Explore the 66 books of the Bible and their authors to find out who wrote each book in the Old Testament and New Testament.
In some cases, the authors of the Bible and their books are easily identifiable with a longstanding while others are not absolutely known. Additionally, some Bible books have multiple authors attributed to the Holy Scriptures because more than one person had a hand in writing the passages or Biblical scholars continue to question the true authorship of the work.
Below, you will find a complete list of Bible authorship for who is traditionally named for writing each book of the Bible with evidence supporting the attribution. The purpose is to give you historical context and an accurate understanding of who wrote the books of the Bible that share God’s Word.
Books of the Bible and Their Authors
Genesis Author: Moses
Bible Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: 1445-1405 B.C.
Genre: The Law
Moses is traditionally named as the author of the Book of Genesis (the first of five books that make up the Pentateuch in the Old Testament). However, nowhere in Genesis does it explicitly state Moses’ name. Confirmation of Mosaic authorship for Genesis comes from Biblical witness in the other books of the Pentateuch (Exodus 17:14, 24:4, 34:27; Numbers 33:1–2; Deuteronomy 31:9–11), verses in the Old Testament (Joshua 1:8, 8:31–32; 1 Kings 2:3; 2 Kings 14:6, 21:8; Ezra 6:18; Nehemiah 13:1; Daniel 9:11–13; Malachi 4:4) and scriptures in the New Testament (Matthew 19:8; John 5:45–47, 7:19; Acts 3:22; Romans 10:5; Mark 12:26).
Exodus Author: Moses
Bible Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: 1445-1405 B.C.
Genre: The Law
Moses is traditionally named as the author of the Book of Exodus. Exodus records the story of God appointing Moses as the leader of the Israelites to rescue his chosen people from slavery in Egypt so they could travel to the Promised Land. Moses is first identified in Exodus 2:10 as a child who became the son of Pharoah’s daughter. His name then appears throughout the rest of the book. The Book of Exodus is the second book of the Pentateuch.
Leviticus Author: Moses
Bible Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: 1445-1405 B.C.
Genre: The Law
Moses is identified as the author of the Book of Leviticus in the first verse: “The LORD called to Moses, and spoke to him from the Tent of Meeting” (Leviticus 1:1). His name is then repeated throughout the entire book of the Bible. Moses compiled the Book of Leviticus based on the Lord’s instructions to him on Mount Sinai. The Book of Leviticus is the third book of the Pentateuch.
Numbers Author: Moses
Bible Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: 1445-1405 B.C.
Genre: The Law
Moses is named as the author of the Book of Numbers in the first verse: “The LORD† spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai” (Numbers 1:1). His name is then repeated throughout the entire book. Numbers is the culmination of the story of Israel’s exodus from oppression in Egypt and their journey wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. The Book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Pentateuch.
Deuteronomy Author: Moses
Bible Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: 1445-1405 B.C.
Genre: The Law
Moses is traditionally named as the author of the Book of Deuteronomy except for the last eight verses (Deuteronomy 34:5–12) which describe his death. Moses is identified in the first verse: “These are the words which Moses spoke to all Israel beyond the Jordan in the wilderness” (Deuteronomy 1:1). After Moses died, the leadership of Israel fell to Joshua (Deuteronomy 31:7, 14; Numbers 27:18, 23). Therefore, it is likely that Joshua wrote the account of Moses’ death as his successor. The Book of Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Pentateuch.
Joshua Author: Joshua
Bible Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: 1405-1385 B.C.
Genre: Historical Narrative
Joshua is traditionally named as the author of the Book of Joshua in the Bible. However, authorship is not explicitly stated within the scriptures. The Early Church ascribed the entirety of this book to Joshua except for his death report (Joshua 24:29–33). One thing that is certain is that Joshua wrote the laws on which the covenant renewal was based (Joshua 24:26).
Judges Author: Samuel
Bible Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: 1045-1000 B.C.
