Psalm 23:1–3 “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Isaiah 40:31 “But they who wait for the Lord shall…

All Bible quotations are taken from the 2016 ESV translation.

Genesis 1:1–2 Genesis The book of Genesis is about beginnings (origins). Genesis records, among others, the origin of creation, the nation of Israel, marriage between one man and one woman, and human evil (sin). Genesis 1:1–2 Genesis 1:1–2 is found at the beginning of the book of Genesis. Genesis 1:1–2 is followed…

Step One: Read Revelation 1:1–3 Step Two: Read Some Context Author: Church tradition teaches that the Apostle John (Revelation 1:1) wrote Revelation while in exile on the island of Patmos. Date: Around 95 A.D. Audience: Several first-century churches. Purpose: The Book of Revelation is a glimpse into past, present, and future realities, demonstrating God’s ultimate authority over everything, even Satan…

All Bible quotations are taken from the 2016 ESV translation.

Step One: Read Genesis 1:1–2 Step Two: Read Some Context Author: The authorship of the book of Genesis is traditionally attributed to Moses, the prophet and leader of Israel during the exodus from Egypt. Date: Between 1400 and 1250 B.C. (1 Kings 6:1). Audience: The nation of Israel. Purpose: The book of Genesis is about beginnings (origins). Genesis records, among others, the origin of creation, the nation of Israel, marriage between one man and one woman, and human evil (sin).

Step One: Read John 1:1–18 Step Two: Read Some Context Author: The authorship of the gospel of John is widely attributed to the Apostle John, who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. Date: Near the end of the first century A.D. Audience: No specific audience. Purpose: The purpose of John’s gospel is explicitly stated in chapter 20, verses…

Step One: Read Romans 1:1–7 Step Two: Read Some Context Author: Romans was written by the Apostle Paul, who was previously known as a persecutor of the church, as recorded in Acts 9:1–2. Date: Around 57 A.D. Audience: Jewish and Gentile Christians living in Rome. Purpose: To prepare the church for his upcoming visit (Romans 15:23–33). He wanted to explain the purpose of his visit (Romans 1:11–12) and provide a comprehensive presentation of the gospel of salvation (Romans 1:16–17) that he preached.

Step One: Read Acts 25:13–27 Step Two: Read Some Context Author: It is widely accepted that the two-volume work of Luke-Acts was authored by Luke, who was a physician and a close companion of Paul, as indicated in Colossians 4:14 and 2 Timothy 4:11. Date: Between 60–70 A.D. Audience: To “Theophilus” (Acts 1:1 & Luke 1:3) — although its audience…