The Bible is a library of 66 books, written over many centuries. Laid end to end they make 31,102 verses: the 39 books of the Old Testament fill roughly the first three quarters, and the 27 books of the New Testament the last quarter. Knowing where each book sits is the secret to Where in the Bible?
Law
Genesis
Verses 1–1,533 · 0.0% to 4.9% of the way through · 1,533 verses
The Bible's book of beginnings. Genesis opens with God creating the world and humanity, then tells of the first sin, the flood and the tower of Babel. It then follows one family: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph, through whom God promises to bless every nation. Traditionally attributed to Moses, it sets up themes of promise and covenant that run through all of Scripture.
- Genesis 1:1-3 · God creates the heavens and earth
- Genesis 12:1-3 · God calls Abram and promises blessing
- Genesis 50:19-21 · Joseph forgives his brothers
Exodus
Verses 1,534–2,746 · 4.9% to 8.8% of the way through · 1,213 verses
Exodus tells how God rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Moses confronts Pharaoh, the plagues fall, the Passover is kept and the people cross the Red Sea. At Mount Sinai God gives the Ten Commandments and makes a covenant with Israel, and the people build the tabernacle where God dwells among them. It is the Old Testament's defining story of rescue and freedom.
- Exodus 3:13-14 · God reveals his name to Moses
- Exodus 14:21-22 · The Red Sea parts for Israel
- Exodus 20:1-3 · The Ten Commandments begin
Leviticus
Verses 2,747–3,605 · 8.8% to 11.6% of the way through · 859 verses
Leviticus is a book of instructions for worship and holy living, given to Israel at Mount Sinai. It covers sacrifices, the work of the priests, laws of cleanliness and the yearly festivals, including the Day of Atonement. Its repeated call is to be holy because God is holy. Though often found difficult, it explains sacrifice and atonement, ideas the New Testament draws on deeply.
- Leviticus 16:29-30 · The Day of Atonement is established
- Leviticus 19:18 · The command to love one's neighbour
- Leviticus 20:26 · Israel set apart to be holy
Numbers
Verses 3,606–4,893 · 11.6% to 15.7% of the way through · 1,288 verses
Numbers follows Israel through forty years in the wilderness between Sinai and the edge of the promised land. Named after the two censuses it records, it tells of grumbling, rebellion and a generation that refused to trust God and so did not enter the land. Yet God keeps providing and guiding. It is a sobering and hopeful story of faithfulness amid human failure.
- Numbers 6:24-26 · The priestly blessing
- Numbers 13:30-31 · Caleb urges Israel to take the land
- Numbers 21:8-9 · Moses lifts up the bronze snake
Deuteronomy
Verses 4,894–5,852 · 15.7% to 18.8% of the way through · 959 verses
Deuteronomy, meaning 'second law', is a series of farewell speeches by Moses to Israel on the plains of Moab before they enter the promised land. He retells their journey, restates God's commandments and urges the people to love God wholeheartedly and choose life. It ends with Moses' death. Jesus quoted it more than any other book of the Law.
- Deuteronomy 6:4-5 · The Shema: loving God completely
- Deuteronomy 30:19-20 · Moses urges Israel to choose life
- Deuteronomy 34:5-7 · Moses dies on Mount Nebo
History
Joshua
Verses 5,853–6,510 · 18.8% to 20.9% of the way through · 658 verses
Joshua continues the story after Moses' death, as Joshua leads Israel across the Jordan into Canaan. It recounts the fall of Jericho, campaigns across the land and the division of territory among the twelve tribes. Throughout, success depends on trusting and obeying God. The book closes with Joshua's challenge to the people to choose whom they will serve.
- Joshua 1:8-9 · God urges Joshua to take courage
- Joshua 6:20 · The walls of Jericho fall
- Joshua 24:15 · Joshua chooses to serve the LORD
Judges
Verses 6,511–7,128 · 20.9% to 22.9% of the way through · 618 verses
Judges covers the turbulent years after Joshua, before Israel had a king. A repeating cycle unfolds: the people turn from God, suffer oppression, cry out, and God raises up a deliverer, or judge, such as Deborah, Gideon or Samson. Each cycle spirals lower. Its refrain that everyone did what was right in their own eyes shows a nation's need for faithful leadership.
- Judges 4:4-5 · Deborah leads Israel as judge
- Judges 7:19-21 · Gideon's small army routs Midian
- Judges 16:28-30 · Samson's final act of strength
Ruth
Verses 7,129–7,213 · 22.9% to 23.2% of the way through · 85 verses
Set in the time of the judges, Ruth is a short, tender story of loyalty and kindness. After tragedy, a Moabite widow, Ruth, stays with her mother-in-law Naomi and goes with her to Bethlehem. There Boaz shows her generous care and redeems the family line. Ruth becomes the great-grandmother of King David, showing God at work in ordinary lives.
