Why was the bible written?

[stevekehl]

Do you mean compiled? The various books were written for various reasons…like Paul’s epistles were written because of issues/problems with the churches he established.

This should contain what you are looking for…catholicapologetics.info/apologetics/protestantism/wbible.htm

Why is it every time I hit one of your links it leads to a 10,000 word document? Are there any Cliff’s notes to that site?
But seriously, you are right. Books of the OT are Law, history, prophecy, praises, etc… and the NT are letters addressing theological questions (aside from the Gospels). So individual books had their individual purpose, but also work together in a coherent message of God’s mercy, forgiveness, compassion and love for His creation. I think the Bible was compiled because God knew oral history could only go so far before it became inaccurate. Compilations were being made before the “official” version, there are complete sets of the NT (the 27 books) dated to about 250 AD.Other, less extensive collections (just the 4 Gospels or just Paul’s letters) date even earlier. So all the things the OP mentioned are what God intended, the Bible is to be used in worship, instruction, introspection, correction, personal growth, building of faith, apologetics, interpersonal relationships, and the strengthening of our relationship with God.

 

[Augustine3]

I’m not sure I would have worded it that way.

The Mass was said before the Bible was compiled as we know it today. Actually one can say the Mass was a continuation of the old sacrifice as performed by the high priests (Melchizadech et al), so whatever Hebrew books were available at that time served as the basis for the “Mass.”

I heard from various talks that because Christianity had strong ties with Judaism and it was not a sudden break off from Jewish practices, the Church therefore adopted many forms of Jewish practices. The Jews used to read the scripture as part of their liturgy on the Sabbath hence the gospel was written primarily for the same purpose in the development of the Christian liturgy.

God bless,