Know About Bibles

How God’s Word Reached Us

The Bible is not just a book—it is a collection of sacred writings inspired by God, written over a span of more than 1,500 years by over 40 authors from different backgrounds and cultures. Yet, its message is united: God’s love and redemption through Jesus Christ.

📜 The Old Testament

The Old Testament was written primarily in Hebrew, with some parts in Aramaic. It contains the sacred scriptures of the Jewish people and includes historical books, law, poetry, and prophecy. These writings were passed down through generations, carefully copied and preserved by scribes.

✍️ The New Testament

The New Testament was written in Greek during the first century AD. It records the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as well as the spread of the early Christian church. The writings of apostles like Paul, Peter, and John were widely circulated among believers and eventually recognized as Holy Scripture.

📚 Canon of Scripture

The process of recognizing the Bible’s canon—the official collection of inspired books—was guided by prayer, early church councils, and widespread acceptance among believers.

🌍 Translation and Global Reach

The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, but it didn’t stay in those languages. One of the first major translations was the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament). Later, the Latin Vulgate became the standard Bible in Western Christianity for centuries.

With the invention of the printing press in the 15th century, the Bible became more accessible. The first English Bible translations (like Wycliffe and Tyndale) made Scripture available to common people—often at great personal cost to the translators.

Today, the Bible has been translated into over 3,500 languages, and it remains the most widely read, distributed, and translated book in the world.

❤️ A Living Word

More than history, the Bible is a living message. It continues to transform lives, guide nations, and offer hope to millions. At our ministry, we are honored to be part of this ongoing story—placing Bibles into the hands of those who have never had the chance to read it before.

📘 Bible Authors

The Bible is a divinely inspired collection of writings by more than 40 human authors from diverse backgrounds — kings, prophets, fishermen, tax collectors, shepherds, doctors, and others — spanning over 1,500 years. Despite their different lives and eras, their writings reveal a unified message: God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.

📖 Old Testament Authors (Hebrew Scriptures)

• Moses – Wrote the first five books (Genesis to Deuteronomy), known as the Torah or Pentateuch.

• David & Solomon – Wrote many Psalms and Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs.

• Prophets – Such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and minor prophets like Micah, Amos, and Hosea.

• Ezra, Nehemiah – Wrote historical and priestly accounts of Israel’s return from exile.

• Unknown authors – Books like Job and some Psalms are anonymous or debated.
  
  

📘 New Testament Authors

• Matthew, Mark, Luke, John – Wrote the four Gospels about the life and ministry of Jesus.

• Luke – Also wrote Acts, a history of the early church.

• Paul the Apostle – Wrote 13 letters (epistles) to churches and individuals (e.g., Romans, Corinthians, Galatians).

• James, Peter, Jude, John – Wrote various letters offering teaching and encouragement.

• John – Also authored Revelation, a prophetic vision of the end times.
  
  

🧠 Languages & Styles

• Hebrew – Most of the Old Testament

• Aramaic – Portions of Daniel, Ezra, and others

• Greek – Entire New Testament

The Bible comes in many forms to serve various needs, readers, and purposes. Here is a helpful guide to the different classifications of Bibles we offer or recognize:

1. 🌐 By Tradition

• Protestant Bible
  Includes 66 books recognized by most evangelical and Protestant denominations.
  
  

• Catholic Bible
  Contains 73 books, including the Deuterocanonical books used in Catholic tradition.
  
  

• Orthodox Bible
  Includes additional texts recognized by various Eastern Orthodox churches.

2. 📖 By Content Format

• Full Bible
  Contains both Old and New Testaments (66 books).
  
  

• New Testament Only
  Includes only the 27 books of the New Testament—ideal for outreach and evangelism.
  
  

• Portions of Scripture
  Includes specific books (like Psalms or the Gospels) often used in special ministries.
  
  

3. 📘 By Study Depth and Features

• Standard Text Bible
  Basic Bible without commentary—ideal for reading and memorization.
  
  

• Study Bible
  Includes notes, maps, cross-references, and background information to help understand Scripture in depth.
  
  

• Reference Bible
  Contains extensive cross-references and concordance tools to explore related passages throughout Scripture.
  
  

• Life Application Bible
  Adds real-life insights and guidance on how to apply biblical truths to daily life.
  
  

• Devotional Bible
  Combines Scripture with daily devotional readings for personal spiritual growth.
  
  

4. 🧍 By Audience

• Children’s Bibles
  Simplified Bible stories with illustrations to introduce young readers to God’s Word.
  
  

• Youth / Teen Bibles
  Designed for adolescents and young adults with relatable commentary, devotionals, and life application features.
  
  

• Adult Bibles
  Standard full-text Bibles suitable for regular reading and study by mature readers.
  
  

• New Believer’s Bibles
  Tailored for those just beginning their journey of faith, often with explanations, questions, and introductions to each book.

5. 🗂️ By Physical Features

• Thinline Bible
  Slim and lightweight, easy to carry and ideal for travel.
  
