Study the Bible??

She was interested in studying the Bible. Her church leaders were not. She asked her parents if they wanted to study the Bible. Their response, “Why would we do that? Our priest will tell us what we need to know.” Unfortunately, that thinking is common among Christians who rely on their priest/pastor/preacher to tell them what they need to know.

How does a person study the Bible? Are there formal steps to take? Does it require formal training? Does it require a library of biblical resources?

Studying the Bible may be understood in a broad sense with many thoughts as to how that is to be accomplished. However, one thing is obvious. If a person intends to study the Bible, he/she must read the Bible. But then what?

Take a moment and think about the works of Shakespeare. How would you go about studying Shakespeare? The first and most obvious answer is to read the works of Shakespeare. Since he and his works are not modern writings, you would expect to have to read them multiple times just to get a sense of how the man wrote and communicated.

Shakespeare wrote plays and sonnets. So, it makes sense to learn how these types of writing differ. And what was his purpose? Was he trying to teach life lessons? Was he making a political statement about the conditions of his day? Were his writings for mere entertainment? A person studying the works of Shakespeare would also want to know something about the man himself, his cultural background, his life story.

We could continue this little exercise, but I think you see the point. There are some rather obvious tasks involved in studying Shakespeare. And let’s not forget that studying is more than reading. Yes, studying involves thinking.

Does it make sense to apply these same conclusions to studying the Bible? It is true that studying the Bible involves reading and thinking about the things read. It involves inquiry into its author—God. There is also relevance in learning basic things about biblical culture and history and special expressions. But first and foremost, the Bible must be read…over and over.

When the Israelites were about to enter the Promised Land, God told Moses to instruct Israel to erect an altar when they entered the land. The stones of the altar were to be coated with lime. God instructed: “You shall write on the stones all the words of this law very distinctly.” You might call this the community copy of the Law of Moses. (See Deuteronomy 27.)

Israelite parents were to teach God’s word to their children. Moses and those leading Israel were to use the Law of Moses (God’s word) to govern Israel and settle disputes in Israel.

God foresaw a time when Israel would desire a king. Along with warnings came instruction directed to future kings who were to make a personal handwritten copy of the Law of Moses. Each king was to read it and observe it all the days of his life. One of the finest examples was that of King David. Read Psalm 119 to see his thoughts about God’s word. Seriously, read Psalm 119.

The New Testament made the town of Berea famous among Christians. They opened their Bible to fact-check the Apostle Paul. They studied God’s word.

The Bible is more than history. God has revealed Himself to mankind. Beyond that, He has demanded of mankind a response. Going back to the Garden of Eden through to the end of Revelation, God calls for a response. Your Bible was never meant to be shelved. It is to be open. It is to be read and read and read…and followed. You’ll have to think and apply the things you read.

Are you a Berean or are you sitting around waiting for your preacher?

Open the Book of Books. Read. Study. Ponder. Think. Reread.

Mark Stinnett

November 1, 2026