DIVISIONS OF THE BIBLE

Subject: CRE (Christian Religious Education) — Topic: THE BIBLE
Target age: 12 years (Kenyan school level)

1. Big picture — How the Bible is divided

• Old Testament: Tells about God’s work with Israel, laws, history, poems and prophets.
• New Testament: Tells about Jesus Christ, the early church, letters to Christians, and the end times.
• Note: Most Kenyan schools use the Protestant Bible (66 books). Other churches (e.g., Catholic) include a few more books.

2. Old Testament — main groups

1. Law (Pentateuch) — First 5 books (e.g., Genesis, Exodus). These teach how God created, the origin of people and the laws for Israel.
2. Historical books — Story of Israel as a nation (e.g., Joshua, Judges, Kings, Ruth).
3. Wisdom & Poetry — Songs and wise sayings (e.g., Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes).
4. Prophets — Messages from God through prophets (Major: Isaiah, Jeremiah; Minor: Hosea, Amos).

3. New Testament — main groups

• Gospels — Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. They tell about Jesus’ life, teachings, death, and resurrection.
• Acts of the Apostles — Story of the early church after Jesus returned to heaven.
• Epistles (Letters) — Letters by Church leaders (e.g., Paul) teaching Christians how to live. Examples: Romans, 1 Corinthians, James.
• Revelation — A prophetic book about the future and God’s final victory.

4. Why this division helps you

• It makes it easier to find stories and teachings quickly.
• Helps you know what to expect: history, songs, teachings, or prophecy.
• Useful for school CRE lessons, Sunday school, or church readings.

5. Simple memory tips (for exams and class)

• Remember "G-LAW-P" — Gospels, Law, Acts, Prophets (a quick cue — mix to remind groups).
• Think of a timeline: Creation → Israel’s history → Prophets → Jesus → Church → Future.
• Learn a few key books in order: Genesis (start), Exodus (exit), Matthew (gospel of Jesus).

6. Short activity (for class or at home)

Give students 12 index cards. On each card write one book name (mix Old & New). Ask them to sort into the four Old Testament groups and the New Testament groups. Discuss why each book belongs where it does.

7. Small quiz (try it!)

1. How many main parts does the Bible have? (Answer with a number)
2. Name two books from the Law (Pentateuch).
3. Which book tells about the life of Jesus? (Name any one Gospel)
4. Where would you find Psalms — Old or New Testament?
5. Give one purpose of the Epistles (letters).

Answers

• 1 — Two main parts (Old Testament and New Testament).
• 2 — Genesis and Exodus (also Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy).
• 3 — Any of: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John (e.g., Matthew).
• 4 — Psalms are in the Old Testament.
• 5 — To teach and guide Christians; to give advice on faith and life.

Tip for Kenyan students: Your teacher may read from the Bible during morning assemblies and CRE lessons. Practice finding a book, chapter and verse (for example: John 3:16 means Gospel of John, chapter 3, verse 16). This skill helps you follow lessons and answer exam questions.