Know Your Bible: All 66 Books Explained and Applied

by Paul Kent

Know Your Bible is a concise, easy-to-understand guide to God's Word-giving you a helpful and memorable overview of all 66 books. For each Know Your Bible provides data on the author and time frame, a ten-word synopsis, a longer (50-100 word) summary, thoughts on what makes the book unique or unusual, a listing of key verses, and a "So, What?" section of practical application. It's a fantastic resource for individuals and ministries!

Genres: Religion, Reference, Christian, Nonfiction, Christianity, Faith, Theology

99 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2008

Reviews

[midnightfaerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cheat sheet to some but a truly useful tool to others, Know your Bible is one of the best dollars I've ever spent. A little paperback should accompany every bible class or study you ever attend, it's one of my favorite Christian books I've purchased to date. It lists every single book of the bible in the Table of Contents for easy reference, and has only a page or two written for each book. The information contains only a high-level view of the book, such as the author, the date it was written, "In 10 words or Less" - a brief sentence on the book content, a longer paragraph of some of the details of the main content, a quote section of popular or favorite quotes references from this book, "Unique and Unusual" - a section outlining anything out of the ordinary, and a "So What?" section - an inspirational or devotional thought for that particular book.

I'll give you an example of how it came in handy for me. I was in a class for the New Testament I'm taking, and we had to compare several passages from Matthew, Mark, and Luke and speculate on why the same story might have been written differently. I thought maybe it had to do with who wrote it, so I quickly looked up the books in my "Know Your Bible", and found who the authors were. It gave great insight into the different perspectives.

The downside, of course, are those that use this as a substitution for the Bible, instead of the real thing. But to those complaints, I say those people doing that weren't really serious about learning more of their Biblical studies in the first place.

Overall, the book is a wonderful device for additional enlightenment when studying the Bible. I highly recommend it if you're looking to expand your religious library for quick reference.

ClassicsDefined.com

[Clarence Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

ReedIII Quick Review: Brilliant concept delightfully executed. Excellent read alone, as quick reference, and as a companion book while reading the Bible. I have read it multiple times.

[Phillip · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend gave this to me many years ago, and I only now got around to reading it. The content is a survey of the Bible: author, year written, key verses, purpose and context of the book, and so much more. I took two days to read this small booklet; however, it could very easily be read in one day. Whether your a first-time reader of the Bible or a veteran, the information contained in the book is well worth reading.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy reading book that gives a one page breakdown of each of the 66 books of the Bible. Each synopsis includes: author, date written, a 10 words or less blurb, details, quotes, unique/ unusual and finally a so what? Section. I will keep this near my Bible as a quick reference.

[Alexander Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a 99 cent deal on Kindle that was an immensely satisfying read.

Essentially the book provides a cursory read of The Bible, highlighting the major events, themes, passages, and unusual historic tidbits. For many Christians who have read The Bible through but have trouble remembering what passage is in what section it is a vital read. I found my command of scripture to be much more alert after I was done.

It's also an excellent resource for non-Christians who want to have a general idea as to what was going on in each book of The Bible. As someone whose read through the tome twice I can say they didn't really fudge the themes, even though they predictably gloss over some of the gorier aspects. However, I found this author's summaries far more eloquent and truthful than some of the mental gymnastics bad Apologists will do in their commentaries. Even better, this author keeps it brief, interesting, and fun.

It's also a good start to the day if you are a Christian. You can glance through, refresh your historical understanding, read some of the greater quotes, and if you find yourself really connecting with something you can dive back into that part of The Bible. Really, an essential bargain purchase for any Christian with a Kindle.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful reference book, which contains approx. 2 pages detailing each of the 66 books of the Bible. Information included for each book is the author (or the believed author), when the book is believed to have been written, a synopsis of the book, often quoted verses from the book, etc.

I found this a very handy reference to have as I was re-reading the Bible recently. The version I have is on my kindle, but I enjoyed it so much that I am ordering a paperback copy to also have available for easy reference.

[Sonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

All 66 books are explained and applied in a synopsis of one or two pages each.

We've been going through this book with our boys so they can know the overall view of the Bible.

Do you know in ten words or less what the book of Amos is about? This book gives you a handle on all the books of the Bible so you know who wrote it, when, what it's about, a detailed summary, quotable verses that are common from the book, what's unique and interesting from the book and what's the take away from book--why does it matter.

Practical, helpful, good.

[Cameron Wiggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good reference book for the Bible. This book is a good quick read to bring one up to speed in a short amount of time about each of the the individual books of the Bible. It is divided into who the book is written by, when it was written, a description in ten words or less, details please, quotable verses, the message, and so what. And all are delivered in short spurts. This is a great common-sense approach that is probably best suited as a study aide when reading the various chapters of the Bible that is to be read in doses.

[Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little pocket size bible guide.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice, compact little book summarising every book of the Bible with key information, time references and authorship.

