The Bible’s Table of Contents: The Books of the Bible in Order [With Apocrypha]

Although, like Reese’s, there’s no wrong way to read the Bible, by far the two most common ways to read the books of the Bible in order are thematically and chronologically. 

• Thematic (or canonical) order is the most straightforward: this is how most Bibles are organized. However, the order differs slightly between traditions, especially when you add in the Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical books included in Catholic and Orthodox Bibles. 
• Chronological (or timeline) order is much more complicated. Many of the books have overlapping timelines, and they don’t always specify when they were written or compiled. But it is possible to create a rough chronology.

In order to help you make sense of these variations and give you a few straightforward reading options, we’ve compiled two complete lists of the books of the Bible for your reference, along with some clarifying notes.  

Bible News

The latest Bible-related and Bible-adjacent news

June 30 — Pastors resigning, bishops presiding, churches trading land, and one selling it in heaven: catch up on all of last month’s biggest and strangest Bible and church news stories.

July 1 — Ghanian-British pastor and author Johnson Ambrose Afrane-Twum spoke with Christianity Today about the rising issue of “reverse mission.” African Christians are bringing the gospel “back” in the UK, where faith has been in steep decline — and meeting resistance when they do. (Christianity Today)

July 2 — Ever wonder why the Bible is called “the Bible”? It all goes back to a Phoenician port now called Jubayl in modern-day Lebanon — seriously. (Christian Today)

Access an additional $3,100 worth of resources and go even deeper in your Bible study. Try it free for 14 days

Jesus Bible Devotional 1: The Bible in Six Acts

Get a big-picture view of the full story of God, and how it all fits together in one person — Jesus — in this first of seven devotionals based on The Jesus Bible.

What the Bible Says About Your Identity in Christ

Bestselling author Hosanna Wong explores nine key identity Scriptures to help you better understand who you really are in Christ.

Look at the Book: Judges

Must-Have Resources

100 Bible Verses That Made America

Bestselling author Robert Morgan explores 100 Bible verses that powerfully impacted our leaders during defining moments in American history and reflects upon what these verses mean for us as a nation today.

$12.59 40% OFF

Experiencing the Heart of Jesus for 52 Weeks Revised and Updated: A Year-Long Bible Study

Although Jesus is familiar, and we know the  details of his life, could we consider him a companion or dear friend? Do his mannerisms and habits rub off on us because we spend so much time with him? Experiencing the Heart of Jesus for 52 Weeks is about walking with Jesus so closely that we become like him, that we imitate him.

$12.99 35% OFF

More Ways to Engage

Devotionals and Reading Plans

Sign up to get daily inspiration, biblical themes, and guided studies that allow you to engage with Scripture in a meaningful and practical way.

Bible Gateway App

Connect with God's Word anytime, anywhere.

Bible Audio App

Listen to God's word in your favorite narration. Enjoy features such as setting a timer, adjusting the speed, or repeating verses to better absorb the Word of God. 

FREE Online Bible Study

Join us as we study 6 overlooked characters in the Bible and discover the hidden lessons they share… and learn to let go of the pressures to be recognized or be seen! Starts July 22nd.