Over a span of at least eleven hundred years, the books of the Bible were written for specific purposes, even though pinpointing these purposes and the historical circumstances surrounding them can at times be complex. While scholars do not always agree on exact dates, the study of when and why a book or passage was written is very helpful in understanding its meaning.

This two-session study lays the groundwork for appreciating the importance of the historical context of the Bible. Session 1 divides the Old Testament into its four sections: the Pentateuch, the Historical Books, the Prophets, and the Writings. It then explores the historical context of various passages and books. Session 2 treats the New Testament, again explaining the context in which various books were written. By no means an exhaustive study, this exploration provides the basis for participants who may choose to do further study.