Each post in the series The Bible in 40 Posts covers one or more of the 66 books of the Bible. It aims to present a simple overview of Bible to understand its overall message, the inherent theme at its heart, and to show the centrality of Jesus in both Old and New Testaments.
The series serves as a basic reference point, as a simple Lent Course, or as a 40 day devotional to be used at any time. Each post contains links to the previous and next posts in the sequence, these will open in a new tab. You can find an index page here, and all posts are tagged with a #bible40 hashtag.
It’s for those of all faiths and none. I hope it’ll clear up any misunderstandings or negative perceptions and that you’ll find it helpful.
We began our journey in Genesis and have now reached Revelation, the final book of the Bible. From start to finish, the Bible tells the story of Jesus Christ, the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. He’s the thread that runs through every page, the central figure, the Saviour and Lord of humankind.
Revelation is a book filled with hope. Despite the turmoil and darkness we may see in the world, its message is clear: God will triumph over evil. It encourages believers to remain faithful and to live holy lives so they may share in the victory of God’s eternal kingdom.
At the same time, Revelation issues a warning, not to fall away from faith in Christ. It assures those who remain true to him that they will be part of his ultimate victory.
The book belongs to a genre called apocalyptic literature. The term ‘apocalypse’ comes from a Greek word meaning ‘unveiling’ or ‘revelation’. Through vivid imagery and powerful symbols, it reveals how evil will be conquered and replaced by the peace and goodness of God’s kingdom.
John writes of a vision where he sees a new heaven and a new earth, for the old had passed away. He describes the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven, beautiful like a bride, and hears a voice declaring that God’s dwelling is now with his people. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more sorrow, crying, or pain, for the old order is gone (Revelation 21:1–4).
This is the future God promises to his people. He will dwell with them, personally present, bringing comfort and peace. Suffering, sickness, and hate will disappear forever.
Then, the One on the throne proclaims, I am making everything new! and affirms the trustworthiness of his words. He declares, It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To all who thirst, he offers the water of life freely. Those who overcome will inherit all this. I will be their God and they will be my children (Revelation 21:5–7).
Revelation calls us to endure and remain loyal to Jesus the King. The challenge is to stand firm and stay on his side.
Master, thou wilt keep us, By thy grace divine, Always on the Lord’s side, Saviour, always thine.
1 & 2 Peter and Jude focus on encouraging believers to stay faithful in the face of suffering, false teaching, and spiritual opposition. These letters remind us that following Jesus isn’t about popularity or ease, it’s about perseverance and reflecting his character in a hostile world.
Peter’s audience initially rejoiced in their newfound faith, but soon found themselves targeted and mistreated just for being Christians. This led them to question whether continuing in faith was truly worthwhile. Peter urged them not to give up, assuring them that God cares for them deeply and that they’re not alone in their suffering. He painted a vivid picture of the Christian journey: believers are strangers in this world, temporarily passing through on their way to an eternal inheritance kept in heaven.
He reminded them that their redemption came not through worldly wealth, but through the precious blood of Christ. In the face of spiritual attack and hardship, Peter encouraged them to cast their anxiety on God, resist the devil, and stand firm in faith, knowing that after suffering for a little while, God himself would restore, strengthen, and uphold them.
Jude echoed similar themes. Both he and Peter addressed the danger of false teachers who were leading some astray. Their counsel was clear, don’t engage with or follow these deceivers. Instead, remain rooted in the truth and the love of Christ.
Ultimately, all three letters urge believers to follow Jesus wholeheartedly and reflect him to others. As we journey through a world that may not understand or welcome us, we’re to be Jesus to those around us, demonstrating his forgiveness, mercy, and love in all we do.
We now turn to the Letters of James and John. Both writers offer profound insight into what gives life its true value: being someone to someone else, living in relationship and purpose through God’s perspective.
