A Christian Survey: Which Section of the Bible is Your Favorite?

The Bible can be divided into several categories: the Pentateuch, the historical books, the wisdom books, the major prophets, the minor prophets, the gospels, the acts of the apostles, the epistles, and the apocalypse. Each of these has a distinct purpose and can be enjoyed for different reasons.

Which do you like best, and why? Take this survey, then consider adding your reasons to the comments at the bottom of this blog post!

Here’s a short description of each major section of the Bible:

Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. This collection of foundational narratives not only introduces us to the origins of the universe but also lays the groundwork for the covenant between God and His chosen people. Genesis captivates with stories of creation, the fall of man, and the lives of the patriarchs of Israel. Exodus unfolds the epic journey of the Israelites through the wilderness, marked by the deliverance at the Red Sea and the giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. Leviticus provides intricate laws for worship and community living, while Numbers and Deuteronomy offer guidance for the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
Historical Books: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, 1-2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther. Chronicles of conquests, the rise and fall of kings, and tales of courage define this category. Joshua narrates the military campaigns as the Israelites enter Canaan, while Judges showcases the cyclical nature of their fidelity to God. The books of Samuel and Kings portray the establishment and division of the kingdom, with characters like David and Solomon leaving an indelible mark. Chronicles provides a retelling with a focus on the southern kingdom, and Ezra and Nehemiah details the return from exile and rebuilding of Jerusalem. The gripping story of Esther, set in the Persian court, underscores themes of providence and courage.
Wisdom Books: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon. Proverbs provides practical advice for righteous living, Ecclesiastes reflects on life’s complexities, and Job delves into the nature of suffering and divine justice. Psalms, a collection of poetic expressions of faith, covers a range of emotions from lamentation to praise. The Song of Solomon explores themes of love and desire through vivid poetic imagery.
Major Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel. These prophets deliver sweeping visions and powerful prophecies, offering glimpses into divine plans, calling for repentance and righteousness, and announcing hope for the future. Isaiah’s eloquent messages encompass both judgment and hope, presenting a vision of the Messiah. Jeremiah, often called the weeping prophet, confronts the people with calls to repentance and announces the coming exile. Ezekiel’s vivid visions convey God’s presence and the promise of restoration. Daniel, set in the Babylonian exile, combines historical narrative with apocalyptic visions, offering hope for the faithful in times of persecution.
Minor Prophets: Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi. Often overlooked but equally significant, the Minor Prophets deliver poignant messages about God’s enduring love and the promise of restoration. Each prophet contributes a unique perspective, addressing the challenges faced by Israel and the broader themes of divine justice and mercy. From Hosea’s personal story paralleling Israel’s unfaithfulness to Malachi’s call for repentance and anticipation of the coming of Elijah, these books provide a nuanced view of God’s interaction with His people.
Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. These Gospels offer a unique perspective into the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Matthew, writing to a Jewish audience, presents Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Mark’s Gospel is concise and action-packed, portraying Jesus as the Servant of God. Luke, with his emphasis on compassion and inclusivity, provides a detailed narrative, including the parables of Jesus. John’s Gospel, theological and reflective, highlights the divinity of Jesus and the importance of belief in Him.
Acts of the Apostles: Acts. Authored by Luke, this book propels us into the dynamic early years of the Christian Church. It narrates the challenges faced by the apostles, the spread of Christianity, and the emergence of Christian communities. The Day of Pentecost, the conversion of Saul (later known as Paul), and the missionary journeys are key events, showcasing the power of the Holy Spirit and the unstoppable growth of the Church.
Epistles: Romans, 1-2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, 1-2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1-2 Peter, 1-3 John, Jude. The New Testament epistles provide personalized letters filled with spiritual guidance, moral teachings, and theological insights. Romans, a theological masterpiece by Paul, explores themes of justification by faith. Corinthians addresses issues in the Corinthian church and offers teachings on love and resurrection. Galatians emphasizes freedom in Christ, while Ephesians explores the cosmic dimensions of God’s plan. Philippians encourages joy in all circumstances, Colossians focuses on the supremacy of Christ, and Thessalonians provides hope in the face of persecution. The pastoral epistles—1 and 2 Timothy, Titus—address church leadership and Christian living, while Hebrews underscores the superiority of Christ and the new covenant. James offers practical wisdom, and the Petrine and Johannine epistles address issues of faith, love, and Christian living.
Apocalypse: Revelation. The final book unveils imagery and prophetic visions that transcend time, speaking to the ultimate victory of good over evil and offering hope and assurance to those navigating the complexities of life. The letters to the seven churches, the opening of seals, the sounding of trumpets, and the visions of heavenly worship all contribute to a captivating narrative that underscores the triumph of Christ and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.