Who Wrote the Bible
The Bible is a vast collection of 66 books (in the Protestant canon) written by approximately 40 different human authors over a period of roughly 1,500 years.
The essential view held by Judaism and Christianity is that the Bible is divinely inspired, meaning God is the ultimate author, using human writers—each with their own personality, background, and writing style—to communicate His message.
Here is a breakdown of the authorship for the two main sections of the Bible:
📜 Old Testament (Hebrew Bible)
The Old Testament was primarily written in Hebrew and spans from around 1400 BC to about 400 BC.
Key Traditional Authors:
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Moses:
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Traditionally credited with writing the first five books of the Bible, known as the Pentateuch or Torah: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
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The Prophets:
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Books like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and the 12 Minor Prophets (Hosea, Joel, etc.) were written by the prophets whose names they bear, recording God's messages to Israel and the surrounding nations.
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King David:
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Credited with writing most of the Psalms (a book of poetry and songs).
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King Solomon:
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Credited with writing much of the Wisdom Literature, including Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon.
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Other Figures:
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Other books are attributed to figures like Joshua, Ezra, and Nehemiah, though some historical books (like Kings and Chronicles) are generally seen as compilations by unknown editors or scribes.
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Note on Scholarship: Many modern biblical scholars propose that the books of the Old Testament, particularly the Pentateuch, were assembled, edited, and compiled over centuries by various scribes and redactors, rather than being solely written by the traditional single author.
🕊️ New Testament
The New Testament was written in Koine Greek over a much shorter period, primarily from about AD 45 to AD 95.
Key Authors:
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The Apostle Paul:
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Wrote the largest number of individual books—13 epistles (letters) from Romans through Philemon—to churches and individuals across the Roman Empire.
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The Four Gospel Writers:
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Matthew (an original apostle and tax collector).
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Mark (a companion of the Apostle Peter).
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Luke (a physician and companion of the Apostle Paul; also wrote the book of Acts).
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John (an original apostle; also wrote 1, 2, 3 John, and Revelation).
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James and Jude:
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These letters are traditionally attributed to James, the brother of Jesus and key leader in the Jerusalem church, and Jude, his brother.
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The Apostle Peter:
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Wrote the letters of 1 and 2 Peter.
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Author of Hebrews:
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The book of Hebrews is the only book in the New Testament whose author is unknown, though suggestions have traditionally included Paul, Barnabas, or Apollos.
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In summary, the Bible is a library of books whose diverse human writers include kings, shepherds, prophets, priests, a tax collector, a fisherman, a tentmaker, and a physician, all unified by the central message of God's redemptive plan.
The Twelve Apostles
The Twelve Apostles cover three main themes: Their Calling, Their Commission, and Their Enduring Role in the Church.
Here is a summary of the most important NIV passages regarding the twelve apostles:
I. The Calling: Leaving Everything to Follow Jesus
These verses describe the moment Jesus chose them and the radical commitment they made.
Core Meaning
Mark 3:13-14 "Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach. "Jesus chose them personally, for the dual purpose of having an intimate relationship with him (discipleship) and being sent out (apostleship).
Matthew 4:19-20 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. This highlights the instant and complete obedience and sacrifice required of the first apostles (Peter and Andrew) to take on their new, world-changing mission.
Matthew 10:2-4 A clear list of the twelve names, ending with, “Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. ”This establishes the official list of the core group and, even in the initial list, foreshadows the eventual failure of one of them.
II. The Commission: Their Authority and Mission
These verses describe the work Jesus specifically authorized the apostles to do.
Core Meaning
Matthew 10:1 "Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. "The apostles were given supernatural power directly from Jesus to validate their message and mission.
Luke 9:2 He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. This defines their core message (the Kingdom of God) and their core action (healing), serving as Jesus' representatives to Israel.
Matthew 16:18-19 Jesus says to Peter: “...you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven... "This verse signals the foundational leadership role of Peter and the apostles in the future Christian Church.
III. The Legacy: The Great Commission
These verses solidify the permanent, global mission the apostles were commanded to undertake after Christ's resurrection.
Core Meaning
Matthew 28:19-20 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you... "This is the Great Commission, establishing the apostles' mandate to globalize the Gospel message and teach all believers to follow Jesus' commands.
