“Who Wrote the Bible?”

“Who Wrote the Bible?”

by Neil McBride

An Exploration of the Origins, Authorship, and Development of the Most Influential Book in History

The Bible is one of the most read, translated, and impactful texts throughout history. For billions, it represents the divine Word of God, an enduring source of guidance, inspiration, and moral clarity. However, the question of who authored this monumental book has sparked centuries of study, debate, and speculation. Diving into the authorship of the Bible is to embark on a journey through its spiritual significance and intricate human origins, spanning diverse cultures and epochs.

The Bible: A Library, Not a Single Book

At its core, the Bible is a library collection comprising 66 books in the Protestant tradition, 73 in the Catholic tradition, and even more in the Orthodox canon. This rich anthology was birthed over approximately 1,000 years, stretching from around 1200 BCE to 100 CE, authored by numerous individuals who wrote in different languages, primarily Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Each book, with its unique voice, reflects the historical and cultural milieu of its time.

The Old Testament / Hebrew Bible

Central to both Judaism and Christianity is the Old Testament, known in Judaism as the Tanakh, a term derived from its three main divisions: the Torah (Law), Nevi’im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings). While the substantive content is largely consistent across the two traditions, the arrangement and emphases can reveal much about theological priorities and communal identities. In Christianity, the Old Testament is typically arranged to highlight Christological themes, while Judaism focuses on the covenantal narrative and law.

Traditional Beliefs about Authorship

Traditionally, many of the Old Testament books have been ascribed to renowned figures endowed with religious significance:

Moses is considered the conventional author of the Torah (or Pentateuch), laying the foundational theological and legal framework for Judaism and Christianity. These first five books weave together the creation narrative, the patriarchal history, liberation from Egyptian bondage, and the sacred covenant at Sinai.

King David, revered as the second king of Israel, is credited with many of the Psalms, a profound collection of prayers and songs that articulate the deepest human emotions, from desperation to exuberant praise. His voice resonates through these lyrical texts, making him a perennial figure in spiritual contemplation.

King Solomon often associated with wisdom literature, contributes to this literary pool with books like Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs. His works invite readers to explore the nuances of wisdom, the complexities of life, and the ecstatic nature of love, both human and divine.

The Prophets including figures like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, lend their names to books filled with poignant messages of hope, warning, and divine judgment. Their writings speak to the sociopolitical reality of ancient Israel, urging the people to remain faithful to their covenant with God amidst trials.

While these attributions are deeply rooted in religious tradition and reverence, they are not without debate. Many scholars question these traditional narratives, seeking to understand the Bible through a lens of historical context and literary analysis.

Scholarly Perspective

Modern biblical scholarship approaches the Bible as a multifaceted tapestry woven from various strands of history, culture, and editorial process. The emergence of theories like the Documentary Hypothesis reflects the scholarly consensus that the Pentateuch was not a single author’s work but a compilation of diverse traditions and texts. This hypothesis, evolving since the 18th and 19th centuries, identifies several foundational sources that scholars believe were edited together over time.

This analytical perspective opens the door to a deeper understanding of the Bible as both a sacred text and a historical document that has been shaped by countless writers, editors, and communities over millennia. It acknowledges the complexities of its origins while honouring its profound spiritual impact.

Ultimately, the Bible is not merely an ancient artefact but a living document that continues to inspire, challenge, and guide individuals and communities globally. Whether viewed through a lens of faith or academic inquiry, its pages beckon us to engage with its timeless questions and unparalleled insights, fostering a dialogue between the past and our contemporary lives.

The New Testament: A Deep Dive into Early Christian Thought

The New Testament is a central pillar of Christian faith, a rich tapestry of texts woven in the first century CE, primarily in Koine Greek. This collection of 27 books, encompassing the Gospels, Acts of the Apostles, Epistles, and the Book of Revelation, captures the transformative essence of early Christianity. Unlike the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament emerges from a distinctly Christian context, reflecting the beliefs and practices shaped around the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. It serves as a sacred text and a guide for the emerging Christian doctrine, offering a glimpse into the faith and social dynamics of the Greco-Roman world.

The Gospels: Diverse Portraits of Jesus

The four canonical Gospels- Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John- are at the heart of the New Testament. Each Gospel, rather than a modern biography, delivers a theological narrative, intricately crafted to convey specific truths about Jesus’ identity and mission. Traditionally ascribed to apostles and their close companions, these texts were likely anonymous in their original forms, with their attributions solidified in the second century for credibility among early Christian communities.

Mark, generally recognised as the earliest Gospel (around 65–70 CE), resonates with a sense of urgency. Written during tumultuous times following the Jewish-Roman War and the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple, it arguably draws from oral traditions rooted in the experiences of the apostle Peter. This Gospel is notable for portraying Jesus’ humanity and suffering, inviting readers into the emotional depth of his ministry.

Matthew and Luke follow, penned around 80–90 CE, and draw from Mark as a primary source. These Gospels also reference a hypothetical document known as “Q,” which is believed to have compiled Jesus’ sayings. Matthew uniquely presents Jesus as a new Moses, a teacher and interpreter of Jewish law, while Luke highlights Jesus’ compassionate engagement with marginalised groups, such as women and people with low incomes, emphasising a divine plan unfolding across history.

In stark contrast, John’s Gospel, believed to have been composed between 90 and 100 CE, breaks from the chronological narrative style of the Synoptic Gospels. Rather, it unfolds through a series of profound signs and discourses that unveil Jesus’ divine nature. Marked by its spiritual depth, John’s Gospel emphasises the concept of Jesus as the eternal Word (Logos), reflecting a distinct theological perspective that has captivated readers throughout the centuries.

Acts and the Epistles: The Growth of Community and Theology

The Acts of the Apostles, traditionally linked to Luke, serve as the sequel to the Gospel of Luke. They chronicle the early church’s explosive growth from Jesus’ ascension through Paul’s missionary journeys. Acts also act as a theological history, underlining the transformative work of the Holy Spirit and the inclusive nature of the Christian message, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries from Jerusalem to Rome.

The Epistles, composed largely of letters to burgeoning Christian communities and individuals, constitute a significant portion of the New Testament. These writings probe various theological questions, ethical issues, and communal organisation, embodying the struggles and aspirations of early Christians.

Among the Epistles, the Pauline letters, mainly attributed to Paul of Tarsus, shine with profound theological insight. Scholars affirm that seven of these letters (including Romans and Corinthians) are authentically from Paul, offering rich exploration into themes such as justification by faith and the vision of a united, universal church. Paul’s letters reflect his passionate engagement with the complexities of faith and community, revealing a theology grounded in the transformative power of Christ.

Other Epistles, such as Ephesians and the Pastoral letters, present a different tone and are often considered products of later generations, reflecting evolving church dynamics and hierarchical structures. Conversely, the Epistle to the Hebrews, anonymous and theologically sophisticated, portrays Jesus as the ultimate high priest, mediating a new and profound covenant that surpasses previous religious frameworks.

Conclusion: Encountering the Sacred

The New Testament encapsulates a historical moment that radically reshaped spiritual understanding and community life. Through its diverse texts, we engage with the profound legacy of early Christianity, inviting us to explore deeper issues of faith, identity, and what it means to live in a world shaped by the enduring message of Jesus. Each book, with its unique voice and perspective, challenges us to reflect on our beliefs and values, making the New Testament a timeless source of inspiration and insight.

“Who Wrote the Bible?”

DTA – Neil McBride

(CEO and founder of Downtown Angels)