ALDERSGATE COLLEGE

COLLEGE OF ARTS, SCIENCES AND EDUCATION

BIBLICAL STUDIES

MODULE 1: HOW WE GOT THE BIBLE (ORAL AND WRITTEN TRADITION)

OVERVIEW
With this lesson you are beginning a study of the greatest book ever to be delivered into human hands. The
Bible is the book of books. It has done more to change the course of human events than any other book ever printed.
To engage in a successful Bible study one must understand a little about its make-up. The entire Bible is the word of
God, but not all of it is in the form of commandments for us to obey today (e.g., "Make thee an ark." Gen. 6:14.)
Therefore, to properly understand, we must "rightly divide the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15). We can do this best if we
trace the literary and historical development of the Bible.
OBJECTIVES
1. Identify the wide range of linguistic and literary resources that Biblical authors drew upon in composing their
works.
2. Familiarize the books of the Bible
3. Discover from the study of God and His relation with His people.
PRETEST
I.

Multiple Choice
Direction: Study the problem in each item. Write the letter of the correct answer on the space provided before
each item.
1. The first five books of the Bible were written at first in which language?
a. Hebrew
b. Greek
c. Latin
d. German
2. In the early church, the Jewish scripture were known, not in Hebrew, but in a Greek translation which is
called _____?
a. Septuagint
b. Torah c. Pentateuch
d. Biblios
3. The word Bible came from the Greek word _____.
a. Biblion
b. Bibiblia
d. Biblios
d. Biblia
4. How many books are there in the Bible?
a. 67
b. 39
c. 66
d. 68
5. The stories of the Bible were passed along from one generation to the next by word of mouth in storytelling
gatherings known as the __________ tradition.
a. written
b. oral
c. cultural
d. old

LEARNING FOCUS
Oral and Written Tradition
The Bible is believed to be a bearer of Gods special revelation, Christian affirm that it did not and could not
have come as one ready-made book at particular time and place. Rather, it developed throughout the history of
people, the Israelites (Hebrew).
The story of the Bible then begins in the days that Israel was not yet a nation unsettled and nomadic, and quite
primitive in culture. Her literature, while springing from her life experiences as a people, became contained in tales
and origins and heroic deeds, oracles and liturgies, songs and wisdom of the sages which were passed on to the
generation though Oral Tradition.
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It was not until Moses time that references were made about tablets on which the Ten Commandments were
inscribed. Then as Israel attained literacy, her literature slowly formed into a body of writings preserved in various
forms fragments of early songs, archives and chronicles, laws, prophecies, history, cult books and wisdom books.
Meanwhile, other writings were gradually gaining popular use, the psalms in worship, and the proverbs for
educating the young; job, Ecclesiastes and others for the inquiring mind. These simply called The Writings because
of their varied natures.
I.

GENERAL MAKE-UP OF THE BIBLE

A. Its Name Indicates Its Pre-eminence.
1. The word Bible comes from the Greek word "Biblios" which means "a book."
2. Because of its importance God's Word is called "The Book of All Books."
B. The Bible Is Composed of Two Major Divisions.
1. Though the whole composition is called "The Book" the Bible is made up of 66 individual books which
are divided into two major sections.
2. The Old Testament contains 39 books originally written in Hebrew by about 32 men over a period
dating from about 1500 B.C. to 400 B.C. This part of the Bible tells of man's earliest existence and of
God's first covenants with man.
3. The New Testament contains 27 books originally written in Greek by 8 men over a period dating from
about 52 A.D. to 97 A.D. This is the record of God's covenant for man today. It is called "new" for the
first covenant was set aside when this was given (Heb. 7:18; Heb. 8:13).
C. The Bible Is Inspired of God.
1. About 40 men wrote the Bible as God's Spirit directed them, 2 Peter 1:21.
2. They used the words given by the Holy Spirit, 1 Cor. 2:10-13; 1 Thes. 2:13.
3. Therefore, the Bible is inspired (God-breathed), 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Eph. 3:3-5.
4. The unity of the Bible is one proof of its inspiration. These forty men lived over a span of 1600 years
and had no possible way to confer with one another. They came from various backgrounds and social
levels; they even wrote in different languages. Yet the Bible is without contradiction! Had the Bible been
the work of 40 minds it would surely be filled with conflicting human opinions. Its unity proves that the
Bible is from one mind-the mind of God!

