The bible is one of the best selling books in the world and there are many biblical scholars who dedicate their lives to studying and interpreting the text. The original writings of the Bible were written in Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic. Since its origin, the Bible has been translated into countless different languages so that everyone can read and learn God’s word. furthermore, there are many different English translations available, each seeking to faithfully reflect the original texts while adapting the language to make it more accessible to modern readers.
Some may find reading the bible intimidating, but there are many tools that can help guide you. Understanding these tools and finding the right translation for you will help you start your Bible education on the right foot. Studying the Bible helps us understand God’s role in our daily lives, so it is an important aspect of growing your faith. Along with different Bibles to help guide your study, there is also a wide variety of different Bible study books that focus on different aspects of faith. depending on what you want to focus or work on, you will find a study book that meets your needs. With all the options on the market, we break down everything you need to know to choose the one that’s right for you.
You are reading: Books on how to study the bible
what is the bible?
The Bible is made up of two main sections, the Old Testament and the New Testament. While most Bibles contain both sections, you can also find Bibles that include just one of these main sections, and some that are even further divided to focus on a particular Bible book. These can be helpful for Bible beginners who don’t know where to start or those who want to delve into a particular portion of the Bible for more detailed study. To help you determine which part of the Bible you want to study, we’ve broken down the two main parts, the Old and New Testaments. After determining which bible and part you want to study first, you can find a study book that can help you better interpret and understand the scriptures.
old testament
The first section of the Christian Bible is known as the Old Testament and consists of 39 books (including the books of Genesis, Jobs, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes). the old testament covers the period of time from the creation of the world to just before the birth of jesus and documents the ancient history of israel and provides moral teachings. The Old Testament of the Bible consists of the Pentateuch, the Historical Books, the Wisdom Books, and the Prophetic Books.
the pentateuch contains the first five books of the bible which are genesis, exodus, leviticus, numbers and deuteronomy. These five books document the history and beginnings of the world as well as the creation of the people of Israel. the law, as expressed in the pentateuch, shows how god’s people should live. Comprised of narrative accounts as well as formalized guidelines for living, this section of the Old Testament presents God’s plan for mankind and his unremitting faithfulness to his people.
The next two sections of the Old Testament are the historical and wisdom books. As the name suggests, the historical and wisdom books share the prophetic history of the time and also share the wisdom of God’s teachings through the prophets. Historical books recount events ranging from Israel’s conquest of Canaan to the dissolution of the Kingdom of Israel and the exile of its people. here we find the books of 1 and 2 samuel, ezra and esther. wisdom books are a collection of books composed of poetry, narratives and sayings and moral teachings. These books include reflections on worship, love, suffering, and life.
Finally, there are the prophetic books, divided into major and minor prophets. These books consist mainly of the story told by the different prophets, or messengers sent to the people by God. They not only document the events of ancient Israel, but also explain the lasting significance of the events that occur during this time. The prophetic books offer accounts of the messages that God commanded the prophets to share with the people. the designation of the prophets as “major” or “minor” is not a statement of their importance or value. Rather, the so-called “major” prophets, such as Isaiah and Jeremiah, are the longest prophetic books. the minor prophets are a collection of shorter books, such as jonah and micah.
the new testament
the new testament of the bible consists of 27 different books that document and share the teachings of jesus. The New Testament is believed to flow directly from the events that occur in the Old Testament. the new testament can also be divided into different sections. the two main sections are known as the gospels and the epistles.
The Gospels include the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These books together document the birth and ministry of Jesus and also show his significance and sacrifice for humanity. the first book, matthew, shows how jesus was miraculously conceived and demonstrates how important he is as a son of god. This book also shows the power and teachings of God through Jesus. The next book, Marca, focuses on different testimonies of Jesus’ ability to heal and perform miracles. luke describes how we are able to unite under jesus and draw closer to god through him. the last book of the gospels, the book of john, emphasizes the importance of jesus as the son of god, and that believers in him will be granted eternal life.
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the other main section of the new testament consists of 21 epistles or letters. These letters, written by the apostles to various early Christian communities, were intended to provide advice to church leaders on how to better engage with the teachings of Jesus. they demonstrated how through him we can be saved. finally, the new testament ends with the book of revelation that contains different letters to the churches and also interprets the meaning of life from the beginning to the end of the world.
what to look for in a Bible study book
As you prepare to begin your Bible education, you can use all the tools included in various study books that are meant to help you. there is a wide variety of different options depending on your approach and learning style. To help you choose the best one for you, we review what you want to look for in a quality study book.
