The purpose of Bible study is to accurately understand the meaning of God’s Word so that you can apply it correctly to your life.
Why do you need to study the Bible?
- The Bible was written for people who lived in a different time. While the lessons in scripture are timeless, each book of the Bible is set within a specific historical context. Because of the passage of time, there are be some cultural practices that we need to understand.
- The Bible was written over a long span of time. The earliest parts of the Bible were written in 1200 BC and the last book written around 95 AD. That is over a time period of about 1300 years. The events describe in the books of the Bible cover a period of about 6000 years.
- The Bible contains different literary genres. It contains historical narrative, prophetic, epistle, poetry, parable and apocalyptic texts. The diversity in literary genre means that not all texts are to be interpreted the same way. Not everything is to be understood literally, nor is everything to be understood symbolically.
Understanding the 3 worlds of the text.
The 3 worlds represent the different ways scripture is interpreted. Exploring all 3 worlds enables us to uncover the depth of scripture.
- The world within the text.
This is the setting which is described in the Biblical text. The descriptions of who, what, when, where, and why, enable us to experience the moment taking place in the text. - The world behind the text.
This is understanding the world in which the people whom the text was first written to live in. By uncovering the historical setting, we get a better understand of the circumstances, struggles and issues these people were facing. - The world in front of the text.
This is the world that you, the current reader, is living in. It is understanding how the text applies to modern life. It is also recognising that the world we live in influences the way every person interprets scripture, including yourself.
Helpful questions to ask when studying scripture.
You can download a pdf version of the questions here.
Understanding the world within the text.
- What is the genre of the text?
- What are the limits of the text?
- Who is speaking and who is the audience?
- How are the characters feeling?
- Who do the characters represent?
- What is the significance of names, places, festivals?
- What is the message of the text?
- How does the message fit in with the rest of the book?
- What does this text teach me about God’s nature and character?
- How is this text fulfilled in Jesus Christ?
Understanding the world behind the text.
- Who was the author of the text?
- Who was the intended audience?
- What were the historical, social, political and cultural conditions at that time?
- What circumstance, struggle or issue was the intended audience facing at that time?
- What was the author’s purpose for writing the text?
Understanding the world in front of the text.
- What similar situation do people experience today?
- How does the text re-shape my worldview?
- What is one way I can apply this text in my life?
Helpful resources.
- ESV Study Bible (www.esv.org)
- www.bibleref.com
- www.enduringword.com
- www.biblehub.com (Hebrew and Greek word studies)
- www.abarim-publications.com (Hebrew names)
Anesti Ministries 