Abstract: For a composite beam with a adhesive layer, the general nonlinear governing equations for a large deflection are established with the assumption that the adhesive layer only exists the shear deformation along the axial direction. And it is revealed that the deflections at the sub-beam axial lines of the composite beam are equal only in sense of the first order approximation. Then, by linearization technique, the coupled governing equations for linear bending of the composite beam are obtained from the above nonlinear equations under the condition of the Euler-Bernoulli beam deformation, in which the basic unknowns are its deflection and its axial displacement. The coupled equations derived can be degenerated into the governing equations for the classical composite beam and stop log, respectively. Finally, the linear bending of the cantilever composite beam, subjected to a concentrated load at its free end, is investigated, and the analytical solutions are obtained. The curves of the deflection of the composite beam, the slip displacement and shearing force of the adhesive layer at the free end versus the shear modulus and thickness of the adhesive layer are shown in figures, and the parameters study is conducted. It is shown that the adhesive-layer’s thickness and shear modulus have great influences on the deflection of a composite beam and the slip displacement of an adhesive layer, and a little influence on the shear force of the adhesive layer.