Overview
Understanding the Bible can be daunting for many new readers. Its content is vast and written in ancient languages that are no longer in use. The study of the Bible often go hand-in-hand with the understanding of theological principles and ideas. While religious leaders often provide guidance, there is much to unpack in the Bible which takes time, research and reflection to unravel. A good place to start reading the Bible is to begin with the four gospels.
Four Gospels
The four gospels are the first books in the New Testament. These are the stories of the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. They are Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. In them, we have the story of Jesus’ teaching as he travels around the countryside and tells stories, offers parables and explains his message to gatherings, large and small. He gives all who hear him a transformative insight into the ways of God. One unique element in Jesus’ teaching is his storytelling. Jesus told stories – parables – to get his message across, using characters such as a sower, a sinner and the rich man. Today we can learn to apply these stories to our own lives.
Historical Context
Jesus lived and taught in a Jewish context. He spoke the language of the Jews. His was a culture of honour and shame. It is important to understand the historical context when reading the gospels. Jesus was a first-century Palestinian Jew and the culture he lived in was very different to our own. It is important to remember that Jesus was sensitive to the Jewish law and culture of the time.
Exploring Genres
The gospels contain many different genres. There is narrative, poetry and parables. Other genres which are used include hymns and prophetic conversation. Each genre offers an insight into the subject matter. For example, parables involve the character of Jesus to teach a spiritual truth. The gospels use a combination of these genres to ensure that the narratives are heard and understood.
Deuterocanonical Texts
In addition to the four gospels, there are eighteen deuterocanonical texts which are also part of the Christian canon. This includes the books of Maccabees, Tobit and Judith. Although these books are not considered to be part of the Bible, they still provide an important insight into the history and culture of the ancient world. It is worth exploring them for a deeper understanding of the culture and context of Jesus’ time.
Reading as a Spiritual Practice
The Bible is an important spiritual guide. It is a way of connecting with the spiritual narrative of God’s love and care for his people. It is our source of spiritual direction and guidance. Reading the Bible as a spiritual practice is a way of connecting with the presence of God. It is a way of allowing the words of God to penetrate our hearts and minds, allowing us to be spiritually transformed. It allows us to explore the power of God’s love, justice and mercy.
Application to Life
When reading the Bible, it is important to ask how the text applies to our own lives. This can be done by asking questions such as “What does this mean to me?”, “How does this apply to me today?”, “What is the lesson of this story?” and “What am I meant to learn from this passage?”. This is an important part of the spiritual practice of reading the Bible and can help us to apply the teachings of the Bible to our own lives.
Theology of the Bible
Theology is the study of God, His attributes and His nature. It involves exploring the scriptures and seeking to understand them in a deeper way. Theology of the Bible is the study of the scriptures as it relates to God and the beliefs of the Christian faith. It is the understanding of scripture and its message about God, the world and our relationship with God and with one another. This is often done through an exploration of the themes, ideas and stories found in the Bible.
Dialogue with Scholars
Reading the Bible can be enriched through talking to people who are more knowledgeable about scripture. Dialogue and conversations with scholars, theologians and pastors can help in understanding difficult passages and exploring theological meanings and implications. It opens up the opportunity for deeper exploration of scripture and its place in our lives, and makes us more familiar with the different ways to interpret and apply the scriptures.
Engunning in Communities of Faith
The Bible was written to be heard and shared in community. Reading it with a group or a pastor can provide the opportunity to discuss passages, ask questions and grow in understanding together. Reading the Bible in a supportive community provides the opportunity to consider and develop our own faith through dialogue, debate and exploration. It creates a safe space to share stories and experiences which can enable us to better understand the teachings of scripture.
Honoring the Diversity of Interpretations
No two people will interpret the Bible in the same way. It is important to honor the diversity of interpretation when reading the Bible. This can be done by exploring the different ways in which people read, interpret and apply the scriptures. It is important to recognize the uniqueness of our personal experience and to embrace the differences in how we all understand the Bible.
Cultivating Curiosity for Deeper Study
Once a basic knowledge of the Bible has been acquired through reading and listening, it is possible to explore it in more depth. This can involve a study of the original biblical languages to further our knowledge of the scriptures. The deeper study of the Bible opens up the opportunity to engage with theological ideas and principles. It can lead to deeper spiritual understanding and transformation.
