BibleProject Resources
James to Revelation
Here are links to the BibleProject.com video overviews of the General Epistles and the apocalyptic book of Revelation. The books of James, 1-3 John, and Jude are often called the General Epistles because they were written for the Christian church as a whole rather than being addressed to a specific local church or group of people. As with the Pauline Epistles, the General Epistles are ordered by their length except that 2 John and 3 John are shorter than Jude, but are kept with 1 John. In these letters, the authors instruct the early church about what they should believe and how they should live. These letters deal with topics the early Christians had to face while staying faithful to Jesus in the difficult environment of the Roman Empire, where there were tensions and fears that doing things God's way would bring them into conflict with the authorities and a sense of alienation brought on by living and working in a would that was incompatible with serving Jesus. The BibleProject videos are short, generally between six and ten minutes long, and serve as insightful introductions to their respective books of the Bible.
Here are links to the BibleProject.com video overviews of the General Epistles and the apocalyptic book of Revelation. The books of James, 1-3 John, and Jude are often called the General Epistles because they were written for the Christian church as a whole rather than being addressed to a specific local church or group of people. As with the Pauline Epistles, the General Epistles are ordered by their length except that 2 John and 3 John are shorter than Jude, but are kept with 1 John. In these letters, the authors instruct the early church about what they should believe and how they should live. These letters deal with topics the early Christians had to face while staying faithful to Jesus in the difficult environment of the Roman Empire, where there were tensions and fears that doing things God's way would bring them into conflict with the authorities and a sense of alienation brought on by living and working in a would that was incompatible with serving Jesus. The BibleProject videos are short, generally between six and ten minutes long, and serve as insightful introductions to their respective books of the Bible.
All humanity is trapped in sin and needs to be rescued, but the Torah law cannot save us. God's righteousness has rescued us through Jesus to create the diverse, faith-based family of Abraham.
The book of Galatians reminds Jesus’ followers to embrace the Gospel message of the crucified Messiah, that justifies all people through faith and empowers them to live like Jesus did.
Paul calls the church at Ephesus to become new humans that live and love like Jesus, promising that the Spirit will equip them to stand strong against divisive forces and spiritual evil.
All humanity is trapped in sin and needs to be rescued, but the Torah law cannot save us. God's righteousness has rescued us through Jesus to create the diverse, faith-based family of Abraham.
The book of Galatians reminds Jesus’ followers to embrace the Gospel message of the crucified Messiah, that justifies all people through faith and empowers them to live like Jesus did.
Paul calls the church at Ephesus to become new humans that live and love like Jesus, promising that the Spirit will equip them to stand strong against divisive forces and spiritual evil.
Romans to Hebrews
Here are links to the BibleProject.com video overviews of the thirteen books of the New Testament that were written by the Apostle Paul to various Christian churches and to selected friends. Rather than being arranged chronologically, these books are mostly ordered by their length, the only exceptions being Hebrews at the end and the slightly shorter book of Galatians preceding Ephesians. In these letters, often referred to as the Pauline Epistles, Paul instructs the early church about what they should believe and how they should live. These letters provide us with the basis for much of Christian theology and ethics. The BibleProject videos are short, generally between six and ten minutes long, and serve as insightful introductions to their respective books of the Bible.
Here are links to the BibleProject.com video overviews of the thirteen books of the New Testament that were written by the Apostle Paul to various Christian churches and to selected friends. Rather than being arranged chronologically, these books are mostly ordered by their length, the only exceptions being Hebrews at the end and the slightly shorter book of Galatians preceding Ephesians. In these letters, often referred to as the Pauline Epistles, Paul instructs the early church about what they should believe and how they should live. These letters provide us with the basis for much of Christian theology and ethics. The BibleProject videos are short, generally between six and ten minutes long, and serve as insightful introductions to their respective books of the Bible.
All humanity is trapped in sin and needs to be rescued, but the Torah law cannot save us. God's righteousness has rescued us through Jesus to create the diverse, faith-based family of Abraham.
Those who accept His invitation are empowered by the Spirit to live in His love and forgiveness. As His family learns to live together, God’s mission to bring life and peace expands to renew all of creation.
Believers are challenged to examine every area of life through the lens of the Gospel. Specifically, Paul addresses divisions among believers, food, sexual integrity, worship gatherings, and the resurrection.
All humanity is trapped in sin and needs to be rescued, but the Torah law cannot save us. God's righteousness has rescued us through Jesus to create the diverse, faith-based family of Abraham.
The book of Galatians reminds Jesus’ followers to embrace the Gospel message of the crucified Messiah, that justifies all people through faith and empowers them to live like Jesus did.
Paul calls the church at Ephesus to become new humans that live and love like Jesus, promising that the Spirit will equip them to stand strong against divisive forces and spiritual evil.
