Biblical Overview and Reference
This section of the Manual is devoted to the careful reading, understanding, and faithful handling of Scripture. It equips ministers to approach the Bible with clarity, reverence, and responsibility by attending to its historical setting, literary form, and theological message. The goal is not speculation, but sound interpretation that honors the intent of the biblical authors and serves the Church faithfully.
Whether preparing sermons, teaching Bible studies, or responding to difficult questions, this section provides a stable foundation for interpreting God’s Word accurately and wisely.
This section focuses on how Scripture is read and understood. Formal doctrinal conclusions and systematic theology are addressed within the Doctrine and Theology section of the Manual.
What You Will Find Here
- Guidance for interpreting Scripture in its historical, cultural, and literary context
- Background material that clarifies and illuminates biblical passages
- Structured summaries of the Old and New Testaments
- Topical Scripture collections for teaching, preaching, and study
Scriptural Structure
- Summary of the Old Testament
- Old Testament People, Topics, and Facts
- Old Testament Festivals and Feasts
- Summary of the New Testament
- New Testament People, Topics, and Facts
- Bible Verses About
Use this section as a reference as you study Scripture, prepare messages, and guide others toward a deeper and more faithful understanding of God’s Word.
The Samaritans
The Samaritans were a distinct religious and ethnic group that emerged in the region of Samaria, which was located between Judea and Galilee in ancient Israel. The origins of the Samaritans can be traced back to the Assyrian conquest of the northern kingdom of Israel in …
Herodians
The Herodians were a Jewish political faction or sect during the first century AD. They were named after Herod the Great, the ruler of Judea under Roman authority, and later his descendants who continued to govern various regions within Judea. The Herodians were known for their …
The Zealots
The Zealots were a Jewish sect or political movement that emerged during the first century AD. They were known for their fervent nationalism and their opposition to Roman rule. The Zealots sought to resist and overthrow the Roman occupation of Judea, viewing it as a violation …
The Essenes
The Essenes were a Jewish sect that existed during the first century AD, primarily known from references in historical accounts and the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. They were a distinct religious community that lived in various locations, including Qumran near the Dead Sea. The …