How many people wrote the Bible? Who inspired them to do so?
In this article, we’ll find answers to those questions, along with the following discussions:
- Who those authors were and which books each of them wrote
- How they wrote their books based on the inspiration they received
- 6 lessons to learn from them
Let’s go!
First, Let’s Examine the Content of the Bible
What are its 66 books?
How are those books categorized or divided?
Divisions
- Old Testament: Genesis through Malachi (first 39 books)
- New Testament: Matthew through Revelation (last 27 books)
Categories
- Law or Pentateuch: Genesis through Deuteronomy
- Historical books: Joshua through Esther
- Wisdom and poetry books: Job through Song of Solomon
- Major prophets: Isaiah through Daniel
- Minor prophets: Hosea through Malachi
- Gospel or biography books: Matthew through John
- History book: Acts
- Letters or epistles: Romans through Jude
- Prophecy: Revelation
Now, How Many People Wrote the Bible? Who Were They and Which Books Did They Write?
There are more than 29 authors of the Bible, enumerated with their background profiles and contributed books as follows:
Old Testament authors
1) Moses
Moses was a Hebrew man chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and deliver the Law to them (Exodus 2–4, 7, 14, 20; Numbers 14; Deuteronomy 5 and 34).
The books he authored in the Bible were Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy—collectively known as the Torah. Aside from those, it has also been believed that he wrote the book of Job.
2) Joshua
Originally known as Hoshea, Joshua succeeded Moses as the leader of the Israelites (Numbers 13 and 27).
He played a significant role in leading them into the Promised Land (Joshua 1 and 3).
The only book he contributed in the Bible was that one taken from his name, Joshua.
3) Samuel
Samuel was a prophet, priest, and judge in ancient Israel. He was a pivotal figure in the nation’s history (1 Samuel 3:20, 7:15-17).
Chosen by God at a young age, his words were respected. And at a mature age, he anointed Saul as the first king of Israel (chapters 3 and 9–10).
In the Bible, he wrote 1 Samuel and part of 2 Samuel.
4) David
David, the youngest son of Jesse, was a shepherd (1 Samuel 16:11).
He was chosen by God to be the king of Israel after Saul. In addition, he became known for his courage, musical talent, and strong faith in Him (chapters 16–18 and 22).
In the Bible, he wrote some portions of the books of Psalms and 2 Samuel.
5) Solomon
Solomon was the son of King David and Bathsheba. God chose him to succeed his father as the third king of Israel (2 Samuel 12:24-25; 1 Kings 2:12).
Known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, he ruled during a time of prosperity and peace. This reign has often been considered the golden age of the said nation (1 Kings 2–3).
Now, the books he contributed in the Bible were Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon.
6) Isaiah
Isaiah was a prophet during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah in Judah (Isaiah 1:1).
He has been known for proclaiming messages of judgment and restoration as well as about the coming Messiah (chapters 1–66).
Now, the book he wrote in the Bible was the one taken from his name, Isaiah.
7) Jeremiah
Jeremiah was a prophet during the exile of the people of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 1:1-3, 52:12).
God called him to deliver messages to the people of Judah during political and spiritual turmoil (chapter 1).
In the Bible, he authored the books of Jeremiah and Lamentations.
8) Ezekiel
Ezekiel was a prophet and priest taken into captivity in Babylon along with King Jehoiachin during the exile of Judah (Ezekiel 1:1-3).
He received vivid visions and messages from God, which he faithfully conveyed to the exiled Israelites. Through these things, he warned them of judgment and offered hope for restoration (chapters 1–3).
The book he wrote in the Bible was Ezekiel, which was obviously named after him.
9) Daniel
Daniel was a young Jewish noble who, like Ezekiel, was taken into Babylonian captivity during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 1:1-6).
As he served in the Babylonian court and interpreted dreams, visions, and writings, he demonstrated exceptional wisdom and faithfulness to God. This earned him a prominent position in the kingdom (chapters 1–6).
In the Bible, he contributed a book taken from his name, Daniel.
10) Hosea
Hosea was a prophet during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah in Judah, and the reign of Jeroboam in Israel (Hosea 1:1).
He was called by God to deliver messages to the northern kingdom of Israel during a time of spiritual apostasy and moral decay (chapters 1–5).
In the Bible, he wrote Hosea, the book named after him.
11) Joel
Joel was a prophet in ancient Judah (Joel 1:1, 21).
He prophesied about the day of the Lord, a time of judgment and restoration. With this, he called the people to repentance and promised blessings upon their return to God (chapters 1–3).
