Christianity
Text collection
Christian scriptural collection
Christian scripture brings together writings composed across many centuries in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. The Old Testament preserves Israel’s narratives, laws, poems, and prophetic books; the New Testament gathers accounts of Jesus, the growth of early Christian communities, letters, and an apocalypse. These writings speak through many voices rather than a single author.1. The Pluralism Project, “Fighting for the Bible,” Harvard University, undated; accessed October 21, 2026, Opening paragraphs on languages, genres, differing canons, and interpretation. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “The Gospels: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline.
Christian traditions differ over the boundaries of the Old Testament and the interpretation of scripture. This collection maps the books included in the World English Bible Classic, including its deuterocanonical and apocryphal material. That defined edition supplies a practical boundary for the bibliography; it does not stand for every Christian canon or the wider literature of Christianity.2. The Pluralism Project, “Fighting for the Bible,” Harvard University, undated; accessed October 21, 2026, Opening paragraphs on languages, genres, differing canons, and interpretation. World English Bible translation team, “World English Bible Classic,” eBible.org, 2020 stable text; accessed October 21, 2026, Edition description; Public Domain statement; 2020 stable text note.
How to read this collection
For a first encounter with the Christian Bible, read Mark, then Luke and Acts. Mark offers a compact narrative; Luke and Acts belong together. Compare Matthew and John afterward, noticing how each Gospel shapes the account rather than combining them into a single seamless story.3. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Mark: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “The Gospels: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline.
The groups map the complete book list of the World English Bible Classic. They organize a library of different forms: laws, narratives, poems, wisdom, prophecy, letters, and apocalyptic visions. Traditional book names do not always identify historical authors. The reading order below is an editorial suggestion, not a chronology.4. The Pluralism Project, “Fighting for the Bible,” Harvard University, undated; accessed October 21, 2026, Opening paragraphs on languages, genres, differing canons, and interpretation. World English Bible translation team, “World English Bible Classic: Contents,” eBible.org, 2020 stable text; accessed October 21, 2026, Full ecumenical book list; Old Testament, Deuterocanon/Apocrypha, and New Testament.
Gospels and early communities
Read the Gospels as distinct narratives, and follow Luke with Acts. Their links to Israel’s scriptures become clearer when you return to the Old Testament.5. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “The Gospels: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline.
Letters in the Pauline tradition and Hebrews
These writings address the circumstances of communities and their leaders. Separate the speaker, recipient, and occasion; the authorship of parts of the Pauline collection is debated. Hebrews is anonymous and is kept distinct from Paul’s letters.6. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “1Corinthians: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “1Timothy: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Hebrews: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline.
Other early Christian letters
Read these as particular interventions in belief and communal life. The traditional names, literary voices, and historical authorship do not always coincide.7. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “1John: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “2John: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Jude: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline.
Apocalyptic vision
Revelation rewards familiarity with prophetic imagery. Read its symbolic language alongside Daniel, Ezekiel, and Zechariah, rather than treating every image as a literal description.8. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Revelation: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline.
Origins, covenant, and law
Genesis introduces the ancestral narratives. Exodus continues into deliverance and covenant; Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy combine law, worship, and the story of a people in the wilderness.9. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Genesis: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Leviticus: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Numbers: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline.
Narratives of Israel and Judah
Follow the development of kingship through Samuel and Kings, then compare other presentations of the past. Ruth and Esther offer more compact narratives; Ezra and Nehemiah concern the community after exile.10. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “1Samuel: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “1Kings: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Ezra: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Ruth: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Esther: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline.
Poetry and the questions of a life
Psalms moves between lament and praise. Proverbs offers instruction, while Job and Ecclesiastes test easy answers about suffering and achievement. The Song of Solomon is a collection of love poetry.11. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “The Wisdom Books: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline.
Prophecy, judgement, and restoration
Notice each work’s situation and form. Jonah is a story about a prophet, Lamentations is poetry of loss, and Daniel joins court tales to apocalyptic visions. These books should not all be read as predictions of a single kind.12. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “The Prophetic Books: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Jonah: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Daniel: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline.