- Ruth 1:16-17 · Ruth vows to stay with Naomi
- Ruth 2:11-12 · Boaz praises Ruth's kindness
- Ruth 4:16-17 · Obed is born, grandfather of David
1 Samuel
Verses 7,214–8,023 · 23.2% to 25.8% of the way through · 810 verses
1 Samuel tells how Israel moved from judges to kings. It begins with Hannah's prayer and the birth of Samuel, the last judge and a prophet. The people ask for a king, and Saul is anointed, but he disobeys God. The young shepherd David is chosen instead, defeats Goliath and flees Saul's jealousy. It explores what makes a leader after God's own heart.
- 1 Samuel 3:8-10 · God calls the boy Samuel
- 1 Samuel 16:7 · God looks at the heart
- 1 Samuel 17:45-47 · David faces Goliath
2 Samuel
Verses 8,024–8,718 · 25.8% to 28.0% of the way through · 695 verses
2 Samuel covers the reign of King David. He unites the tribes, makes Jerusalem his capital and brings the ark of the covenant there. God promises David a lasting dynasty, a promise later linked to the Messiah. But David's sin with Bathsheba brings sorrow, family conflict and Absalom's rebellion. It is an honest portrait of a great but flawed king.
- 2 Samuel 7:12-16 · God promises David an everlasting throne
- 2 Samuel 12:7-9 · Nathan confronts David over his sin
- 2 Samuel 18:33 · David mourns for Absalom
1 Kings
Verses 8,719–9,534 · 28.0% to 30.7% of the way through · 816 verses
1 Kings begins with Solomon, famed for his wisdom, who builds the temple in Jerusalem. After his death the kingdom splits in two: Israel in the north and Judah in the south. A series of kings follows, most of them unfaithful. The prophet Elijah stands against idolatry, especially under King Ahab. The book shows how a nation's faithfulness shapes its story.
- 1 Kings 3:9-12 · Solomon asks God for wisdom
- 1 Kings 18:36-39 · Fire falls on Mount Carmel
- 1 Kings 19:11-12 · Elijah hears a gentle whisper
2 Kings
Verses 9,535–10,253 · 30.7% to 33.0% of the way through · 719 verses
2 Kings continues the history of the divided kingdom. Elijah is taken up to heaven and Elisha carries on his ministry. Kings rise and fall; a few, like Hezekiah and Josiah, turn back to God. In the end Assyria conquers Israel, and later Babylon destroys Jerusalem and its temple, sending Judah into exile. It explains why the exile happened.
- 2 Kings 2:11-12 · Elijah is taken up in a whirlwind
- 2 Kings 5:14 · Naaman is healed in the Jordan
- 2 Kings 25:8-9 · Babylon burns Jerusalem and the temple
1 Chronicles
Verses 10,254–11,195 · 33.0% to 36.0% of the way through · 942 verses
1 Chronicles retells Israel's story for those returning from exile. It opens with long genealogies from Adam onwards, then focuses on King David, especially his care for worship, the ark and preparations for the temple. Traditionally attributed to Ezra, it reminds a rebuilding community of their roots and of God's promises to David's line.
- 1 Chronicles 4:10 · Jabez prays for blessing
- 1 Chronicles 16:8-11 · David's song of thanksgiving
- 1 Chronicles 29:11-13 · David praises God's greatness
2 Chronicles
Verses 11,196–12,017 · 36.0% to 38.6% of the way through · 822 verses
2 Chronicles continues from Solomon's temple to the fall of Jerusalem, telling the story of Judah's kings. It highlights kings who sought God and led reforms, like Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah and Josiah. It ends on a note of hope, with the Persian king Cyrus allowing the exiles to return home. Its message is that turning back to God brings restoration.
- 2 Chronicles 7:14 · God promises to heal the land
- 2 Chronicles 20:15 · The battle belongs to God
- 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 · Cyrus lets the exiles return
Ezra
Verses 12,018–12,297 · 38.6% to 39.5% of the way through · 280 verses
Ezra tells of the Jews' return from exile in Babylon. The first group, permitted by King Cyrus, rebuilds the temple in Jerusalem despite opposition. Decades later, Ezra, a priest and teacher of the law, arrives to renew the people's commitment to God's word. It shows God keeping his promise to restore his people and the importance of faithful worship.
- Ezra 1:1-3 · Cyrus decrees the temple's rebuilding
- Ezra 3:11 · The people celebrate the new foundation
- Ezra 7:10 · Ezra devotes himself to God's law
Nehemiah
Verses 12,298–12,703 · 39.5% to 40.8% of the way through · 406 verses
Nehemiah, a Jewish official at the Persian court, hears that Jerusalem's walls lie in ruins. He prays, gains the king's permission and returns to lead the rebuilding, overcoming mockery and threats. The walls are finished in fifty-two days. Ezra then reads the law to the people, who renew their covenant. It is a story of prayerful, practical leadership.
