1. The Bible A Work of Art

2. Bible Statistics Over 20 million Bibles are sold each year in the U.S. in addition to tens of millions that are distributed free. In 1956, that number was about 8 million. The American Bible Society distributed 60.2 million Bibles in the U.S. in 2005. The International Bible sold 8.5 million Bibles in 2002.

3. The American Bible Society, since their inception in 1816, has distributed over 7 billion Bibles worldwide in conjunction with the United Bible Societies. The United Bible Societies distributed more than 578 million scriptures worldwide in 2002 (including Bibles and portions of Bibles).

4. Bible Statistics In 2005 the Gideons International distributed 59,460,000 Bibles worldwide. (This is an average of over one million Bibles every week, or about 113 a minute). The Gideons have placed 1,880,480,000 Bibles since they began in 1899.

5. Bible Statistics In the last 40 years, eight new Bible versions published in English have sold well over 100 million copies. (These versions include: Good News Bible, New English Bible, Living Bible, New International Version, etc.) Most books are available in only 2 editions, hardcover and paperback. In contrast, just one Bible publisher, Zondervan, has 350 editions of the Bible in print.

6. About 92% of Americans own at least 1, and the average household has 3. Research sponsored by the Christian Booksellers Association and Zondervan Publishers advises that the average Bible consumer owns nine Bibles, and that he or she is looking for more.

7. Bible Statistics The Bible would easily blow away any other best seller on the national book list and that is why it is routinely excluded from these lists. In a recent survey, 2/3 of those surveyed said the Bible holds the answers to the questions of life. In the same survey only 1/2 of those surveyed read their Bibles at least once a month.

8. At the start of the 19th century, Bible translations were available in over 2,300 languages, with another 21 languages added in 2005. The 10,000 copies of the 1st edition of the Bible in Mongolian sold out on the first day.

9. Bible Facts The system of the Bible being divided into chapters was introduced in 1238 a.d., while the verse notations were added in 1551. The Bible can be read aloud in 70 hours.

10. Bible Facts 1,260 promises given in the Bible 6,468 commands Over 8,000 predictions The word God appears 3,358 times The word Lord appears 7,736 times There are 66 books authored by 40 different men inspired by God

11. Bible Facts There are 1,189 chapters The middle chapter is Psalms 117 and it is also the shortest. Psalms 117 v.1 O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. v.2 For his merciful kindness is great toward us; and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Praise ye the Lord.

12. The shortest chapter is Psalms 117 The longest chapter is Psalms 119 The middle verse 118:8, seems also to be the theme. Psalms 118:8 It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.

13. Bible Facts The longest verse contains 90 words, Esther 8:9. The shortest verse contains 2 words, John 11:35. The longest word in the bible is found in Isaiah 8:1 (Mahershalalhashbaz) with 18 letters. Ezra 7:21 has every letter except J

14. 2 Kings 19 / Isaiah 37 2 Kings 19Isaiah 37 And it came to pass, when king Hezekiah heard it, that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the Lord. An he sent Eliakim which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz.

15. 2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 1 Corinthians 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. Psalms 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick an powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and the joints an marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart Psalms 19:7 The law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul.

16. Things to Consider The Bible has 66 books Isaiah has 66 chapters Matthew (40th book) 3:3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight Isaiah (40 chapter) 40:3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God Revelation (Last book) 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away: and there was no more sea. Isaiah 66 (Last Chapter) 66:22 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your remain.

17. Things to Consider Exodus 32:28 3,000 Jews were slain at the giving of the Law on the Day of Pentecost. Acts 2:41 3,000 Jews were saved at the giving of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost.

18. Conclusion God is awesome! God’s word is awesome! The Bible is the most fascinating work of art that will ever be!