A requirement of our Discipleship Bible School (DBS) is to write and post a summary of our weekly Bible reading (in under 450 words!) 

Here's mine:

Week 1 - Origins and Worldview Summary

The books of Genesis and Exodus:

The books of Genesis and Exodus present key biblical themes such as the creation of the earth, mankind’s fall into sin, and God’s plan to restore His relationship with humanity. These narratives aim to reshape the reader's worldview and affirm God's truth about who He is and the purpose of mankind.

Genesis opens with God creating the earth and all life in it, declaring it "good." God creates Adam and Eve in His likeness, and they enjoy communion with Him in the Garden of Eden. However, their disobedience leads to the fall, introducing sin into the world. Yet, in Genesis 3:15, God reveals the first glimpse of His redemptive plan:

“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”

The narrative follows the line of Adam and Eve through Seth and Noah. As sin worsens, God decides to send a flood to cleanse the earth but warns and spares Noah, a righteous man, and his family. After the flood, God promises never to destroy the earth again. However, sin soon spreads once more, and humanity attempts to build the Tower of Babel in defiance of God’s command to fill the earth. God responds by confusing their language and dispersing the people.

The remainder of Genesis focuses on the lineage of Abram (later Abraham), through whom God continues His redemptive plan. God calls Abram from Haran to Canaan and establishes a covenant with him, promising to make him the father of a great nation. Despite Abram’s old age and lack of children, he believes God, and Isaac is born. Later, God tests Abraham’s faith by asking him to sacrifice Isaac, but intervenes at the last moment, displaying His provision and loving nature.

Isaac’s son Jacob encounters God and wrestles with Him, who renames him Israel, marking the birth of the nation of Israel. Jacob fathers twelve sons, who become the twelve tribes of Israel. One of his sons, Joseph, is sold into slavery in Egypt but rises to become Pharaoh's assistant. During a proceeding famine, Jacob's family moves to Egypt, where they prosper and multiply. However, they eventually are enslaved under a new Pharaoh and endure 400 years of oppression in Egypt, which was a major world power at the time.

When their time is fulfilled, God raises Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt. After God sends ten plagues upon Egypt, Pharaoh agrees to release the Israelites, leading to the Exodus from Egypt, which took place around 1446 BC. Thus continuing the journey of Israel’s walk with God and God’s redemptive plan with mankind.

 Week 2 - Pentateuch Week Summary

Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

Israel was enslaved in Egypt for 400 years, but God chose Moses to lead them to freedom. Moses spent his first 40 years in Pharaoh's house but fled to Midian after killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew. In Midian, he worked as a shepherd for 40 years. One day, Moses encountered God at the burning bush, where God commanded him to lead the Israelites out of slavery. After returning to Egypt and delivering God’s message, ten plagues were unleashed on Egypt, forcing Pharaoh to release the Israelites in 1446 BC.

When the Israelites arrive at Mount Sinai, the presence of God covers the mountain. Moses ascends the mountain and communes with God. God gives Moses commandments for the people of Israel to live by and the people of Israel enter The Sinai Covenant. God gives Moses detailed instructions to construct The Tabernacle, a tent where the presence of God should dwell in the midst of the camp. The Levites are selected to minister to God and oversee The Tabernacle and Aaron is anointed as the high priest to represent Israel on the Day of Atonement. This is all part of God’s redemptive plan. In Leviticus 20: 7-8 God says “Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, for I am the Lord your God. 8 Keep my statutes and do them; I am the Lord who sanctifies you.” The Holy God is now dwelling amongst his people, he has revealed his character and nature to them through the giving of the law, and he has communicated how they are to live holy lives. God is fulfilling the promise that he made to Abraham in Genesis 12:2 when he said  “I will make of you a great nation.”

Despite entering the Sinai Covenant, the Israelites’ unbelief and disobedience prevented that generation from entering the Promised Land. As a result, they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years under Moses’ leadership. After the 40 years, they approached the Promised Land, and God reminded them of His laws. The Israelites entered the Deuteronomic Covenant, in which God promised blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience.

Moses died on Mount Nebo in 1406 BC, and before his death, he appointed Joshua as his successor. Joshua then sent spies to explore the land of Canaan, the inheritance promised by God.

