title: The Message of Genesis 1--11 (Bible Speaks Today)
author: David J. Atkinson
description: Atkinson is retired as assistant bishop in Southwark Diocese. Previously, he served as fellow of Corpus Christi College in Oxford, England, archdeacon of Lewisham and bishop of Thetford. He is the author of several other books and commentaries.
zlib_text: GENESIS. 
  The Companion Bible (Condensed).  GENESIS:  Page:  2 
   
  THE STRUCTURE OF THE BOOK AS A WHOLE. 
  Click to follow Links.                                                                    (Division).                                                                 †   
     1:1—2:3. 
                                  The Introduction. 
     2:4—50:26.                            The Eleven “Generations”* 
   
                                                          ---------------------------- 
   
                                THE INTRODUCTION. 
   
                                                    (Alternation.) 
                     1:1. 
  “THE WORLD THAT THEN WAS” (2 Pet. 3:6).   ITS CREATION IN ETERNITY PAST. 
                     1:2-. 
     ITS END.   RUIN. 
                     1:-2:-31. 
  “THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH WHICH ARE NOW” (2 Pet. 3:7).  THEIR CREATION IN TIME       
     PRESENT.  (THE SIX DAYS.) 
                     2:1—3. 
    THEIR END.   BLESSING. 
   
                         THE ELEVEN “GE