Christians regard a particular collection of ancient writings as the authoritative word of God. That collection is the Bible. It comprises the Old Testament, shared in large part with Judaism, and the New Testament centered on the life and teachings of Jesus.

The books were written over many centuries by numerous authors in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Canon lists were settled through long processes of community recognition. Translations into thousands of languages have made the text globally accessible. Different branches of Christianity include slightly different sets of books.

Believers read the Bible for doctrine, moral guidance, and personal devotion. Scholars study it as literature, history, and a record of evolving religious thought. Its phrases and stories have shaped law, art, and language far beyond the churches. Public readings, private study, and preaching keep the text alive in daily practice.

• Sacred scripture of Christianity
• Includes Old and New Testaments
• Written over centuries in multiple languages
• Central to doctrine, worship, and personal faith