The Bible is a collection of inspired, sacred writings composed by many authors over hundreds of years. For Christians, its books are divided into the Old and New Testaments, which together tell the story of God’s relationship with humanity — from creation and covenant to Jesus Christ, the early church, and the promise of new creation.
But if you’ve tried reading the Bible (or reading about the Bible), you know it’s not that simple.
This guide provides clear, concise answers to many of the most common questions about the Bible. Whether you’re opening its pages for the first time or have been reading them for years, you’ll find quick answers below — along with links to more detailed guides whenever you’re ready to dig deeper.
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Bible News
The latest Bible-related and Bible-adjacent news
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Most Pastors Worry AI Could Misinterpret Scripture — September 7: Barna research found 94% of Protestant pastors worry , compared with 83% of practicing Christians and 74% of U.S. adults. Sixty percent of pastors want AI to present major interpretations of disputed passages without choosing one, versus 26% of practicing Christians. Researchers say pastors generally view AI as a tool for expanding reflection rather than an authority that should determine biblical meaning. (Christianity Daily)
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At 100, the “Bible Belt” Label for the American South Persists — September 9: Journalist H. L. Mencken to describe an American South strongly influenced by Baptists and Methodists, though some say the label has always obscured the region’s racial, cultural, and religious complexity. Today, the South is increasingly diverse, with only 12% of residents identifying with the Southern Baptist Convention or United Methodist Church. Yet the phrase persists as familiar shorthand. (Religion Unplugged)
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St. Paul’s Chapel at Ground Zero Honors 9/11 Victims — September 9: St. Paul’s Chapel, which and served recovery workers around the clock for nine months after 9/11, has opened “Ever Present” for the attacks’ 25th anniversary. Its centerpiece strings 2,977 paper cranes (one for each victim) in an infinity loop symbolizing enduring love. The exhibit also includes children’s letters, a clergy vestment bearing first-responder badges, and sculptures made from ground-zero metal. (RNS)
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For years I thought I could save myself. Nominal Christianity had trained me to trust in myself, to lean on my own goodness, my own discipline, my own hard work.
Sometimes it looked like trying to be a “good person.” But according to Scripture, none of us are good (Romans 3:12). Other times it looked like trying to control my life through planning, preparing, and protecting. That didn’t work either (of course). And in the end, both are the same lie: self-salvation.
Fortunately, the gospel tells a better story.
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Few chapters in the Bible are born out of a darker moment than Psalm 51. It follows the well-known story of David's adultery with Bathsheba, his attempts to conceal his sin, and his orchestration of Uriah's death. For months David continued ruling as king while his sin remained hidden from everyone except God.
Then Scripture records one of the most hope-filled sentences in the Old Testament:
"The LORD sent Nathan to David" (2 Sam. 12:1).
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Devotionals and Reading Plans
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Bible Gateway App
Connect with God's Word anytime, anywhere.
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Bible Audio App
Listen to God's word in your favorite narration. Enjoy features such as setting a timer, adjusting the speed, or repeating verses to better absorb the Word of God.
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