- Find one written by an author you like. An author you like to read can provide you with information and questions you find relevant and useful. Authors have a habit of using a similar tone or style throughout their writing, so if you find someone whose style you like, reading a new study may feel more familiar and accessible. you will be much more likely to participate in the readings.
- Research the author. As you set out to find an author you connect with, it helps to understand a bit of their personal context. there are many different denominations and perspectives; you may want someone who comes from a background or tradition similar to yours. Or, perhaps, you might want to learn from an author who approaches the scriptures from a different denomination.
- select a study book by topic. the bible provides teachings and lessons that cover a wide range of topics. Depending on what you want to focus on, eg forgiveness, prayer, etc., there are guides that emphasize those specific themes within the scriptures.
- functionality. This is an important aspect when looking for a study book as you ultimately want the book to help you in your Bible learning. studying the bible can be a big commitment that takes a little time. Looking for a morning devotional or study where you can spend 10 minutes a day? Or do you want something deeper, to which you can dedicate several hours? think about how the book you select will help you reach your individual study goals.
- teaches you to study on your own. While a guide that lays it all out for you is nice, it’s important to be able to make your own reflections and apply them on your own. life. A study book that teaches you the basics and guides you to your own reading and exploration can help you in the long run.
In addition to finding a Bible study book to supplement your education, remember to also have your own bible, like this complete alabaster collection, with which you can form a deep relationship as you progress in your education.
best bible study book picks to start your bible education
everything that is done
all that is done is a guide for readers exploring the intersection of creativity and faith. it is a first step, the beginning of a conversation that allows readers to engage their faith and creativity in the larger context of the god who has made everything that is done. this alabaster guide is a great way to start exploring how faith impacts and influences our daily lives.
advantages:
- perfect for artists and creatives
- explores the example Jesus set through his ministry
cons:
- not focused on a particular book or biblical text
discerning the voice of god
this bible study book was written by priscilla shirer, a renowned bible teacher, and is one of her many study books designed to help you discern and learn god’s word. This study Bible features stories and illustrations to help understand the scriptures more deeply. It focuses on daily communication with God and lays the foundation for you to strengthen your relationship with him. there are exercises that help apply your lessons after studying. If you enjoy any of his books, this is a must read for those looking to grow their relationship with God.
advantages:
- well-known author
- focuses on relationship with god
- equips you for your own study
cons:
- should be read in conjunction with other books
jesus in my study guide
The Jesus In Me Study Guide is excellent for those seeking guidance as they read the New Testament. The book is written by Anne Graham Lotz, one of the five most influential evangelists of her generation. The guide is made to work through five Bible studies per week with selected scriptures on the Holy Spirit. This is a great book for beginners who want to have a deeper connection with Jesus.
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advantages:
- has a strong and clear focus
- written by a renowned evangelist
- the study is thought-provoking
cons:
- less oriented towards new believers
- focuses on the new testament; if you are looking for an old testament study this might not be right for you
the bible in 52 weeks for women
This Bible study book is a 52-week guide to help you gain discipline in reading God’s word. this is a great book for beginners who are struggling to figure out how to get started. The guide walks you through the entire Bible in a year and features a daily reading plan as well as a weekly reflection. the book focuses on women’s faith and works with any translation. This interactive study comes with thought-provoking questions, journaling prompts, and prayers to guide you through the scriptures. If you are a woman looking to start your journey in growing your faith, this guide explains it all for you.
advantages:
- provides proper direction
- focuses on application to life
cons:
- focusing on women’s perspective may make it less relatable to men
- intended to be only a one year study
seamless: understanding the bible as a complete story
This Bible study book is written by Angie Smith, an accomplished writer who has several guides covering different topics. This book ties together the main stories and lessons from the scriptures, which can be great for beginners. This guide lays out the key information and features maps, essential facts, and word studies. you can complete this alone or in small groups for further study. is a great beginner’s book that provides the necessary tools to begin your Bible education.
advantages:
- great foundational study
- helps tie it all together
- serves as a guide to reading the scriptures
cons:
- may be too general for more advanced study
- aimed at beginners
final word
There are a number of resources that can guide you through your first interaction with scripture. Depending on your focus, there will be a guide that fits your exact needs and tastes. With all the options on the market, make sure you choose one that can guide you to a closer relationship with God and a better understanding of his teachings.
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