Paul calls the persecuted church at Philippi to imitate Jesus’ way of life, so that even in their suffering, they can find contentment and purpose through being living expression of Jesus' story.
Despite pressure from their culture to turn away from Jesus, the Colossian Christians have stayed faithful. Paul prays for continued growth, so all parts of their lives will be transformed by the Gospel.
Despite persecution and suffering, the community has stood strong in their commitment to Jesus. Paul encourages them further, pointing toward the return of King Jesus, who will set everything right.
In 2 Thessalonians, Paul discusses persecution, the return of Jesus, the need to remain hopeful and faithful, and idleness among believers. It reminds us that what we hope for shapes what we live for.
Here we read about a holistic vision of the nature and mission of the Church. Corrupt teachers can confuse believers, but Paul instructs on how the Church and its leaders can stay faithful Jesus.
In Paul's final and most personal letter, he encourages Timothy and reminds him to maintain faith and hope in Jesus' resurrection and raise up faithful leaders to teach the good news about Jesus.
Titus, Paul's companion, was tasked with visiting Crete, a place infamous for sin and corruption. Titus was to restore order to house churches in Crete and replace corrupt teachers with godly leaders.
The book of Philemon demonstrates the Gospel through action. It's written to Philemon whose slave Onesimus ran away and became a believer under Paul's teaching.
Jesus is shown to be superior to the angels, the Torah, Moses, the promised land, priests, sacrifices, and the covenant. He is the hope for a new creation, our eternal priest, and the perfect sacrifice.
Matthew to Acts
Here are links to the BibleProject.com video overviews of the first five books of the New Testament, the four Gospels and the book of Acts. These books were written by people who were very disciples of Jesus or who knew his story very well from those who had been with him. Acts continues the story of Luke, telling how the Holy Spirit worked through the apostles as they spread the Gospel of Jesus to the world. The BibleProject videos are short, generally between six and ten minutes long, and serve as valuable introductions to their respective books of the Bible.
Here are links to the BibleProject.com video overviews of the first five books of the New Testament, the four Gospels and the book of Acts. These books were written by people who were very disciples of Jesus or who knew his story very well from those who had been with him. Acts continues the story of Luke, telling how the Holy Spirit worked through the apostles as they spread the Gospel of Jesus to the world. The BibleProject videos are short, generally between six and ten minutes long, and serve as valuable introductions to their respective books of the Bible.
The Hebrew Bible ends still waiting for the promised Messiah, and we see that story continued in the New Testament. The entire Bible tells one epic story—from Genesis to Revelation—that points to Jesus.
Matthew’s Gospel makes clear, from its opening sentence, that Jesus fulfilled everything that Moses foreshadowed; he is the continuation and the fulfillment of the Hebrew Scriptures.
The Gospel of Matthew shows that Jesus is the Messiah from the royal line of David, he is a new Moses, who has come to lead his people into a new covenant, and he is God with us—Immanuel.
Mark’s account doesn’t shy away from the unexpected nature of Jesus’ arrival on Earth, but he also makes clear that Jesus is who he says he is: the Jewish Messiah and the son of God.
Jesus reverses the world order and elevates the humble, creating a new Israel that includes the outcasts. He offers them a place in God’s eternal Kingdom and freedom from evil and sin.
Jesus' form of kingdom and reign are unexpected. He will rule over his people through serving and suffering. And his death on the cross ushers in a Kingdom marked by self-giving love and sacrifice.
The Gospel of John emphasizes Jesus as God incarnate and the reality to which the entire biblical story points. The opening passages state that Jesus was with God at creation and that Jesus is God.
Jesus the Messiah and also the son of God who gives eternal life to everyone who believes in his name. And when people question if he’s the son of God, seven times Jesus responds, "I Am."
The book of Acts is a continuation of the Gospel of Luke, following Jesus’ followers as they are given the power of God's Spirit and tasked with spreading the good news of God's Kingdom to the world.
Hosea to Malachi (Book of the Twelve)
Here are links to the BibleProject.com video overviews of the final twelve prophetic books of the Old Testament, sometimes called the major prophets and also named Book of the Twelve in the Hebrew Bible. Along with the major prophets, these 17 prophetic books were written from the eighth to the fifth century B.C. The prophetic work of these writing prophets took place during the divided kingdom, both during the Exile of Israel and Judah and following the Exile, when God's remnant returned from Babylon to Judah. The BibleProject videos are short and serve as valuable introductions to their respective books of the Bible.
Here are links to the BibleProject.com video overviews of the final twelve prophetic books of the Old Testament, sometimes called the major prophets and also named Book of the Twelve in the Hebrew Bible. Along with the major prophets, these 17 prophetic books were written from the eighth to the fifth century B.C. The prophetic work of these writing prophets took place during the divided kingdom, both during the Exile of Israel and Judah and following the Exile, when God's remnant returned from Babylon to Judah. The BibleProject videos are short and serve as valuable introductions to their respective books of the Bible.
