The Bible: A History

BEST NON-FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR

Chosen by the Christian Broadcasting Council of England, where the book was first published.

With magazine-style writing and exquisite photography, The Bible: A History traces the remarkable story of how we got the Bible and how the Bible has changed the world.

This beautifully illustrated book is divided into five sections:

• The Old Testament Takes Shape
• The New Testament Takes Shape
• The Bible in a Rapidly Growing Church
• The Book of the Reformation
• The Bible in Modern World

Published in over a dozen countries, including China, Russia, and Egypt.

A taste of the intro

On the brink of execution, Paul wrote what many believe is his last surviving letter. He addressed it to his close friend Timothy, leader of a church in what is now Turkey. “All scripture is inspired by God,” Paul wrote, “and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 11:16).

The jailed apostle was talking about Jewish Scripture, which Christians today call the Old Testament. Little did he know that one day Christians would consider his private letter part of sacred Scripture. Paul was probably no exception in this regard. As far as scholars can tell, none of the biblical writers knew their words would become part of the Holy Bible.

Yet in time, people of faith came to recognize the Word of God in these laws, history, poetry, wise sayings, prophecy, gospels, and letters.

How people came to this awareness remains a mystery. We do know that not all Jews agreed on which writings belonged in their Bible, and that Christians debated what to include in the New Testament. It wasn’t until the late A.D. 300s that the majority of church leaders ruled in favour of the collection of writings that make up the Bible today.