Cover to Cover: Chronological Bible Course

Course Overview

All quizzes are open-book. All quiz questions are based strictly on the KVJ Bible.

Embark on a transformative journey through the Bible, following a chronological reading plan that traces the unfolding narrative of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. This course immerses students in the text itself, fostering a deep familiarity with the events, people, and teachings of the Bible as they occurred in historical sequence. Through carefully ordered readings, participants will engage directly with the biblical text, free from denominational doctrine or tradition. The goal is to equip students with a firsthand knowledge of Scripture, allowing the words of the Bible to speak for themselves. Designed for individuals or groups, this course offers a structured, text-centered exploration of God’s Word at your own pace.

Genesis to Joshua

Content: Covers the creation of the world, humanity’s early history, the fathers (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob), the enslavement and exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, the giving of the Law at Sinai, 40 years of wilderness wandering, and the conquest of Canaan.

Key Events: Creation (Gen. 1-2), the first family (Gen. 3), the Flood (Gen. 6-9), God’s covenant with Abraham (Gen. 12-17), Joseph’s rise in Egypt (Gen. 37-50), Moses leading the exodus (Ex. 1-15), the commandments (Ex. 20), the tabernacle construction (Ex. 25-40), census and laws (Num.), and Joshua’s military campaigns (Josh.).

Focus: Origins of the world, God’s promises to Israel, and their establishment as a nation in the Promised Land.

Israelite History (Judges to 1 & 2 Kings / 1 & 2 Chronicles)

Content: Details the period of the judges, the transition to monarchy under Saul, David, and Solomon, and the subsequent history of the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah, including their kings, wars, and eventual exiles. Chronicles retells much of this history with a focus on Judah and the temple.

Key Events: Cycles of sin and deliverance under judges (Judg. 2-16), Samuel anoints Saul (1 Sam. 9-10) and David (1 Sam. 16), David’s reign (2 Sam.), Solomon builds the temple (1 Kings 6-8), kingdom splits (1 Kings 12), Israel falls to Assyria (2 Kings 17), Judah falls to Babylon (2 Kings 25). Chronicles emphasizes genealogies and temple worship (1 Chron. 1-9; 2 Chron. 1-9).

Focus: Israel’s struggles with obedience, the rise and fall of its kings, and the consequences of covenant faithfulness or rebellion.

Israelite Exile History (Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther)

Content: Chronicles the return of Jewish exiles from Babylon, the rebuilding of the temple and Jerusalem’s walls, and a narrative of Jewish survival in Persia.

Key Events: Cyrus allows return (Ezra 1), temple rebuilt (Ezra 3-6), Nehemiah reconstructs walls (Neh. 2-6), Esther becomes queen and saves her people (Esth. 2-7).

Focus: Restoration of Jewish identity, worship, and community after exile.

Wisdom (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon)

Content: Includes poetic and philosophical writings, often dated to various periods but grouped here for their thematic unity. Job explores suffering, Psalms offers prayers and songs, Proverbs provides practical wisdom, Ecclesiastes reflects on life’s meaning, and Song of Solomon celebrates love.

Key Events: Job’s trials and restoration (Job 1-42), David’s psalms (e.g., Ps. 23), Solomon’s proverbs (Prov. 1-31), the Teacher’s musings (Eccl. 1-12), a lover’s dialogue (Song 1-8).

Focus: Human experience, worship, and relationship with God through poetry and wisdom.

Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea to Malachi)

Content: Records prophetic messages before, during, and after the exile, addressing Israel, Judah, and surrounding nations with warnings, judgments, and promises of restoration.

Key Events: Isaiah foretells a suffering servant (Isa. 53), Jeremiah predicts exile (Jer. 25), Ezekiel sees visions of God’s glory (Ezek. 1-3), Daniel interprets dreams (Dan. 2-7), minor prophets like Hosea (Hos. 1-3) and Malachi (Mal. 3-4) call for repentance.

Focus: God’s justice, mercy, and future hope amidst national turmoil.

Gospels and Acts (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts)

Content: Narrates the life, death, and resurrection of Yahushua, followed by the early congregation’s growth.

Key Events: Yahushua’s birth (Matt. 1-2; Luke 2), ministry and miracles (Mark 1-8; John 2-11), crucifixion and resurrection (Matt. 27-28; John 19-20), the Spirit at the Feast of Weeks (Acts 2), Paul’s missionary journeys (Acts 13-28).

Focus: Yahushua as the fulfillment of God’s promises and the spread of his message.

Epistles (Romans to Jude)

Content: Letters from Paul and others to early congregations, addressing theology, ethics, and congregational life.

Key Events: Paul explains salvation (Rom. 3-8), corrects Corinthian issues (1 Cor. 1-16), instructs Timothy (1-2 Tim.), James emphasizes faith and works (James 2), Peter warns of trials (1 Pet. 1-5).

Focus: Guidance for living out faith in Yahushua.

Revelation

Content: An apocalyptic vision given to John, depicting cosmic battles, judgment, and the ultimate victory of God.

Key Events: Letters to seven congregations (Rev. 2-3), seals, trumpets, and bowls of judgment (Rev. 6-16), fall of Babylon (Rev. 18), Yahushua’s return and new creation (Rev. 19-22).

Focus: End times, God’s triumph, and eternal renewal.