Ideal for those who have had little or no previous exposure to an academic study of the Bible, this popular volume explores the literary, historical, and contemporary worlds of the Bible, drawing on the most recent trends in biblical scholarship. The book is not meant to be a substitute for reading the Bible, but rather enables readers to more meaningfully explore the Bible themselves. Includes maps to help readers visualize the lands and sites to which the Bible refers; and charts that show major periods, events, leaders, types of literature, etc. The Three Worlds of the Bible: An Orientation. Preparing for the Journey: An Orientation to the Methods of Biblical Study. Origins: The Book of Genesis. Covenant: Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The Nation Israel: Joshua, Judges, First and Second Samuel, First and Second Kings (The Former Prophets). Covenant Advocates: The Prophets of Ancient Israel (The Latter Prophets). Israel's Sacred Songs: Psalms, Song of Songs, and Lamentations (The Writings I). The Way of Wisdom: Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes (The Writings II). The Rest of the Writings: Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Ruth, Esther, and Daniel. Jewish Life and Literature (200 B.C.E.-100 C.E.). The Proclaimer: Jesus of Nazareth. The Proclaimer Becomes the Proclaimed: Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John. The Birth of Christianity: The Acts of the Apostles. Paul: Apostle to the Gentiles: The Letters of Paul. The Growing Church: The Pastoral and General Epistles, Hebrews, and the Revelation to John. For anyone interested in the Bible.