- Nehemiah 1:4 · Nehemiah weeps and prays for Jerusalem
- Nehemiah 6:15-16 · The wall is completed
- Nehemiah 8:8-10 · The joy of the LORD is strength
Esther
Verses 12,704–12,870 · 40.8% to 41.4% of the way through · 167 verses
Esther is set in the Persian empire, where a young Jewish woman becomes queen. When the official Haman plots to destroy all the Jews, Esther, urged on by her cousin Mordecai, risks her life to appeal to the king. The plot is overturned, and the festival of Purim remembers the rescue. God is never named, yet his care is felt throughout.
- Esther 4:14 · Mordecai urges Esther to act
- Esther 4:16 · Esther resolves to approach the king
- Esther 9:20-22 · The festival of Purim begins
Poetry and Wisdom
Job
Verses 12,871–13,940 · 41.4% to 44.8% of the way through · 1,070 verses
Job is a profound poem about suffering. A righteous man loses his wealth, children and health. His friends insist he must have sinned, but Job protests his innocence and longs to question God. At last God speaks from the whirlwind, revealing his wisdom and power. Job does not get every answer, but he meets God, and his fortunes are restored.
- Job 1:20-22 · Job worships despite his losses
- Job 19:25-27 · Job knows his Redeemer lives
- Job 38:1-4 · God answers from the whirlwind
Psalms
Verses 13,941–16,401 · 44.8% to 52.7% of the way through · 2,461 verses
Psalms is the Bible's songbook and prayer book: 150 poems of praise, thanksgiving, lament, confession and trust. Many are traditionally attributed to King David, with others by Asaph, the sons of Korah and more. They give voice to every human emotion before God. For centuries Jews and Christians have prayed and sung them, and they are among the most loved passages in Scripture.
- Psalm 23:1-4 · God pictured as a caring shepherd
- Psalm 51:10-12 · A prayer for a clean heart
- Psalm 119:105 · God's word lights the path
Proverbs
Verses 16,402–17,316 · 52.7% to 55.7% of the way through · 915 verses
Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings for everyday life, much of it traditionally attributed to King Solomon. It teaches that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and gives practical guidance on work, speech, money, friendship, family and integrity. It contrasts the paths of wisdom and folly, and closes with a portrait of a woman of noble character.
- Proverbs 1:7 · Wisdom begins with reverence for God
- Proverbs 3:5-6 · Wholehearted trust in God's guidance
- Proverbs 31:10-12 · The woman of noble character
Ecclesiastes
Verses 17,317–17,538 · 55.7% to 56.4% of the way through · 222 verses
Ecclesiastes is the reflection of 'the Teacher', traditionally identified with Solomon, on the meaning of life. He finds that wealth, pleasure, work and even wisdom seem fleeting, like vapour, when pursued for their own sake. Yet he urges enjoyment of life's simple gifts as from God's hand. He concludes that we should fear God and keep his commandments.
- Ecclesiastes 1:2 · The Teacher declares all is fleeting
- Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 · A time for everything
- Ecclesiastes 12:13 · Fear God and keep his commands
Song of Solomon
Verses 17,539–17,655 · 56.4% to 56.8% of the way through · 117 verses
Song of Solomon, also called the Song of Songs, is a collection of love poems between a bride and her beloved, traditionally attributed to Solomon. Rich in imagery of gardens, vineyards and springtime, it celebrates the beauty and power of love and faithful desire. Jewish and Christian readers have also read it as a picture of God's love for his people.
- Song of Solomon 2:10-12 · The beloved invites her into springtime
- Song of Solomon 2:16 · The lovers belong to each other
- Song of Solomon 8:6-7 · Love is as strong as death
Major Prophets
Isaiah
Verses 17,656–18,947 · 56.8% to 60.9% of the way through · 1,292 verses
Isaiah is one of the Bible's greatest books of prophecy, traditionally attributed to the prophet Isaiah of Jerusalem in the eighth century BC. It warns Judah and the nations of judgement, yet overflows with hope: a coming king, a suffering servant and a new creation. The New Testament quotes it often, and many of its promises are read as pointing to Jesus.
- Isaiah 6:1-3 · Isaiah sees the LORD enthroned
- Isaiah 9:6-7 · A child is born to reign
- Isaiah 53:4-6 · The servant suffers for others
Jeremiah
Verses 18,948–20,311 · 60.9% to 65.3% of the way through · 1,364 verses
Jeremiah, often called the weeping prophet, spoke to Judah for some forty years before and during the Babylonian conquest. He warned of judgement, suffered rejection and imprisonment, and lived to see Jerusalem fall. Yet he also promised restoration and a new covenant written on the heart. His honest laments and steady hope make him one of Scripture's most personal voices.
