or more verses, as well as early church fathers and Christian historical evidence point to Jeremiah. tradition, state Paul. Also, internal and historical evidence point to Paul. Why: Shows the despair of God’s people after losing His blessings as a Why: Written to encourage persecuted believers and to show them what result of their sin and faithlessness. it means to follow Jesus as a believer Setting: Central Palestine around Jerusalem; Jerusalem has been conquered and destroyed by Babylon, and her people have been killed, tortured or Setting: City of Ephesus, a large commercial city at the intersection of taken captive. The setting changes from Jerusalem to the fertile crescent several major trade routes. Paul wrote his letter because the church was north as the captives move through Palestine toward Riblah then turn east plagued with false teachings brought in by two men. following the Euphrates River toward Babylon. Key Idea: Unity in the Body of Christ Key Idea: Bitter Grief and Quiet Hope Key People: Paul, Pricilla, Aquila, Tychicus Key People: Jeremiah Intended Audience: The church in Ephesus and believers everywhere Intended Audience: Nation of Israel

LEVITICUS Old Testament EZEKIAL Old Testament Written: 1445-1400 B.C. Late Bronze Age Written: 590-565 B.C. Persian Period Author: The concluding verse of the book identifies Moses as the author. Author: The book gives the name and age of the author, Ezekiel. Why: Instruction to the nation of Israel living under God’s covenant. Why: Demonstrates God reaching out to His people, giving hope and yet Setting: The foot of Mount Sinai, near the coast of the Red Sea. another chance to repent and turn back toward Him for restoration. Key Idea: Setting: Babylon (modern day Iraq) just north of the Persian Gulf. The Learning to walk with a Holy God location was Tel-abib near the Kebar River, just south of Babylon, the Kebar Key People: Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, Ithmamar River was as a tributary of the Euphrates River. Intended Audience: Nation of Israel as a whole; however specifically to Key Idea: Glory of Yahweh the Holy God the Levites and Priests. Key People: Ezekiel, Nebuchadnezzar Intended Audience: The Jewish people living in captivity in Babylon during the Babylonian exile. 22 PHILIPPIANS New Testament 2 KINGS Old Testament Written: 60-64 A.D. Roman Period Written: 590-538 B.C. Early Iron Age Author: One or more verses, as well as early church fathers and Christian Author: Jeremiah is proposed by Jewish tradition; however, Jeremiah never tradition, state Paul. Also, internal and historical evidence point to Paul. went to Babylon and the second book records events there. Mostly likely Why: Written to express Paul’s love and thankfulness for the Philippian written by Jeremiah and an unknown prophet. church and to give believers an example of love and affection for fellow Why: Shows the God’s love toward us as we follow Him in faithfulness. believers. Setting: City of Philippi, a Roman Colony on the Egnatian Way (a main trans- Setting: After Solomon’s reign, the kingdom divided into northern and portation route adjoined to the Appian Way, which connected the eastern southern kingdoms. Second Kings covers the southern kingdom of Judah up Roman Empire with Rome). till the time of the Babylonian exile. Key Idea: A Joyous Life in Christ Key Idea: Destruction of Israel’s Kingdom Key People: Paul, Roman Jailer, Lydia, Epaphroditus, Timothy Key People: David, Solomon, Rehoboam, Jeroboam, Elijah, Elisha, Ahab, Intended Audience: All the Christians at Philippi and believers every- Jezebel, Asa, Ahaziah, Jehoshaphat where Intended Audience: Nation of Israel