James urges readers to start by gaining the right perspective on life, which he defines as wisdom from above. He contrasts this with worldly wisdom, showing how your chosen perspective shapes your actions and the direction of your life. From God’s viewpoint, wisdom isn’t about intellect or ambition, it’s about a life marked by humility, peace, and mercy. This divine wisdom produces good fruit and nurtures peace, whereas human wisdom, driven by envy and selfish ambition, leads only to disorder.
James’s message is deeply practical. He stresses that true faith naturally results in action. Faith without deeds, he says plainly, is dead. Living a meaningful life means aligning your choices with God’s wisdom, allowing that perspective to shape everything you do.
John, on the other hand, focuses on love as the defining feature of a life that matters. He reminds us that Jesus Christ’s sacrifice is the ultimate demonstration of love, and that we’re called to reflect that same love in our relationships with others. If we see someone in need and turn away, we show that God’s love is not truly alive in us.
According to John, a meaningful life flows from a right view of Jesus. He invites us to marvel at the great love God has lavished on us, calling us his children. This identity transforms how we see ourselves and the world. We live with hope, knowing that when Christ appears, we shall be like him. This hope leads us to live pure lives, shaped by the certainty of who we are in Christ and who we are becoming.
Together, the letters of James and John form a powerful message: to live sensibly and meaningfully, we must adopt God’s perspective. James teaches that such a perspective gives rise to wise actions, while John shows that love, embodied in Jesus, is at the heart of that wisdom.
Both writers point us toward a life that isn’t measured by status or success but by faith expressed through action, and love poured out for others. When we live with this in mind, we discover that the real value of life is found not in what we gain, but in who we become, and who we are to others, through Christ.
The Letter to the Hebrews offers a powerful message of encouragement for those whose Christian faith may be faltering under pressure. Addressing early Jewish converts, the writer urges perseverance in the face of hardship, presenting Jesus Christ as the ultimate example and perfecter of faith. The audience was tempted to return to their old religious practices, but the author insists they must keep pressing forward, fixing their eyes on Jesus.
In Hebrews 12:1–3, the faithful are likened to runners in a race, urged to cast off anything that hinders them, especially sin, and to run with endurance. Jesus, who for the joy set before him endured the suffering of the cross and now sits at God’s right hand, is held up as the model of unwavering faith. By looking to him, believers will find strength not to lose heart, even in times of severe trial.
Although the author does not name himself, he was clearly known to his original readers. For centuries, the book was attributed to the apostle Paul, but key differences in language and emphasis suggest someone else wrote it, though the teachings are fully consistent with Paul’s. Whoever the author was, he understood deeply both the Jewish heritage of his audience and the transformative nature of Christ’s role in salvation history.
The letter’s recipients were steeped in the traditions of the Old Testament. The writer draws on this familiarity, pointing out how God’s communication with humanity changed dramatically with the arrival of Jesus. Whereas God once spoke through prophets, he now speaks through his Son. Hebrews 1:1–3 declares that Jesus is not just a messenger but the very radiance of God’s glory, sustaining all things and providing purification for sins before taking his place in heaven.
This shift, from prophetic revelation to the presence of God’s own Son, underscores why turning back would be a spiritual regression. Jesus is the heir of all things and the one through whom the universe was made. He’s not simply a teacher or prophet, but the living, divine expression of God himself.
The message is clear: to stay on the winning side, one must follow Jesus. Life may become difficult, but faith means keeping one’s eyes fixed on the one who has gone before, endured suffering, and triumphed. As the ancient Israelites were led toward the Promised Land, believers today are invited to journey toward an eternal one, with Christ as their guide.
Paul, acting as a pastor and mentor, wrote two letters to Timothy and one to Titus, his closest companions in ministry. Together, they travelled widely, spreading the gospel from town to town. Paul could trust them to remain behind to help new congregations grow in faith while he pressed on with his mission. Though young, both men carried significant responsibility, and Paul’s letters offered them guidance, encouragement, and loving support.
