Genesis (Understanding the Books of the Bible)

The book of Genesis is one of the most influential writings in history, looked to for centuries to help answer first-order questions of the origin and meaning of human life. This study guide takes you through Genesis as a whole and then helps you understand each of its individual sections as God begins his work of restoring his once-good creation through the family of one man, Abraham. The 30-lesson format is ideally presented for group or individual studies and will evoke deep conversation about all the wonderful themes of Genesis. It will also bring personal growth and life change through a whole new level of understanding and engaging God's Word. The Understanding the Books of the Bible study series helps readers understand the biblical story by not only talking about what the authors wrote, but also how they wrote. Quite often, recognizing whether a passage is poetry, proverb, or history and discerning how the author built his book will unlock its meaning for today's reader.

Smith has a B.A. in literature from Harvard, a master's degree in theological studies from Gordon-Conwell, and a Ph.D. in historical theology and Bible from Boston College. He has taught visiting, adjunct and extension courses at Williams College, Regent College and the Ontario Bible College (now Tyndale University College). His articles have appeared in professional journals such as Novum Testamentum, New Testament Studies and the Journal for the Study of the Old Testament, in periodicals such as Bible Study Magazine, and on websites such as The High Calling of Our Daily Work.