Genre: Historical Narrative
The Prophet Samuel is traditionally named as the author of the Book of Judges even though there is no assertion of authorship within the passages. Internal evidence in the first sixteen chapters and the appendix of this book indicates the author lived shortly after the period of the Judges and Samuel fits this qualification. A counterargument to Samuel’s authorship is that he died shortly after anointing his first king which contradicts a statement that occurs four times in the Book of Judges: “In those days Israel had no king” (Judges 17:6, 18:1, 19:1, 21:25). Therefore, the true author is still update for debate.
Ruth Author: Samuel
Bible Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: 1030-930 B.C.
Genre: Historical Narrative
The Prophet Samuel is traditionally named as the author of the Book of Ruth. However, there is no mention of his name. Some scholars believe that this book of the Bible was originally part of the Book of Judges, but was later separated to be independent. There are several details in the scriptures that question Samuel’s authorship. The genealogy of King David that closes the book (Ruth 4:18–22) suggests an author during his reign, but Samuel died before David ascended the throne. Other attributions of authorship for the Book of Ruth include Nathan (a court prophet in the time of King David), an anonymous woman, or an anonymous man who took women’s issues seriously.
1 Samuel Authors: Samuel, Gad, and Nathan
Bible Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: 930-722 B.C.
Genre: Historical Narrative
The authors of this book of the Bible are traditionally attributed to the Prophets Samuel, Gad, and Nathan. According to Jewish tradition, the Book of 1 Samuel was written by the Prophet Samuel until his death, at which point the prophets Gad and Nathan continued writing the story.
2 Samuel Authors: Samuel, Gad, and Nathan
Bible Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: 930-722 B.C.
Genre: Historical Narrative
Originally, the Books of 1 and 2 Samuel were a single book. The translators of the Septuagint separated them. Therefore, these books of the Bible and their authors have the same attribution: the Prophets Samuel, Gad, and Nathan.
1 Kings Author: Jeremiah
Bible Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: 560-538 B.C.
Genre: Historical Narrative
The Prophet Jeremiah is traditionally named as the author of the Book of 1 Kings because he would have been alive during the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BCE. However, authorship is not definitive and some commentators have suggested that both books could have been written by Ezra (a scribe and priest) or the Prophet Ezekiel.
2 Kings Author: Jeremiah
Bible Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: 560-538 B.C.
Genre: Historical Narrative
Originally, the Books of 1 and 2 Kings were a single book. The translators of the Septuagint separated them. Therefore, this book of the Bible has the same attributed author: Jeremiah, with the possibility of Ezra or the Prophet Ezekiel as mentioned previously.
1 Chronicles Author: Ezra
Bible Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: 450-425 B.C.
Genre: Historical Narrative
Ezra (a scribe and priest) is traditionally named as the author of the Book of 1 Chronicles and 2 Chronicles. However, the “Chronicler” is technically anonymous because there is no documented name of the author in the scriptures. Supporting evidence affirming Ezra’s authorship of this book of the Bible are the concluding verses of 2 Chronicles 36:22–23 and the beginning verses of Ezra 1:1–3, which are practically identical.
2 Chronicles Author: Ezra
Bible Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: 450-425 B.C.
Genre: Historical Narrative
Originally, the Books of 1 and 2 Chronicles were a single book. The translators of the Septuagint separated them. Therefore, this book of the Bible has the same ascribed author: Ezra.
Ezra Author: Ezra
Bible Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: 440-300 B.C.
Genre: Historical Narrative
Ezra is traditionally named as the author of the Book of Ezra even though the author is not specifically stated in the scriptures. Some scholars believe that the same author who wrote the Book of Ezra also authored Nehemiah and 1–2 Chronicles. Originally, Ezra and Nehemiah were counted as one book of the Bible but were divided into two when these books were translated into Greek. It is generally accepted by scholars that the Ezra–Nehemiah book forms a unified work separate from Chronicles.