COLOSSIANS New Testament 1 THESSALONIANS New Testament Written: 60-64 A.D. Roman Period Written: 49-54 A.D. Roman Period Author: One or more verses, as well as early church fathers and Christian Author: One or more verses, as well as early church fathers and Christian tradition, state Paul. Also, internal and historical evidence point to Paul. tradition, state Paul. Also, internal and historical evidence point to Paul. Why: To counteract false teachers and false doctrine. To help believers Why: To help believers understand that Jesus is coming back and to keep understand and spot false teachers and false doctrine. faithful in a world of increasing apostasy. Setting: A prison in Rome. The church at Colosse was comprised of Jews and Setting: Thessalonica, capital city of Macedonia, enjoyed status as a “free Gentiles and faced problems with legalism and mysticism. Paul had written the city,” ruled by its own citizens under the Roman Empire. Paul wrote the letter to get the church away from heresy. letter from Corinth, some distance south of Thessalonica. Key Idea: Christ the all-sufficient Savior Key Idea: Christ’s Coming Key People: Paul, Justus, Timothy, Onesimus, Philem, Tychicus, Aristarchus Key People: Paul, Silas, Timothy Intended Audience: The church in Colosse and believers everywhere Intended Audience: The church at Thessalonica and believers every- where. 23 JOHN New Testament 2 THESSALONIANS New Testament Written: 80-95 A.D. Roman Period Written: 50-54 A.D. Roman Period Author: Early church fathers confirm John; Irenaeus, a disciple of Poly- Author: One or more verses, as well as early church fathers and Christian carp (a disciple of the Apostle John), testified John was author. tradition, state Paul. Also, internal and historical evidence point to Paul. Why: To show that Jesus, the Son of God (fully God and fully human), Why: To help believers understand that Jesus is coming back and to keep provides salvation for all who call and believe on Him. faithful in a world of increasing apostasy. Setting: Central Palestine or modern-day Israel. John’s Gospel speaks to Setting: Thessalonica, capital city of Macedonia, enjoyed status as a “free the divinity of Jesus Christ. John would have known of the other Gospels; city,” ruled by its own citizens under the Roman Empire. Paul wrote the however, he wanted to expand on the spiritual significance of Jesus’ life. letter from Corinth, some distance south of Thessalonica. Key Idea: Jesus the Son of God Key Idea: The Day of the Lord Key People: Jesus, Holy Spirit, God the Father, Mary, Joseph, etc. Key People: Paul, Silas, Timothy Intended Audience: New Christians Intended Audience: The church at Thessalonica and believers every- where

1 CHRONICLES Old Testament DANIEL Old Testament Written: 450-425 B.C. Persian Period Written:605-530 B.C. Persian Period Author: Jewish tradition states Ezra wrote Chronicles and no internal Author: Several verses, as well as Jewish and Christian tradition, state scriptural evidence or external testimony concludes otherwise. Daniel. Why: As encouragement to the remnant left in Israel. Why: To remind the Jewish exiles that God is sovereign and to demon- Setting: During the Book of First Chronicles Israel is a united kingdom and strate that God still had a future redemption waiting for them. as the book ends, Solomon is transitioning into power as the new king of Setting: Central Palestine and the northeastern parts of the Middle East as Israel. the action takes place in the city-state of Babylon or modern day Iraq. Key Idea: Responsibility of Obeying Gods Covenant Key Idea: Gods Sovereignty over Human Affairs Key People: David, Solomon, Samuel, Joab, Abishai, Asahel Key People: Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar, Darius, Cyrus, Belshazzar, Shadrach, Intended Audience: Nation of Israel as a reminder of what God had Meshach, Abed-nego done for them. Intended Audience: The captives in Babylon and general letter to God’s people everywhere. 24 1 TIMOTHY New Testament NUMBERS Old Testament Written: 62-64 A.D. Roman Period Written: 1445-1400 B.C. Late Bronze Age Author: One or more verses, as well as early church fathers and Christian Author: Written in the final year of Moses’ life, both Old and New Testa- tradition, state Paul. Also, internal and historical evidence point to Paul. ment refer to Moses as author. Why: To encourage Timothy and fellow believers in leading faithfully and Why: As a reminder to Israel and us what we loose when we are in rebel- rebuking false doctrine. lion against God and His will for us. Setting: Timothy and Paul mostly wrote the letter in Macedonia. After Setting: The southern portion of Sinai Peninsula including the lands south being released from his first imprisonment, Paul revisited several cities and and east of Canaan, on up toward the borders of Edom. left Timothy in Ephesus to deal with problems (e.g. false doctrine, disorder- Key Idea: ly church conduct, materialism). Developing Faith and Learning Obedience Key People: Key Idea: Church Ministry Moses, Aaron, Miriam, Joshua, Caleb, Korah, Balaam Intended Audience: Key People: Paul, Silas, Timothy, Eunice, Louis Children of Israel would later become the nation of Israel. Intended Audience: Timothy