Their work was far from easy. They faced criticism, some questioned their age, others their message. False teachers tried to confuse the believers, stirring up arguments and doubt. Paul urged them to hold firm, reminding them that the heart of their mission was simple and profound: Jesus came into the world to save sinners. That truth must not be lost, no matter the resistance they faced.
To help them stay strong, Paul exhorted them to flee from distractions and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith, he wrote, take hold of the eternal life to which you were called (1 Timothy 6:11–12). Their age didn’t disqualify them, the truth they carried mattered far more than how they were perceived. They were to watch their lives closely, ensuring their teaching was sound and their conduct godly.
Beyond defending the gospel, Timothy and Titus were also tasked with helping the early Church become organised. Paul gave them practical advice on church leadership, encouraging the appointment of elders and deacons who were faithful and trustworthy. He urged consistency in Christian living across the community, everyone was to reflect the character of God.
Finally, Paul reminded his young protégés of the strength that comes from grace. Just as God’s grace had been sufficient for Paul, it would also sustain them. They were to keep their hope anchored in God, for as Paul wrote, that is why we labour and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Saviour of all people, and especially of those who believe (1 Timothy 4:10).
In the face of hardship, Paul’s message was clear: remain faithful, teach the truth, and trust in the God who saves.
Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians are the first ones he ever wrote. These early believers in Thessalonica were deeply concerned about Jesus’ return, and it became a central theme of Paul’s message to them.
The Thessalonians had four key questions: First, they wondered what would happen to believers who’d already died. Paul reassured them that those who’d passed away wouldn’t be left behind; whether alive or in the grave, all who belong to Christ would be with him when he returns.
Secondly, they were eager to know the exact date of Jesus’ return, hoping to mark it down and prepare accordingly. But Paul explained that only God knows the time. Rather than focusing on dates, he encouraged them to live in readiness. You are children of the light and of the day, Paul reminded them. So they should stay awake and sober, alert and faithful, not lulled into spiritual sleep.
Thirdly, they were facing daily hardship. As a minority faith group in Thessalonica, Christians often experienced persecution. Paul acknowledged their trials and assured them of God’s justice. Their perseverance wasn’t unnoticed. When Jesus returns, there would be relief for those who suffer and a reckoning for those who caused harm. Their suffering wasn’t in vain, it was evidence that they were being made worthy of God’s kingdom.
Their fourth concern came from confusion, some believers thought Jesus had already returned. Paul strongly warned against being misled by false teachings or rumours. The return of Christ wouldn’t be a secret event, and the enemy would attempt to deceive God’s people. They were urged to hold firm to the truth.
Beyond these deeper theological issues, Paul also offered practical guidance. These were new Christians, still learning how to live their faith. Paul advised them to continue loving one another, to do good, respect their leaders, and lead disciplined lives. Through this way of living, steady, loving, and faithful, they would be ready for the return of Christ, whenever it came.
In essence, Paul’s message to the Thessalonians was one of reassurance, encouragement, and spiritual vigilance. They weren’t to fear or speculate, but to remain faithful, knowing that both in life and death, God wouldn’t forsake them.
As we continue our journey through the Bible in forty posts, we now explore two of Paul’s letters which are connected in both theme and message.
Colossae was a spiritually curious city, but its openness to all kinds of religious ideas led to confusion. People mixed legalism, ascetic practices, angel worship, mystical knowledge, and human traditions, believing they could reach God through complex spiritual methods. Jesus became just another element in a do-it-yourself approach to salvation.
Paul responds with clarity in Colossians, reminding them who Jesus really is. He describes Christ as the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, the one in whom, through whom, and for whom all things were made. Everything in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, including thrones, powers, rulers, and authorities, was created through him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. As the head of the church and the firstborn from among the dead, Christ holds supremacy in everything. God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him and, through him, to reconcile all things, on earth and in heaven, by making peace through his blood shed on the cross (Colossians 1:15–20).
There’s no need, Paul says, to chase secret knowledge or climb spiritual ladders. In Jesus, the path to God is direct and complete. He urges the believers: Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory (Colossians 3:1–4). Their new identity is found not in striving, but in resting with Christ in God.
