YouVersion Logo
Search Icon

Genesis: A Guided Bible IntroductionSample

Genesis: A Guided Bible Introduction

DAY 1 OF 14

Beginnings: Introduction to Genesis

The word Genesis means “beginning,” and it is the first book in the Old Testament of the Bible. The original Hebrew even starts with the words “In the beginning.” It shows where everything came from and especially how God’s relationship with humanity began. Scholars today have several theories about the person or persons who wrote Genesis and also about when it was written. Some believe that it may have been compiled from ancient documents in the fifth or sixth century BC in Babylon. Others accept the traditional belief that Moses wrote Genesis—as well as Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy— about 1300 or 1400 years BC.

Genesis contains important information that helps Christians to understand the rest of the Bible, both the Old and New Testaments. It shows us how sin entered the world and humanity's need for a Savior. It also reveals God’s plan to save people. This plan can be seen from the first prophecy about Jesus (Genesis 3:15) and God’s promise to Abraham to bless all nations on the earth (Genesis 12:3).

Genesis Outline:

  • God created the world and Adam and Eve, as told in chapters 1 and 2.
  • Chapters 3 through 5 describe Adam and Eve, their sin, and their descendants.
  • Chapters 6 through 9 tell about Noah and the great flood.
  • Chapters 10 and 11 describe what happened between the time of Noah and the time of Abraham, including the tower of Babel.
  • Chapters 12 through 50 cover Abraham, his family, and the start of the nation of Israel.
    • Chapters 12 through 25 focus on the lives of Abraham and his wife, Sarah.
    • Chapters 21 through 28 focus on the lives of Isaac and his wife Rebekah; Isaac's death is described in chapter 35.
    • Chapters 25 through 50 describe the lives of Jacob, his sons, and their move from Canaan to Egypt.
    • Chapters 37 through 50 emphasize the life of Jacob’s favorite son, Joseph, and how he became a ruler in Egypt.

Day 1 – Beginnings

Today’s reading introduces God as Creator and reveals His design for the world and for humanity.

About this Plan

Genesis: A Guided Bible Introduction

Begin your journey through Genesis with clarity. On the first day, you will read a guided introduction alongside the opening chapters of Genesis. This provides essential background and shows how Genesis fits within the larger story of the Bible. You will encounter key themes such as creation, humanity’s need for a Savior, and God’s promise to bless all nations. These same Scriptures are still being translated today so communities around the world can encounter God’s Word in the language they understand best. If you want a clear starting point as you begin Genesis, this plan is for you.

More

We would like to thank The Word for the World Translators for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://www.twftw.org