In the Bible, he authored a book taken from his name, Joel.
12) Amos
Amos was a shepherd and a prophet from Tekoa in Judah (Amos 1:1).
God called him to prophesy during the reign of Jeroboam II in the northern kingdom of Israel (verses 1-2 of chapter 1).
He proclaimed His messages of judgment against social injustice and spiritual corruption. He warned the people of impending consequences for their disobedience (chapters 1–2).
Now, the book he wrote in the Bible was Amos, which was named after him.
13) Obadiah
Obadiah was a prophet in ancient Judah (Obadiah 1:1, 12).
He delivered a message of judgment against the people of Edom for their pride, violence, and mistreatment of Israel. Through his preaching, he revealed God’s sovereignty and justice (chapter 1).
He wrote the shortest book in the Bible, Obadiah, which was named after him.
14) Jonah
Jonah, a prophet from Gath Hepher, was called by God to deliver a message of warning to the city of Nineveh in Assyria (Jonah 1:1).
Reluctant to obey, he attempted to flee from God’s command by boarding a ship. But then, he was swallowed by a great fish (chapters 1–2).
After 3 days, he was vomited onto dry land, eventually fulfilling God’s mission for him to preach in Nineveh (chapter 3).
Now, in the Bible, he authored a book taken from his name, Jonah.
15) Micah
Micah was a prophet from Moresheth in Judah (Micah 1:1).
He delivered messages of judgment and hope during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. His prophecies included warnings against social injustice and idolatry, as well as promises of future restoration and the coming Messiah (chapters 1–3).
In the Bible, he wrote Micah, the book named after him.
16) Nahum
Nahum was a prophet who delivered a message of judgment against the city of Nineveh in Assyria (Nahum 1–2).
With this, he proclaimed its impending destruction and highlighted God’s sovereignty and justice (chapter 3).
In the Bible, he contributed a book named after him, Nahum.
17) Habakkuk
Habakkuk was a prophet who questioned God about the injustices and violence in Judah during his time (Habakkuk 1:1-4, 12-17).
In response, God revealed His plans for judgment against the wicked. Habakkuk then expressed his faith and trust in His sovereignty and goodness (chapters 1–2).
Now, the book he wrote in the Bible was taken after his name, Habakkuk.
18) Zephaniah
Zephaniah was a prophet who ministered during the reign of King Josiah of Judah (Zephaniah 1:1).
He delivered messages of judgment against the said nation for their idolatry and disobedience. He also proclaimed hope for the remnant people who would seek God. With this, he revealed His ultimate restoration and deliverance (chapters 1–3).
The book he authored in the Bible was Zephaniah, which was named after him.
19) Haggai
Haggai was a prophet who delivered messages to the returned exiles from Babylon, encouraging them to rebuild the temple of Jerusalem (Haggai 1:1).
His prophecies urged them to prioritize God’s house and promised blessings upon their obedience (verses 7-8).
He wrote the book of Haggai, which was taken after his name.
20) Zechariah
Zechariah was a prophet who ministered alongside Haggai during the rebuilding of the temple of Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity (Zechariah 1:1).
He received numerous visions and messages from God, providing hope and encouragement to the people and prophesying about the coming Messiah (chapters 1–9).
The book he authored in the Bible was Zechariah, which was obviously named after him.
21) Malachi
Malachi was a prophet who delivered messages to the post-exilic community in Judah (Malachi 1:1).
He rebuked the people for their unfaithfulness, challenged their corrupt practices, and called them to repentance. At the same time, he emphasized the coming of the messenger and the Messiah (chapters 1–4).
Malachi was the book he wrote.
New Testament authors
22) Matthew
Also known as Levi, Matthew was one of Jesus’ 12 disciples commissioned as apostles too (Matthew 10:2).
Before becoming His follower, he was a tax collector in Capernaum. As a follower then, he witnessed and participated in various significant events during His ministry (chapters 9–10).
He authored Matthew, one of the 4 Gospel books. This Gospel provides a detailed and comprehensive account of Jesus’ life and teachings.
23) Mark
Mark, also known as John Mark, was a close associate of the apostles Peter and Paul. (Acts 12, 15; Colossians 4:10).
He wrote the Gospel of Mark, which provides a concise and action-packed account of Jesus’ ministry.
24) Luke
Luke was a physician and a close companion of Apostle Paul on missionary trips (Colossians 4:14; 2 Timothy 4:11; Philemon 1:24).