II. THE HISTORICAL PERIODS OF THE BIBLE

A. Three Dispensations of Time
1. Some Bible students believe the patriarchal form of God's revelation continued among the Gentile
nations until the cross of Christ. They reason that the Israelite nation was called aside by God for a
special purpose (the coming of Christ) and that the Law of Moses was a special law given only to them.
This view certainly does not conflict with the Bible statement of how God spoke in "times past" and "in
these last days" (Heb. 1:1-2).
2. However, for the sake of clarity and because the Bible really does not give us a detailed picture of the
Gentile nations after the development of Israel, we shall follow the basic chronological development of
three distinct periods of Bible history.
B. The Basic Descriptions of These Three Periods
1. The Patriarchal (Father-rule) began at Creation and lasted until the giving of the law on Mt. Sinai. Its
history is recorded in Gen. 1 to Exo. 20.
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2. The Mosaic or Jewish (National) began at Mt. Sinai and lasted until the crucifixion of Christ. Its history
is found from Exodus 20 to Acts 2. This law was to last for a definite time (Gal. 3:19-29). It was nailed to
the cross (Col. 2:14-18). It was done away (2 Cor. 3). We no longer are bound by it.
3. The Christian (International) began at Jerusalem on the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ
and will last until the end of time. Its record is found from Acts 2 through Revelation. We live under this.
Heb. 1:1-2; 10:8-10.
THE PATRIARCHAL PERIOD
The first dispensation of Bible history is commonly called the "Patriarchal Period." An understanding of this age
is important, for it tells of man's earliest relationship with God and answers many questions basic to understanding
the rest of the Bible.
I.

SIGNIFICANT FACTS OF THE PATRIARCHAL PERIOD

A. Name
1. The word "patriarch" means "father, leader, chief, and ruler"; therefore this period is literally called the
age of "Father-Rule."
2. God revealed His will directly to the heads of the families who in turn taught their children (Heb. 1:1-2).
There is no evidence of any written law during this age.
B. Man's Relationship to God
1. As God spoke to the fathers by dreams, angels, or visions, they would instruct their children, thus this is
sometimes called an age of family religion (Gen. 18:19).
2. Worship consisted of animal sacrifices offered upon altars (Gen. 8:20; 12:7-8).
C. Duration
1. We will relieve the Bible of many pressures if we will keep in mind that it was written for religious ends
rather than scientific or chronological purposes. We are not given an exact date for creation nor can we
be certain that every generation from Adam is specifically mentioned. On the basis of what is revealed
this period lasted at least 2500 years, perhaps longer.
2. This period begins with Creation, recorded in Gen. 1, and continues until the giving of the Ten
Commandments recorded in Exodus 20.
D. Importance of the Patriarchal Period
1. The Bible record of the Patriarchal Period does not go into detail about every event or person, but what
is told answers some important questions which give us a deeper understanding of the rest of the Bible.
Let us consider some:

II.

Questions Answered by the Significant Events of the Patriarchal Period

A. How Did All Things Begin? (The Creation)
1. All things started with a miracle of God, Genesis 1:1-2:3.
2. The atheist must start somewhere-all things came from nothing? FANTASTIC! WHO CAN
BELIEVE IT?
B. What Makes Man Superior to Animals? (The Creation of Man In God's Image)
1. Man created in God's image-spirit, intelligence, dominion, Gen. 1:26-28; 2:7-8.
2. Institution of marriage-woman, a help suitable for man, Gen. 2:18-24.
C. Why Do We Need God, Salvation, or the Bible? (The Fall of Man)

