How do I read the Bible?

1. Introducing the Bible

The Bible is not a single book but a collection of many different books. These books have been written over many centuries by various authors and are a collection of stories, wisdom sayings, rules, poems, prophecies and letters. They are remarkably relevant. 

The Bible consists of two main parts: the Old Testament, which tells the story of God's relationship with men and women primarily through the Jewish people before Jesus, and the New Testament, which focuses on the life, teachings, and impact of Jesus Christ, and of the first generation of people who put their trust in him. 

It needs to be correctly understood, but is considered by believers to be divinely inspired and serves as a guide for faith, morality, and understanding God's will.

You can find the bible online at www.bible.com or at www.biblegateway.com. 

The books of the bible were written mainly in Hebrew and Greek, and there are many different modern translations. A good place to start is with the New Revised Standard Version (this is the version we use in church)

A great place to find help to understand are the Bible Project videos.

2. The Story of the Bible

3. What should I read?

If you are a beginner, start with one of the four books (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) which tell the story of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus (they are called gospels). You might like to start with Mark or Luke.  

You can also use the daily readings set by the church: They can be found at  churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/join-us-in-daily-prayer or on the ‘Daily Prayer’ app or ‘Time to pray’ app.

If you came to church, you might find it helpful to reread the passage that you heard last Sunday, and think it through for yourself.

Or you can use a bible reading scheme. You can find one at www.wordlive.org

It is helpful to read the bible with someone who understands a bit more. Ask the vicar if you would like someone to read the bible with you. Or you can join a bible study group and read it together with other people.

4. How do I read the Bible?

To begin with, read a bible book in the same way you would read any book. 

However, if you are wanting to find out whether God speaks through the Bible, read prayerfully and attentively, believing that God can and wants to speak to you.

Some people find it helpful to look for:

💡something that shines, that impacts or draws your attention

⁉️ something you don’t understand in the passage, or a question you would like to ask the writer or Jesus

➡️ something that you need to apply to your life

💬 something that you would like to share with another person

 Turn what you have read into a prayer – saying thank you, sorry or please. It is also helpful to memorize a verse and repeat it as a prayer during the day.

5. What the Bible says about itself!

 JESUS ON THE OLD TESTAMENT

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘People do not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” Matthew 4:4

Jesus replied, “Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God? Mark 12:24

Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.”  Mark 14:49

 THE OLD TESTAMENT POINTS TO JESUS

And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.  Luke 24:27

You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.  John 5:39-40

JESUS ON THE APOSTLES’ TEACHING

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.  John 16:13

THE EARLY CHURCH ON THE APOSTLES’ TEACHING

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Acts 2:42

 THE NEW TESTAMENT ON THE OLD TESTAMENT

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.  Romans 15:4

PAUL TO A YOUNGER CHRISTIAN

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.  2 Timothy 3:14-16

The Bible claims that it is God speaking to us today.