Nehemiah Author: Nehemiah
Bible Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: 445-400 B.C.
Genre: Historical Narrative
Nehemiah is traditionally named as the author of the Book of Nehemiah even though the author is not definitively stated. Nehemiah served as the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes. Some scholars believe that Ezra may have written the Book of Nehemiah because Ezra–Nehemiah was originally a unified work.
Esther Author: Mordecai
Bible Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: 450-330 B.C.
Genre: Historical Narrative
Mordecai is traditionally named as the author of the Book of Esther. Mordecai was the cousin and guardian of Esther, who became the Queen of Persia, which this Bible book tells the story. However, the Book of Esther does not specifically name its author. It is evident from the details in the record that the writer was familiar with Persian court life. Some scholars believe that Ezra or Nehemiah could have been the authors because they would have been familiar with Persian customs. As a result, the true authorship of the Book of Esther is unknown but Mordecai gets the most credit for writing it.
Job Author: Unknown
Biblical Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: Unknown (possibly 1440-950 B.C.)
Genre: Wisdom Literature
The Book of Job does not specifically name its author and even the approximate date for the writing is uncertain. The most likely candidates for the authorship of this book of the Bible are Job (the central figure in the book), Elihu (one of Job’s friends), Moses, and Solomon.
Psalms Authors: David, Asaph, Solomon, Heman, Ethan, Moses, and the Sons of Korah
Bible Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: 1500-450 B.C.
Genre: Poetry
The Book of Psalms has multiple authors. Seventy-three of its chapters are attributed to David, two to Solomon (Psalms 72, 127), one each to the Heman and Ethan (Psalms 88, 89), one to Moses (Psalms 90), and twenty-three to Asaph (Psalms 50, 73–83) and the Sons of Korah (Psalms 42-49, 84-85, 87-88). The other forty-nine Psalms are anonymous.
Proverbs Authors: Solomon, Agur, and Lemuel
Bible Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: 970-680 B.C.
Genre: Wisdom Literature
The Book of Proverbs has three authors. Solomon is credited for Proverbs 1-29, Agur for Proverbs 30, and Lemuel for Proverbs 31.
Ecclesiastes Author: Solomon
Bible Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: 940-930B.C.
Genre: Wisdom Literature
Solomon is traditionally ascribed to the Book of Ecclesiastes because the superscription introduces the text as “The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem” (Ecclesiastes 1:1) and a later verse states, “I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem” (Ecclesiastes 1:12). On the contrary, there are many passages that do not fit Solomon’s character (Ecclesiastes 1:16, 9:14–16, 10:16–17) or the time period of his reign (Ecclesiastes 4:14, 5:8). However, no other candidate for this book of the Bible is better suited to serve as the author than Solomon the tradition is still being held.
Song of Songs (Song of Solomon) Author: Solomon
Bible Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: 970-930 B.C.
Genre: Poetry
The author of this book of the Bible is clearly stated in the introduction: “The Song of songs, which is Solomon’s” (Song of Songs 1:1). Solomon’s name is also mentioned as the major character repeatedly (Song of Songs 1:5; 3:7, 9, 11; 8:11, 12). Additionally, there are scriptural references in the book that indicate Solomon was the author such as Songs 1:4 and 1:9. The Song of Songs is also called the Canticle of Canticles or the Song of Solomon.
Isaiah Author: Isaiah
Bible Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: 700-680 B.C.
Genre: Prophecy
The Prophet Isaiah is identified as the author of the Book of Isaiah in the first verse: “The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah” (Isaiah 1:1). However, the agreement among scholars is that Isaiah wrote only the first 39 chapters and an unnamed author wrote the last 27 seven chapters of because the literary styles are distinctly different.
Jeremiah Author: Jeremiah
Bible Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: 627-586 B.C.
