The Bible

The Bible is the world’s bestselling book. There are around 80 million printed per year, and between 5 billion and 7 billion have been produced in total.

The Bible is, in reality, a library of many different types of literature, starting with Genesis and ending with Revelation. Christians believe these writings tell the story of the relationship between God and people within creation, from the beginning of time as we know it. It is rooted in life on earth and yet often points to a bright future in which God will make all things new.

Most people do not read the Bible non-stop from beginning to end, although there now good audio versions that make it easier for people to listen to it in a year. For Christians, the New Testament (from Matthew’s Gospel to Revelation) is a good place to start, and many people find the Old Testament’s Psalms, the Bible’s prayer book, encouraging, enriching – and essential to their walk with God.

There are many different translations of the Bible. The Scottish Episcopal Church commonly uses the modern NRSV (New Revised Standard Version). Other translations that are widely used include the NIV (New International Version), the NLT (New Living Translation), and The Message Version. All these translations, and more, can be read online via the Bible Gateway website.