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1. Man's first relationship with God was ideal. God placed man in the Garden of Eden and provided
every necessary thing, Gen. 2:8-17.
2. Man is in God's image, thus God did not force Adam to serve Him. The devil tempted; man fell
by his own choice; his return will be by choice, Gen. 3:1-13; Rom. 6:16-18.
D. Will God Really Destroy That Which He Has Created? (The Flood)
1. Man's wickedness increased; God purposed to destroy the world, Gen. 6:5-7.
2. Through the righteousness of Noah eight souls were spared, Gen. 6:8-10:32.
3. God has promised to destroy the world again, 2 Pet. 3:1-14.
E. How Did Man Become Separated Into Different Nations? (The Division of Man)
1. The Tower of Babel-confusing of tongues, Gen. 11:1-9.
2. The descendants of Shem, Ham, and Japheth, Gen. 10, 11.
F. Who Are The Jews, and Why Were They God's Chosen People? (The Call of Abraham)
1. The Land promise (Canaan, Palestine), Gen. 12:1.
2. The Nation promise (Israel, Hebrews, Jews), Gen. 12:2.
3. The Spiritual promise (Christ), Gen. 12:3, "bless all families ..." Gal. 3:26-29.

THE MOSAIC PERIOD

The second dispensation of Bible history is commonly called the "Mosaic Period." An understanding of this
period is important for it is the history of the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham-that through Abraham's seed
God would bless all families of the earth (Gen. 12:1-3). We are informed how God developed and dealt with the
family out of which the Savior of the world was born.
I.

SIGNIFICANT FACTS OF THE MOSAIC DISPENSATION:

A. Name
This period is named after Moses, for it was through him God delivered the law to the Jews.
B. Duration
1. This age begins with the giving of the Ten Commandments at Mt. Sinai and lasts until the death of
Christ, a span of about 1500 years.

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2. The Bible record of this period may be read from Exodus 20 through Acts 1.
C. Background
1. Abraham had been promised a great nation and land (Gen. 12:1-2). Jacob, Abraham's grandson,
whose name was changed to Israel, fathered twelve sons, known as the twelve Patriarchs. The
descendants of these sons became known as the twelve tribes of Israel.
2. The twelve tribes of Israel formed the nation of Israel. Through Joseph, the great-grandson of Abraham,
the Israelites spent 215 years in Egypt (Read Gen. 12-50). When God was ready to lead this nation to
the Promised Land, He chose Moses to be His spokesman (Read Ex. 1-20). This occurred 430 years
from the time of the original promise to Abraham (Gal. 3:16-17).
D. Importance
1. Many interesting and profitable stories are contained in this period. Valuable lessons can be gleaned
from the lives of Moses, Joshua, Samson, Samuel, Saul, David, Solomon, Elijah, Elisha, and many
others (Rom. 15:4; Heb. 11:32).
2. As we survey this period, however, keep in mind the underlying thread which ties it to the rest of the
Bible-God is preparing the world for Christ.
3. We can best analyze the significance of this period in relationship to Christ by studying about the
Law of Moses.

THE LAW OF MOSES: ITS PURPOSE AND DURATION

A. The Law Was Given to The Jews Not for All Nations.
1. The Ten Commandments were given on Mt. Sinai (Ex. 20:1-17).
2. These commandments, written on tables of stone, were important; however, we must remember that
the Law of Moses included many other laws pertaining to their worship and government. The complete
total of all commandments which were delivered through Moses, both religious and civil, are referred to
as "the law of Moses" (Acts 13:38-39). The Law of Moses is the same as the Law of the Lord (2 Chron.
34:14; Luke 2:22-24).