 Week 3 - Tribal Week Summary

Joshua and Judges

Tribal week covers the period from 1406 BC to 1050 BC, including the conquest of Canaan under Joshua (1406–1390 BC) and the period of the Judges (1375–1050 BC). The central themes of this period are conquest, war, Israel’s struggle with obedience to God in the Promised Land, and God’s judgment and deliverance.

The surrounding nations, including the Hittites, Amorites, Ammonites, Canaanites, and Moabites, exerted major influence on Israel during this time. These nations are mentioned in Genesis 15:18-21 as the land of inheritance that God will give to Israel. These nations frequently engaged in cycles of conflict with Israel, with Israel's fortunes rising and falling in accordance with their obedience or disobedience to God.

Joshua, who succeeded Moses, was tasked with leading the Israelites in the conquest of Canaan. God promised Joshua success if he followed the law given to Moses, telling him in Joshua 1:7, “Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law...that you may have good success wherever you go.” Joshua remained faithful, and through his leadership, 31 kings were defeated in Canaan. After the initial conquest, the land was distributed among the twelve tribes, but they failed to fully remove the remaining inhabitants, leading to ongoing conflict with the surrounding nations.

As Israel settled in the land, they began to stray from God, serving other gods and falling into evil practices. As a result, God allowed their enemies to oppress them, fulfilling the warning given in Joshua 1:7. Though Joshua had wholly followed God, the following generations failed to uphold God’s commands.

Nevertheless, God showed mercy. When Israel cried out in distress, God raised up Judges to deliver them. These judges brought localized military victories, but after their deaths, Israel would return to their sin. This started worsening cycles of idolatry, oppression, deliverance, and subsequent peace before the people would again forget God. Notable judges include Deborah, Gideon, and Samson, who helped defeat Sisera, the Midianites, and the Philistines, respectively. However, these victories were temporary, as the judges lived imperfect lives and could not permanently restore Israel.

Amid this turbulent time, the story of Ruth and Boaz stands as a beacon of hope. Their story highlights that worthy and faith-filled people still do exist in Israel, and as Boaz acts as a redeemer, their lineage would eventually lead to David, and bring hope for Israel’s future.

Week 4: Summary Assignment

The books of 1st and 2nd Samuel highlight the life of Samuel, a prophet, judge, and priest in Israel from 1102 to 1014 BC. Samuel’s life coincides with the reigns of Israel’s first kings, Saul and David. Samuel anointed both Saul and David, setting the stage for their leadership. Of particular note is the dynamics of the relationship between Saul and David, and while Saul’s choices often displeased God, David was a man after God’s own heart.

Israel had not had a king up to this point, and in 1 Samuel 8, we see the elders and the people of Israel demanding a king for themselves. They desire to be like the other nations and they want a king who will judge them and go out before them into battle. This greatly angers Samuel, and God tells Samuel that in desiring a king, the people of Israel have rejected God as being their king. Saul is selected and anointed as king, and it pleased the people, however, it is clear that the choice of Saul was based upon outward appearances, whereas God looks at and judges the heart. The king after God’s own heart is David, and during his upbringing and leadership, we will see why.

Saul’s reign is marked by disobedience. He offers an unlawful sacrifice before a battle with the Philistines and fails to fully destroy the Amalekites, sparing their king and livestock. These actions lead God to reject Saul, and David is chosen as his successor. While Saul struggled against the Philistines, young David kills the Philistine giant Goliath and delivers Israel. Saul becomes jealous of David, pursuing him relentlessly. Despite having chances to kill Saul, David refuses, respecting Saul’s anointed position.

After Saul's death, David becomes king, uniting Israel and Judah. His first conquest is Jerusalem, a Philistine city, where he establishes a new Tabernacle for the Ark of the Covenant. Pleased by David's faithfulness, God establishes the Davidic Covenant, promising in 2 Samuel 7:16, “And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.” Thus God highlights that he has chosen David and his line to continue his plan of redeeming mankind to himself.

Before his death, David gathers materials for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, which his son Solomon later completes during his reign.

Week 5: Kings and Minor Prophets

The Book of Kings

In the unfolding story of God’s redemptive plan, Israel requests a king to lead them and rejects God as their king. Saul and David became the first kings, and the Books of Kings continue to chronicle the rulers of Israel and Judah, assessing their faithfulness to God. Sadly, most kings during this period did what was evil in God's sight, engaging in murder and idolatry like the surrounding nations. Despite God's mercy and patience, their persistent disobedience leads to God’s ultimate judgment upon Israel.

