The book begins with the basics-a synopsis of biblical history and of the content of the books of the Bible. It provides an acquaintance with the tools for interpreting the Bible; various methods of interpreting the Bible; the mental process of interpreting any verbal communication (whether oral or written); the influence of culture on biblical writers and speakers; the problems of translating the Bible from one culture to another; the figures of speech, prophecy, typology, symbolism, and apocalyptic literature in the Bible; the development of the canon of the scripture; the purpose of the Bible; and a tool for applying biblical teaching to contemporary issues.