HOSEA Old Testament 2 TIMOTHY New Testament Written: 755-710 B.C. Iron Age Written: 65-67 A.D. Roman Period Author: Several verses, as well as Jewish and Christian tradition, state Author: One or more verses, as well as early church fathers and Christian Hosea. tradition, state Paul. Also, internal and historical evidence point to Paul. Why: To warn God’s Israelites of God’s coming judgment and the conse- Why: To encourage Timothy and all believers to remain faithful in Chris- quences of their spiritual adultery. tian leadership and ministry through suffering and persecution. Setting: Central and Northern Palestine or modern-day Israel, Lebanon Setting: Timothy and Paul mostly wrote the letter in Macedonia. Paul is and Syria. During Hosea, Samaria and Israel fell to the Assyrians. again in a Roman prison during Nero’s persecutions. He is writing Timothy that the end of his life is near. Key Idea: Love of a Holy God Key Idea: Individual Ministry Key People: Hosea, Gomer, Jeroboam II Key People: Paul, Timothy Intended Audience: The people of Israel (the northern kingdom) and general letter to God’s people everywhere. Intended Audience: Timothy, confidant of Paul and young church leader (likely in his 30’s-40’s), and all believers. 25 JOEL Old Testament TITUS New Testament Written: 835-796 B.C. Early Iron Age Written: 62-64 A.D. Roman Perio Author: The book names Joel, son of Pethuel. Author: One or more verses, as well as early church fathers and Christian Why: A call to repentance and return to God to prevent further judg- tradition, state Paul. Also, internal and historical evidence point to Paul. ment. Why: To encourage the church to help those in need and do good works Setting: Central Palestine near Jerusalem. The setting is prior to the exile. through faith in Christ Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. Key Idea: Setting: Crete, a large island in the Mediterranean Sea. Paul had left Titus in Seek God with All Your Heart Crete to continue the ministry and Paul wrote this letter to encourage Titus. Key People: Joel Key Idea: Sound Doctrine Intended Audience: The people of Judah (the southern kingdom) and Key People: general letter to God’s people everywhere. Paul, Titus, Artemus, Tychicus, Zenas, Apollos Intended Audience: To a Greek man named Titus and believers every- where

AMOS Old Testament PHILEMON New Testament Written: 760-750 B.C. Iron Age Written: 60-62 A.D. Roman Period Author: Several verses, as well as Jewish and Christian tradition, state Author: One or more verses, as well as early church fathers and Christian Amos. tradition, state Paul. Also, internal and historical evidence point to Paul. Why: God telling His people of the coming judgment becuase of the Why: This letter was written to an individual called Philemon to exhort hard hearts which led to injustice and lack of mercy in society. him to forgive a runaway slave called Onesimus, who had since come to Setting: Central and northern Palestine, Syria and Edom. Most action takes faith in Christ and changed his life. place in what is today the West Bank as well as Bethlehem and Jerusalem. Setting: Colosse, an ancient city of Phrygia Key Idea: Justice of a Holy God Key Idea: Forgiveness Key People: Amos, Uzziah, Jeroboam II, Amaziah, Jotham Key People: Paul, Philemon, Onesimus, Timothy, Mark, Aristarchus, Intended Audience: The people of Israel (the northern kingdom) and Demas, Luke general letter to God’s people everywhere. Intended Audience: To Philemon on behalf of a runaway slave named Onesimus and all believers everywhere 26 2 CHRONICLES Old Testament HEBREWS New Testament Written: 450-425 B.C. Persian Period Written: 60-69 A.D. Roman Period Author: Jewish tradition states Ezra wrote Chronicles and no evidence or Author: Unknown: suggested authors include Barnabus, Silas, Apollos, testimony conclude otherwise. Luke, Philip, Pricilla and Aquila her husband Why: Demonstration of the God’s blessing as a result of our faithfulness Why: To inform believers of Jesus’ superiority over Old Testament Cove- to the Lord. nant and how Jesus is a fulfillment of the that Covenant Setting: The setting is the land of Palestine and the great nation of Israel. Setting: The Mediterranean basin The book covers the fall of the joint kingdom of Israel, Babylonian exile and Key Idea: the return from exile. Christ is the Reason Key People: Key Idea: Responsibility of Obeying Gods Covenant Jesus, Moses and the Priest Key People: Intended Audience: Hebrew Christians, who because of persecution, David, Solomon, Samuel, Joab, Abishai, Asahel were thinking of returning to Judaism and believers everywhere Intended Audience: Nation of Israel as a reminder of what God had done for them.