  

• Large Print Bible
  Designed for easy reading, especially for the elderly or visually impaired.
  
  

• Indexed Bible
  Features thumb tabs or printed indexes to quickly find books of the Bible.
  
  

• Parallel / Dual Language Bible
  Displays two versions side-by-side (e.g., English-Swahili), helpful for bilingual readers or language learners.
  
  

• Pocket Bible
  Compact and portable, usually with small print.
  
  6. 📄 By Bible Version / Translation

Bible versions differ based on translation approach and language style. Each version is translated from the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts with varying levels of literalness and readability.

Here are some commonly used versions:

• King James Version (KJV), English Standard Version (ESV), Revised Standard Version (RSV),  New King James Version (NKJV),  New International Version (NIV ) etc
  
  

• Regional / Translated Bibles
  Available in languages such as Swahili, Hindi, Spanish, French, Malayalam, Bengali, and thousands more—helping people read God’s Word in their heart language.

✨ 1. Start with the Right Heart

• Ask God to open your heart and help you understand His Word.

• Remember: the Bible is not just a book of rules—it is God’s love letter to humanity, revealing His character and His plan for your life.

“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” – Psalm 119:18

📘 2. Where Should I Start?

Instead of starting from Genesis, it’s often easier to begin with the New Testament, especially if you are unfamiliar with the Bible.

We recommend beginning with:

• The Gospel of John – A beautiful introduction to who Jesus is.

• Then read the other Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

• After that, explore Acts (the story of the early church) and Psalms for comfort and prayer.

📅 3. Set a Simple Reading Plan

You don’t need to read a lot at once. Try:

• One chapter per day

• A few verses in the morning and evening

• A 30-day Gospel reading plan (ask us if you'd like one!)

It’s more important to understand and reflect, than to rush.

🖊️ 4. Ask Questions as You Read

Write down or think about:

• What does this passage say about God?

• What does it say about people?

• Is there a promise to believe or a truth to follow?

• How can I apply this today?
  
  

📓 5. Keep a Journal or Notes

• Jot down verses that stand out

• Write prayers or thoughts

• Record how God speaks to you through Scripture
  
  

🤝 6. Read with Others (if possible)

• Join a local Bible study or church group

• Read with a trusted Christian friend or mentor

• Ask questions freely—faith is a journey!

📲 7. Use Helpful Tools

• If you have access, try a Study Bible with footnotes and explanations

• You can also explore audio Bibles or Bible apps in your language (many are free!)

🙏 8. Pray Before and After Reading

Ask God to speak to you—and thank Him for what He shows you.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105

🌅 Before You Read: Invite God to Speak

Start with a short, sincere prayer, asking God to open your heart and help you understand His Word. This prepares your mind and spirit to receive truth with humility and clarity.

Sample Prayers:

• “Lord, speak to me through Your Word today.”
  “Help me to understand what I read and apply it to my life.”

• “Teach me more about who You are and what You want for me.”

You don’t need special words—just be honest. God listens to every heart that seeks Him.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God... and it will be given to him.” – James 1:5

📖 As You Read: Stay Open to God’s Voice

• Be attentive to verses that speak to you—they might be God's way of answering your prayer.
  If something confuses you, pray again: “Lord, help me understand this.”
  
  

Sometimes God speaks through comfort. Other times through challenge. Let the Bible read you as much as you read it.

“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” – Jeremiah 33:3

The Catholic Bible contains all the books accepted by the Catholic Church as divinely inspired. Like all Christian Bibles, it includes the Old and New Testaments, but it differs slightly in its content from most Protestant Bibles.

📚 What Makes the Catholic Bible Unique?

• 73 Books in Total
  46 in the Old Testament
  27 in the New Testament
  
  

• It includes seven additional books (called the Deuterocanonical books) not found in Protestant Bibles:
  Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus), Baruch, and 1 & 2 Maccabees
  Plus additions to Esther and Daniel
  
  

These books were part of the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) used in early Christianity and are considered sacred by the Catholic Church.

📖 Common Catholic Bible Versions

Douay-Rheims Bible – A traditional English Catholic translation from the Latin Vulgate
New American Bible (NABRE) – The most widely used Catholic Bible in the U.S.
Revised Standard Version – Catholic Edition (RSV-CE) – A scholarly, readable translation
Jerusalem Bible / New Jerusalem Bible – Popular for its literary style and study notes
Christian Community Bible – Widely used in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. 

🟨 Catechetical Support

• Many Catholic Bibles include:
  
  

  • Footnotes and explanations aligned with Catholic teaching
    
    

  • Prayers, devotions, and liturgical calendars
    
    

  • References to the Catechism of the Catholic Church
    
    

  • Introductions to each book, reflecting Catholic understanding

🌍 Global Use

• Catholic Bibles are translated into hundreds of languages, including:
  
  

  • Swahili (Biblia ya Kipapa)
    
    

  • Spanish (Biblia Latinoamericana / Biblia de Jerusalén)
    
    

  • French (Bible de Jérusalem / TOB)
    
    

  • Tagalog, Tamil, Hindi, Igbo, Amharic, and many more.