- Jeremiah 1:4-5 · God calls Jeremiah before birth
- Jeremiah 29:11-13 · God's plans to give hope
- Jeremiah 31:31-33 · The promise of a new covenant
Lamentations
Verses 20,312–20,465 · 65.3% to 65.8% of the way through · 154 verses
Lamentations is a set of five poems of grief over the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon in 586 BC, traditionally attributed to Jeremiah. Several are acrostics, following the Hebrew alphabet. They mourn honestly the city's ruin and the people's suffering, yet at their centre stands a confession of hope that God's compassion never fails. It gives words for sorrow and faith together.
- Lamentations 1:1 · Jerusalem sits lonely like a widow
- Lamentations 3:22-24 · God's faithful love never ends
- Lamentations 5:21 · A plea for God to restore them
Ezekiel
Verses 20,466–21,738 · 65.8% to 69.9% of the way through · 1,273 verses
Ezekiel was a priest taken into exile in Babylon who became a prophet there. His book is full of striking visions and symbolic actions: God's glory on a heavenly chariot, the glory leaving the temple, and a valley of dry bones coming to life. He announces judgement on Jerusalem, then promises a new heart, a restored people and a renewed temple.
- Ezekiel 1:26-28 · Ezekiel sees the glory of God
- Ezekiel 36:26-27 · God promises a new heart
- Ezekiel 37:4-6 · The valley of dry bones
Daniel
Verses 21,739–22,095 · 69.9% to 71.0% of the way through · 357 verses
Daniel follows a young Jewish exile who serves in the courts of Babylon and Persia while staying faithful to God. Its stories include the fiery furnace, the writing on the wall and the lions' den. The second half records Daniel's visions of world empires and God's coming kingdom. It encourages faithfulness under pressure and trust that God rules over history.
- Daniel 3:17-18 · Three friends refuse to bow
- Daniel 6:21-22 · Daniel is safe in the lions' den
- Daniel 7:13-14 · One like a son of man
Minor Prophets
Hosea
Verses 22,096–22,292 · 71.0% to 71.7% of the way through · 197 verses
Hosea prophesied to the northern kingdom of Israel shortly before its fall. God tells him to marry Gomer, who proves unfaithful, and his painful marriage becomes a living picture of Israel's unfaithfulness to God. Yet Hosea also redeems his wife, showing God's persistent, faithful love. It is one of the Bible's most moving portraits of divine love and longing.
- Hosea 3:1 · Hosea takes back his unfaithful wife
- Hosea 6:6 · God desires mercy, not sacrifice
- Hosea 11:1-4 · God remembers loving Israel as a child
Joel
Verses 22,293–22,365 · 71.7% to 71.9% of the way through · 73 verses
Joel describes a devastating locust plague as a warning of the coming day of the LORD. He calls the people to return to God with all their hearts, with fasting and weeping. God responds with promises of restoration and a striking prophecy that his Spirit will be poured out on all people, which Peter quotes on the day of Pentecost.
- Joel 2:12-13 · Return to God with all your heart
- Joel 2:25 · God will restore the lost years
- Joel 2:28-29 · God's Spirit poured out on all
Amos
Verses 22,366–22,511 · 71.9% to 72.4% of the way through · 146 verses
Amos was a shepherd and fig farmer from Judah whom God sent to prophesy to prosperous northern Israel. He denounced the oppression of the poor, corruption and empty religious ritual, warning that judgement was coming. His passion for justice has inspired many reformers. The book ends with hope that God will one day restore David's fallen house.
- Amos 5:23-24 · God demands justice, not empty worship
- Amos 7:14-15 · Amos describes his call
- Amos 9:11 · David's fallen shelter will be restored
Obadiah
Verses 22,512–22,532 · 72.4% to 72.4% of the way through · 21 verses
Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, a single chapter of twenty-one verses. It announces judgement on Edom, a neighbouring nation descended from Esau, for its pride and for gloating over Jerusalem's downfall. It ends with the promise that God's kingdom will prevail. Its message is that pride comes before a fall and God defends his people.
- Obadiah 1:3-4 · Edom's pride will bring it down
- Obadiah 1:15 · The day of the LORD is near
- Obadiah 1:21 · The kingdom will be the LORD's
Jonah
Verses 22,533–22,580 · 72.4% to 72.6% of the way through · 48 verses
Jonah is the story of a reluctant prophet. Sent to preach to Nineveh, the capital of Israel's enemy Assyria, Jonah runs the other way, is thrown overboard and swallowed by a great fish. Given a second chance, he preaches, and the city repents. Jonah sulks at God's mercy, and the book ends asking whether God should not care for all people.
