In Scripture, god speaks in a variety of different ways (Hebrews 1:1-4)
Story (narrative)
• O.T. narrative like Genesis, Exodus, Joshua, Judges, etc.
• N.T. gospels & Acts
Law
• Rules, regulations, commands & stipulations
• Leviticus, Deuteronomy, parts of Exodus
• Ex. The Ten Commandments
Wisdom
• Books which emphasized practical Christian living
• Often poetic in nature
• Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon
Prophecy
• God often spoke directly to his prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, etc.) and directed them to write his words down for the people.
• Some of the prophecy was “fortelling”, but most of it was simply “forthtelling” or telling the people like it was!
Gospel
• A form of ‘story’ or narrative that specifically told the “good news” of Jesus.
• Matthew, Mark, Luke, John each took a crack at it and presented the story of Jesus from their unique perspectives.
Letters
• Sometimes called ‘epistles’ these letters were sent by specific individuals (Paul, Peter, John, etc.) to specific people in specific churches (Corinth, Ephesus, Galatia, etc.)
• Some were written to specific individuals (Timothy, Titus, Philemon) but were most likely intended for a wider distribution as well.
• Usually divided as “Letters from the Apostle Paul” & the “General Letters”
N.T. Prophecy (Apocalyptic)
• Common form of literature in the first century
• Always pertained to ‘end times’ stuff
• Usually was ‘anonymous’, but the only example of it we have in the Bible (Revelation) was clearly written by John.