While Ephesians shares many of these themes, it also brings a unique focus on the unifying power of God’s grace. Paul speaks of how God’s love crosses every boundary, cultural, ethnic, and social. Through Christ, all are welcomed equally into God’s family. The dividing walls that once kept people apart are broken down, and in their place stands a unified body, the Church, made up of people from every background, reconciled through grace.
Together, Colossians and Ephesians offer a powerful message: Jesus is fully God, utterly sufficient, and the one in whom all things are reconciled. Salvation isn’t earned or unlocked through spiritual performance, it’s received through faith. And in that faith, all people, without exception, are invited to belong.
Philippians is a warm and joyful letter from Paul, written while he was in prison, yet full of encouragement and hope. Despite his circumstances, Paul declares, I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13). His confidence stems from knowing Christ as both Saviour and Lord, which he sees as surpassing all other achievements. He writes, Whatever were gains to me I now consider loss… I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ (Philippians 3:7-8). Paul emphasises that righteousness comes not through the law but through faith in Christ, and he expresses his deep desire to know Jesus intimately, including sharing in his sufferings and resurrection.
He also uses the imagery of a determined runner, pressing forward without looking back, symbolising his spiritual journey: Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal… (Philippians 3:13-14). This message encourages believers to stay focused on their heavenly calling.
Philippians isn’t only known for its joy and personal encouragement, but also for its deep theological insights. One of the most significant passages in the New Testament appears here (Philippians 2:5–11), possibly an early Christian hymn. Paul calls the church to unity through the example of Christ’s humility. Though in very nature God, Jesus humbled himself, becoming a servant, taking on human likeness, and being obedient to death – even death on a cross. This profound humility is offered as a model for all relationships: In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus…
Linked closely in spirit is the short personal letter to Philemon, in which Paul appeals on behalf of Onesimus, a runaway slave who met Paul and became a Christian. Although Onesimus had committed an offence punishable by death, Paul urges Philemon to receive him, not as a slave, but as a beloved brother in Christ. The appeal showcases the transformative power of the gospel, turning social boundaries into spiritual unity.
While Philemon is connected more directly with Colossians (which shares similar themes and greetings), it is fitting to consider it alongside Philippians. Both letters emphasise Christian love, forgiveness, humility, and the unifying power of faith in Jesus. Paul’s writings in these letters reflect a deep personal relationship with Christ and a passionate desire to see the same spirit of humility, reconciliation, and joyful perseverance in the lives of all believers.
The Letter to the Galatians is one of Paul’s earliest writings, addressed to a church he founded in what is now central Turkey. This letter takes us back to the early tensions in the Christian community. Paul writes with urgency, deeply concerned that the Galatians are straying from the true Gospel, misled by others promoting a distorted version of Christ’s message.
At the heart of the issue was whether new Christian converts, especially those from Jewish backgrounds, were still required to observe the Jewish Law. Paul insists that his teachings come directly from Jesus Christ and should therefore be trusted over those of the so-called ‘agitators’. He’s blunt and even scathing, particularly towards those pushing circumcision, famously remarking, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves! (Galatians 5:12).
Paul’s main argument is that righteousness comes not through law-keeping but through faith. He uses Abraham as an example to show that it was faith, not law, that brought him into right relationship with God. Christ’s death, Paul teaches, fulfilled the requirements of the Law, freeing believers from its burden.
However, this freedom isn’t a licence to live however one pleases. Instead, it’s a call to live by the Spirit, in gratitude and love. True Christian living, Paul says, is walking closely with Jesus, guided by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit-led life produces what Paul calls the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, qualities that reflect Christ’s character (Galatians 5:22–23).
In essence, Galatians is a powerful and passionate defence of the Gospel of grace. Paul reminds believers that salvation and transformation come through faith in Christ, not by following religious laws. Through this faith, believers experience true freedom and a deep, personal relationship with God.
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