- Jonah 1:17 · A great fish swallows Jonah
- Jonah 3:4-5 · Nineveh repents at Jonah's warning
- Jonah 4:10-11 · God explains his compassion for Nineveh
Micah
Verses 22,581–22,685 · 72.6% to 72.9% of the way through · 105 verses
Micah, a contemporary of Isaiah from the countryside of Judah, spoke against corrupt leaders, greedy landowners and false prophets in both Israel and Judah. He warned of judgement but also foretold a ruler born in Bethlehem and a day of peace when swords become ploughshares. His summary of true religion is one of the most quoted lines in the Old Testament.
- Micah 4:3-4 · Swords will be beaten into ploughshares
- Micah 5:2 · A ruler will come from Bethlehem
- Micah 6:8 · What God requires of his people
Nahum
Verses 22,686–22,732 · 72.9% to 73.1% of the way through · 47 verses
Nahum announces the fall of Nineveh, the capital of the cruel Assyrian empire, around a century after Jonah's visit. In vivid poetry he describes God as patient yet just, a refuge for those who trust him and a judge of violent oppressors. Nineveh fell in 612 BC. For Judah, the book was good news that tyranny would not last for ever.
- Nahum 1:3 · The LORD is slow to anger
- Nahum 1:7 · The LORD is a refuge in trouble
- Nahum 1:15 · Feet bringing good news of peace
Habakkuk
Verses 22,733–22,788 · 73.1% to 73.3% of the way through · 56 verses
Habakkuk is a dialogue between the prophet and God. Habakkuk asks why God tolerates injustice in Judah, and is troubled further when God says he will use the ruthless Babylonians to bring judgement. God replies that the righteous will live by faith. The book ends with a beautiful prayer of trust and joy in God, even when everything fails.
- Habakkuk 1:2-3 · Habakkuk asks how long injustice lasts
- Habakkuk 2:4 · The righteous will live by faith
- Habakkuk 3:17-19 · Rejoicing in God despite loss
Zephaniah
Verses 22,789–22,841 · 73.3% to 73.4% of the way through · 53 verses
Zephaniah prophesied in Judah during the reign of King Josiah. He warns forcefully of the coming day of the LORD, a day of judgement on Judah and the surrounding nations for idolatry and complacency. Yet he ends with tender promises: God will gather a humble remnant, remove their shame and rejoice over his people with singing.
- Zephaniah 1:14 · The day of judgement draws near
- Zephaniah 2:3 · Seek the LORD, all you humble
- Zephaniah 3:17 · God rejoices over his people with singing
Haggai
Verses 22,842–22,879 · 73.4% to 73.6% of the way through · 38 verses
Haggai spoke in 520 BC to Jews who had returned from exile but left the temple unfinished while they built their own homes. In four short messages he urged them to put God first and resume the work. The people responded, and Haggai encouraged them that God was with them and that the glory of this house would surpass the former one.
- Haggai 1:4-6 · Panelled houses while the temple lies ruined
- Haggai 2:4 · God encourages the builders
- Haggai 2:9 · The temple's glory will be greater
Zechariah
Verses 22,880–23,090 · 73.6% to 74.2% of the way through · 211 verses
Zechariah, a contemporary of Haggai, encouraged the returned exiles to rebuild the temple and return to God. His book contains eight night visions full of symbols, followed by prophecies about a coming king and the future of Jerusalem. The Gospels draw on it in describing Jesus, including his humble entry into Jerusalem on a donkey.
- Zechariah 4:6 · God's work done by his Spirit
- Zechariah 9:9 · A humble king rides a donkey
- Zechariah 12:10 · They will look on the one pierced
Malachi
Verses 23,091–23,145 · 74.2% to 74.4% of the way through · 55 verses
Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament in Christian Bibles. Written after the temple was rebuilt, it challenges a people grown careless: priests offering blemished sacrifices, broken marriages and withheld tithes. Through a series of questions and answers, God affirms his love and promises a messenger who will prepare the way, ending with the hope of Elijah's return.
- Malachi 1:2 · God declares his love for Israel
- Malachi 3:1 · A messenger will prepare the way
- Malachi 4:5-6 · Elijah will be sent before the day
Gospels
Matthew
Verses 23,146–24,216 · 74.4% to 77.9% of the way through · 1,071 verses
Matthew's Gospel, traditionally attributed to the apostle and former tax collector Matthew, presents Jesus as the promised Messiah and King foretold in the Old Testament. It begins with Jesus' family line and birth, and gathers his teaching into five great blocks, including the Sermon on the Mount. It ends with his death, resurrection and the commission to make disciples of all nations.