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3. This law was not given to all people or for all ages, but was given to the Jews only at Mt. Sinai (Horeb)
Ex. 31:17-18; Nehemiah 9:13-14.
a. Not given to fathers, Deut. 5:1-3, 12, 15.
b. Not dealt so with any nation, Psalms 147:19-20.
c. One law for Israel and the stranger, Ex. 12:43-49.
B. The Law Was to Serve as a Schoolmaster, Gal. 3:19-29.
1. Worship revealed by this law consisted of animal sacrifices and observance of various days, weeks,
months, and years.
2. Its sacrifices were as a shadow of the sacrifice of Christ, Heb. 9:19-28; 10:1.
3. Through its commandments man was made conscious of sin and his need for a Savior, Gal. 3:19; Rom.
3:20; Rom. 7:7,13.
C. The Law Did Not Provide Remission of Sins, Acts 13:38-39.
1. Every year sacrifices had to be made again because sins were remembered, Heb. 10:14.
2. For this reason, the law was called "weak and unprofitable." Heb. 7:18-19.
D. The Law Came to An End With The Death Of Christ.
1. A new covenant was necessary which would provide remission of sins, Heb. 8:6-8, 13.
2. The New Testament became of force at His death, Heb. 9:15-17.
3. The law was nailed to the cross, Col. 2:14-17.
4. Both Gentile and Jew now have hope in Christ, Eph. 2:11-17; Col. 3:11-12.
5. The Ten Commandments (written on tables of stone) were also done away when Christ died, 2 Cor.
3:7-14.
6. Actually the New Testament contains every one of the Ten Commandments with the exception of
"Remember the Sabbath Day." Christians worship on the first day of the week (the Lord's Day), Acts
20:7; Rev. 1:10.
E. To Serve the Law Makes the Cross of None Effect.
1. If righteousness is by the law, Christ is dead in vain, Gal. 2:21.
2. Those who justify their religion by the law are fallen from grace, Gal. 5:2-4.
3. We do not search the Old Testament to learn how to become Christians nor to learn how to worship
God as Christians.
a. We do believe and study the Old Testament, for it teaches the nature of God, the sureness of His
word, and of His exceeding love for us, Rom. 15:4.
b. The example of Israel serves as an admonition to Christians, 1 Cor. 10:6-12.
CHRONOLOGICAL EVENTS OF THE MOSAIC DISPENSATION
A. Forty Years in Wilderness Because of Unbelief, Numbers 13;14; Deut. 1.
1. Israel murmured and complained; lacked faith, Heb. 3:12-19.
2. Joshua led the Israelites after the death of Moses, Deut. 1:35-39.
B. Conquest of Canaan
1. Under the leadership of Joshua, the Israelites gained the land promised to Abraham, Gen. 12:1.
2. Received all the land God had promised them, Josh. 21:43-45; 23:14; 1 Kings 4:21.
C. Period of the Judges
1. Fifteen judges ruled over a span of 450 years, Acts 13:20.
2. The most familiar names are Deborah, Gideon, Samson, and Samuel, Heb. 11:32.
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D. The United Kingdom

1. Saul, David, and Solomon reigned forty years each.
2. Israel reached its greatest strength during this period, 1 Kings 10:1-7.
E. The Divided Kingdom
1. Upon the death of Solomon Israel became a divided nation. The ten Northern tribes led by Jeroboam
and the two Southern tribes led by Rehoboam were separated.
2. The Northern Kingdom (Israel) was taken captive by Assyrians in 721 B.C.
3. The Southern Kingdom (Judah) was overthrown by Babylonians in 606 B.C
.
F. The Age of the Prophets (The fall of the nation and prophecies of Christ).
1. During the decline of the nation, the captivity, and the return to Jerusalem God spoke through the
prophets.
2. Their mission was to try to save the nation from its idolatry and wickedness; failing in this, they
announced the nation's destruction. However, they foretold that a remnant would be spared.
3. Out of this remnant would come the Promised Seed of Abraham (Christ), who would bring all nations to
God.
G. Return from Captivity
1. The first remnant of Israelites was led back to Jerusalem under the guidance of Zerubbabel who started
them rebuilding the temple in 536 B.C.
2. The second remnant was led by Ezra, who helped to reorganize and re-establish the nation, in 457 B.C.
3. The third remnant was led by Nehemiah who directed the rebuilding of the wall about the city of
Jerusalem in 444 B.C.

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LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Activity 1: Bible Drill
Students are assigned to bring their Bibles and open their Bibles in the class according to books, chapters
and verses. A Bible Drill Master will read the references. The students may be grouped into 3 or 4 groups depending
on how big the class is. If a student has found the verse, he/she needs to stand and read the text which scores are
credited to the group he/she belongs or it will be on individual score. Students without their Bibles cannot participate
in the activity. This is to discover whether the students are reading their Bibles at home or not. 10 scores will be
enough for 15 minutes activity.
Activity 2: Discuss:

a. the classifications of the books of the bible.

b. the historical relationship of the OT to the land of Egypt, Babylonia and Assyria
c. Reasons why we need to study history before we study the content of the Bible

POST TEST
I.