He authored the Gospels of Luke and Acts, which provide a detailed and orderly account of Jesus’ life and the early Christian church.
25) John
John, the son of Zebedee, was one of Jesus’ 12 disciples (Matthew 4:21-22; Mark 1:19-20).
He was part of His inner circle, along with Peter and James. With this, he witnessed many of His significant moments, such as His transfiguration and prayer at the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 17:1; Mark 14:32).
He wrote the Gospel of John, which emphasizes Jesus’ divinity and His role as the Word made flesh. Additionally, he wrote 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, and Revelation.
26) Paul
Originally known as Saul of Tarsus, Paul was a Pharisee and a persecutor of early Christians (Acts 8:3, 9:1-2).
He experienced a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, where Jesus appeared to him. This encounter led to his transformation into a devoted follower of Christ and a prominent apostle to the Gentiles (9:3-9, 26:15-18).
The books he wrote in the Bible included Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.
27) Peter
Peter, also known as Simon or Simon Peter, was a fisherman from Bethsaida. Like Matthew and John, he was one of Jesus’ 12 disciples too (Matthew 4:18-19; Mark 1:16-17).
Referred to as the rock upon which Jesus would build His church, Peter became a prominent leader among the apostles (Matthew 16:18; Acts 1:15-26, 2:14).
His contributed books in the Bible were 1 Peter and 2 Peter.
28) James the Just
James the Just was considered one of Jesus’ siblings (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3).
He became a prominent leader in the early Christian community, playing a crucial role in the council at Jerusalem (Acts 15).
The book he wrote was James.
29) Jude (Judas)
Jude, also known as Judas (not Iscariot), was one of Jesus’ siblings like James the Just (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3).
He encouraged believers to stand firm in the truth and resist the influence of ungodly individuals who sought to distort Christ’s teachings (Jude 1:1-23).
The book he authored in the Bible was Jude.
30) Anonymous authors
These authors, who remain unknown, are those who possibly authored the books of Hebrews, Judges, Ruth, and portions of Psalms.
Let’s Dive Into Their Writing Process
Who inspired them?
Inspiring the human authors of the Bible was God Himself (Jeremiah 1:9; 1 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21).
He was the Mastermind of the Scriptures. The human agents were just interpreters of whatever He impressed upon them1.
How did they do it? Continue reading.
3 facts about how they wrote the Bible
1) God revealed to them His messages in different ways.
Most of the time, God would speak directly to the prophets and writers, putting His words in their mouths. This was what He did to Moses and Samuel (Exodus 3:4; 1 Samuel 3:4-10; Jeremiah 1:9; 2 Timothy 3:16).
Sometimes, He would also communicate with them through visions and dreams (Daniel 7:1-2; Acts 9:3-6).
In other instances, angels would even be sent as messengers to convey to them His messages (Revelation 1:1).
Now, to understand and communicate those messages in God’s wisdom, the Holy Spirit would act as their Guide (1 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:20-21).
Amazing, right?
2) They used pen, parchment, and papyrus.
The authors of the Bible used 3 materials in writing: pen, parchment, and papyrus.
Ancient pens used in writing the Bible were handmade. They were commonly made of reed stalks, iron, ivory, or bone (Job 19:24)2.
Apostles Paul and John were two of the authors who mentioned using a pen in writing (Galatians 6:11; 3 John 1:13).
Moving on, a parchment was a sheet made from animal skins, clay, or leather2.
Paul was one of the authors who used this writing material. A particular instance was during his imprisonment (2 Timothy 4:13; Philemon 1:19).
Finally, papyrus was also a paper-like material. But instead of animal skins, reeds formed its material (Job 8:11; Isaiah 19:7).
Moses, Paul, John, and Peter were some of the authors who most likely used this material.
How do we say so?
Well, it was common during their time (Exodus 17:14; Colossians 4:18; 1 Peter 5:12; 2 John 1:12)3.
3) They wrote based on their own language, perspective, style, and so on.
Each author of the Bible utilized his unique background, experiences, and literary style. He used his own language and interpreted God’s messages based on his cultural context and personal perspectives.
David, for instance, was a shepherd, warrior, and king expressing a wide range of emotions from praise and worship to lament and repentance. As such, his writings were mostly poetry and songs, as evident in Psalm 23 and 51.
Solomon, on the other hand, was known for his wisdom and wealth. As expected, his writings were tailored with practical guidance and moral teachings for daily living, as in Proverbs 1:1-7.
Moses drew from his experiences leading the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness, following God’s instructions. With this, his writings contained history and laws, as in Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 31:9.
