Have you ever wondered why the Bible, this incredible book, has exactly sixty-six books in it? It’s a great question, and the answer takes us on a fascinating journey through history and faith!
Well, it all starts with the Old Testament, the first thirty-nine books. These books, written over centuries, tell the story of God’s relationship with ancient Israel, including laws, prophecies, and wisdom, and were largely accepted as sacred scripture by the Jewish people.
Then came the New Testament, the final twenty-seven books. These were written by apostles and their close associates after Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection, sharing His teachings, the spread of the early church, and letters of encouragement.
The selection of these books, known as “canonization,” wasn’t one single event, but a gradual process over several centuries where early Christian communities recognized books that were divinely inspired, consistently taught, and widely accepted as authoritative.
Now, specifically for the sixty-six books, this refers to the Protestant Bible. During the Protestant Reformation, reformers affirmed a canon that aligned with the Hebrew Bible for the Old Testament, intentionally excluding books called the Apocrypha, which are included in some other Christian traditions.
So, the sixty-six books represent a collection recognized for its divine inspiration and authority, guiding countless believers throughout history. It’s a testament to a careful and prayerful process of discerning God’s eternal word!