Interesting facts about the Bible

God gave us a wonderful, unique Book.  The following are some interesting facts about it:

• The Bible is a thoroughly Jewish book.

Except for Luke, all the writers were Israelites (Jews) and most of the incidents took place in Israel.  So it is geographically bound.  With the results of history and archaeology we know a great deal about life during those times.  That helps us to interpret some of the strange habits of the people.  For example, that Jewish men never talked to Samaritan women, as Jesus did. ¹

• The Bible covers a vast time span.

Very few people would read the Bible if it was just long lists of do’s and don’ts with only a present day application.  People are inspired by the Bible because it explains how life started and where it will end.  The Bible gives information from before creation and the beginning of time, ² to the beginning of God’s eternal reign of peace on the new heavens and earth (the goal of His plan). ³  There is no authoritative book that can remotely duplicate that feat.  There is only one Author who is ever-present (who was there in the beginning of this age and will be there at the beginning of the age to come).

• God gave us only one book. 

That was necessary so that people won’t have an excuse at the judgement that they did not seek God because He gave us too many books to read, so they became discouraged and gave up.

• The Bible doesn’t age. 

The Bible might look like any other book, but it is different from all the books written through the ages.  Books fade away, they are destroyed, they go out of date, and they lose their relevance and interest.  That did not happen to the Bible.  It is still with us and just as fresh after thousands of years as it was at the beginning.

• Human authors usually identify themselves when they write.

The Bible writers were servants of God who wrote to glorify their Lord.  Some of the Bible books mention the names of the writers, others don’t.  We can only guess who wrote the books of Ruth, Samuel, Daniel and Hebrews.  It is not that important who wrote (they were all inspired by the Holy Spirit), but what was written and how it applies to us.

God sent us His wonderful Book to prepare us for eternity where we will see His face. ⁴

References

1. John 4:1-42
2. Titus 1:2; Genesis 1
3. Revelation 21:1; 11:15
4. Revelation 22:4