Lastly, John was a close disciple of Jesus. As such, he wrote his Gospel emphasize the deity of Christ. At the same time, he showcased a deep understanding of His love and teachings, as in John 1:1-18 and 1 John 4:7-12.
6 Lessons We Can Learn From the Authors of the Bible
1) Surrender to God’s guidance.
The authors of the Bible showed humility, recognized their limitations, and kept themselves open to God’s leading (James 4:10).
They relied on the Holy Spirit’s inspiration, acknowledging that the words they spoke were from God (2 Peter 1:21).
Paul, for instance, yielded to God’s calling and acknowledged himself as an instrument to share His message. He also attributed his teachings to divine revelation, demonstrating complete surrender to His guidance (1 Corinthians 2:13; Galatians 1:15-16).
Like him, we too can embrace God’s guidance. We can become vessels of His divine message, serving His purpose with humility and trust.
By surrendering ourselves completely to Him, we allow His wisdom to flow through us, leading to spiritual growth and understanding4.
2) Trust and obey Him.
The authors of the Bible exemplified trust in God by having faith in His promises and obeying His commands (Isaiah 50:10; Hebrews 11:8).
Their obedience allowed them to align with His purposes, making themselves effective channels of His divine inspiration.
Moses, for example, faithfully recorded God’s commandments and laws as he wrote the first 5 books of the Bible (Genesis–Deuteronomy).
From this example, we learn to trust and obey God. Doing so, He can work through us and fulfill His divine plans in our lives (Jeremiah 29:11)5.
3) Study and research His Word diligently.
The authors of the Bible carefully listened to and studied the messages God wanted them to write. They also scrutinized historical records, helping them convey His messages clearly (2 Timothy 2:15).
Take, for example, Paul, who diligently studied and reflected on the Hebrew Scriptures apart from receiving direct revelations from God (Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 2:10-13).
This example inspires us to approach the Scriptures with diligence67. By doing so, we can uncover its richness, gain profound insights, and grow in divine wisdom, understanding, and faith (Proverbs 1:7).
4) Maintain fidelity and accuracy.
By carefully studying the obtained messages from God, the authors of the Bible guaranteed precise transmission of His messages (Proverbs 30:5).
With that, they were able to preserve the authenticity and sacredness of God’s Word for generations.
Luke, for instance, diligently researched and investigated the events surrounding Jesus’ life and ministry. And He compiled his books with a commitment to accuracy, aiming to provide an orderly account of the events he wrote about (Luke 1:1-4; Acts 1:1-3).
This example teaches us to approach the Scriptures with reverence, upholding its integrity to impact hearts and minds8.
Learning from those faithful authors, let us embrace the responsibility of preserving God’s Word and sharing its life-changing message with unwavering precision.
5) Utilize the Bible for teaching and edification.
The authors of the Bible encourage us to use its inspired writings for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and edifying others (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Peter, for example, quoted and referenced various Old Testament passages to strengthen the faith of early Christian believers (Isaiah 28:16; Psalm 118:22; 1 Peter 2:6-8).
Through this sacred book, we equip ourselves and impact the lives of others, guiding them to a deeper understanding of His will.
By applying the lessons we learn from these inspired agents of God’s Word, we can become channels of His grace, transforming lives through His divine inspiration.
6) God uses ordinary people.
As you saw from their background profiles earlier, the authors of the Bible were ordinary men—shepherds, fishermen, tax collectors, and whatnot. But God used them to write the most sacred book in history.
This reminds us that He can employ anyone for His divine work, regardless of his race, language, occupation, and so on (1 Corinthians 1:26-28)9.
How comforting to know! Does this resonate with you?
We Want to Hear From You
Did you find this article insightful and relevant? What have you learned?
Share your thoughts with us by commenting below.
To learn more about this topic, browse through this course: Season 1 Lesson 3: Who Wrote the Bible?
- Ellen White, The Great Controversy, 1888, c.4 [↩]
- Peter Colón, 2011, Israel My Glory, Ancient Writing Tools [↩] [↩]
- Josh McDowell Ministry, Materials Scribes Used to Write the Bible [↩]
- Ellen White, Christian Service, 253.1 [↩]
- Ellen White, Letters and Manuscripts, 1908, volume 23, paragraph 15 [↩]
- Ellen White, Christian Education, 118.2 [↩]
- Ellen White, Counsels for the Church, 171.3 [↩]
- Ellen White, Christian Service, 55.3 [↩]
- Ellen White, Testimonies for the Church, 128.2 [↩]
