Just reading the Bible is not the same as studying it. Christians believe that the Bible is the divine word of God and therefore worthy of respect. The Bible is one of the most misunderstood books ever written, and many people find it difficult to understand its contents. From the time it was written to our times, many years and many cultures have passed. In studying the Bible, the goal is to understand the content in its original languages. If you are having trouble figuring out where to start, how much and how often you should read or how to learn something from what you read, then this article is for you.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: General Approach
Step 1. Plan your study
Take the time and find a place to study. Develop a plan of what you want to do. Try to write it in the form of a calendar specifying what you want to read each day. It will help you stay motivated and give you structure.
Step 2. Get a good Bible for study
Choose the type of translation. For reasons of consistency, it would be better to choose real translations, rather than simple paraphrases.
- Avoid Bibles that have been translated from Latin rather than Greek and Hebrew originals. These, as with the word of mouth game, can end up being translated incorrectly. Also avoid the old translations (that of King James), because other earlier texts have been discovered, which revealed serious translation errors (for example, did you know that Moses did not cross the Red Sea?).
- There are two main schools of thought when it comes to translating: dynamic equivalence and formal equivalence. Dynamic translation is 'thought with thought', while formal translation is 'word for word'. With the 'word for word' translation, you will find that sometimes a word literally means one thing, but functionally means another (like the English word "blue" technically means color but, functionally, it can mean "sad"). However, overly prejudiced or less reliable translators can make an inaccurate dynamic translation. A mix can help, but if you're not sure, just look for Bible translations that are recent (within the last 20-40 years), done directly from the original text, and done by renowned scholars.
- Translations of good formal equivalence include the modified New Standard Version or the English Standard Version. Some good combination translations include the Modern New International Version or Holman's Christian Standard Bible. A good dynamic equivalence translation is the Contemporary English Version, although these types of translations are usually frowned upon by serious scholars.
Step 3. Study the Bible in a prayerful attitude
This is the first step to understanding it. An appropriate approach to Bible study is to pray a desire to want to learn. Discipline yourself to be in the presence of the Word. The Bible will come to life. After all, it is spiritual food.
Step 4. Pray
Before you begin, ask God to help you understand his word. Take the Bible literally. Don't assume it's a parable or a made-up story, just because what you're reading is a bit vague. Don't try to interpret the Bible. "Know first of all this: that no prophecy of Scripture comes from a personal interpretation." (2 Peter 2:20, 21) "This is where misunderstanding generally begins.
Step 5. Focus on the New Testament first
Although it is complementary to the Old and vice versa, if you are a novice, it is best to read the New Testament first. The Old Testament will make more sense if you read the New first.
Step 6. The best thing is to start with the Gospel of John
It is the easiest Gospel to read, it helps you understand who Jesus really is and prepares you for reading the other three Gospels. It would be better to read it two or three times, to understand the author's message, the themes, the context and the characters well. Read three chapters a day. Concentrate on your reading and be patient.
- After reading the Gospel of John, read the second in order of simplicity (which would be Mark), then Matthew and then Luke. Read all the books (one after the other) until you have read all the Gospels.
- Read the letters of the New Testament, from the Letter to the Romans to the Letter of Jude. Since Revelation is pure prophecy, which is not covered in the rest of the New Testament, leave it aside for now. Once you have become familiar with the major prophets, face the Apocalypse.
Step 7. Choose topics you want to study
A topic study is very different from a book or chapter study. The index of topics in most Bibles contains specific areas for study. Once you have found an interesting topic, begin to give a quick reading of all the verses related to that topic. This will give you a general overview of what those lines mean. For example: salvation, obedience, sin, etc. Remember: re-reading a chapter more than once will help you find things you may not have seen, or skipped in the previous reading.
Method 2 of 4: Study Techniques
Step 1. Use the dictionary
Be sure to check the words in the chapter you get them from. This will help you understand the Bible better.
Step 2. Make a Bible notebook
It will empower you to read every day. Also, ask yourself questions and write them in this notebook. Use the formula "who", "what", "when", "where", "why" and "how" for your studies. For example, "who was there?", "What was happening?", "Where is this happening?", "How did it end?". This simple formula will make sense of the story.
