What Does The Bible Say About Tarot Cards
June 5, 2024
What Does The Bible Say About Multiple Wives
June 14, 2024
This is one of the most common questions people ask when learning about Christianity:
👉 How many books are in the Bible?
Why do some Bibles have different numbers of books?
Which books belong in the Bible?
The answer depends partly on:
- which Christian tradition you are referring to
- and how the biblical canon is organised.
But for most Protestant Christians:
👉 the Bible contains 66 books.
Let’s break it down simply and clearly.
⚡ The Clear Answer
👉 The Protestant Bible contains 66 books:
- 39 books in the Old Testament
- 27 books in the New Testament.
However:
- Catholic Bibles contain 73 books
- Eastern Orthodox Bibles contain even more books depending on tradition.
The difference comes mainly from certain Old Testament books called:
- the Apocrypha
- or Deuterocanonical books.
The Bible Is Actually a Collection of Books
Many people think of the Bible as:
👉 one single book.
But the Bible is actually:
- a collection of writings
- written over many centuries
- by many different authors
- under God’s inspiration.
These books include:
- history
- poetry
- prophecy
- wisdom literature
- letters
- and eyewitness accounts.
2 Timothy 3:16 says:
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God…”
Christians believe the Bible is:
👉 God’s Word given through human writers.
The Two Main Sections of the Bible
The Bible is divided into:
- the Old Testament
- and the New Testament.
The Old Testament (39 Books)
The Old Testament focuses on:
- creation
- Israel’s history
- God’s covenant with His people
- prophecy
- and the coming Messiah.
It includes books like:
- Genesis
- Psalms
- Isaiah
- and Daniel.
The Old Testament was written before Jesus’ earthly ministry.
The New Testament (27 Books)
The New Testament focuses on:
- the life of Jesus Christ
- His death and resurrection
- the early church
- and Christian teaching.
It includes:
- the four Gospels
- Acts
- letters written by apostles
- and Revelation.
The New Testament reveals:
👉 Jesus as the promised Messiah and Saviour.
Why Do Some Bibles Have More Books?
This is where people often get confused.
Catholic and Orthodox Bibles include additional books often called:
- Deuterocanonical books
- or the Apocrypha.
These books were included in some ancient Greek versions of the Old Testament.
Examples include:
- Tobit
- Judith
- 1 and 2 Maccabees
- Wisdom of Solomon
- and Baruch.
Protestant Bibles do not include these books as part of the biblical canon.
This is why:
- Protestant Bibles contain 66 books
- Catholic Bibles contain 73 books.
What Does “Canon” Mean?
The word “canon” refers to:
👉 the recognised collection of books accepted as scripture.
Over time, believers carefully recognised which writings were:
- inspired by God
- consistent with truth
- and accepted by the early people of God.
The biblical canon was not randomly chosen.
Christians believe God guided the preservation of scripture.
Why the Number of Books Is Not the Main Point
People sometimes become very focused on:
- numbers
- debates
- and historical arguments.
But the most important thing is:
👉 understanding and applying God’s Word.
The Bible’s central message is about:
- God
- salvation
- sin
- redemption
- and Jesus Christ.
John 20:31 says:
“These are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ…”
The purpose of scripture is not simply information —
but leading people toward God.
The Bible Tells One Main Story
Even though the Bible contains many books,
it tells one connected story.
From Genesis to Revelation,
scripture points toward:
- God’s plan
- humanity’s need for salvation
- and Jesus Christ.
The Old Testament points forward to Jesus.
The New Testament reveals:
👉 Jesus as the fulfilment of God’s promises.
Should Christians Read the Whole Bible?
Yes.
Many people only read:
- favourite verses
- short devotionals
- or isolated passages.
But reading the whole Bible helps believers:
- understand context
- grow spiritually
- and know God more deeply.
The Bible was not meant to be:
👉 partially known.
It was meant to be studied, understood, and lived out.
Final Thought
For most Protestant Christians,
the Bible contains:
👉 66 books:
- 39 in the Old Testament
- and 27 in the New Testament.
Other Christian traditions include additional books,
which is why some Bibles have different totals.
But beyond the numbers,
the Bible’s true purpose is to:
- reveal God
- teach truth
- guide believers
- and point people to Jesus Christ.
The Bible is not just:
- ancient literature
- or religious history.
Christians believe it is:
👉 the living Word of God.
And when people read scripture sincerely,
it has the power to:
- change hearts
- renew minds
- and draw people closer to God.
✨ Still Have a Question?
You can send it through the Ask a Bible Question page, and I’ll respond with guidance from God’s Word.
You can also leave your questions on my YouTube channel, where I share clear, practical encouragement, and answers to common questions.