Solomon reigns from 970 to 931 BC and completes the construction of the temple in Jerusalem between 966 and 959 BC. As the temple is dedicated, God’s glory fills it, and He dwells among His people once more. During Solomon's early reign, Israel experiences peace and stability in the Promised Land. Yet, God, knowing human nature, anticipates their return to rebellion. Even before this happens, God tells Solomon in 2 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Solomon himself eventually turns away from God, setting up worship sites for the gods of his many wives. In response, God declares that the kingdom will be divided, which occurs in 931 BC. Solomon's son Rehoboam becomes king of Judah (the southern kingdom), while Jeroboam I reigns over Israel (the northern kingdom).

King Ahab of Israel reigned from 874 to 853 BC and did “more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him” (1 Kings 16:30). Despite such disobedience, God stays true to His promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14, sending prophets to confront the kings. Some kings heed the words of the prophets, return to God, and experience peace and victory over their enemies. Prophets like Elijah and Elisha minister to Israel, performing miracles to demonstrate God's power and sovereignty to continue the testimony of God in Israel.

From 940 to 732 BC, Aram of Syria was a major world power, later becoming the Assyrian Empire from 745 to 612 BC. Despite God’s warnings through the prophets, Israel’s continued disobedience leads to their conquest and exile by Assyria in 722 BC. While Judah is preserved to continue David's lineage, the promised redemption seems distant in these dark times.

Week 6: Old Testament Prophets and the Exile of Judah

To continue the story of God through the prophets of the Old Testament, Israel had split from Judah in 931 BC and Assyria was the major world power. Israel’s kings continued to do what was evil in God’s sight, and consequently, God used Assyria to conquer Israel in 722 BC. Yet the kingdom of Judah remained and God continued to speak to Judah through his prophets. Hezekiah, king of Judah from 727 to 697 BC, did what was right before God, and Isaiah prophesied during these days (740 to 686 BC). Assyria laid siege to Jerusalem in 701 BC, but due to the obedience and faith of Hezekiah and Isaiah, Jerusalem did not fall and God delivered Judah. Manasseh reigned next from 697 to 642 BC and led the people to do more evil than the surrounding nations (2 Kings 21:9). In the days of Josiah (640 to 609 BC), he cleansed Judah of its idolatry and renewed the covenant with God after finding the book of the law, however, due to the sins of Manasseh, God proclaimed that his judgment would still come upon Judah. This judgment came in the form of the Babylonian empire, which was a major world power from 626 to 529 BC, and they conquered Jerusalem in 586 BC. This began the exile of the people of Judah to Babylon in 586 BC. Jeremiah was a prophet to Judah during this time (627 to 580 BC) and he prophesied both the coming of Babylon and the exile, however, the people would not listen to him. Daniel (605 to 536 BC) and Ezekiel (597 to 571 BC) were prophets who were exiled to Babylon, yet they continued to prophesy the plans of God during the time of exile. Ezekiel outlined that God’s purpose in judgment and exile is to bring his people to repentance and to purify his people before they make a full end of themselves. While this judgment was devastating, in his mercy, God did not make a full end of his people, and He tells his people of his future plan to redeem them in Ezekiel 36:26. God speaks of a future day when he says, “I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”

The people of Judah remained in Babylon until Cyrus of Persia conquered Babylon in 539 BC, and Persia became the next major world power.  Prophecies show that God raised up Cyrus to be his instrument, and we will see how Cyrus later permits a remnant of Judah to return to Jerusalem.

Week 7 Summary

The Intertestamental Period

The intertestamental period spans from 550 BC to 0 BC and concludes the Old Testament. Jerusalem fell and its people were exiled to Babylon in 586 BC, but the Persians conquered Babylon in 539 BC, and consequently, the Jews were now living under the Persian kings. The Persians ruled differently from the Babylonians, as they permitted exiles to continue the worship of their own gods. King Cyrus made a decree in 539 BC that Jews may return to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple. This was the first of three returns of the exiles. Approximately 50,000 people returned under the oversight of Zerubbabel, and rebuilding began. However, due to opposition from the people of the land, only the altar and the foundation of the temple were finished during this period.

Haggai and Zechariah were prophets at this time, and in 520 BC they urged the people to continue rebuilding the Temple and to stop prioritizing their own comfort. Building began again, and the Temple was completed in 516 BC. 