Deuterocanonical and apocryphal books
These books and expanded forms are included in the chosen edition, while their canonical status differs among Christian traditions. Greek Esther overlaps Esther, and Daniel with Greek portions overlaps Daniel. Baruch contains the Letter of Jeremiah as chapter 6.13. World English Bible translation team, “World English Bible Classic: Contents,” eBible.org, 2020 stable text; accessed October 21, 2026, Full ecumenical book list; Old Testament, Deuterocanon/Apocrypha, and New Testament. World English Bible translation team, “Esther translated from the Greek Septuagint,” eBible.org, undated; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction. World English Bible translation team, “Baruch,” eBible.org, undated; accessed October 21, 2026, Introductory note.
The 81 entries are the book units of one ecumenical edition, including overlapping expanded forms. They do not imply a universal 81-book Christian canon, a complete collection of Christian literature, or an exhaustive account of the Jewish traditions that also preserve many of these texts.14. World English Bible translation team, “World English Bible Classic: Contents,” eBible.org, 2020 stable text; accessed October 21, 2026, Full ecumenical book list; Old Testament, Deuterocanon/Apocrypha, and New Testament. The Pluralism Project, “Fighting for the Bible,” Harvard University, undated; accessed October 21, 2026, Opening paragraphs on languages, genres, differing canons, and interpretation.
Reading guide sources
- United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Mark: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “The Gospels: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline.
- The Pluralism Project, “Fighting for the Bible,” Harvard University, undated; accessed October 21, 2026, Opening paragraphs on languages, genres, differing canons, and interpretation. World English Bible translation team, “World English Bible Classic: Contents,” eBible.org, 2020 stable text; accessed October 21, 2026, Full ecumenical book list; Old Testament, Deuterocanon/Apocrypha, and New Testament.
- United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “The Gospels: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline.
- United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “1Corinthians: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “1Timothy: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Hebrews: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline.
- United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “1John: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “2John: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Jude: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline.
- United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Revelation: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline.
- United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Genesis: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Leviticus: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Numbers: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline.
- United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “1Samuel: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “1Kings: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Ezra: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Ruth: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Esther: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline.
- United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “The Wisdom Books: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline.
- United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “The Prophetic Books: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Jonah: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Daniel: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline.
- World English Bible translation team, “World English Bible Classic: Contents,” eBible.org, 2020 stable text; accessed October 21, 2026, Full ecumenical book list; Old Testament, Deuterocanon/Apocrypha, and New Testament. World English Bible translation team, “Esther translated from the Greek Septuagint,” eBible.org, undated; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction. World English Bible translation team, “Baruch,” eBible.org, undated; accessed October 21, 2026, Introductory note.
- World English Bible translation team, “World English Bible Classic: Contents,” eBible.org, 2020 stable text; accessed October 21, 2026, Full ecumenical book list; Old Testament, Deuterocanon/Apocrypha, and New Testament. The Pluralism Project, “Fighting for the Bible,” Harvard University, undated; accessed October 21, 2026, Opening paragraphs on languages, genres, differing canons, and interpretation.
Works in the library
81 under developmentGenesis
Creation stories lead into the narratives of Abraham, his descendants, and the beginnings of Israel.
Under developmentExodus
Israel’s oppression in Egypt opens the narrative of departure, covenant, and worship in the wilderness.
Under developmentLeviticus
Laws concerning sacrifice, holiness, purity, and communal conduct continue the Pentateuch.
Under developmentNumbers
Wilderness journeys and censuses frame a mixture of narrative and legislation.
Under developmentDeuteronomy
Speeches attributed to Moses recall Israel’s journey and set out the demands of its covenant.
Under developmentJoshua
A narrative of entry into Canaan, division of the land, and renewed covenant.
Under developmentJudges
Stories of conflict and leadership portray Israel before the establishment of kingship.
Under developmentRuth
A Moabite widow’s loyalty to Naomi leads into a story of kinship, risk, and belonging.
Under development1 Samuel
Samuel, Saul, and David appear in the narrative of Israel’s transition to monarchy.
Under development2 Samuel
David’s reign unfolds through struggles over kingship, family, loyalty, and power.