Genre: Prophecy
The Prophet Jeremiah is identified as the author of the Book of Jeremiah in the first verse: “The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, one of the priests who were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin” (Jeremiah 1:1). Scholars believe that Jeremiah wrote this book of the Bible with the assistance of his scribe and disciple, Baruch ben Neriah.
Lamentations Author: Jeremiah
Bible Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: 586-575 B.C.
Genre: Prophecy
The Prophet Jeremiah is traditionally named as the author of the Book of Lamentations although it does not specifically state his name anywhere in the text. Two factors that favor Jeremiah’s authorship include a similar tone of writing with the Book of Jeremiah and shared perspectives as to the cause of the fall of Jerusalem. It is assumed that the final form of the Book of Lamentations was put together with the help of Baruch ben Neriah, Jeremiah’s scribe and disciple.
Ezekiel Author: Ezekiel
Bible Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: 593-565 B.C.
Genre: Prophecy
The Prophet Ezekiel is named as the author of the Book of Ezekiel in two verses. The first verse reads, “the LORD’s word came to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the LORD’s hand was there on him (Ezekiel 1:3). The second verse reads, “Thus Ezekiel will be a sign to you; according to all that he has done, you will do. When this comes, then you will know that I am the Lord GOD” (Ezekiel 24:24).
Daniel Author: Daniel
Bible Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: 536-530 B.C.
Genre: Prophecy
Daniel is identified as the author of the Book of Daniel in chapter 8: “When I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, I sought to understand it” (Daniel 8:15).
Hosea Author: Hosea
Bible Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: 750-710 B.C.
Genre: Prophecy
The Prophet Hosea is named as the author of the Book of Hosea in the first verse: “The LORD’s word that came to Hosea the son of Beeri” (Hosea 1:1).
Joel Author: Joel
Bible Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: 835-800 B.C.
Genre: Prophecy
The Prophet Joel is named as the author of the Book of Joel in the first verse: “The LORD’s word that came to Joel, the son of Pethuel” (Joel 1:1).
Amos Author: Amos
Bible Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: 760-750 B.C.
Genre: Prophecy
The Prophet Amos is named as the author of the Book of Amos in the first verse: “The words of Amos, who was amongst the herdsmen of Tekoa” (Amos 1:1).
Obadiah Author: Obadiah
Bible Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: 850-840 B.C.
Genre: Prophecy
The Prophet Obadiah is named as the author of the Book of Obadiah in the first verse: “The vision of Obadiah” (Obadiah 1:1).
Jonah Author: Jonah
Bible Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: 785-750 B.C.
Genre: Prophecy
The Prophet Jonah is traditionally named as the author of the Book of Jonah in the Bible because the first verse reads: “Now the LORD’s word came to Jonah the son of Amittai (Jonah 1:1). However, the authorship is in dispute. Some scholars argue that the Book of Jonah is a work of fiction that was written after Jonah’s time; not a record of his own experiences with God and Nineveh.
Micah Author: Micah
Bible Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: 735-700 B.C.
Genre: Prophecy
The Prophet Micah is identified as the author of the Book of Micah in the first verse: “The LORD’s word that came to Micah of Morasheth in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, which he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem” (Micah 1:1).
Nahum Author: Nahum
Bible Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: 663-612 B.C.
Genre: Prophecy
The Prophet Nahum is named as the author of the Book of Nahum in the first verse: “A revelation about Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite” (Nahum 1:1).
Habakkuk Author: Habakkuk
Bible Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: 615-605 B.C.
Genre: Prophecy
The Prophet Habakkuk is identified as the author of the Book of Habakkuk in the first verse: “The revelation which Habakkuk the prophet saw” (Habakkuk 1:1).
Zephaniah Author: Zephaniah
Bible Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: 640-620 B.C.
Genre: Prophecy
The Prophet Zephaniah is named as the author of the Book of Zephaniah in the first verse: “The LORD’s word which came to Zephaniah” (Zephaniah 1:1).
Haggai Author: Haggai
Bible Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: 520 B.C.
