Some Great Chapters in the Bible
There are 929 chapters in the Hebrew books of the Bible ("Old Testament") and 260 in the New Testament (these chapters were arranged by a man named Hugo in 1240 A. D.). Hence, a total of 1189 chapters total (the usual count). Some of these chapters are better known. These more familiar chapters are often referred to as the "great chapters in the Bible." These particular chapters are also distinguished because of the momentous teaching found therein (I am not seeking to diminish other chapters). In noticing some of these chapters, it is our goal to simply set forth more information about the greatest book ever known to man, the Bible.
The Ten Commandment Chapter. It is in Exodus chapter twenty that we find the setting forth of the Ten Commandments that would constitute the very foundation for the law God gave to Israel (see vs. 3-17). Such pronouncements as, "Thou shall have no other gods before me" pertain to man's duty to God. The moral enunciation, "Thou shalt not kill" involves man's duty to man (out of the ten laws, four apply directly to God and six to man's responsibility to man, vs. 3-8, 12-17, respectively). Nine of these laws are found in the New Testament with attendant spiritual amplification (Rom. 13; Jas. 2).
The word of God chapter. The one hundredth and nineteen Psalm is unquestionably described as the word of God "chapter." While found in the climate of the Old Law, these statements obviously transcend any limiting system. "My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness," declared the writer (vs. 172). It is in this Psalm that the following famous words are found: "How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth. Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (vs. 103-105).
The wisdom chapter of the Bible. Proverbs chapter eight is decidedly the wisdom chapter. It is in this setting that we read, "For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it" (vs. 11). Wisdom is seen as available and inviting, above all, practical (vs. 2-18). The consequences of wisdom are wonderfully desirable, "My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver" (vs. 19). Many are needlessly suffering due simply to lack of wisdom in their judgments and actions. God's wisdom can help avert many problems in life.
The beatitudes chapter. It is in Matthew chapter five that Jesus pronounced some of the most succinct moral and spiritual statements known to man. It is in this chapter that we find:
"3: Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4: Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 5: Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 6: Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 7: Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8: Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 9: Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 10: Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11: Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake."
The Sermon on the Mount (including chapter five) has been said to form a foundation to Jesus' New Covenant as the Ten Commandments served to the Old Covenant.
The marriage chapter. Marriage is discussed a lot in the scriptures but the marriage chapter is usually said to be I Corinthians 7. The chapter naturally lends itself to seven topic divisions. They are: The rights and duties of married life (vs. 1-7), teaching for the unmarried (vs. 8, 9), commandments for the married (vs. 10-16, 12-16 addresses mixed marriages between believers and unbelievers), the principle of remaining in the same state (vs. 17-24), teaching regarding the unmarried, especially in view of the prevailing circumstances (vs. 25-35, see vs. 26), instructions to fathers in the "present distress" (vs. 36-38), and teaching regarding the marriage of widows (vs. 39, 40). Some of the teaching is influenced by the "present distress" (vs. 26). (Click on, "A Study of I Corinthians Chapter Seven" to study more.)
The love chapter. All would immediately think of I Corinthians chapter thirteen as the love chapter of the Bible. It is in this chapter that Paul presents the characteristics and accomplishments of true love. He also presents the lack of accomplishments of biblical love (vs. 4-8). Love is seen as active and producing good. Evil acts are not associated with true love, the chapter reveals. Love is an absolute necessity (vs. 1-3). (Click on, "Bible Love" to read more.)
The resurrection chapter. Jesus is "raised from the dead" is the singular message of I Corinthians chapter fifteen (vs. 17-20). Christianity does not simply pertain to this life, Paul taught (vs. 19). However, the hope of another life rests on Jesus' resurrection. "But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept," Paul assures us (vs. 20). He also provides proof of Jesus' resurrection (vs. 1 ff.). (See, "The Resurrection" for more information.)
The tongue chapter. James chapter three is unquestionably the tongue chapter of the Bible. James starts out in specific references to the abuse of the tongue regarding false teaching (vs. 1). In view of the serious consequences of teaching error, James urges that few be teachers. He then appears to expand his teaching regarding the tongue to include more general matters. Hear James:
"5: Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6: And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. 7: For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: 8: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison."
The fellowship chapter. Fellowship is a vital Bible subject. Biblical fellowship is essentially approval and joint participation in spiritual matters. The Bible is explicit regarding those whom the Christian is to fellowship. I John chapter one is almost universally regarded as the fellowship chapter. John wrote:
"3: That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4: And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. 5: This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6: If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." (Click on, "Fellowship" for more material.)
The teaching found in the Bible transcends all teaching known to man. The great teaching is explained by the nature of the Bible itself, inspired of God (2 Tim. 3: 16, 17). I have only shared with you a few great chapters found in the Bible. You are encouraged to read and study the Book that God has given man to lead man to heaven.