Under development1 Kings
Solomon’s reign and the division of the kingdom begin a religious history of royal power.
Under development2 Kings
The history of Israel and Judah moves toward the collapse of both kingdoms and exile.
Under development1 Chronicles
Genealogies beginning with Adam introduce a retelling of Israel’s past.
Under development2 Chronicles
The continuation of Chronicles opens with Solomon’s rule, wisdom, and worship.
Under developmentEzra
The restoration of Jewish communal and religious life after the Babylonian exile.
Under developmentNehemiah
The rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls accompanies reforms in the returned community.
Under developmentEsther
Esther and Mordecai confront a royal decree threatening the Jews of the Persian Empire.
Under developmentJob
A poetic exploration of innocent suffering and the limits of human explanations.
Under developmentPsalms
A collection of prayers and songs expressing lament, thanksgiving, and praise.
Under developmentProverbs
Collections of sayings and instructions examine conduct, judgement, and the pursuit of wisdom.
Under developmentEcclesiastes
Qoheleth questions the lasting value of wealth, achievement, pleasure, and human wisdom.
Under developmentSong of Solomon
Love poems present mutual desire and courtship; also known as the Song of Songs.
Under developmentIsaiah
Prophecy, judgement, and hopes of restoration gather within a layered prophetic book.
Under developmentJeremiah
Prophecy and narrative portray the crisis of Judah’s last years before the Babylonian exile.
Under developmentLamentations
Five poems mourn the destruction of Jerusalem; the collection is anonymous despite its traditional attribution to Jeremiah.
Under developmentEzekiel
Prophetic visions and pronouncements address judgement, exile, and restoration.
Under developmentDaniel
Court tales and apocalyptic visions center on the figure of Daniel; the book’s author is unknown.
Under developmentHosea
Marriage imagery frames accusations of broken covenant and promises of renewed relationship.
Under developmentJoel
A devastating locust plague prompts communal mourning and an appeal to God.
Under developmentAmos
Prophetic oracles denounce injustice, complacent prosperity, and worship divorced from ethical conduct.
Under developmentObadiah
A short prophetic oracle condemns Edom’s conduct toward Judah and announces judgement.
Under developmentJonah
A reluctant prophet’s journey to Nineveh becomes a narrative about repentance and mercy.
Under developmentMicah
Prophetic poetry announces judgement on Samaria and Jerusalem.
Under developmentNahum
An oracle concerning Nineveh presents images of divine power and judgement.
Under developmentHabakkuk
A dialogue with God questions injustice, violent empire, and the possibility of faithful endurance.
Under developmentZephaniah
Oracles of judgement on Judah and the nations lead toward a promise of restoration.
Under developmentHaggai
Prophetic appeals urge the community to rebuild the temple and reconsider its priorities.
Under developmentZechariah
Visions and later oracles explore Jerusalem, the temple, leadership, and future restoration.
Under developmentMalachi
Disputations challenge negligent worship, corrupt leadership, and failures of communal responsibility.
Under developmentTobit
A family narrative joins travel, suffering, marriage, healing, and the aid of the angel Raphael.
Under developmentJudith
A widow delivers her people from an invading army in a work of religious historical fiction.
Under developmentEsther (Greek)
The whole Greek form of Esther, including additions beyond the Hebrew-based book; overlaps Esther.
Under developmentDaniel (with Greek portions)
An expanded Daniel incorporating Greek portions; overlaps the separately listed Hebrew-and-Aramaic-based book.
Under developmentWisdom of Solomon
A Greek wisdom book traditionally associated with Solomon, whose actual author is unknown.
Under developmentSirach
Ben Sira’s teachings address wisdom, family, friendship, worship, and communal life; also called Ecclesiasticus.
Under developmentBaruch
Prayers and teachings associated with Baruch; this book unit includes the Letter of Jeremiah as chapter 6.
Under development1 Maccabees
A narrative of Hellenistic rule, religious conflict, and the struggle led by the Maccabean family.
Under development2 Maccabees
An account of religious conflict and the restoration of the Jerusalem temple, distinct from 1 Maccabees.
