How many chapters are in the Bible (both Old and New Testament)?
What is the best yearly reading guide, and where is it available?

Sincerely,
Ready To Read

Dear Ready To Read,

There are 66 books in the Bible.  39 are in the Old Testament, and 27 are in the New Testament.  There really isn’t a “best” guide for reading the Bible in a year.  The best plan is the plan that you will stick to!
There are numerous schedules that will take you through both the Old and New Testament in a year.  Probably the easiest way to do this is to go and buy a “daily Bible” that breaks the Bible into 365 chunks.  Here is a link to an example.  There are other books, such as Halley’s Bible Handbook, that work well to help reference things if you get confused… or you could always write in to us!  We also have classes available for download on every book of the Bible at http://sermons.mvchurchofchrist.org.  Overall, our advice would be to simply start reading your Bible on a regular basis with a plan that you are likely to continue with.  There is nothing more wholesome or fulfilling than simply reading the text God wrote (1 Tim 4:13).

     Where did John the Baptist get his instruction to baptize?  Is there a verse?

Sincerely,
On Whose Authority?

Dear On Whose Authority,

Mk 1:1-4 says that John was a prophet sent by God to preach and prepare the way for Jesus.  Mk 1:2 quotes from Isaiah and specifically says that John was God’s messenger.

By the time we get down to Mk 1:4 (which mentions John baptizing people), the context makes it clear that John was sent by God, and his baptism was from God, too.

     How many times is the word ‘love’ used in the Bible?

Sincerely,
I Heart Words

Dear I Heart Words,

The Greek language (the language of the New Testament) has several words that fit the English description of ‘love’:

1. ‘Philos’ is the word for friendly love, companionship, and loyalty.  This is the type of love shared between friends, comrades, and family. The verb ‘Philos’ is used 25 times in the New Testament.
2. ‘Eros’ is the word for passion and romantic love.  This is the type of love that is used to describe sensual attraction or longing. This word is never used in the New Testament.
3. ‘Agape’ is the word used for honored love.  This type of love is sacrificial and places the person or object in a position of honor.  Agape love does what is in the best interest of the other person.  ‘Agape’ is used 142 times in the New Testament.
4. ‘Storge’ is used of family love.  The love between brothers, sisters, parents, children, and close relatives.  This word is used once in the New Testament.

A note to our readers: we've received a lot of requests for video tutorials addressing common questions.  Here is one explaining the differences between the Old Testament and the New Testament.  Happy studying!

- The AYP Team