[Robby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A preface/foreword to individual books of the Bible with informative information for each. I found this very useful as reference material especially with having access to it on my telephone (through my kindle app.) when answering questions from my nine grandchildren. Of course I don't let them see how I obtain these answers thus continuing the mystical façade that the old man in front of them (whom they identify and pronounce as Pawpaw; not Papa) still has some semblance of innate knowledge of which they can not comprehend. Hey, I plan to enjoy it while I can. They are growing up so fast. An old saying I know; but until you actually have some of these rug-rats (lovingly) crawling, walking, and running underfoot at all times one may not appreciate it. FYI: You know what? I haven't seen those grandkids for a couple of days now. Time to go visit. Again and again and again. Maybe it's not them but me who is underfoot. I mean; come on!; they can't drive yet.

[RAD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biblical Reductionism

Paul Kent's Know Your Bible: All 66 Books Explained and Applied wins points by doing exactly what the title says--in just 95 pages. This little book can be read in a single sitting, though paradoxically, it functions as a sort of "reference" and may also receive use from single-page synopses.

Kent filters each of the 66 books of the Protestant Bible through the same 7-part template: "Author"; "Date"; "In Ten Words or Less"; "Details, Please"; "Quotable"; "Unique and Unusual"; and "So What?". Like the title, the "In Ten Words or Less" section also does precisely what it promises to do. For example, this section for the book of Esther reads "Beautiful Jewish girl becomes queen, saves fellow Jews from slaughter" (32). Ten words exactly. The entry for 1 Samuel provides one of the shortest (seven words): "Israel's twelve tribes unite under a king" (20).

A review on such a brief book should be similarly succinct. There are neither footnotes not debates nor a bibliography, none of which detract from Know Your Bible's announced concision.

[Read-n-Bloom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this little handy book. It’s packed with info you want to know or need to learn about the Bible. It helps you “Know Your Bible.”, especially for those who find a hard time understanding it, the books of the Bible and what they’re trying to tell you. It gives you details about the authors of the books of the Bible and dates they were written in approximation. Gives you descriptions of what each book is about and notes on the unique and unusual aspects of it, because we’re always interested in those things :) Gives you lists of key verses and also, a thought for each book. ....It’s just a handy, little book you can carry around with you and with your bible to jog your memory, in case you need the jog, of a certain book or to put things in more perspective. I love it! It took me so long to read because I wanted to study each book as I went along and make my own notes in the book. I’ll be using this for a long time to come!

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a keeper resource for my shelf. My rating 5.0.

I have studied the Bible and even led a study group on The Bible Through a Year – which took two years to finish. This little booklet provides a great summary for each book. It starts by identifying the author and the date written. The book is encapsulated in 10 words or less, then a detailed paragraph summarizes the book. Key quotes are shared, and a uniqueness of the book. The final section is “So What” which notes why the book is important.

I liked the concise format and I highlighted several pages. This is a great resource for new believers as well as mature believers to keep and use now and again. I recommend this as a wonderful resource tool for those who like to study the Bible.

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A handy guide to use when you are learning the books of the Bible and what they are about. Will use along with other resources in my studies. I like how the publishers /writers describe the books in “ten words or less” and the “details” of each book. It also has a “quotable” section that list one,two or three key verses. A “unique and unusual” section which gives some facts, some serious and some not so serious that make the book stand out. And lastly a “so what” section which gives an inspirational or devotional thought for each book.

[Sherita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful when studying. Quick background information.

[Cheryl Malandrinos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for a handy resource to complement your time in the Word? Author Paul Kent brings you through all 66 books of the Bible in an easy to understand way. Each book is broken down by the author; the date it was written or the time the book covers; a ten word or less explanation of the book's theme; a synopsis of the key people, events, and messages in the book; one or more key verses; unique and unusual facts, and an inspirational or devotional thought about each book.

Reading your Bible takes on greater meaning with a helpful resource such as Know Your Bible. This book opens with the following introductory paragraph: "Through sixty-six separate books, 1,189 chapters, and hundreds of thousands of words, the Bible shares one extraordinary message: God loves you." When you think about it, isn't that really the whole point of everything included in God's Word? We make it hard, but it really is so simple.

As soon as I read the introduction, I knew I would enjoy Know Your Bible. What follows is key information that puts Biblical events in historical context and an easy to understand summary of each book. The verses will probably be familiar to you, but you appreciate them all over again as you get this snapshot into every book.

Know Your Bible will stay by my bedside so I can always have it handy when I need it. Highly recommended.

[Carôle Ceres · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Synopsis Book

This is never going to take the place of both reading and studying the Bible. It isn’t supposed to and definitely wasn’t written for that reason.

I have used this book for 2 reasons:-
1. As a refresher for the books that I haven’t read in awhile.
2. As a primer for books that I have absolutely No recollection of ever having read! (Micah, Titus, Joel, Song of Songs, anyone)!! 😳

As such, this book is invaluable.