Under development1 Esdras
An alternative account of events from Josiah’s reign through exile and the restoration of Jerusalem.
Under developmentPrayer of Manasses
A penitential prayer voiced as the captive king’s confession and appeal for mercy.
Under developmentPsalm 151
A short additional psalm voiced as David’s recollection of his youth and encounter with Goliath.
Under development3 Maccabees
A narrative concerning Ptolemy IV and Jewish life under his rule.
Under development2 Esdras
A collection associated with the figure of Ezra, preserved in this edition as apocryphal literature.
Under development4 Maccabees
An argument that religious reason can govern the emotions, illustrated through accounts of martyrdom.
Under developmentMatthew
A Gospel presenting Jesus’ life and teaching in relation to Israel’s scriptures and Christian discipleship.
Under developmentMark
The shortest canonical Gospel follows Jesus’ ministry through vivid narrative, conflict, and suffering.
Under developmentLuke
A Gospel addressed to Theophilus, linked with Acts as the first part of a two-volume narrative.
Under developmentJohn
A Gospel using signs, symbolic language, and extended discourse to interpret the significance of Jesus.
Under developmentActs
The continuation of Luke follows the early Christian mission, especially through Peter and Paul.
Under developmentRomans
Paul addresses the Christians of Rome concerning faith, salvation, and God’s righteousness.
Under development1 Corinthians
Paul responds to questions, divisions, and practical difficulties within the Corinthian community.
Under development2 Corinthians
Paul and Timothy address Corinth amid affliction, consolation, and questions about their ministry.
Under developmentGalatians
Paul contests demands that gentile converts adopt observances of Jewish law as a means of salvation.
Under developmentEphesians
A letter in the Pauline tradition concerned with the church’s unity and shared life.
Under developmentPhilippians
Paul writes to a Macedonian community that supported his mission.
Under developmentColossians
A letter in the Pauline tradition addressing the Christian community at Colossae.
Under development1 Thessalonians
Paul writes after receiving Timothy’s report on the community at Thessalonica.
Under development2 Thessalonians
A second letter bearing Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy’s names addresses the Thessalonian community.
Under development1 Timothy
A pastoral letter in Paul’s name emphasizes teaching, leadership, and care of the church.
Under development2 Timothy
A pastoral letter presents Paul’s final encouragement to Timothy amid imprisonment and adversity.
Under developmentTitus
A pastoral letter addresses leadership and communal conduct in the churches of Crete.
Under developmentPhilemon
Paul appeals for Onesimus, an enslaved man, to be received as a fellow Christian.
Under developmentHebrews
An anonymous exhortation develops the priesthood and sacrifice of Jesus to strengthen wavering believers.
Under developmentJames
An exhortation addressed to the twelve tribes in the dispersion and traditionally associated with James.
Under development1 Peter
A letter in Peter’s name addresses dispersed Christian communities.
Under development2 Peter
A letter in Peter’s name urges steadfastness and warns against false teachers.
Under development1 John
A theological exhortation from the Johannine tradition addresses belief in Jesus and communal life.
Under development2 John
A short letter from the Presbyter addresses truth, mutual love, and teaching in the Johannine community.
Under development3 John
A brief letter from the Elder to Gaius concerning the community’s relationships.
Under developmentJude
A letter attributed to Jude, brother of James, warns a Christian community against false teachers.
Under developmentRevelation
Apocalyptic visions use symbolic imagery drawn from earlier Jewish scripture.
Under development
Sources
- The Pluralism Project, “Fighting for the Bible,” Harvard University, undated; accessed October 21, 2026, Opening paragraphs on languages, genres, differing canons, and interpretation. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “The Gospels: Introduction,” New American Bible, revised edition — USCCB, 2011; accessed October 21, 2026, Introduction and outline.
- The Pluralism Project, “Fighting for the Bible,” Harvard University, undated; accessed October 21, 2026, Opening paragraphs on languages, genres, differing canons, and interpretation. World English Bible translation team, “World English Bible Classic,” eBible.org, 2020 stable text; accessed October 21, 2026, Edition description; Public Domain statement; 2020 stable text note.