John Goldingay places the biblical books in their times and settings, and then lays out a memorable pattern for understanding the Bible.

Table of Contents

• Part I: God's Story and God's Word in God's World
• Preface
• 1 The Events of the Bible
• 2 The Land of the Bible
• Part II: The Story of God and His People
• Preface
• 3 Beginnings: Genesis to Numbers
• 4 From Triumph to Defeat: Deuteronomy to Kings
• 5 The Story of the Community: Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah
• 6 Short Stories: Ruth, Esther, Jonah, and Daniel
• 7 The Story of Jesus and the Church: Matthew to Acts
• Part III: The Word of God to His People
• Preface
• 8 The Instruction of the Priests: Exodus to Deuteronomy
• 9 The Message of the Prophets: Isaiah to Malachi
• 10 The Letters of the Apostles: Romans to Jude
• 11 The Advice of the Experts: Proverbs and Song of Songs
• 12 The Visions of the Seers: Daniel and Revelation
• Part IV: Israel's Response to God
• Preface
• 13 Prayer and Praise: Psalms and Lamentations
• 14 Doubts and Certainties: Ecclesiastes and Job
• Epilogue - The Bible Today
• Scripture Index
• Praise for A Reader's Guide to the Bible
• About the Author