Step 3. Highlight important concepts or what you like in your Bible
But don't do it if it belongs to someone else.
Step 4. Use cross-references and footnotes if you have them in your Bible
These are small numbers and symbols that tell you to look elsewhere in the text for more information or show you when something has already been discussed previously. Footnotes, which are usually found at the bottom of a particular page, will tell you where the information comes from or explain complex ideas, historical events and concepts.
Try to spot some words you skipped and look for them in a concordance to find other verses that talk about the same thing
Step 5. Follow the references in your study Bible to find out when a term was first used
This is where a Chain Reference Bible is essential, that is, with chained references.
Step 6. Write a journal
You don't have to write much. Simply use a page with date, book / chapter / verse at the top. Ask yourself questions and outline what you are reading. This is a help to understand what God is revealing to you through his Word. As you read, write down any ideas, lines, or thoughts that come to mind. Think "Who, What, When, Where, How." Answer any questions under each category. Read them again and pray.
Step 7. Eliminate all distractions
Turn off the television or radio. Unless you're studying in a group, look for a quiet place with a table to read and take notes on. This is a time for you and God only.
Method 3 of 4: Studying with Others
Step 1. Find a Bible study group you can join
The text is very complicated and being able to count on some help to deal with it will be very important. It will also serve to keep you motivated and inspired.
Step 2. Share what you have found with others in your Bible study group
Discuss what you have read with others who may have more experience reading and studying the Bible than you.
Step 3. Don't take what someone else says about a topic at face value, but take it as a guide
Let the Bible inspire you. Knowledge about Bible principles will only increase after years of dedication, hard work, and not just by reading.
The Bible is not a single book that goes from Genesis to Revelation. There are 66 books, each written by different authors at different times. Some authors have written more than one book, but at different times for various reasons. You will find similar topics and meanings in all books of the Bible
Method 4 of 4: Example of a Bible Study Plan
Step 1. Clearly you are free to read the New Testament in its order
But there are plans that follow the reading of the books in a different order, for a reason. A similar one is described in the next steps.
Step 2. Start with the Gospels
Each Gospel focuses on a different aspect of Jesus. Matthew shows Jesus as King; Mark as Rabbi (Many schoolchildren believe Mark to be Peter's son, based on 1 Peter 5: 12-13. Later studies show that this Mark is actually the missionary who worked with Paul, based on 2 Timothy 4:11); Luke shows Jesus as a man (Luke was a physician, probably Greek, from Asia Minor, see Letter to the Colossians 4:14); John shows Jesus as God, the Messiah.
Read John again. This will give you a more complete picture of the Gospels. The one according to John is the last Gospel to have been written. Matthew, Mark and Luke are known as the "Synoptic Gospels" because they tell the same basic story, including their own personal points. John adds what the others have left out, completing the story of the Gospels
Step 3. Next, read the Acts
The Acts, also known as "The Acts of the Apostles" were written by Luke, which describes the revelation and growth of the early church.
Step 4. Read from the Letter to the Galatians to the Letter to Philemon
These six short letters are personal letters written by Paul to three churches, which he visited, and to his three friends Timothy, Titus and Philemon.
- Read the Letter to the Romans. This shows the means and the way of Salvation. Then read the Letters to the Corinthians, which are an introduction to the Holy Spirit, developing its doctrine and gifts. The other letters follow, from that to the Hebrews to Judas. They contain the teachings of the elders of the first church.
- Unless you have been a Christian for a while and have a good basic knowledge of prophecies, leave Revelation to the more advanced students.
Step 5. Switch to the Old Testament
The Old Testament is compiled in an order for convenience, not chronological. You can read it in groups, to make reading easier. There are 929 chapters in the Old Testament. If you read 3 a day, you will finish it in 10 months.
- Read the Genesis. This book describes creation and the initial relationship with God.
- Go on to Exodus up to Deuteronomy. These describe the Law.
- Read historical books. From Joshua to Esther.
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After the historical part, read the books of wisdom and poetry.
- Job, often referred to as the oldest book, describes the relationship between a man and God and contains many lessons of how it could have been better. It is a great lesson of what God expects of men.