OBADIAH Old Testament ACTS New Testament Written: 850-586 B.C. Persian Period Written: 60-62 A.D. Roman Period Author: Several verses, as well as Jewish and Christian tradition, state Author: Matches the writing style of the Gospel of Luke and both letters Obadiah were addressed to the same individual. Why: Prophecy against Edom (Modern day Jordan) for their treatment to Why: Documents the historical account of the beginning of the church Israel. and how the Holy Spirit (God) is active in the church then and today. Setting: The period is after the kingdom split but just before Nebuchad- Setting: All of the Middle East, Rome and Greece. Acts was written by Luke nezzar’s conquest. The setting was central Palestine on both the western and to Theophilus possibly as a continuation of his Gospel. eastern shores of the Dead Sea. Key Idea: Witnesses Key Idea: Pride, Sin, Judgment and No Fellowship with God Key People: Peter, Paul, Mark, John, James, Stephen, Philip, Barnabus, etc. Key People: Obadiah Intended Audience: Theophilus, Gentiles and people everywhere. Intended Audience: The Edomites, the Jews in Judah (the southern kingdom) and general letter to God’s people everywhere. 27 JONAH Old Testament MICAH Old Testament Written: 783-753 B.C. Iron Age Written: 735-686 B.C. Iron Age Author: The book of Jonah makes no claim as to its author; however Author: One or more verses, as well as Jewish and Christian tradition, autobiographical details point to Jonah. state Micah. Why: To show us God loves everyone and despite our rebellion God will Why: To offer hope to God’s people and remind them of judgment as a try to warn us before judgment comes. result of rebellion against God. Setting: Micah’s ministry was just before the fall of the northern kingdom Setting: Jonah had to travel from modern day Israel northward toward if Israel and Samaria to Assyria and though both were mentioned in his Nineveh, which is located near the modern day borders where Turkey, Syria prophecies, his attention was turned toward the southern kingdom of and Iraq meet. Judah. Key Idea: Concern for Others Key Idea: Greatness of God Key People: Jonah, Amittai Key People: Micah Intended Audience: The people of Israel, Nineveh and general letter to Intended Audience: The people of Israel (both northern and southern God’s people everywhere. kingdoms) and general letter to God’s people everywhere.

NAHUM Old Testament DEUTERONOMY Old Testament Written: 664-612 B.C. Iron Age Written: 1445-1400 B.C. Late Bronze Age Author: One or more verses, as well as Jewish and Christian tradition, Author: The book itself testifies that Moses is the author. state Nahum. Why: A reminder to God’s chosen people Israel, of what He expects from Why: God pronouncing Judgment on Nineveh (near Mosul modern day them. Iraq) and Assyrian Empire (centralized in modern day Iraq; but covered Setting: The east side of the Jordan River within sight of Canaan and the large portion of Middle-East). Promised Land (the area of Moab just east of the Jordan River) Setting: The setting is Nineveh (modern-day Iraq near Mosul, its second Key Idea: Walking in Love largest city), 100 years after Jonah delivered God’s message there. Key People: Moses, Joshua, King Og, King, Sihon, Twelve Spies, Key Idea: Consolation Intended Audience: Nation of Israel as a reminder of what God had Key People: Nahum done for them. Intended Audience: The people of Nineveh and Judah (the southern kingdom).

28 JAMES New Testament ECCLESIASTES Old Testament Written: 44-49 A.D. Roman Period Written: 940-931 B.C. Early Iron Age Author: The New Testament contains four men named James; however, Author: The autobiographical style of the book points to Solomon, as James, the brother of Christ, witnessed the risen Lord and this letter bears well as references to Solomon within the scripture. his writing style. Early church fathers confirm him as author. Why: Reminder to God’s people of the futility of finding wisdom outside Why: To encourage Christians to live out their faith, not for works; but of God and His word, and the emptiness of a life spent chasing after worldly because of our love for our Lord offers. Setting: During the early kingdom of Israel, before the division into north- Setting: The Mediterranean basin. James was living in Jerusalem but writing ern and southern kingdoms. Under the rule of King David and then King to Christians throughout the Roman Empire. Solomon, the nation of Israel was in its golden period, a period we will see Key Idea: Action Reveals Faith again when Christ returns to establish His kingdom. Key People: James, Jesus, Abraham, Isaac Key Idea: Joy in Godly Living Intended Audience: First century Jewish Christians living among the Key People: Solomon Gentiles and believers everywhere Intended Audience: Nation of Israel

HABAKKUK Old Testament ZEPHANIAH Old Testament Written: 615-597 B.C. Iron Age Written: 640-625 B.C. Iron Age Author: One or more verses, as well as Jewish and Christian tradition, Author: One or more verses, as well as Jewish and Christian tradition state Habakkuk. state, Zephaniah. Why: To remind God’s people that He is control and wickedness will not Why: To remind all people that God’s judgment is coming against the prevail or thwart God’s plan. wicked and to motivate people to repentance. Setting: The northern portion of the Middle East and Palestine. Habakkuk’s Setting: Central Palestine in the city of Jerusalem. ministry is just before the fall of the Assyrian Empire. Key Idea: Great Day of Yahweh Key Idea: The Just Shall Live by Faith Key People: Zephaniah, Cushi, Gedaliah, Amariah, Hezekiah, Amon Key People: Habakkuk Intended Audience: The people of Judah (the southern kingdom) and Intended Audience: The people of Judah (the southern kingdom) and general letter to God’s people everywhere. general letter to God’s people everywhere.