God sends Hosea to communicate God’s despair over Israel's perpetual idol worship. Though they have failed to be faithful covenant partners to God, his commitment to them remains.
Joel is clear that God will not allow evil to continue wreaking havoc on his good world. He will deliver his people and bring the new creation and his Spirit to his followers.
Amos is called to announce God’s coming judgment on the northern kingdom of Israel. They are spiritually bankrupt, but God is merciful and gives them one last chance for covenant faithfulness.
Though the book of Obadiah lays out the specifics of Edom's evil actions, Edom is not alone the only guilty nation. Edom serves as an image for how God will bring down all arrogant and violent nations.
Jonah recounts remarkable experiences with storms at sea, being eaten by a fish, and plants that grow and die in a day. The lessons behind these images go deeper than what is on the surface.
Like a shepherd, God will one day gather and restore a faithful remnant to the land. He will rebuild Jerusalem, defeat evil forever, and send a messianic King to rule and bless all the nations.
Watch: Nahum
Watch: Habakkuk
Watch: Zephaniah
Watch: Haggai
Almost 70 years after the exile, the Israelites were experiencing hardships and wondered if the prophetic promises of a new Jerusalem would ever be fulfilled. Zechariah answers this question.
Israel has corrupted the sacrificial system, hoarded their money, and worshiped foreign gods. Despite all of this, God does not forget his promises to deliver his people and establish a new Jerusalem.
Isaiah to Daniel
Here are links to the Bible Project video overviews of the first five prophetic books of the Old Testament, sometimes called the major prophets. Along with the Book of the minor prophets, also called the Book of the Twelve, these 17 prophetic books were written from the eighth to the fifth century B.C. The prophetic work of these writing prophets took place during the divided kingdom, both during the Exile of Israel and Judah and following the Exile, when God's remnant returned from Babylon to Judah. The videos are short and serve as valuable introductions to their respective books of the Bible.
Here are links to the BibleProject.com video overviews of the first five prophetic books of the Old Testament, sometimes called the major prophets. Along with the books of the minor prophets, also called the Book of the Twelve, these 17 prophetic books were written from the eighth to the fifth century B.C. The prophetic work of these writing prophets took place during the divided kingdom, both during the Exile of Israel and Judah and following the Exile, when God's remnant returned from Babylon to Judah. The videos are short and serve as valuable introductions to their respective books of the Bible.
Watch our overview video on the first 39 chapters of the book of Isaiah. Isaiah announces that God’s judgment will purify Israel and prepare his people for the coming messianic king and the new Jerusalem.
Watch: Isaiah (part 2)
Watch our overview video on chapters 40-66 of the book of Isaiah. Isaiah announces that God’s judgment will purify Israel and prepare his people for the coming messianic king and the new Jerusalem.
The book of Jeremiah announces that God will judge Israel’s sins with an exile to Babylon. And then, he lives through the horror of his predictions.
The book of Lamentations is a collection of five funeral poems offered on behalf of Jerusalem after its destruction by Babylon.
The book of Ezekiel is set during the Exile of Judah to Babylon. Among the exiles in Babylon, Ezekiel shows that Israel deserved this judgment, and also that God’s justice creates hope for the future.
The story of Daniel motivates faithfulness despite exile in Babylon. His visions offer hope that God will bring all nations under His rule.
Job to Song of Songs
Below are links to The Bible Project video overviews to several of the Old Testament books called the Writings in Jewish tradition. Here are included the books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs, the five books of the Writings that are contiguous in the modern English Bible. I suggest that you watch the corresponding video before reading each book of the Bible. They are short, mostly about 7-8 minutes long, and may be worth watching more than one time as you read through a book of the Bible.
Below are links to the BibleProject.com video overviews to several of the Old Testament books called the Writings in Jewish tradition. Here are included the books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs, the five books of the Writings that are contiguous in the modern English Bible. I suggest that you watch the corresponding video before reading each book of the Bible. They are short, mostly about 7-8 minutes long, and may be worth watching more than one time as you read through a book of the Bible.
The book of Job explores the difficult question of God's relationship to human suffering and invites us to trust God's wisdom and character.
The book of Psalms has been designed to be the prayer book of God's people as they wait for the Messiah and his coming kingdom.
The book of Proverbs invites people to live with wisdom and in the fear of the Lord in order to experience the good life.
The book of Ecclesiastes forces us to face death and random chance, and the challenges they pose to a naïve belief in God’s goodness.
The Song of Songs is a collection of ancient Israelite love poems that celebrate the beauty and power of God's gift of love and sexual desire.