🕊️ For Catholic Readers

If you are a Catholic and would like to receive a Bible that includes the Deuterocanonical books, please let us know in your request form. We are happy to send a Catholic Bible where available, depending on stock and language.

Our mission is to serve believers of all traditions with God's Word, and we are honored to support Catholic readers in growing closer to Scripture.

The Protestant Bible is the most widely distributed form of the Christian Scriptures and is recognized by Protestant denominations around the world. It contains 66 books, divided between the Old Testament and New Testament, and is based on the canon accepted during the Reformation.

📚 Structure of the Protestant Bible

• 66 books in total

39 Books in the Old Testament
(including Genesis, Psalms, Isaiah, etc.)

27 Books in the New Testament
(including the Gospels, Acts, the Epistles, and Revelation)

Unlike the Catholic Bible, the Protestant Bible does not include the Deuterocanonical (Apocryphal) books. The focus is on the books that were originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek and accepted by early Christians and Reformers.

📖 Common Protestant Bible Versions

King James Version (KJV) – Revered for its poetic and traditional language
New King James Version (NKJV) – Updated vocabulary with the beauty of the KJV
English Standard Version (ESV) – Accurate and readable for both study and worship
New International Version (NIV) – Balanced and widely used globally
New Living Translation (NLT) – Clear and approachable for new believers
Good News Bible (GNB) – Simple and ideal for outreach and youth
Reina-Valera (Spanish) – Most commonly used Protestant Bible in Spanish-speaking countries
Swahili Union Version (SUV) – Widely used across East Africa

🧱 Rooted in the Reformation

• The Protestant Bible structure was established during the 16th-century Reformation.
  
  

• Reformers like Martin Luther emphasized “sola scriptura” (Scripture alone) as the final authority in faith and practice.
  
  

• Luther also translated the Bible into German, sparking a movement for vernacular translations across Europe.

🌍 5. Global Impact

• The Protestant Bible has been a major force in the global spread of Christianity.
  
  

• Protestant missionary movements translated the Bible into thousands of languages, often introducing literacy in the process.
  
  

• Organizations like Wycliffe, Bible Society, and Gideons International focus on Protestant translations for global distribution.

🕊️ For Protestant Readers

If no specific version or denomination is mentioned in your Bible request, we typically send a standard Protestant Bible, based on your preferred language and region. These Bibles are suitable for personal reading, teaching, and evangelism.

We aim to support your spiritual growth, teaching, and outreach by offering Bibles aligned with the principles of the Protestant faith. 

The Orthodox Bible refers to the collection of books recognized as Scripture by various Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and other Eastern Christian traditions. It includes both the Old and New Testaments, with a broader Old Testament canon than Protestant or Catholic Bibles.

📚 What Makes the Orthodox Bible Unique?

• New Testament (27 books):
  The same as in Protestant and Catholic Bibles.

• Old Testament (Varies by tradition, typically 49–51 books):

🟦 Eastern Orthodox Bible (e.g., Greek, Russian, Serbian, Ethiopian)

Old Testament: Typically 49 books
New Testament: 27 books
Total: 76 books
Includes books like:
1 & 2 Esdras, Prayer of Manasseh,
3 Maccabees, Psalm 151

🟨 Oriental Orthodox Bible (e.g., Coptic, Armenian, Syriac)

Old Testament: Usually 46 to 49 books (varies slightly by church)
New Testament: 27 books
Total: 73–76 books
Notes:
Armenian Apostolic Church sometimes excludes Revelation
Some Coptic and Syriac traditions include slightly different texts than Eastern Orthodoxy

🟥 Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Bible

Old Testament: 46 canonical + up to 9 additional books
New Testament: 35 books
Total: 81 books
Unique additions include:
Enoch, Jubilees
1, 2, & 3 Meqabyan (different from Maccabees)
The Book of the Covenant
The Book of the Covenant of Isaac
Shepherd of Hermas and others

These books are based primarily on the Septuagint (LXX)—the ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, which was widely used in the early church.

📖 Common Orthodox Bible Versions

Orthodox Study Bible (OSB) – English translation using the Septuagint Old Testament and NKJV New Testament
Brenton Septuagint – English translation of the Old Testament from Greek
Slavonic Bibles – Used in Russian and Slavic Orthodox traditions
Amharic Orthodox Bible – Used by Ethiopian Orthodox Church
Arabic Van Dyck / Peshitta – Used in Middle Eastern Orthodox communities

🕊️ For Orthodox Readers

If you belong to an Orthodox tradition and would prefer a Bible that includes the full Old Testament canon recognized by your church, please mention this in your request. We will do our best to provide an appropriate Orthodox Bible based on availability and language.

Our goal is to serve the diverse Body of Christ with the Word of God in the form most faithful and familiar to your tradition.