- The Psalms are the writings of a king of Israel who was a man after God's heart, despite not only being a sinner like all of us, but also guilty of murder.
- The Song of Solomon, also known as the Song of Songs, was written by King Solomon in his youth. It is a work of poetry written by a young man in love. King Solomon was the wisest and richest man in the world.
- Proverbs was written by King Solomon in his adulthood, when he was king of Israel and was learning some hard lessons.
- Ecclesiastes are the lamentations of King Solomon, a man who has spent his life in a wild life, with numerous wives, concubines, wine, women and songs. Ecclesiastes is the book that teaches what not to do.
- Then read the books of wisdom and poetry, prepare for the five major prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel and Daniel.
- Move on to the twelve minor prophets to finish the Old Testament.
Advice
- When you start out, the idea of reading every day can be frightening. But when you are immersed in the Word, it will help you clear your mind and be prepared for the day. Reading the Bible is a necessary part. Do not give up. If you feel discouraged, ask the Lord for help.
- Pray before starting any Bible study or reading. Ask God to clear your mind and show you things in his word. In the Letter to Ephesians 1: 16-23 there is a prayer for wisdom and revelation: you can say it as your personal prayer.
- Make a promise to yourself. Get up a little earlier in the morning to be able to read. This is the deal: "No Bible, No Breakfast, No Exceptions". King David studied the word in the morning and at night (Psalms 1: 2).
- As a tool to continue your daily reading, you could use a One Year Bible. It won't be a thorough study, but you will be able to read the entire Bible in a year. You will be more familiar with all the books by the time you begin to study them.
- As you begin your Bible study, ask the Holy Ghost for help. John 14:26 states that the Spirit will teach you all things and will help you remember everything Jesus said. 1 John 2:27 is similar.
- There are 261 chapters in the New Testament. If you read 3 a day, you will finish reading the entire New Testament in about 90 days. If your goal is simply to read the whole Bible, you can read 3 New Testament chapters in the morning and 4 Old Testament chapters in the evening. So you can finish the New Testament in 87 days. You will have 668 chapters of the Old Testament left to read. If you read 3 in the morning and 4 in the evening until the end, you will have read the entire Bible in about 6 months. However, it is much better to read 3 chapters every day. Don't worry about how long it takes you to read it all.
- Search for the version or translation you plan to use. Is it accurate? Is it just a modern version easier to read or is it intended for a studio?
- The reason for reading the Gospels in no particular order is that each one describes Jesus in a different way. John = God; Marco = Servant; Matthew = King; Luca = Man. Also, you don't want to get lost in the genealogies in Matthew and Luke right at the start. Each has a different purpose and familiarity helps.
- After reading the entire Bible at least once, with the help of a good teacher, read a guide to hermeneutics and apologetics, written by a good layman. It will help you understand what questions to ask yourself as you read and study.
- There are so many books and study guides to fill a library. Don't think you have to read them all. You would spend a fortune. Buy what you need most. Don't be discouraged.
Warnings
- The Bible was originally written not in modern languages, but in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. This means that some words "not" are literal translations, but are the result of the translator's effort to express the feelings and meanings of the passage. Some passages have been translated literally, others in a functional way. Read with an open mind, pray, talk to other people, and take time to try to understand the views of the original authors.
- Don't read what all the experts say on a certain topic. You will find yourself faced with conflicting opinions that will cause confusion and you will be tempted to give up. Take an example from the people of Berea and judge everything you hear about writing by asking specific questions and seeking confirmation (Acts 17:11). Let the Bible speak for itself. Its author (God) will reveal and inspire you.
- Sometimes a scientific fact or your common sense will seem to question the Bible. If this happens, be careful not to rush to conclusions. Remember that your interpretation of the Bible will always be imperfect. This is why you should never interpret the Bible. (2 Peter 1:20, 21). Take the piece that is troubling you and study its context and style. Typically, the mistake is in understanding the words; therefore try to find an alternative meaning that justifies your doubts and at the same time is in agreement with the rest of your studies. If you are still unsure, ask a friend who knows the Bible very well and have them explain. If you are still not satisfied, know that whatever your conclusion is, it must be consistent with the rest of the Bible. That part that doesn't seem clear to you will explain itself elsewhere in the Bible.
