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The Old Testament is the first part of the Christian Bible, containing 39 books written before Christ. It includes the Law (Torah), History, Poetry/Wisdom, and Prophets. It records creation, the fall, Israel's history, God's covenants, and prophecies pointing to Jesus. Christians see it fulfilled in Christ.
Why this answer? It starts with Luke 24:44, then cross-checks Matthew 5:17 and Romans 15:4 so the summary stays anchored in Scripture.
This answer gives an Old Testament overview: its books, sections, covenant storyline, relationship to the Hebrew Bible, and fulfillment in Christ.
The Old Testament, also known as the Hebrew Bible or Tanakh, comprises 39 books organized into four main sections. The Law (Torah or Pentateuch) includes Genesis through Deuteronomy, traditionally attributed to Moses, covering creation, the patriarchs, the exodus from Egypt, and the covenant at Sinai. The Historical Books (Joshua through Esther) trace Israel's story from conquering Canaan through the monarchy, exile, and return. The Wisdom and Poetry books (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon) explore human experience, worship, and the fear of the Lord. The Prophets, both Major (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel) and Minor (Hosea through Malachi), called Israel back to faithfulness and pointed forward to a coming Messiah. Christians read the Old Testament as the first act of a two-act drama, where the Law and Prophets find their fulfilment in Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:17). The old covenant established through Moses at Sinai gives way to the new covenant in Christ's blood, yet the Old Testament remains essential for understanding God's character, His redemptive plan, and the foundations of Christian faith.
“Everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”
- Luke 24:44
The New Testament is the second part of the Christian Bible, containing 27 books written after Christ's resurrection. It includes four Gospels (Jesus' life), Acts (early church), Epistles (letters to churches), and Revelation (prophecy). It records Jesus' teaching, death, resurrection, and the spread of Christianity.
The Bible was written in three languages: Hebrew (most of the Old Testament), Aramaic (portions of Daniel and Ezra, plus some words of Jesus), and Greek (the entire New Testament). Hebrew was Israel's sacred language, Aramaic the common tongue of Jesus' day, and Greek the universal language of the Roman Empire.
Christians believe the Bible is God's inspired, inerrant Word—true in all it teaches. Evidence includes fulfilled prophecy, historical and archaeological confirmation, manuscript reliability, internal consistency despite 40+ authors over 1,500 years, transformed lives, and the testimony of Jesus Himself who treated Scripture as authoritative.
Ask any question about the Bible, Christianity, or theology and get answers grounded in Scripture.
Answers are informed by Scripture and trusted theologians including Matthew Henry, John Calvin, and John Wesley. Always verify with Scripture and consult your local church for pastoral guidance.