Biblical Book Genres (briefly) Explained
The Bible is a collection of books encompassing various genres. Let's take a closer look at these genres and how they can offer insight as we engage with this ancient, divinely inspired body of literature.
Narrative: Revealing God's Character
Much of the Bible is narrative with accounts that reveal who God is and how He works in the world, shaping every aspect of life.
Law: Reflecting God's Holiness
The laws in the Bible serve as a reminder that our lives should reflect God's holiness. The sheer range and specificity of the rules reminds us that God's holiness reaches every corner of our lives touching upon work, finances, health, providing for the poor and much more.
Poetry (e.g. Psalms): A Spectrum of Emotions
The poetic Psalms encompass a wide range of human emotions, from lament and complaint to thanksgiving and reverence. They provide a platform for honest and open expressions in prayer.
Wisdom: Navigating Daily Life
The wisdom books, like Proverbs, embrace the nitty-gritty of daily life, offering guidance for our everyday actions and decisions. They provide wisdom for navigating life's ordinary challenges.
Prophecy: Moral and Social Accountability
The prophets call not only for moral accountability but also social responsibility. They challenge us to live in accordance with God's Word and seek the well-being of those around us.
Gospel: Good News and Discipleship
Gospel means ‘good news’. In the gospels we see this cosmic event of Jesus’ crucifixion that changed the world, while also forming the pattern of discipleship, setting us on a commission of what we should be doing.
Letters: Practical Guidance for Believers
The letters in the Bible offer practical advice for fruitful living as a community of believers, addressing both unity and challenges within church life.
Apocalyptic: Shaping Hope for the Future
While the visionary parts of Scripture may seem inaccessible, they offer guidance for shaping our hope for the future and living in anticipation of God's promises.
The Drama of Scripture: Centred on Jesus
The entire biblical narrative converges at one centre—Jesus Christ. His life, death, and resurrection provide the foundation for the Bible's overarching message.
From this central point, the narrative of history extends outward, bearing witness to God sending His Son as the Saviour of the world. The Bible's whole-life perspective is woven throughout its story.
As believers, we are integral to the ongoing drama of God's story. The Bible isn't just a historical record; it's our story too. Realising this should fill us with excitement and purpose. Scripture, in its wonderful and complete form, should be central to the way we live.
Recommended Resources:
Long Story Short by Glen Scrivener
Unbreakable by Andrew Wilson
Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin
This was adapted from the sermon ‘Scripture’ in our FUEL series by Kathryn Bailey. Listen to it here.