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Who Wrote the Original Bible and When? – Viral Believer
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Who Wrote the Original Bible and When?

The Bible is the foundational text of Christianity, providing believers with the teachings, guidance, and wisdom necessary for a deep and abiding relationship with God.

As a Charismatic Christian, you may be well-aware of the life-changing power of Scripture. But have you ever wondered who wrote the original Bible and when it was written?

In this article, we’ll dive into the historical roots of our faith, exploring both the human authors and divine inspiration behind the original Bible.

Unlocking the Mystery: Authors behind the Original Bible

The Bible is a collection of 66 books, each having its own unique authorship and time of writing. These authors were divinely inspired by God and used their individual experiences, backgrounds, and personalities to pen the sacred text.

The Bible is divided into two main sections: the Old Testament containing 39 books, and the New Testament consisting of 27 books.

The Old Testament

Traditionally, the Old Testament’s authorship is attributed to different authors who lived within ancient Israel. Some of the more well-known authors include Moses (the first five books of the Bible, known as the Torah or Pentateuch), King David (many of the Psalms), and the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel.

These books cover a range of genres like history, poetry, and prophecy, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the divine message.

The New Testament

In comparison, the New Testament’s writings are associated with the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ. The four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) offer different perspectives on Christ’s life, while other books like Paul’s letters address various early Christian communities.

Overall, the New Testament builds upon the foundation of the Old Testament and gives insight into the life and teachings of Jesus and the growth of the early Church.

Journey through Time: When the Foundations of the Bible were Laid

Understanding when the original Bible was written requires diving into a complex and intricate timeline. Emerging over many centuries, the biblical text is a product of various authors, historical contexts, and divine inspiration.

While pinpointing exact dates can be challenging, scholars have made many educated estimations based on historical and linguistic evidence.

The Old Testament

For the Old Testament, the writing process is generally agreed to have taken place between the 15th and 5th centuries BCE. The first five books – Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy – are ascribed to Moses, who is believed to have lived around the 15th century BCE.

Subsequent works include the historical books (such as Joshua, Judges, and Ruth) and the prophetic books (like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel), which emerged throughout the rest of the Old Testament period.

The New Testament

Compared to the Old Testament, the New Testament has a much narrower timeframe for its writing. Scholars largely agree that it was written between the 1st and 2nd centuries CE.

This began with the Gospels, with the Gospel of Mark typically dated around 65-70 CE, followed by Matthew and Luke in the 80s CE, and finally John in the 90s CE.

Other New Testament books, like the letters of Paul, are believed to have been written between 50 and 100 CE. This period ultimately culminated with the prophetic work of Revelation, thought to be written around 95 CE.

Piecing it Together: How the Bible Came to Be Over the Centuries

Having explored the authors and the timeline of the Bible’s creation, it is essential to understand how these individual writings became the Bible we know today. This process involved thorough discernment, scholarly review, and the careful assembling of texts that were deemed divinely inspired and theologically accurate.

The Hebrew Bible and the Septuagint

Before the earliest Christian Bible emerged, the Hebrew Bible (also known as the Old Testament) had already taken shape. Over time, this sacred collection was adopted by early Christians who sought to understand Christ’s fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.

The Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible produced between the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE, played an essential role in the formation of the Christian Bible. Many of the quotes from the Old Testament found in the New Testament were drawn from this Greek translation.

The Councils and Canonization

As the Christian Church grew, various councils were held to establish the official selection of texts that would comprise the Christian Bible. There was much debate over which texts accurately presented the core teachings, and the process took hundreds of years.

Notable councils include the Council of Hippo (393 CE) and the Council of Carthage (397 CE), which affirmed the list of 27 New Testament books we accept today.

In conclusion, understanding who wrote the original Bible and when it was written provides us with a deeper and more vibrant connection to the history of our faith.

Although intertwined with the complexity of human experience, the divine inspiration and truths contained in the Bible remain powerfully relevant today. May we continue to immerse ourselves in this sacred text, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and transform us on our spiritual journeys.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.