Tools to Start
The Bible is truely a remarkable book! But sometimes as we begin our journey it can be overwhelming. We can even feel a little bit lost. So we are going to look at some tools that we can use to better understand the Bible. Then we will look at some steps to take while studying.Choosing a Translation
The first thing you need to study the Bible is a Bible. Since the Bible was originally written in Hebrew in the case of the Hebrew Bible [1] (with a few portions in Aramaic) and Greek in the case of the Greek Testament [2] most will have to read the Bible in translation. There are many excellent English translations available. In fact you can visit a site like YouVersion or Bible Gateway you can read and compare them to find one that you can understand.Let me share a few translations that I enjoy using. These translations were all done by various translation committees, they include scholars from a variety of denominations. This is important! Whatever translation you choose for the purpose of studying the Bible you want to avoid a version done by one denomination or a single individual. This will prevent a biased translation.
New International Version (NIV)
The NIV has been a popular translation for many years. In 2011 it went through an update. I have enjoyed using it both for reading and studying the Bible.New Living Translation (NLT)
The NLT has also recently become a popular translation of the Bible. It renders the ancient text in clear English and due to changes in the English language it has been updated to reflect current usage. While it is at times confused with the Living Bible, a paraphrase of the King James Version, the NLT is a translation from the original Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek languages.Common English Bible (CEB)
The CEB [3] is a completely new translation that was released in 2011. The goal of this translation was both accuracy of translation, but one that is clearly readable in English. They have done an excellent job in doing so. I am currently making my way through the Bible using the CEB.New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
The NRSV [4] is an excellent translation. It is more literal in its translation, but very readable. It is often a favorite with scholars. I found it used by many of my theology professors both during my undergrad studies and my years at seminary.Whichever translation you choose it's important to read it. If you are an auditory learner consider using an audio Bible. You can find several on the web at sites like YouVersion and Bible Gateway. You can get Faith Comes by Hearing NRSV Hebrew Bible and Greek Testament audio Bible in Amazon's MP3 Store for free. They can be downloaded on iOS devices using the Amazon Cloud Player app.
A Reading Plan
The Bible is a large collection, so having a reading plan is important. A reading plan is a list of passages or chapters of the Bible to read each day. Thankfully over the years many committed followers of Jesus have complied a variety of them.In his book The Divine Mentor, Wayne Cordiero writes the following insight into the need for a Bible Reading Plan:
The loneliest people in the Bible are the Minor Prophets. I can almost hear one complaining: ‘‘These Christians never come to my house! They visit David and Solomon consistently. They visit the disciples and Paul regularly. Maybe once a year they even visit our eccentric cousin, Jeremiah. But they don’t ever come to my house.’’ And immediately all the other Minor Prophets shout their agreement: ‘‘Amen! Alas, we make much food—yea, even a banquet—and yet they come not!’’ (pg. 94)Without a reading plan it become too easy to just read only certain portions of Scripture, and sadly ignore others. The Apostle Paul tells us that the entire Bible is useful for teaching sound doctrine and setting the limits of Christian orthodoxy (2 Timothy 3:16-17). But if we don't get to know all of the biblical writers we will have an incomplete understanding of who God is.
Electronic Tools
YouVersion
This free website an mobile app provides access many Bible translations (in many languages). It also provides several Bible reading plans, and the ability to take notes. You can listen to audio Bibles and will find many reading plans. Scripture verses and your notes can be shared on Facebook and Twitter.
Faithlife Study Bible
The Faithlife Study Bible is a brand new digital study Bible. You can currently get it free until March 2014 where it will change to a modest subscription fee (this will be constantly updated with new content, so the fee is to help cover the costs of expanding the content). They will not ask for any payment type unless you wish to purchase extra Bible translations beyond the free Bible given. It includes the Lexham Bible Dictionary, a quality Bible dictionary that will assist you in studying and understanding the historical and cultural context of the Bible. You can find information on how to get it for free here.Steps for Study
Pray
Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit (part of the Triune God) to lead us into all truth (John 14:26). Peter, an eyewitness to the earthly ministry of Jesus, points out that this same Holy Spirit also was the one moving the writers of the Bible (2 Peter 1:20-21). Being in communication with the Divine Author of the Bible is an important part of studying the Bible. We are also told that we need the aid of the Holy Spirit to understand the things of God (1 Corinthians 2:10-16). Since the things of Scripture have their origin in the mind of God, we need God's Spirit to help us understand them.The means of communicating with God that is taught in the Bible is called prayer. Prayer is simply talking to God. So it's important to talk to God and ask Him to help you understand what the Bible is saying.
Read in Context
Don't just read a bit hear and there. That's not how the Bible was written. It's important to read it in context. Don't skip from verse to verse or book. Read through the entire work. For example, if you decided to read and study through the letter of Philippians, read through the entire letter. That way you will understand what the Divine and human authors were trying to say. When you choose a portion of Scripture to study you need to read its surrounding context.As you read you will come across people, places, or things you are unfamiliar with. This is where tools like the Lexham Bible Dictionary can help. Let's say you decide to study Luke 18:9-14 and as you read you see two people described as a Pharisees and a Tax Collector. Now you may think you know why they didn't like tax collectors (but in the 1st Century there is more going on than hating the IRS). You might also not be very familiar with who the Pharisees were. If you decide to get the Lexham Bible Dictionary (you can use it for free for until March 2014) and its a great resource, or another Bible Dictionary/Encyclopedia, you will find very helpful articles on the Pharisees and taxation. This type of resource will help you better understand the historical and cultural background of the Bible.
Take Notes and Mark-Up
It is also important for you to take notes and mark-up your Bible as you study. It's not sacrilegious to mark-up your Bible...it will help you as you study. If you use a paper Bible make sure the marking tools will not bleed through the pages. You want to use a dry highlighter or Micron Pens. You will also find a wide-margin Bible helpful. There are two from The NoteWorthy Collection, I have used the TNIV edition and enjoyed it.- TNIV Bible (The NoteWorthy Collection) by Zondervan
- NIV Bible (The NoteWorthy Collection) by Zondervan (1984 edition of the NIV
Apply It
There is no value in studying the Bible merely for the sake of studying it. It must also be applied to our lives. The Psalmist tells us that we need to have God's word in our hearts (Psalm 119:11). In Ezekiel 36:26-27 we are told that God will give us a new heart, reading, studying, and applying the Bible is part of the process.Notes:
[1] While the Hebrew Bible is often called the Old Testament this designation was used as a way to deem it inferior. This was based upon the horrible sin of anti-semitism, and based upon a misinterpretation of the writings of the apostles. These were the Scriptures of Jesus and His followers. I have chosen refer to this portion of Scripture as the Hebrew Bible.
[2] These are the writings of the disciples of Jesus and early leaders of the Christian church commonly called the New Testament.
[3] The CEB also includes editions that contain the deuterocanonical books (also commonly called the Apocrypha). These books are considered Scripture by the Roman Catholic church, but are not considered to be Scripture by Protestants and Jews. As a Protestant Christian I do not consider them to be Scripture, but they do have historical value in understanding the beliefs held by Jews prior to the birth of Jesus.
[4] Like the CEB many editions of the NRSV contain the deuterocanonical books.
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