How to Read Biblical Poetry
This six episode series is part of the BibleProject's "How to Read the Bible Series" in which they answer the questions, "Why is there so much poetry in the Bible?" and "Why is it important?" Understanding the function and cultural significance of poems in Scripture is key to seeing the Bible’s message.
Did you know a third of the Bible is written in poetry? Explore the unique characteristics of biblical poetry and how to read it well.
Watch : Poetic Metaphor | Bible Project
Understanding poetic metaphor used by the biblical authors to communicate complex ideas will help us read biblical poetry with more insight.
Watch: The Book of Psalms | Bible Project
When we take the time to learn how to read biblical poetry well, it can bring the entire story of the Bible into clearer focus.
Watch: The Prophets | Bible Project
Reading the biblical prophets can be confusing. But there's so much to discover when we learn to read these books with attention and context.
Watch: The Books of Solomon | Bible Project
Dive into the books of Israel’s wisest king, King Solomon. There is so much to discover about how to live wisely and honor God.
Watch: Apocalyptic Literature | Bible Project
It’s the apocalypse! But what exactly does that mean? In this video, we look at how to read biblical apocalyptic literature well.
Joshua to Esther
Here are links to the very worthwhile introductions to the Old Testament historical books, Joshua through Esther, found online at bibleproject.com. These books continue the narrative of the nation of Israel that was begun in the books of the Pentateuch. I highly encourage you to watch the corresponding video before reading each book of the Bible. They are short, mostly about 7-8 minutes long, and may be worth watching more than one time as you read through a book of the Bible.
Below are links to the very worthwhile introductions to the Old Testament historical books, Joshua through Esther, found online at bibleproject.com. These books continue the narrative of the nation of Israel that was begun in the books of the Pentateuch. I highly encourage you to watch the corresponding video before reading each book of the Bible. They are short, mostly about 7-8 minutes long, and may be worth watching more than one time as you read through a book of the Bible.
Genesis to Deuteronomy
Here are links to the excellent introductions to the books of the Pentateuch (Torah) found online at bibleproject.com. I highly encourage you to watch the corresponding video before reading each book of the Bible. They are short, mostly about 7-8 minutes long, and may be worth watching more than one time as you read through a book of the Bible. I also very strongly encourage you to watch the short (12 minutes) introduction to the Old Testament (incorrectly labeled New Testament in the embedded link below) before you begin to read Genesis or as soon as possible after you begin to read the Bible. New Years Eve or New Years Day would be a great times to watch both the Old Testament and Genesis 1-11 videos. Then, watch the others as you read additional books.
Here are links to the excellent introductions to the books of the Pentateuch (Torah) found online at bibleproject.com. I highly encourage you to watch the corresponding video before reading each book of the Bible. They are short, mostly about 7-8 minutes long, and may be worth watching more than one time as you read through a book of the Bible. I also very strongly encourage you to watch the short (12 minutes) introduction to the Old Testament (incorrectly labeled New Testament in the embedded link below) before you begin to read Genesis or as soon as possible after you begin to read the Bible. New Years Eve or New Years Day would be a great times to watch both the Old Testament and Genesis 1-11 videos. Then, watch the others as you read additional books.
Holiness
How to Read Biblical Narrative
Here is a series of four videos from BibleProject.com that give guidance on how to read biblical narrative. I highly recommend that you watch them. When you do, watch them in the order intended: Plot, Character, Setting, and Design Patterns. You will recognize that we have already encountered many instances of each of these literary elements while reading Genesis through Deuteronomy. We will encounter many more instances of each element as we continue to read through the Bible.
The folks at The Bible Project masterfully help us to see how certain plot lines are found in individual chapters or books and how these plot lines are often repeated throughout the Bible, thus becoming themes that unify the entire Bible. This is the mission of the first video.
The second video makes us aware of how to read, and read about, Bible characters. Bible characters are seldom all good or all bad, but are often quite complex and often require context or setting to understand. Abraham certainly had days of good and bad character. At God's command, Balaam blessed the Israelites in front of the king who was paying him to curse them, but his perverse side shows through a few chapters later in Numbers 31.
The setting of historical narratives such as are found in much of the Bible often provides key insights into understanding the stories. You might not expect this to be the usual case in true stories, but just as setting gives basis or support for the plot and characters, the plots and even the characters of many biblical stories give meaning to certain settings in ways that are key to understanding key themes of the Bible. How this works is revealed in the third video of the series.
The fourth video in the series explains design patterns and helps us to know how to recognize them and to use them to understand books of the Bible and to admire them as literature. One example coming up is the dual panel, parallel structure of the book of Judges, where the first 12 chapters are parallel in literary structure with the final 12 chapters.