29 1 PETER New Testament HAGGAI Old Testament Written: 64-65 A.D. Roman Period Written: 520 B.C. Persian Period Author: One or more verses, as well as early church fathers and Christian Author: One or more verses, as well as Jewish and Christian tradition, tradition, state Peter is the author. state Haggai. Why: A call to all believers in Christ Jesus to live lives of Holiness. Why: God speaking to the remnant in the land who had returned from Setting: Asia Minor or modern-day Turkey. Peter most likely wrote while exile. To complete the rebuilding of God’s Temple. in Rome and used the code word “Babylon” to keep authorities from per- secuting the church. Peter wrote to encourage Christians to victorious living Setting: First in Babylon, as king Cyrus allows the Jews to return to Jerusa- during persecution and hostility. lem. Key Idea: Hope During Trial Key Idea: Having the Right Priorities God is First Key People: Peter, Silvanus, Mark Key People: Haggai, Zerubbabel, Joshua ( Jeshua), King Darius I, Shealtiel, Intended Audience: First century Jewish Christians who were driven Jehozadak out of Jerusalem and scattered through out Asia Minor and believers Intended Audience: The people living in Jerusalem and those who had everywhere returned from exile.

EZRA Old Testament ZECHARIAH Old Testament Written: 457-444 B.C. Persian Period Written: 520-470 B.C. Persian Period Author: Jewish tradition and internal perspective point to Ezra. It’s Author: One or more verse,s as well as Jewish and Christian tradition, possible Ezra wrote both Ezra and Nehemiah and that they were originally state Zechariah. one book. Why: Written to the remnant to give them hope and understanding and Why: Documents the history of Israel’s return from exile and the rebuild- to look toward their coming Messiah who is Christ Jesus. ing of the Temple. Setting: The Jewish people’s return to the land after Babylonian captivity. Setting: First in Babylon, as king Cyrus allows the Jews to return to Jerusa- Starts in ancient Babylon and travels across the modern Middle East, ending lem. in the city of Jerusalem. Key Idea: Views of the Messiah Key Idea: Re-Learning Gods Word Which Brings Revival Key People: Zachariah, Berechiah, Joshua, Heldai, Tobijah, Jedaiah, Josiah, Key People: Artaxerxes 1 (Darius 1), Ezra, Cyrus, Zerubbabel, Haggai, Zephaniah Zechariah Intended Audience: The people living in Jerusalem and those who had Intended Audience: Nation of Israel returned from exile. 30 2 PETER New Testament 1 JOHN New Testament Written: 64-70 A.D. Roman Period Written: 85-95 A.D. Roman Period Author: One or more verses, as well as early church fathers and Christian Author: John and his authority as an Apostle of Jesus was well-known ; tradition, state Peter is the author. early church fathers, as well as Christian tradition, ascribe him as author. Why: Written as a warning against false teachers and false doctrine Why: To remind believers to show love for one another Setting: Asia Minor or modern-day Turkey. Peter wrote his second letter to Setting: Asia Minor and the Mediterranean basin. By this time, John was the deal with false teachers who were creeping into the church. He did not want sole surviving apostle who had been with Jesus firsthand. John was writing to any further damage caused by their false doctrine and flagrant lifestyles. affirm Jesus’ physical reality and divinity. Key Idea: True Knowledge of God Key Idea: Fellowship with God Key People: Peter, Balaam Son of Peor Key People: God the Father, Jesus Christ, Apostle John Intended Audience: General letter to the church at large for all believers Intended Audience: Un-specified church referred to as the “Chosen everywhere Lady” and all believers