- Matthew 5:3-6 · The Beatitudes begin
- Matthew 6:9-13 · Jesus teaches the Lord's Prayer
- Matthew 28:18-20 · The Great Commission
Mark
Verses 24,217–24,894 · 77.9% to 80.0% of the way through · 678 verses
Mark is the shortest Gospel and probably the earliest, traditionally attributed to John Mark, a companion of Peter. Fast-paced and vivid, it shows Jesus as the Son of God who acts with authority, healing, teaching and calming storms, yet comes to serve and to give his life. Nearly half the book focuses on his final week, death and resurrection.
- Mark 1:9-11 · Jesus is baptised in the Jordan
- Mark 4:39-41 · Jesus calms the storm
- Mark 10:45 · The Son of Man came to serve
Luke
Verses 24,895–26,045 · 80.0% to 83.7% of the way through · 1,151 verses
Luke's Gospel, traditionally attributed to Luke the physician and companion of Paul, is a carefully researched account of Jesus' life. It gives the fullest story of his birth and is rich in parables found nowhere else, such as the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son. It emphasises Jesus' care for the poor, outsiders, women and sinners. Acts is its sequel.
- Luke 2:10-11 · Angels announce Jesus' birth to shepherds
- Luke 10:33-34 · The Good Samaritan helps a stranger
- Luke 15:20-24 · The father welcomes the prodigal son
John
Verses 26,046–26,924 · 83.7% to 86.6% of the way through · 879 verses
John's Gospel, traditionally attributed to the apostle John, is distinct from the other three. It opens by calling Jesus the eternal Word made flesh, and records seven signs and seven 'I am' sayings that reveal who he is. Long conversations and Jesus' farewell words to his disciples fill its pages. It was written so that readers may believe and have life.
- John 1:1-5 · The Word who was with God
- John 3:16-17 · God gives his Son out of love
- John 11:25-26 · Jesus is the resurrection and the life
Church history
Acts
Verses 26,925–27,931 · 86.6% to 89.8% of the way through · 1,007 verses
Acts, Luke's second volume, tells the story of the early church. After Jesus ascends, the Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost and the apostles begin preaching in Jerusalem. The message spreads to Samaritans and Gentiles, and the persecutor Saul becomes the apostle Paul, whose missionary journeys carry the gospel across the Roman world. It ends with Paul preaching in Rome.
- Acts 1:8 · You will be my witnesses
- Acts 2:1-4 · The Spirit comes at Pentecost
- Acts 9:3-6 · Saul meets Jesus on the Damascus road
Paul's letters
Romans
Verses 27,932–28,364 · 89.8% to 91.2% of the way through · 433 verses
Romans is Paul's longest and most systematic letter, written to the church in Rome before he had visited it. It explains the gospel: all have sinned, and people are made right with God through faith in Jesus, not by keeping the law. It explores life in the Spirit, God's plan for Israel and the nations, and how Christians should live together.
- Romans 3:23-24 · All have sinned, yet are justified freely
- Romans 8:38-39 · Nothing can separate us from God's love
- Romans 12:1-2 · Offer yourselves as living sacrifices
1 Corinthians
Verses 28,365–28,801 · 91.2% to 92.6% of the way through · 437 verses
Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to a gifted but troubled church in the Greek city of Corinth. He addresses divisions, sexual immorality, lawsuits, marriage, food offered to idols, worship and spiritual gifts. Along the way he gives the famous chapter on love and the earliest written account of the resurrection appearances. It shows the gospel applied to real church life.
- 1 Corinthians 1:18 · The message of the cross
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 · Paul describes what love is like
- 1 Corinthians 15:3-6 · Christ died and was raised
2 Corinthians
Verses 28,802–29,058 · 92.6% to 93.4% of the way through · 257 verses
2 Corinthians is Paul's most personal letter. Having faced criticism from some in Corinth, he defends his ministry, not by boasting in strength but by pointing to his weaknesses and sufferings, through which God's power is shown. He speaks of reconciliation, new creation in Christ and generous giving. It reveals the heart of a pastor who loves his church.
- 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 · Treasure in jars of clay
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 · In Christ, a new creation
- 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 · God's power made perfect in weakness
Galatians
Verses 29,059–29,207 · 93.4% to 93.9% of the way through · 149 verses
In Galatians Paul writes urgently to churches in Galatia that were being told Gentile believers must keep the Jewish law, including circumcision, to belong to God's people. Paul insists that people are made right with God through faith in Christ alone and that the gospel brings freedom. He describes the fruit of the Spirit as the mark of this new life.