Another Blessing - this is the BEST ‘cheat sheet’ that I’ve come across! These gentlemen have done all of the hard work for me. They’ve given me an approachable way to introduce certain chapters into my conversations, or help me when I’m floundering for the correct turn of phrase.

It’s a very handy book which I will refer to often.

I recommend it.

[Steve Campbell · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book attempts to give a brief summary of each book of the Bible. While it might be useful for someone who wants a quick idea of the main idea of a particular book, I found that the very brevity of each selection kept it from being very useful. Because of its rigid format, the book treats the larger, more complex books of the Bible the same way it does the shorter books. I found it curious what the author chose to emphasize in some works to the exclusion of other things. The introductions in most contemporary study Bibles would be more helpful.

[LAMONT D · Rating 2 out of 5]

I GOT THIS FOR FREE TO BE ON MY KINDLE TO HAVE AS A QUICK RESOURCE WHEN READING THROUGH THE BIBLE. THE POSITIVES OF THE RESOURCE IS THAT IT GIVES YOU A VERY QUICK AND SHORT OVERVIEW OF THE BOOK IN THE BIBLE INCLUDING DATES WRITTEN, THE THEME OF THE BOOK, KEY FIGURES AND VERSES AND COMMENTARY FROM VARIOUS CHRISTIANS. I THINK THE BEST PART IS THE SYNOPSIS OF THE KEY EVENTS AND MESSAGES COVERED IN THE BOOK. I DID NOT GET MUCH OUT OF THE QUOTES LISTED BUT WOULD RATHER HAVE BENEFITED BY HAVING AN OUTLINE OF EACH BOOK THAT YOU GET IN OTHER BIBLE REFERENCE MATERIALS.

[Jean Salvas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book is like a Readers Digest version of the Bible. It has 7 outlines such as:
1: Author
2: Date
3: In ten words or less
4: Details, please
5: Quotable
6: Unique and unusual
7: So what?
It is a little book 96 pages long, but is easy to read and to understand. It also gets you more curious with the highlights of each book of the Bible that it may entice you to get your curiosity up and read specific books.
I pray that you get this book, understand it, and share it with others. God bless.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent synopsis. I am not completely sold on the named "authors" of the Bible, most of the book was written in Greek and the original story-telling language was Aramaic. The Bible is also written in the third person giving the impression it is not providing a first-person account of the events. However, this is still a good theological synopsis for those that may want to get a good grasp on the point of each book without having to read the entire Bible word for word.

[Walter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bible Explained

I thoroughly enjoyed this little book. It is relevant because the Bible is always relevant. I like the setup of the commentary. It is precise and understandable. It would be EXCELLENT for a Bible class for children.

Some of my favorite scriptures are quoted and new things are brought to light even in the short commentaries. This is a very useful read and I fully recommend it.

WLM
SC



L

[Read1000books · Rating 3 out of 5]

A small book (91 pages) packed with a wealth of information! Each of the sixty-six books of the Bible is given a succinct overview under the following headings: Author, Date it was probably written, Content of the book in ten words or less, a more detailed paragraph of it's contents, a few Quotable verses, Unique and Unusual information in or about the book, and a So What? section (i.e. why is it important today). Great for both the new believer and the Sunday School teacher.

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here's me thinking it would take years to plough through the bible, yet this little gem gives you the briefest of overviews of all the chapters and main themes in the good book which you can read and digest during the course of a single train journey (as I did). Useful for believers and non-believers alike.

[Ferdi Mehmet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent guide.

I open this eBook when I need help choosing which of the Biblical texts to read next. Sometimes I use it to get a quick overview of the Biblical book in question. Each Biblical book gets a chapter and each chapter is short and sweet. I use this book often. Good book.

[Marilyn H Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short book on the Bible

This is an excellent short and thoughtful explanation of the Bible. I would recommend this book to laymen students who need an overview of the Bible in general. This book is a wonderful starting point for those people who want to start a deeper understanding of the word of God.

[Barbara Mahoney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very helpful summary of all 66 books of the Bible. The author provides the following information for each book of the Bible (in a few pages each): author (who wrote it), date, theme, cast of characters, location, synopsis of key events and messages, notable quotes, and what makes the book unique or unusual.

It is very easy to read and understand.

[Tomi Alger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick overview of every book in the Bible. It includes author, date written or time frame covered, the key theme of the book, important people and events, quotable verses, something unique and unusual, and inspirational concept for each book. It was a fast read and could be a good resource to refresh my memory for the books in the Bible.

[Adam Balshan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars [Literary]
(W: 2.75, U: 2.82, T: 2.82, L: 2.63)
Exact rating: 2.76

A handy booklet. You know those introductory pages in Study Bibles before each biblical book that give you the background? This booklet is 100% that.

It could have been much better done, but it was decent. Barely squeezed into the 3-star rating due to its utility.