Lesson 05

Jehovah has given us a wonderful gift—66 books collected into one volume, the Bible. But you may wonder: ‘Where did the Bible come from? Who is its author?’ To answer these questions, let us discuss how God’s message in the Bible has come to us.

The Bible was written by some 40 writers over a span of about 1,600 years, from 1513 B.C.E. to about 98 C.E. And the writers came from many backgrounds. Still, all parts of the Bible agree. How is this possible? Because God is the Author of the Bible.

Read 1 Thessalonians 2.13: Indeed, that is why we also thank God unceasingly, because when you received God’s word, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but, just as it truthfully is, as the word of God, which is also at work in you believers.

The writers did not record their own thoughts. Rather, they “spoke from God as they were moved by holy spirit.” (2 Peter 1:21) Footnote 1

God used his holy spirit to inspire, or motivate, men to record his thoughts.— 2 Timothy 3:16.

“Every nation and tribe and tongue and people” can benefit from the good news found in the Bible.

Read Revelation 14.6: And I saw another angel flying in midheaven, and he had everlasting good news to declare to those who dwell on the earth, to every nation and tribe and tongue and people.

God made sure that the Bible would be available in more languages than any other book in history. Almost everyone has access to the Bible. This is true no matter where people live or what language they speak.

The Bible was written on materials that do not last long, such as leather and papyrus. But men who loved the Bible carefully copied and recopied it by hand. Even though powerful people tried to eliminate the Bible, others were willing to risk their lives to safeguard it. Jehovah has not let anyone or anything stop him from communicating with us. The Bible says: “The word of our God endures forever.” — Isaiah 40:8.

Learn more about how God inspired men to write the Bible, how he preserved it, and how he made it available to humankind.

Play the VIDEO. Then Read 2 Timothy 3:16, and discuss the questions that follow.

Read 2 Timothy 3.16: All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness,

If men wrote the Bible, why is it called the Word of God?

Do you think it is reasonable to believe that God could transmit his thoughts to human writers?

If the Bible is from God, we would expect him to preserve it. Throughout history, powerful men have tried to destroy the Bible. Religious leaders have tried to hide it. But despite opposition and the threat of death, many people have risked their lives to protect the Bible. To learn about one such man, play the VIDEO, and then discuss the questions that follow.

Does knowing that so much was done to preserve the Bible make you want to read it? Why?

Read Psalm 119.97: How I do love your law! I ponder over it all day long.

Discuss this question:

What has motivated many people to risk their lives to translate and distribute the Bible?

The Bible is the most widely translated and distributed book in history.

Read Acts 10.34, 35: At this Peter began to speak, and he said: “Now I truly understand that God is not partial, but in every nation the man who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.

Discuss these questions:

Why does God want his Word to be so widely translated and distributed?

What appeals to you about the Bible?

What do you think?

What evidence suggests that the Bible is God’s Word?

The Bible is God’s Word, and he has made sure that it has become available to all humankind.

What does it mean when we say that God inspired men to write the Bible?

What impresses you about the Bible’s survival, translation, and distribution?

How does knowing that God has made such an effort to communicate with you make you feel?

Lesson completed on:

Begin reading the Bible regularly, using the chart “ Get Started Reading the Bible.”

Other: Memorizing Bible scriptures is vital for blind individuals to defend the truth using the Bible, build faith, provide comfort during difficult times, and keep God’s principles firm in heart and mind.

From lesson 5, memorize Acts 10:34, 35: At this Peter began to speak, and he said: “Now I truly understand that God is not partial, but in every nation the man who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.

Build a Bible mind map to locate scriptures, memorize: Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon.

1. Read about the Bible’s history—from the original manuscripts to modern translations.

“How the Bible Came to Us” (Awake!, November 2007) Open explore 1 in new page

2. Learn how the Bible has survived three major threats to its existence.

“The Bible—A Story of Survival” (The Watchtower No. 4 2016) Open explore 2 in new page

3. See the risks that people took to translate the Bible.

They Valued the Bible (14:26) Open explore 3 in new page

4. The Bible has been copied and translated many times. How can you be sure its message has been accurately preserved?

“Has the Bible Been Changed or Tampered With?” (Web article) Open explore 4 in new page