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The author does not identify himself in Genesis. However, both the [[Old Testament]] <ref> Ex. 17:14; Num. 33:2; Josh. 8:31; 1 Kin. 2:3; 2 Kin. 14:6; Ezra 6:18; Neh. 13:1; Dan. 9:11, 13; Mal. 4:4)</ref> and the [[New Testament]] <ref>(Matt. 8:4; Mark 12:26; Luke 16:29; 24:27, 44; John 5:46; 7:22; Acts 15:1; Rom. 10:19; 1 Cor. 9:9; 2 Cor. 3:15) </ref> ascribe this composition to [[Moses]] <ref> cf. Acts 7:22. Moses is favoured as the author in light of his educational background..</ref> even though the context of the story ends almost three centuries before Moses he is even born. No compelling reasons have ever come forth to challenge this authorship.

This is the book of "beginnings". It is widely accepted <ref>Not just amongst the Orthodox church but other christian denominations and the Judaic faith.</ref>, that it contains the early history of man and of Israel and , theological themes revealed to man by God Himself.

{{stub}}The origins of humanity start with the story of [[creation]] of the world, the fall of [[Adam and Eve]] and the subsequent history of their descendants. It tells of Noah and the great flood, the tower of Babel, and Abram and Melchizedek and the early history of Israel, starting with the three patriarchs of the Hebrews, [[Abraham]], [[Isaac]], and [[Jacob]], and the twelve tribes that were their descendants. The main theme throughout all of this history is that [[God]]'s call and promise of [[salvation]] for Israel.

The Book of Genesis begins with covers the story longest time span of any book in the Bible. It starts with the [[creation]] of the world, the fall of [[Adam and Eve]] and the subsequent, quite sinful, history of concludes as the children of Adam. It tells of Noah and the great flood, the tower of Babel, and Abram and Melchizedek.  It then tells of [[God]]'s call and promise of [[salvation]] Hebrews head to [[Abraham]], and the story of [[Isaac]] and [[Jacob]], whom God named Israel, ending with the settlement of the twelve tribes of Israel (the families of the twelve sons of Jacob) in Egypt, during the time of Joseph's favor with the Egyptian Pharaoh. In traditional Church language, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are called the [[Patriarch]]s and are also [[Forefather]]s of Christ. === Purpose and Interpretation ===Genesis is not treated as mere history, but as a source of spiritual wisdom, and a book inspired by God himself. The first three chapters of Genesis are reflected in the last three chapters of Revelation, the Alpha and Omega of writings "given by inspiration of God." (2 Tim 3:16). Out of all historical information available to [[Moses]], he selected only what was related to the religious life of people. It most likely has been edited for this goal over time.

:''See also, Main Article: [[Genesis (Outline)]] for a more comprehensive article on the literary structure of this book.