Genre: Prophecy
The Prophet Haggai is identified as the author of the Book of Haggai in the first verse: “In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, the LORD’s word came by Haggai the prophet” (Haggai 1:1).
Zechariah Author: Zechariah
Bible Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: 520-470 B.C.
Genre: Prophecy
The Prophet Zechariah is named as the author of the Book of Zechariah in the first verse: “In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, the LORD’s word came to the prophet Zechariah the son of Berechiah” (Zechariah 1:1).
Malachi Author: Malachi
Bible Section: Old Testament
Approximate Year Written: 440-400 B.C.
Genre: Prophecy
Malachi is traditionally named as the author of the Book of Malachi in the Bible because the title reads: “A revelation, the LORD’s word to Israel by Malachi” (Malachi 1:1). However, Malachi is the Hebrew expression meaning “my messenger”. Some scholars suggest that it could be a play on words for the author’s name or that Malachi could be interpreted as the title; not the prophet’s proper name.
Matthew Author: Apostle Matthew
Bible Section: New Testament
Approximate Year Written: 50-65 A.D.
Genre: Gospel
The Apostle Matthew is traditionally named as the author of the Book of Matthew, which is the first book and Gospel of the New Testament of the Bible. However, this book of the Bible is anonymous because nowhere in the Gospel does it say exactly who wrote it. Several clues in scripture aid in identifying the Apostle Matthew as the author such as Matthew 9:9 and 10:3 where he is referred to as a tax collector, which is a key identifier for him among the twelve apostles of Jesus.
Mark Author: John Mark
Bible Section: New Testament
Approximate Year Written: 55-65 A.D.
Genre: Gospel
Mark is traditionally named as the author of the Book of Mark. He also goes by the name John Mark which is a combination of his Hebrew given name and the Greek name that he used among the Gentiles. Although this Gospel book is anonymous (the author never identifies himself directly) the Early Church ascribed this Gospel to Mark the Evangelist, who was not an apostle himself but a disciple of the Apostle Peter. Mark is given credit for recording and arranging the memories of Peter in this book based on apostolic witness.
Luke Author: Luke
Bible Section: New Testament
Approximate Year Written: 58-65 A.D.
Genre: Gospel
Luke is traditionally identified as the author of the Book of Luke even though the author never mentions himself by name in this Gospel. Luke’s authorship has been strong since the Early Church without much questioning because internal and external evidence supports it. It is also believed that both the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts were originally a single work. The author was clearly the “beloved physician” and traveling companion of the Apostle Paul. (See notes for the Book of Acts below for more details.) Luke wrote this Gospel by collecting eyewitness testimony of the followers of Jesus (Luke 1:2).
John Author: John
Bible Section: New Testament
Approximate Year Written: 80-95 A.D.
Genre: Gospel
The Apostle John is traditionally named as the author of the Book of John. Although this Gospel book of the Bible has an anonymous author, the evidence is clear that John the son of Zebedee, who was one of Jesus’ original twelve apostles, was the person who wrote it. The author describes himself with a title that was well known: “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23, 19:26, 21:7).
Acts Author: Luke
Bible Section: New Testament
Approximate Year Written: 61-64 A.D.
Genre: Historical Narrative
Luke is traditionally named as the author of the Book of Acts. Although the author makes no mention of himself by name, it is clearly the work of the “beloved physician” who wrote the Gospel of Luke. Many scholars believe that Luke-Acts was a single work that was divided into two separate books of the Bible due to the length limitations of the scrolls (around 30 feet). Both books begin with a greeting to a man named Theophilus (Luke 1:3, Acts 1:1). The end of Luke overlaps with the beginning of Acts which expands on the previously mentioned events. And, the author’s writing style and attention to specific themes remain constant throughout the Book of Acts and the Book of Luke.
Romans Author: Paul
Bible Section: New Testament
Approximate Year Written: 56-58
Genre: Epistle
The Apostle Paul is identified as the author of the Book of Romans in the first verse: “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the Good News of God” (Romans 1:1).