Acts 1:8 "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” This outlines the power source (the Holy Spirit) and the geographical strategy for the mission, moving outward from Jerusalem to the whole world.
Ephesians 2:19-20 "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone." This verse, written by the Apostle Paul, confirms their enduring, foundational role as the first leaders upon whom the entire Church structure rests.
Monumental transition from Jesus's ministry to the early Church
The book of Acts of the Apostles details the great acts performed by them after Pentecost. While the NIV lists all twelve apostles in Matthew 10, the book of Acts primarily focuses on the major contributions and miracles of Peter and John, and later, James, son of Zebedee, before its focus shifts entirely to Paul.
The other apostles are mainly noted for their faithful presence in the early days of the Church.
Great Acts of the Apostles
The order follows the list in Matthew 10:2-4. Note that great acts of the original twelve are overwhelmingly centered on Peter and John, while the others are recorded as present or are mentioned in a single event.
1. Simon (who is called Peter)
Peter serves as the primary leader and spokesman for the apostles in the first half of the book of Acts.
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Preached the First Great Sermon on Pentecost
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Act: Peter stood up and preached the Gospel, leading to the first mass conversion.
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NIV Verse: Acts 2:41
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Elaboration: “Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”
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Healed a Lame Man at the Temple Gate
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Act: Performed the first great healing miracle in the name of Jesus after Pentecost.
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NIV Verse: Acts 3:6-7
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Elaboration: Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong.
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Confronted and Judged the Sin of Ananias and Sapphira
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Act: Demonstrated the spiritual authority of the apostles and the seriousness of dishonesty within the new community.
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NIV Verse: Acts 5:3, 5
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Elaboration: Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit... When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died.”
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2. Andrew (Peter's Brother)
Andrew is not individually named for a great act in the book of Acts, but he was present for the foundational acts of the early Church.
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Act: Listed as being in the upper room praying with the other apostles after Jesus’ ascension.
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NIV Verse: Acts 1:13-14
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Elaboration: When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew... They all joined together constantly in prayer...
3. James (son of Zebedee)
James was one of Jesus' inner circle (along with Peter and John), but his single greatest act recorded in the NIV is his martyrdom, which proved the faithfulness of his apostleship.
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Act: The first apostle to be martyred for his faith.
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NIV Verse: Acts 12:2
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Elaboration: He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword.
4. John (son of Zebedee)
John is often paired with Peter and played a crucial role in establishing the Church's authority in Jerusalem. He is also the author of the final book of the Bible.
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Healed a Lame Man (with Peter)
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Act: Shared in the performance of the first major miracle after Pentecost.
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NIV Verse: Acts 3:1
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Elaboration: One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer... (This leads to the healing described under Peter).
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Boldly Defended the Gospel before the Sanhedrin (with Peter)
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Act: Stood firm against the Jewish ruling council, refusing to stop preaching.
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NIV Verse: Acts 4:19-20
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Elaboration: But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
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Author of the Book of Revelation
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Act: Received and recorded the definitive prophetic vision of the end times.
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NIV Verse: Revelation 1:1
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Elaboration: The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John...
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5. Philip
Philip is noted for his presence and is sometimes confused with Philip the Evangelist (a different person mentioned later in Acts).
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Act: Listed as being in the upper room praying with the other apostles.
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NIV Verse: Acts 1:13
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Elaboration: Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew...
6. Bartholomew (possibly Nathanael)
Bartholomew is not individually named for a great act in the book of Acts, but he was present for the foundational acts of the early Church.
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Act: Listed as being in the upper room praying with the other apostles.
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NIV Verse: Acts 1:13
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Elaboration: Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew...
7. Thomas
Thomas is most famous in the Gospels for doubting the resurrection, but he was present for the foundational acts of the early Church.
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Act: Listed as being in the upper room praying with the other apostles.
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NIV Verse: Acts 1:13
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Elaboration: Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew...
8. Matthew (the tax collector)
Matthew is the author of the Gospel that bears his name, but his ministry is only noted by his presence in the Acts of the Apostles.
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Act: Listed as being in the upper room praying with the other apostles.
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NIV Verse: Acts 1:13
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Elaboration: Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew...
9. James (son of Alphaeus)
James the son of Alphaeus is only noted by his presence in the upper room, marking him as a faithful participant in the launch of the Church.