MULTIPLE CHOICE
Direction: Study the problem in each item. Write the letter of the correct answer.
1. The word Bible comes from the Greek word "Biblios" which means:
b. Yahweh
c. Book
d. Holy
e. Spirit
2. The first five books of the Bible were written at first in __________ language.
a. Hebrew
b. Greek
c. Latin
d. German
3. In the early church, the Jewish scripture were known, not in Hebrew, but in a Greek
Translation which we call:
a. Septuagint
b. Torah
c. Pentateuch
d. Biblios
4. How many books are there in the Bible?
a. 67
b. 39
c. 66
d. 68
5. The stories of the Bible were passed along from one generation to the next by word of
mouth in storytelling gathering known as the __________ tradition.
a. written
b. oral
c. cultural
d. Yahweh

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6. The second dispensation of Bible history is commonly called

a. Mosaic Period
b. Patriarchal Period
c. Abrahams Period
d. Moses Period
7. The Old Testament contains _________ books originally written in Hebrew by about 32 men over a
period dating from about 1500 B.C. to 400 B.C.
a. 34
b. 27
c. 39
d. 10
8. The New Testament contains ________ books originally written in Greek by 8 men over a period
dating from about 52 A.D. to 97 A.D.
a. 34
b. 27
c. 39
d. 10
9. This period is literally called the age of "Father-Rule."
a. Mosaic Period
b. Patriarchal Period
c. Abrahams Period
d. Moses Period
10. The first remnant of Israelites was led back to Jerusalem under the guidance:
a. Zerubbabel
b. Ezra
c. Nehemiah
d. Abraham
II. TRUE OR FALSE:
Direction: Read the statements below, write T if the statement is TRUE and F, if the statement if FALSE.
11. To our knowledge God did not provide any written law during the Patriarchal Period.
12. Moses lived before Abraham was born.
13. Jacob lived before the flood.
14. Methuselah lived longer than any man, but he died before his father (Gen. 5:21-27).
15. There are 66 books in the Bible written by about 40 different men who lived over a span of 1600 years.
16.The Law of Moses was to be preached to every person on earth. (Psa. 147:19-20)
17. The law was given to provide man redemption to God. (Gal. 3:23-25)
18.The law continues in force today along with the gospel of Christ. (Col. 2:14)
19. It is profitable for man to study the Old Testament. (Rom. 15:4)
20.If righteousness is by the law, Christ died in vain. (Gal. 2:21)
III. Direction: In chronological order, arrange the following events of the mosaic dispensation. (21-27)
Conquest of Canaan
Period of the Judges
Forty Years in Wilderness Because Of Unbelief
The Divided Kingdom
Return from Captivity
The Age of the Prophets (The fall of the nation and prophecies of Christ)
The United Kingdom

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IV. ENUMERATION:
Direction: Enumerate what is being asked on the following questions.
28-30. Name the three basic periods of the Bible and give their duration.
31-33. What were the three basic promises God made to Abraham?
34. What does the word "Bible" literally mean?
35. In what language was the Old Testament originally written?
V. ESSAY:
Direction: Answer the questions concisely but completely.
36-40. Why is the first age called the "Patriarchal Period"? (5 pts)
41-45. Who are the Jews, and why are they called God's "chosen people"? (5 pts)
46-50. Of what profit is it for Christians to study the Old Testament? (5 pts)
51-55. Why it is that man is more superior to animals? (5 pts)
56-65. Why do we need God, salvation, or the Bible? (10 pts)
TEACHERS MANUAL
1. Bible handbook by Harold L. Wilmington pages 877-886, copyright 1997, Tyndale House Publishing, Illinois
60188
2. The Learning Bible, Contemporary English Version, American Bible Society, N.Y. 1995
ONLINE REFERENCE:
http://www.biblestudyguide.org/interactivebiblelessons/htub/online_bible_study.htm

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