1 Corinthians Author: Paul
Bible Section: New Testament
Approximate Year Written: 55 A.D.
Genre: Epistle
The Apostle Paul is identified as the author of the Book of 1 Corinthians in the first verse: “Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes” (1 Corinthians 1:1). Sosthenes is likely acting as Paul’s secretary for writing down his words to the Corinthian Church.
2 Corinthians Author: Paul
Bible Section: New Testament
Approximate Year Written: 55-56 A.D.
Genre: Epistle
The Apostle Paul is identified as the author of the Book of 2 Corinthians in the first verse: “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother” (2 Corinthians 1:1). Paul is the primary author of this Epistle, but there is debate on whether Timothy, Paul’s disciple, was a co-author or just a co-sender.
Galatians Author: Paul
Bible Section: New Testament
Approximate Year Written: 49-50 A.D.
Genre: Epistle
The Apostle Paul is identified as the author of the Book of Galatians in the first verse: “Paul, an apostle—not from men, nor through man, but through Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead” (Galatians 1:1).
Ephesians Author: Paul
Bible Section: New Testament
Approximate Year Written: 60-62 A.D.
Genre: Epistle
The Apostle Paul is identified as the author of the Book of Ephesians in the first verse: “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God” (Ephesians 1:1).
Philippians Author: Paul
Bible Section: New Testament
Approximate Year Written: 60-62 A.D.
Genre: Epistle
The Apostle Paul is identified as the author of the Book of Philippians in the first verse: “Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:1). Paul is the primary author of this Epistle, but there is debate on whether Timothy, Paul’s disciple, was a co-author or just a co-sender.
Colossians Author: Paul
Bible Section: New Testament
Approximate Year Written: 60-62 A.D.
Genre: Epistle
The Apostle Paul is identified as the author of the Book of Colossians in the first verse: “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother” (Colossians 1:1). Paul is the primary author of this Epistle, but there is debate on whether Timothy, Paul’s disciple, was a co-author or just a co-sender.
1 Thessalonians Authors: Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy
Bible Section: New Testament
Approximate Year Written: 49-51 A.D.
Genre: Epistle
The Apostle Paul, his companion Silvanus, and his disciple Timothy are identified as the co-authors of the Book of 1 Thessalonians in the first verse: “Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the assembly of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 1:1).
2 Thessalonians Authors: Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy
Bible Section: New Testament
Approximate Year Written: 49-51 A.D.
Genre: Epistle
The Apostle Paul, his companion Silvanus, and his disciple Timothy are identified as the co-authors of the Book of 2 Thessalonians in the first verse: “Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the assembly of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 1:1).
1 Timothy Author: Paul
Bible Section: New Testament
Approximate Year Written: 62-66 A.D.
Genre: Epistle
The Apostle Paul is identified as the author of the Book of 1 Timothy in the first verse: “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ according to the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ our hope” (1 Timothy 1:1).
2 Timothy Author: Paul
Bible Section: New Testament
Approximate Year Written: 66-67 A.D.
Genre: Epistle
The Apostle Paul is identified as the author of the Book of 2 Timothy in the first verse: “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, according to the promise of the life which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:1).
Titus Author: Paul
Bible Section: New Testament
Titus 64-65 A.D.
Genre: Epistle
The Apostle Paul is identified as the author of the Book of Titus in the first verse: “Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ” (Titus 1:1).
Philemon Author: Paul
Bible Section: New Testament
Approximate Year Written: 57-62 A.D.
Genre: Epistle
The Apostle Paul is identified as the author of the Book of Philemon in the first verse: “Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother” (Philemon 1:1). Paul is the primary author of this Epistle, but there is debate on whether Timothy, Paul’s disciple, was a co-author or just a co-sender. The Epistle was written while Paul was a prisoner in Rome. Some scholars believe the two men were in prison together while others hypothesize that Timothy was able to visit and meet with Paul during his imprisonment.
