Study Aids

--Henri J. M. Nouwen

Books of the Bible

Old Testament (~AD 1500 --- ~AD 400)

Genesis through Deuteronomy

Type of Literarture: Book of the Law or Book of Moses

Author: Most, presumably, by Moses.

 

Note: Except chapter 34 of Deuteronomy. Moses has died in chapter 33. We're not sure who wrote chapter 34. Some speculate it was Joshua.

Joshua through Esther

Type of Literarture: History

Author: We don't really have a clue here. Unfortunately, a thankless/nameless job to be a scribe then!

Job through Song of Songs

Type of Literarture: Poetry

Author: We're not sure on most of these. We believe David wrote about half of the Psalms and A wrote perhaps about 40. We also think that Moses crafted Psalm 90. But who wrote the rest? Also, We believe "The Preacher" referred to in Ecclesiastics is none other than Solomon. But while Solomon may have contributed the majority of the Proverbs (the jury is still out on that too) we have absolutely no clue who might have written the others. That's, why for the most part, i refer to the author of these books as "Unknown."

Isaiah through Daniel

Type of Literarture: Major Prophet:

Author: By the name of the book! IOW (in other words), Isaiah wrote the book of Isaiah

 

note: Except Lamentations. Lamentations is by Jeremiah and it is a poem.

Hosea through Malachi

Type of Literarture: Minor Prophet

Author: By the name of the book! IOW, Hosea wrote the book of Hosea

 

note: They are referred to as "minor" because of their size, not because they aren't important! ;).

New Testament (~AD 60 --- ~AD 95)

Matthew through John

Type of Literarture: Gospel

Author: By the name of the book! IOW, Matthew wrote the gospel of Matthew

 

note: except Mark. The Gospel of Mark was probably written down by John Mark as Peter told it to him. Some scholars suggest the little vignet about the boy running away at the time of Jesus capture (Mark 14:51-52) was none other than John Mark himself.

Acts

Type of Literarture: History

Author: There is debate about the origins of this book. Most of it centers around the name "Theophilus" in the beginning. Unfortunately, this is a generic name in Greek. It literally translates "God-lover" or "friend of God." Generally conservative and evangelical groups attribute this book to Luke.

Romans through Jude

Type of Literarture: Letter or Epistle

Author: The first ones (Romans to Hebrews) are written by the Apostle Paul to people. Thus to the church at Rome he wrote Romans and to the church at Philippi he wrote Philippians. The second section (James to Jude) were apparently written by the name that appears on the book! IOW, James wrote the book of James

 

note: Authorship of Hebrews is hotly contended. Martin Luther didn't buy that it was by Paul (then again, Martin Luther didn't think James belonged in the Bible at all). The crux of the argument comes down to the fact that the author of Hebrews consistently used the Septuagint for scriptural reference. Paul doesn't appear to do this. Much is made of the contrast between Hebrews reference to Habakkuk 2:4 and Paul's reference in Galatians. So be it. It certainly would not be out of character for Paul to "become all things to all people" and write to a group of Hebrews in Alexandria using a version they could relate to. Had he not earlier proved that he could speak to Greek philosophers quoting from their own sources? (Acts 17)

Revelation

Type of Literarture: Apocalypse

Author: There is much debate about the authorship of this one. Most prevalent in the alternate positions is that a member of the Qumran community could have written it. They were well versed in Apocalyptic Literature and symbolic language. The book apparently takes political aim at Rome and is therefore seen as anti-establishment. Since John the Baptist is the most well known member from the Qumran community several have proffered that the John in Revelation is John the Baptist or one of his followers. Personally i think the author is John the Apostle. It is uncharacteristic for his prose the prevalent notion behind the Book of Life in Revelation is one of Salvation for everyone. Universal Salvation is a common theme for John and a unique one for early Christian writers. Not sure about that? That's ok. Ask me about a research project i worked on once. Very interesting.

 

note: It is very different in style and thematic approach than the Apostle John's other works. However, it has a definite Chiastic structure--something Jewish thinkers were famous for. Besides, who else would have recognized the risen/transfigured Lord except Peter (dead already), James (ditto), or John?

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