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Act: Listed as being in the upper room praying with the other apostles.
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NIV Verse: Acts 1:13
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Elaboration: ...Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.
10. Thaddaeus (Judas son of James)
Thaddaeus, often identified as "Judas son of James" in the NIV list (Luke 6:16, Acts 1:13), is only noted by his presence in the upper room.
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Act: Listed as being in the upper room praying with the other apostles.
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NIV Verse: Acts 1:13
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Elaboration: ...James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.
11. Simon the Zealot
Simon, identified by his political background as a Zealot, is only noted by his presence in the upper room, signifying his transition from revolutionary to Christian leader.
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Act: Listed as being in the upper room praying with the other apostles.
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NIV Verse: Acts 1:13
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Elaboration: ...James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.
12. Judas Iscariot
Judas Iscariot's "act" is his betrayal and subsequent death, which led the remaining apostles to seek a replacement.
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Act: Betrayed Jesus to the chief priests.
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NIV Verse: Matthew 26:14-15
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Elaboration: Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver.
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Act: His Death and the subsequent selection of a replacement.
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NIV Verse: Acts 1:18, 26
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Elaboration: ...Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out... Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.
Deaths of the
Twelve Apostles
The New International Version (NIV) lists the twelve apostles primarily in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The accounts of their deaths mostly come from consistent, long-standing Church tradition, as the Bible only records the death of two of the original twelve.
The Twelve Apostles
The most complete list in the NIV is found in Matthew 10:2-4 (NIV), as Jesus sends them out on their first mission:
“These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.”
Apostle Traditions of Death
Here is a summary of the twelve apostles and their traditional or biblically recorded deaths, categorized by their biblical names:
Apostle Biblical Context/Notes Death (Traditional/Biblical)
1. Simon Peter Fisherman, brother of Andrew, spokesman for the disciples. Crucified upside-down in Rome during the reign of Emperor Nero. Tradition states he requested this because he felt unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus (Source: Church Tradition, Origen).
2. Andrew Fisherman, brother of Peter, brought Peter to Jesus. Crucified in Patras, Greece, traditionally on an X-shaped cross (called a crux decussata or St. Andrew's cross) (Source: Church Tradition).
3. James (Son of Zebedee) Fisherman, brother of John, one of the "Sons of Thunder" and part of Jesus' inner circle. Killed with the sword (beheaded) by order of King Herod Agrippa I, making him the only apostle whose martyrdom is recorded in the Bible. (Source: Acts 12:2, NIV)
4. John Fisherman, brother of James, "the disciple whom Jesus loved." Wrote the Gospel of John, three epistles, and Revelation. Died of natural causes (old age) in Ephesus, making him the only apostle believed to have not been martyred. He was exiled to Patmos, where he wrote Revelation. (Source: Church Tradition).
5. Philip From Bethsaida, sometimes confused with Philip the Evangelist. Crucified in Hierapolis, Phrygia (modern Turkey), often upside down (Source: Church Tradition).
6. Bartholomew Often identified with Nathanael (John 1:45-49). Flayed alive and then beheaded or crucified in Armenia. (Source: Church Tradition).
7. Thomas Known as "Doubting Thomas. "Killed with a spear in India, where he had traveled to preach the Gospel (Source: Church Tradition).
8. Matthew Tax collector, also called Levi. Wrote the Gospel of Matthew. Killed by a sword or axe in Ethiopia or Persia (Source: Church Tradition).
9. James (Son of Alphaeus) lso called "James the Less" or "James the Younger. "Stoned and/or clubbed to death in Jerusalem or crucified in Egypt (Source: Church Tradition, Hegesippus).
10. Thaddaeus Also called Judas son of James (Luke 6:16) or Lebbaeus. Killed by an axe or club in Persia or Armenia, possibly alongside Simon the Zealot (Source: Church Tradition).
11. Simon the Zealot Identified by his association with the Jewish nationalist movement, the Zealots. Crucified or sawed in half in Persia or Britain, often alongside Thaddaeus (Source: Church Tradition).
12. Judas Iscariot The one who betrayed Jesus. Committed suicide by hanging himself. The Bible also mentions that his body "burst open" in the field he bought. (Source: Matthew 27:5 and Acts 1:18)