Who Wrote the Bible?
The Bible wasn't written by a single author but by approximately 40 different writers over 1,500 years. Understanding who wrote the Bible helps us appreciate its remarkable unity despite diverse human authorship.
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Old Testament Authors
- Genesis
- Exodus
- Leviticus
- Numbers
- Deuteronomy
King David (c. 1000 BC)
Wrote many Psalms, including Psalm 23 ("The Lord is my shepherd").
- Proverbs (most of it)
- Ecclesiastes
- Song of Solomon
- Isaiah wrote the book of Isaiah
- Jeremiah wrote Jeremiah and Lamentations
- Ezekiel wrote Ezekiel
- Daniel wrote Daniel
- Twelve "minor prophets" wrote the books bearing their names
New Testament Authors
Matthew — Former tax collector, wrote the Gospel of Matthew
Mark — Companion of Peter, wrote the Gospel of Mark
Luke — Physician and historian, wrote the Gospel of Luke and Acts
John — Apostle, wrote the Gospel of John, 1-3 John, and Revelation
Paul — Wrote 13 letters (Romans through Philemon)
Peter — Wrote 1 and 2 Peter
James — Brother of Jesus, wrote James
Jude — Brother of Jesus, wrote Jude
Unknown — The author of Hebrews remains debated
Divine Inspiration
Christians believe the Bible was inspired by God:
2 Timothy 3:16
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness."
2 Peter 1:21
"For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."
Historical Process
- Hebrew (most of Old Testament)
- Aramaic (portions of Daniel and Ezra)
- Greek (entire New Testament)