From 483 - 471 BC, we see the story of Esther, who was divinely appointed as Queen under King Ahasuerus. She intervened to save an annihilation attempt against the Jews. We see how God continued to intervene to protect his people. 

The second return of the exiles to Jerusalem occurs in 458 BC under the guidance of Ezra. In Ezra 1:3 King Artaxerxes makes a decree “Whoever is among you of all his people, may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and rebuild the house of the Lord, the God of Israel—he is the God who is in Jerusalem.” Ezra’s main role was to teach the people the Law of God and to lead the people to repent before God. As Jerusalem continued to be strengthened, there was again opposition to the building of the city walls. In 444 BC Nehemiah secured a decree from the king to continue rebuilding the walls, and he led the third return, and the walls of Jerusalem were completed in 52 days! It is shortly after, in 425 BC that the Old Testament concludes. 

The Persian Empire ended in 331 BC when the see the beginning of the Greek Empire (331 - 164 BC) when  Alexander the Great Conquered Judah in 331 BC. From 164 to 63 BC the Maccabees revolted and overthrew the Greeks, until the Roman Empire began in 63 BC when Pompey Conquered Jerusalem.

Although the Jews remained under the rule of multiple world powers, it is evident that God was active in this time and even used the kings of other nations to protect, bless, and restore the Jews in Jerusalem.

Week 8 Summary

Jesus Week!

Jesus, born in 4 BC, is the central figure in the Gospels, with a life spanning from 4 BC to 30 AD. His birth came under the Roman Empire’s rule over Israel, which began in 63 BC. Herod the Great (37 BC to 4 BC) governed Judea at Jesus' birth, succeeded by Herod Antipas (4 BC - 39 AD) in Galilee and Perea. Key figures during Jesus' life included Roman Emperors Augustus (27 BC - 14 AD) and Pontius Pilate, the Roman procurator of Judea (26 - 36 AD).

The birth of Jesus was proclaimed by angels on two occasions, stating that a saviour was to be born, that he would be Christ and Lord, and that his name was to be Jesus. This is the good news that God was sending his son to earth, in human form, to dwell amongst his people. 

The ministry of Jesus began at about the age of 30, in 27 AD, and lasted 3 years until he died in 30 AD. During Jesus’ ministry, he performed many miraculous signs and taught a multitude of people with great wisdom and authority. In doing so, Jesus was revealing the true nature of God to mankind, and his works testified that he was the son of God.

Throughout his ministry, Jesus made it clear that he would have to suffer to fulfill prophecies and pay for the world’s sins. John the Baptist identified him as “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Jesus also foreshadowed his death and resurrection: “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day” (Matthew 17:22-23). Eventually, the Pharisees accused Jesus of blasphemy, plotting his death and handing him over to the Romans, who crucified him in 30 AD.

After Jesus' death, his disciples found the tomb empty, and an angel declared “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay” (Matthew 28: 5-6).

Jesus then spent 40 days revealing himself to his disciples and teaching them about the kingdom of God, before he ascended into heaven before their eyes in 30 AD. Thus, God had sent his own son to become the required sacrifice for the sin of mankind, and Jesus had risen from the dead to proclaim his victory over sin and death. All who believe in him receive eternal life and become partakers of the redemptive plan of God.

Week 9 Summary

Church Week

As we focus on the establishment of the early church, it is Jesus himself who first defined the core principles that his church would hold. In Matthew 16:15-18 we read “ “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Jesus intended that the church was to be built upon a strong revelation of who he was, and that his church would overcome the powers of darkness around them.

Before Jesus’ ascension, he told his disciples that they should wait for the promised Holy Spirit. In  Acts 1:8 we read why, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” These words were fulfilled on the day of Pentecost in 30AD, as 120 people were filled with the Holy Spirit, and the early church began. Peter boldly stood up and proclaimed that Jesus was Christ and Lord and that God had raised him from the dead, and 3000 people believed his message and were immediately baptised and added to the church on that day.

As the church grew, so did persecution. In 31 AD, Stephen became the first martyr of the faith. Many members of the church fled, but this meant that new fellowships were formed, and thus the church continued to grow. Saul, who was ravaging the church and had approved the execution of Stephen, radically encountered Jesus on one of his journeys and was converted in 34 AD.

