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
Observation
The first step in Bible study is observation. The goal is to slow down your reading and generate a list of questions that must be answered to understand the passage. I tend to break observation into the following 4 steps which generally correspond to my first few readings through the passage.
Online Bible Encyclopedias
Multi-volume encyclopedias used to be too expensive for home use and were confined to those with access to a large library system. However, they are becoming more widely available on computer software and online.
Improve your Bible study in 20 minutes
Want to improve your bible study skills? Got 20 minutes? Listen to the Renewing Your Mind podcast. This week (February 2017) RC Sproul is podcasting from his series “Knowing Scripture”, which covers interpreting and applying Scripture properly. Each podcast lasts about 20 minutes, which is perfect for listening while you drive. Time well spent!
Narratives: how to understand OT stories
Narratives are true stories. Over 40% of the Old Testament Scriptures are narratives. Generally, the purpose of a biblical narrative is to show the Lord at work in His creation. Every genre found in the Bible presents unique challenges for understanding. Narratives are no exception. With narratives we think in scenes, plot and character, rather than paragraphs and outlines.
What to observe in Bible study
Once a friend confessed: “I know an essential step of any Bible study is observation. But what am I suppose to observe?” So glad you asked! Sometimes we take this step for granted when teaching on how to study the Bible, but observation is a skill we learn and practice like any other.
Understanding Prophecy
Studying biblical prophecy is an often overwhelming task. Much of it is written in Hebrew poetry. The names and places are foreign, and the metaphors don’t always resonate with our modern ears. Yet we can usually understand the main point. If studying an Old Testament prophet overwhelms you, here are some tips to get you started.
Understanding Epistles: How to understand NT letters
Every genre found in the Bible presents unique challenges for understanding. Here are guidelines for studying epistles.
How NOT to interpret the Bible
One of the most common mistakes in interpreting the Bible is riffing on a particular word or phrase at the expense of context. No one thinks they fall into this trap and yet, if you listen for it, you’ll hear it everywhere.
Basics of Bible Interpretation
If you’re looking for a refresher course on how to study the Bible or want to start learning, Bob Smith’s Basics of Bible Interpretation is still a good choice.
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.
Top Banner Photo by Pablo Heimplatz on Unsplash