NEHEMIAH Old Testament MALACHI Old Testament Written: 450-400 B.C. Persian Period Written: 735-686 B.C. Iron Age Author: Both Jewish and Christian tradition state Ezra was author. How- Author: One or more verses, as well as Jewish and Christian tradition, ever, Ezra most likely used material from Nehemiah’s personal notes. state Micah. Why: Documents the history of the Israel’s return from exile and the Why: To offer hope to God’s people and remind them of judgment as a rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. result of rebellion against God. Setting: Micah’s ministry was just before the fall of the northern kingdom Setting: City of Jerusalem as Nehemiah, concerned for Jerusalem and its if Israel and Samaria to Assyria and though both were mentioned in his people, gets the Persian King’s permission to return and rebuild the walls. prophecies, his attention was turned toward the southern kingdom of Key Idea: Honoring God through Dedicated Service Judah. Key People: Nehemiah, Ezra, Sanballat, Artaxerxes, Tobiah, Ezra Key Idea: Greatness of God Intended Audience: Nation of Israel as a reminder of what God had Key People: Micah done for them. Intended Audience: The people of Israel (both northern and southern kingdoms) and general letter to God’s people everywhere. 31 SONG OF SONGS Old Testament REVELATION New Testament Written:971-965 B.C. Early Iron Age Written: 94-96 A.D. Roman Period Author: Solomon is named within the book. Author: One or more verses, as well as early church fathers and Christian Why: Illustration of the love God intended for marriage between a hus- tradition, state John. Also internal and historical evidence point to John. band and wife, living in faithfulness to God. Why: Written to reveal the divinity and glory of Jesus Christ and to Setting: The Shulamite woman’s garden and the king’s palace; geographical encourage believers experiencing trials that Jesus will return and establish places are referenced through the love story. Several are located in central His kingdom forever. Israel or modern-day Palestine. Some include: Jerusalem, Heshbon, Shunem, Setting: The Island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea. Damascus, Mt. Carmel, and Mt. Hermon. Key Idea: Culmination of Gods Plan Key Idea: Loving Communion Key People: God the Father, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, John, Twenty-Four Key People: Solomon, The Shulamite Woman Elders, Four Living Creatures Intended Audience: Nation of Israel as a reminder of what God had Intended Audience: The Seven Churches of Asia Minor and all believers done for them. everywhere

2 JOHN New Testament 3 JOHN New Testament Written: 85-95 A.D. Roman Period Written: 85-95 A.D. Roman Period Author: John and his authority as an Apostle of Jesus was well-known; Author: John and his authority as an Apostle of Jesus was well-known to early church fathers, as well as Christian tradition, ascribe John as author. his readers; early church fathers, as well as Christian tradition, ascribe John Why: Written to warn against heresy and false teachers. as author. Why: Setting: Asia Minor and the Mediterranean basin. By this time, John was the To praise Gaius for his loyalty and to rebuke Diotrephes for his sole surviving apostle who had been with Jesus firsthand. pride and arrogance Key Idea: Setting: Asia Minor and the Mediterranean basin. By the time John penned Abide in Truth this letter, he was the sole surviving apostle who had been with Jesus firsthand. Key People: God the Father, Jesus Christ, Apostle John, the Chosen Lady Key Idea: Practice Truth Intended Audience: Un-specified church referred to as the “Chosen Key People: God the Father, Jesus Christ, Apostle John, Gaius, Diotre- Lady” and all believers phes, Demetrius Intended Audience: Gaius, a notable Christian, and all believers 32 ESTHER Old Testament JUDE Old Testament Written: 464-435 B.C. Persian Period Written:60-95 A.D. Roman Period Author: Mordecai, Nehemiah, and Ezra have been suggested because Author: It has been generally accepted that Jude, the half-brother of the author has detailed knowledge of Persian and Hebrew customs and James, wrote this letter and not Jude the apostle of Jesus. familiarity with the Persian palace at Shushan. Why: Written to warn against heresy, bad doctrine and false teachers. Why: As a reminder that despite the actions of others and our circum- Setting: Asia Minor and the Mediterranean basin. Jude wrote his letter stances God is in control and determines the course of nations. during severe political attacks on Christianity from Rome as well as Gnosti- Setting: Persian Empire and mostly occurs in the king’s palace at Susa, the cism. Jude speaks to fellow Christians regarding Spiritual warfare and faith Persian Capital (east of Babylon or modern day al-Basrah). in Christ. Key Idea: God Sovereignty and Divine Providence Key Idea: Contend for the Faith Key People: Ahasuerus (Xerxes I), Vashti, Mordecai, Esther, Haman Key People: Jesus Christ, Jude, James, Michael the Archangel, Enoch, Intended Audience: Nation of Israel Korah, Intended Audience: Jewish Christians and all believers everywhere

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