There was another profound shift in the church in 37 AD when Peter had a vision and God told him to “Not call unclean, what he has made clean” (Acts 10:15). This vision led to Peter proclaiming the gospel to the first Gentiles, who were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and marked that God had also granted salvation unto the Gentiles. Saul (later known as Paul,) then became an Apostle to the Gentiles and established multiple churches across the region.

The Roman Empire was the major world power during this time, and major persecution arose under Emperor Nero in 64 AD. However, the church continued to be established upon the revelation of Jesus Christ, and they endured suffering for their faith with great joy.

Week 10: Summary

Paul Week

The early church had received the baptism of the holy spirit, and there was radical growth in the church in light of the signs and wonders performed by the apostles and their bold preaching. In response to this, the Jewish religious leaders began to persecute the church, of which Saul of Tarsus was an active participant in the persecution. 

While Saul was traveling to Damascus to persecute believers, he encountered Jesus and was radically changed. He became a believer, an apostle, and a writer of a large portion of the New Testament. Known as Paul, he was appointed Apostle to the Gentiles and went on three missionary journeys to establish churches in Gentile regions.

His first journey (46–48 AD) began in Antioch, Syria, and extended through Asia Minor. Afterward, Paul attended the Jerusalem Council in 49 AD, where it was decided that Gentile believers were not required to follow Mosaic Law but to abstain from four practices, including sexual immorality and idol-related activities.

Paul's second journey (49–52 AD) carried this message to churches. Setting out from Antioch, he revisited cities from his first journey, crossed into Europe, and established churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, Athens, and Corinth.

Paul’s third missionary journey was from 53 to 57 AD, and it was very similar to his second journey, as he traveled from Antioch through Asia Minor, to Corinth, and back to Jerusalem.

Paul suffered constant opposition during his ministry and was imprisoned in Caesarea in 58-59 AD. Paul was also a Roman citizen, and the Romans were still the major world power at the time, so in light of his unjust imprisonment Paul appealed to Ceasar, and was sent to Rome in 60 AD. Paul was imprisoned in Rome from 60 - 62 AD before being beheaded in 63 - 64 AD.

Paul remains a key figure in the church today, and it was through him that the gospel was clearly proclaimed to the Gentiles and written down for our benefit. It was the gospel of Jesus Christ that he preached that offended many of the religious people of that day, but his ministry established and grew the early church. In Romans 5:10 Paul writes, “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.” God revealed the truth of the gospel to Paul, who preached it to unreached regions of Asia Minor and Europe, and the freedom available through faith in Christ’s death and resurrection was now offered to the Gentiles.

Week 11 Summary - John Week

The Gospel of John, 1, 2, 3 John and the Book of Revelation

The author of these books, the Apostle John, is known as ‘the beloved disciple that Jesus loved’ and as an apostle to the early church. While much focus is placed on Paul and Peter during the initial stages of the early church, it is John who is believed to be the last living disciple of Jesus who wrote the last dated books of the Bible towards the end of his life. The purpose of his letters was to strengthen and encourage churches to remain faithful to Jesus in light of persecution and to admonish the believers to continue to live lives of loving obedience to God and the brethren.

The Romans remained the major world power at this time, and due to growing tensions between the Zealot Jews and Rome, The Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. It is around this time that John moves to Ephesus in Asia Minor where he begins to support the churches that had originally been established by Paul’s ministry.  Roman Emperor Domitian (81 to 96 AD) continued to persecute the early church, and Domitian ordered for John to be boiled in oil, however, this did not kill John, and so Domitian exiled John to the Island of Patmos from 95 - 97 AD. It is while in exile on Patmos that John experiences the vision of the Book of Revelation (97 AD) and writes his letters to the churches.

John died in 100 AD, but his final words in the Book of Revelation, which also marked the end of the New Testament in 100 AD, will live on in the hearts of believers until the day of Jesus’ return. In Revelation 21 we read of God’s plan for the culmination of the ages, with a new heaven and a new earth being created with a new Jerusalem, a holy city in which God will once again make his dwelling place with mankind. This heavenly city shall not house anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him there (Revelation 22:3). This will all take place at the second coming of Jesus Christ, when all things will be judged and brought into subjection under him, and in Revelation 22:20 John writes of Jesus and states “He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon” ” and the cry of the Spirit and the Church, the Bride of Christ is, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”.