- Galatians 2:20 · Crucified with Christ, Christ lives in me
- Galatians 3:28 · All are one in Christ Jesus
- Galatians 5:22-23 · The fruit of the Spirit
Ephesians
Verses 29,208–29,362 · 93.9% to 94.4% of the way through · 155 verses
Ephesians, traditionally attributed to Paul, celebrates God's plan to unite all things in Christ. The first half describes the spiritual blessings believers have and how Jews and Gentiles are brought together into one body, the church. The second half shows how to live out that calling in unity, in households and in spiritual battle, putting on the armour of God.
- Ephesians 2:8-10 · Saved by grace through faith
- Ephesians 4:4-6 · One body, one Spirit, one hope
- Ephesians 6:10-13 · Put on the armour of God
Philippians
Verses 29,363–29,466 · 94.4% to 94.7% of the way through · 104 verses
Paul wrote Philippians from prison to a church he loved in the Roman colony of Philippi, thanking them for their support. Despite his chains, it is full of joy. He urges humility, holding up the example of Christ, who emptied himself and became a servant. He encourages them to press on, rejoice always and find contentment and peace in God.
- Philippians 2:5-8 · Christ humbled himself to the cross
- Philippians 4:4-7 · Rejoice, and God's peace will guard you
- Philippians 4:13 · Contentment through Christ's strength
Colossians
Verses 29,467–29,561 · 94.7% to 95.0% of the way through · 95 verses
Colossians, traditionally attributed to Paul, was written to a church in Colossae facing teachings that added rules and spiritual practices to faith in Christ. Paul responds with a soaring picture of Christ as the image of God, creator of all and head of the church, in whom believers are complete. He then describes the new life they should put on.
- Colossians 1:15-17 · Christ is the image of God
- Colossians 3:1-2 · Set your minds on things above
- Colossians 3:12-14 · Clothe yourselves with compassion and love
1 Thessalonians
Verses 29,562–29,650 · 95.0% to 95.3% of the way through · 89 verses
1 Thessalonians is probably one of Paul's earliest letters, written to a young church in Thessalonica that had faced persecution soon after he left. He rejoices in their faith, recalls his time with them and encourages holy living. He also comforts those grieving over believers who had died, assuring them of the resurrection when Christ returns.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 · The Lord will come down from heaven
- 1 Thessalonians 5:2 · The day comes like a thief
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 · Constant joy, prayer and thanks
2 Thessalonians
Verses 29,651–29,697 · 95.3% to 95.5% of the way through · 47 verses
2 Thessalonians, traditionally attributed to Paul, follows up the first letter. Some in the church had become alarmed, believing the day of the Lord had already come, while others had stopped working. Paul encourages them in persecution, explains that certain events must happen first, and urges everyone to keep working quietly and not grow weary in doing good.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 · Paul calms fears about the end
- 2 Thessalonians 3:10 · Paul warns against idleness
- 2 Thessalonians 3:13 · Never tire of doing good
1 Timothy
Verses 29,698–29,810 · 95.5% to 95.8% of the way through · 113 verses
1 Timothy is traditionally attributed to Paul, writing to his younger co-worker Timothy, who was leading the church in Ephesus. It is one of the Pastoral Letters, giving guidance on countering false teaching, ordering worship, choosing leaders and caring for widows. It also warns about the love of money and encourages Timothy to fight the good fight of faith.
- 1 Timothy 1:15 · Christ came to save sinners
- 1 Timothy 4:12 · Timothy to set an example though young
- 1 Timothy 6:10 · The dangers of loving money
2 Timothy
Verses 29,811–29,893 · 95.8% to 96.1% of the way through · 83 verses
2 Timothy is traditionally regarded as Paul's final letter, written from prison in Rome as he faced death. Addressed to Timothy, it is warm and personal. Paul urges him to guard the gospel, endure hardship like a good soldier, hold to Scripture and preach faithfully. He looks back on his own life, having finished the race and kept the faith.
- 2 Timothy 1:7 · A spirit of power, love and self-control
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 · Scripture inspired by God and useful
- 2 Timothy 4:7-8 · Paul has finished the race
Titus
Verses 29,894–29,939 · 96.1% to 96.3% of the way through · 46 verses
Titus is a short letter traditionally attributed to Paul, written to his co-worker Titus, who was organising churches on the island of Crete. Paul explains what to look for in church leaders, how to deal with false teachers and how different groups should live. He grounds all this in God's grace, which saves us and teaches us to live godly lives.
- Titus 1:5 · Titus is to appoint elders in Crete
- Titus 2:11-12 · God's grace brings salvation
- Titus 3:4-5 · Saved by God's mercy, not our works
Philemon
Verses 29,940–29,964 · 96.3% to 96.3% of the way through · 25 verses
Philemon is Paul's shortest letter, a personal appeal to Philemon, a Christian in Colossae. His slave Onesimus had run away, met Paul and become a believer. Paul sends Onesimus back, asking Philemon to welcome him no longer merely as a slave but as a dear brother. It is a tactful, moving picture of reconciliation and new relationships in Christ.
