Bible Question:
I am looking for a “Bible companion” type of information. I am looking for a document that would tell me what was happening at a particular time of the Bible or why this book was written or why that letter was sent to that particular church. As I go through the Bible I want a helper document to give me more insight as to what was going on at that time. Do you have anything like that or know of where I might get one?
Bible Answer:
There are number of excellent books that provide background information on the Bible. Some are brief and others can be very in depth. This site provides a brief summary of each book of the Bible as part of the Solid Roots series entitled Overview of the Books of the Bible. It is also available in PDF format. Here is a list of several books that I would recommend:
Talk Thru the Bible
Authors — Bruce Wilkinson and Kenneth Boa
Comment — Short summaries of the books of the Bible are provided, including dates and outlines. Excellent book!
A Survey of Old Testament Introduction
Author — Gleason Archer
Comment — Biblically solid standard that has been recently updated.
New Testament Survey
Author — Merrill C. Tenny
Comment — Survey of each book of the New Testament.
A Bible Survey: Genesis to Revelation
Author — G. Campbell Morgan
Comment — This is a classic by a famous and highly respected author.
The New Manners & Customs of Bible Times
Author — Ralph Gower
Comment — It is heavily documented with illustrations and photographs. The author covers a wide range of topics.
The Life and Times of Jesus The Messiah
Author — Alfred Edersheim
Comment — The noted preacher and author Dr. Wilbur M. Smith once said that this book is the most important general work on the life of Christ in the English language.
Conclusion:
These are doctrinally solid books. I have yet to find a small, doctrinally solid pamphlet that provides book summaries, author, date of authorship, and key background information. If anyone knows of one, please email us.