Bible Study 101
Bible Study 101 teaches the basics of how to study the Bible, where to find study tools and how to use them.
Bible Study 101: Categories
Click the photo to read the articles in each category.
Theory
How Tos
Study Tools
Genre
Bible Study 101 Latest Articles
Revelation: Understanding Apocalyptic literature
Apocalyptic literature is a sub-category of prophecy. The name comes from the Greek word apocalypsis which means uncovering or unveiling.
Should I learn Greek & Hebrew?
After a few years of Bible study, students often begin asking, “Should I learn biblical Greek and Hebrew?” While the tools for English readers continue to improve and less people are learning the original languages, knowing the original languages can be helpful. You can learn enough to widen the tools available to you and/or learn to read Scripture in the original language.
Interpretation terms defined
Exegesis, eisegesis, hermeneutics? Wondering what all those terms mean? Here’s the definitions.
Augustine’s Principles of Interpretation
Augustine, the Bishop of Hippo, was a theologian and philosopher who lived from 354-430 AD. He is viewed as one of the most important Church Fathers, and his writings influenced the development of Western philosophy. Here are his principles of interpretation.
Word Study Shortcuts
While I recommend you learn how to do your own word studies, here are some shortcuts you can take to save time, to get past “study block” or compare your ideas with someone else’s.
Bible Study Websites & Apps
Online resources to help you study: maps, charts, outlines, key words, etc. On this one page, you’ll find links to websites and Bible study software.
Verbs – Biblical Greek
Bible Study software has made biblical Greek more accessible for those who never learned the language. Now with 1 click you can access the Greek word and its conjugation but what are you looking at? Here’s a helpful primer on Greek verbs.
3 Tips for Bible Study in a Post-truth World
3 Tips for Bible Study in a Post-truth World. We may be more interested in emotion than facts, but good Bible study methods haven’t changed.
16 things to do while your Bible study is on break
Is your Bible study on break for the holidays? Many studies end before Thanksgiving and don’t resume until January. What can you do over break to stay in the Word? Here are some good ideas.
Bible Study 101: Reading list
Interpretation
Basics of Bible Interpretation, by Bob Smith a classic! great for the beginner. Now available FREE online, though I believe you can still buy a paper copy.
Knowing Scripture (Affliate Link), by RC Sproul is designed to help people master the basic rules of biblical interpretation.
How to Read the Bible for All It’s Worth, (Affliate Link) by Gordon Fee & Douglas Stuart – this is a must have resource; no Bible student should be without and it now comes as an e-book. Re-read the chapter for your particular type of passage when you start a new study.
How to Get the Most from God’s Word (Affliate Link) by John MacArthur; free on archive.org
Living by the Book (Affliate Link) by Howard G Hendricks & William Hendricks – also available as an ebook and a video series. Don’t be intimidated by the size of the book. The writing is clear and engaging and you will learn a lot.
Living by the Book by Howard G. Hendricks. Available free on archive.org.
The Joy of Discovery in Bible Study (Affliate Link) by Oletta Ward – a classic resource for small groups to work through together; teachers guide is also available.
The Joy of Discovery in Bible Study by Oletta Ward. Available free on archive.org.
The Language of God: A Commonsense Approach to Understanding and Applying the Bible (Affliate Link) by David Crabtree — (out of print; but still can be found). This is a GREAT book for understanding the principles, methodology and philosophy of Bible study. The authors apply what they teach to a very difficult passage (James 5). The book is worth it just to understand James 5.
Exegetical Fallacies (Affliate Link) by D.A. Carson — this will challenge you to move your study skills to the next level.
The Thinking Toolbox: 35 lessons that will build your reasoning skills (Affliate Link) by Nathaniel Bluedorn and Hans Bluedorn and/or The Fallacy Detective: 35 lessons on how to recognize bad reasoning (Affliate Link) by Nathaniel Bluedorn and Hans Bluedorn. (While not specifically about Bible study, these books — written by homeschooled brothers for homeschoolers — are really useful for improving your critical thinking skills.)
Discover the Bible for Yourself by Arthur, Kay; free on archive.org
These 3 have been recommended to me, but I have not read them.
Rick Warren’s Bible Study Methods (Affliate Link) by Rick Warren
How to Study Your Bible (Affliate Link) by Kay Arthur
Women of the Word (Affliate Link) by Jen Wilkin
Genres
New Testament Development of Old Testament Themes (Affliate Link) by FF Bruce.
Back towards the Future: Hints for Interpreting Biblical Prophecy (Affliate Link)by Walter Kaiser
He Gave us Stories: The Bible Student’s Guide to Interpreting Old Testament Narratives (Affliate Link) by Richard L Pratt Jr. This is the best book I’ve found on understanding the Old Testament
The Art of Biblical Narrative, (Affliate Link) by Robert Alter (also a great book on understanding the OT)
A Complete Literary Guide to the Bible (Affliate Link) by Leland Ryken and Tremper Longman III
Literary Approaches to Biblical Interpretation (Affliate Link) by Tremper Longman III (out of print, but still can be found)
How to Read the Psalms (Affliate Link) by Tremper Longman III
How to Read Proverbs (Affliate Link) by Tremper Longman III
Overviews & Theology
Ray Stedman’s Adventuring through the Bible
RC Sproul’s Overivew of the Bible
John MacArthur’s Introductions to each book of the Bible
What is Reformed Theology? Understanding the Basics by R.C. Sproul — this book will help you begin to put all the pieces together
The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul — a must-read book, especially for new believers
Foundations: An Overview of Systematic Theology (DVD series) by RC Sproul
An Old Testament Theology: An Exegetical, Canonical and Thematic Approach (Affliate Link) by Bruce Waltke and Charles Yu — this book looks intimidating, but it’s worth it!
Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology (Audio Lectures)
Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology: An Introduction (complete book online) or hardcopy book (Affliate Link)
*Affliate Link means I earn a few cents on your Amazon purchase. It does NOT cost you any extra.
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