- Philemon 1:4-6 · Paul thanks God for Philemon
- Philemon 1:10-11 · Paul appeals for Onesimus
- Philemon 1:15-16 · Welcome him as a dear brother
Other letters
Hebrews
Verses 29,965–30,267 · 96.3% to 97.3% of the way through · 303 verses
Hebrews is a sermon-like letter whose author is unknown, written to Jewish Christians tempted to drift back from faith in Christ. It shows that Jesus is greater than angels, Moses and the priesthood, and that his once-for-all sacrifice fulfils the Old Testament system. Its great roll call of faith urges readers to persevere, running the race with eyes fixed on Jesus.
- Hebrews 4:12 · God's word is living and active
- Hebrews 11:1 · Faith defined
- Hebrews 12:1-2 · Run the race, fixing eyes on Jesus
James
Verses 30,268–30,375 · 97.3% to 97.7% of the way through · 108 verses
James, traditionally attributed to James the brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem church, is a practical letter much like Old Testament wisdom. It teaches that genuine faith shows itself in action: persevering in trials, caring for the poor, controlling the tongue, avoiding favouritism and praying with faith. Its central challenge is to be doers of the word, not merely hearers.
- James 1:2-4 · Trials can produce perseverance
- James 1:22 · Hearing must lead to doing
- James 2:17-18 · Real faith shows itself in action
1 Peter
Verses 30,376–30,480 · 97.7% to 98.0% of the way through · 105 verses
1 Peter, traditionally attributed to the apostle Peter, was written to Christians scattered across Asia Minor who were facing hostility for their faith. It reminds them of their living hope through Jesus' resurrection and their identity as God's chosen people. It encourages holy living, respectful conduct and patient endurance in suffering, following Christ's own example.
- 1 Peter 1:3-4 · A living hope through the resurrection
- 1 Peter 2:9 · A chosen people, a royal priesthood
- 1 Peter 5:6-7 · Cast your anxieties on God
2 Peter
Verses 30,481–30,541 · 98.0% to 98.2% of the way through · 61 verses
2 Peter, traditionally attributed to the apostle Peter near the end of his life, is a farewell letter. It urges believers to grow in faith and virtue, to trust the prophetic word of Scripture and to beware of false teachers. It answers those who scoffed at Christ's delayed return, explaining that God is patient, wanting everyone to come to repentance.
- 2 Peter 1:5-7 · Add virtue and love to your faith
- 2 Peter 1:20-21 · Prophecy came from God through people
- 2 Peter 3:8-9 · God is patient, not slow
1 John
Verses 30,542–30,646 · 98.2% to 98.5% of the way through · 105 verses
1 John, traditionally attributed to the apostle John, was written to reassure believers unsettled by people who had left their community with false teaching about Jesus. It is simple in language yet profound, centring on light, truth and love. It declares that God is love and gives tests of genuine faith, so that readers may know they have eternal life.
- 1 John 1:8-9 · God forgives when we confess
- 1 John 4:7-8 · Love comes from God
- 1 John 5:13 · Assurance of eternal life
2 John
Verses 30,647–30,659 · 98.5% to 98.6% of the way through · 13 verses
2 John is a very short letter traditionally attributed to the apostle John, who calls himself 'the elder'. It is addressed to 'the chosen lady and her children', probably a local church. It encourages them to keep walking in truth and love, and warns them not to welcome deceivers who deny that Jesus Christ came in the flesh.
- 2 John 1:5-6 · The command to love one another
- 2 John 1:7 · A warning about deceivers
- 2 John 1:12 · The elder hopes to visit in person
3 John
Verses 30,660–30,673 · 98.6% to 98.6% of the way through · 14 verses
3 John is the shortest book in the Bible by word count, traditionally attributed to the apostle John as 'the elder'. It is a personal note to Gaius, commending his faithful hospitality to travelling Christian workers. It contrasts this with Diotrephes, who loves to be first and refuses to welcome them, and commends Demetrius. It is a small window into early church life.
- 3 John 1:2 · A prayer for Gaius's health
- 3 John 1:4 · No greater joy than children in truth
- 3 John 1:11 · Imitate what is good
Jude
Verses 30,674–30,698 · 98.6% to 98.7% of the way through · 25 verses
Jude is a short, urgent letter traditionally attributed to Jude, brother of James and of Jesus. He had intended to write about salvation but instead warns against ungodly people who had slipped into the church and twisted grace into an excuse for immorality. He urges readers to contend for the faith, and ends with one of Scripture's best-loved blessings.
- Jude 1:3 · Contend for the faith
- Jude 1:20-21 · Keep yourselves in God's love
- Jude 1:24-25 · A closing hymn of praise