Hebrews Author: Unknown
Bible Section: New Testament
Possibly Paul
Approximate Year Written: 61-69 A.D.
Genre: Epistle
The author of the Book of Hebrews is unknown. Suggested authors have included Paul, Luke, Barnabas, Priscilla, Silas, Apollos, and others.
James Author: James
Bible Section: New Testament
Approximate Year Written: 44-49 A.D.
Genre: Epistle
The Apostle James is identified as the author of the Book of James in the first verse: “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (James 1:1). James was the half-brother of Jesus and not one of the original twelve apostles. Also known as “James the Just” or “James Adelphos” to avoid confusion with the original apostle of Jesus named James.
1 Peter Author: Peter
Bible Section: New Testament
Approximate Year Written: 60-65 A.D.
Genre: Epistle
The Apostle Peter is identified as the author of the Book of 1 Peter in the first verse: “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:1). Peter was one of the original twelve apostles of Jesus.
2 Peter Author: Peter
Bible Section: New Testament
Approximate Year Written: 65-68 A.D.
Genre: Epistle
The Apostle Peter is identified as the author of the Book of 2 Peter in the first verse: “Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:1).
1 John Author: John
Bible Section: New Testament
Approximate Year Written: 85-95 A.D.
Genre: Epistle
The Apostle John is traditionally named as the author of the Book of 1 John and the other two Epistles (2 John and 3 John). The author of the first letter is not identified but the writer of the second and third calls himself the Presbyter or Elder (2 John 1:1, 3 John 1:1) depending on the Bible translation, which could indicate that the Apostle John wrote these letters. Although authorship is concrete, most scholars agree that the three Epistles were written by the same author.
2 John Author: John
Bible Section: New Testament
Approximate Year Written: 85-95 A.D.
Genre: Epistle
See author notes for 1 John for the Book of 2 John.
3 John Author: John
Bible Section: New Testament
Approximate Year Written: 85-95 A.D.
Genre: Epistle
See author notes for 1 John for the Book of 3 John.
Jude Author: Jude (Half-brother of Jesus)
Bible Section: New Testament
Approximate Year Written: 60-80 A.D.
Genre: Epistle
Jude is identified as the author of the Book of Jude in the first verse: “Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James” (Jude 1:1). Traditionally, the author has been understood to be a half-brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3) and the leader of the first Jerusalem Church.
Revelation Author: John
Bible Section: New Testament
Approximate Year Written: 94-96 A.D.
Genre: Apocalyptic Literature
The Apostle John is identified as the author of the Book of Revelation in the first verse: “This is the Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things which must happen soon, which he sent and made known by his angel to his servant, John” (Revelation 1:1). John is also mentioned by name in three other passages: Revelation 1:4, 9; and 22:8. Although the author does not identify himself as an apostle in the scriptures, scholars believe that it is unlikely that any other first-century Christian leader was associated enough with the churches of Asia Minor to have referred to himself as John alone.
References for the Authors of the Bibles and Their Books
The information about the authors of the 66 books of the Bible was cross-checked for accuracy by the following Bible dictionaries:
- Easton’s Bible Dictionary
- Fausset’s Bible Dictionary
- Holman Bible Dictionary
- New International Bible Dictionary
- New Unger’s Bible Dictionary
- Smith’s Bible Dictionary
Summary
We hope you enjoyed this list of the 66 books of the Bible and their authors.
As you discovered, there are many books with easily identifiable Bible authorship; however, some books still have some historical mystery around them in both the Old and New Testaments. With that said, it is important to keep in mind that every book in the Bible has dual authorship, which means that both God and Man were writing the bible at the same time regardless of who the human authors of the Bible and their books were. All scripture is inspired by a divine author (the Lord) through the Holy Spirit. It is all the Word of God, whoever its human authors might be for each Bible book.
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