Reading the Bible with Confidence
The Bible is a precious gift from God, offering every follower of Christ the chance to learn more about Him. Yet, it’s important to remember that the Bible was not originally written for our modern culture. Understanding how to interpret scripture empowers us to apply its teachings authentically in our lives. While interpreting scripture can feel overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need to be a scholar to understand the Bible! Here are some helpful tips to guide you in reading and interpreting scripture. Before I begin, I always ask the Holy Spirit to teach and guide me as I read.
1. Start by simply reading the Bible. Instead of focusing on a single verse, try reading whole books or larger sections. This approach helps you understand the bigger story and the context in which events take place.
2. Ask yourself, "Who was the author writing to?" While the Bible is for everyone, it was originally addressed to specific people or communities. For example, the Apostle Paul wrote his letters to particular groups—Corinthians to the people of Corinth, Romans to the people of Rome, and so on.
3. Consider why the book was written. What prompted the author to write it? Many New Testament letters were written to answer questions or address problems faced by early Christian communities.
4. Pay attention to the geographical location. Jesus and other biblical figures often spoke or acted in specific places for a reason. Knowing where a story takes place can help you better understand and remember its message.
5. Notice when the book was written. Understanding the time period and historical events helps you grasp what was happening in the world when the scripture was written.
6. Learn about the customs and practices described in the story. This is important because it helps you step out of your own cultural perspective and better understand the world of the Bible.
7. Pay attention to language. The Bible was originally written in Hebrew (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament). Understanding some of the original words or using resources like stepbible.com can provide extra insight into the text.
These steps can help you discover the deeper meaning of what you’re reading in the Bible. Remember, one of the biggest mistakes is to invent your own meaning or only ask, “What does this scripture mean to me?” Instead, seek the truth the Holy Spirit reveals, which will always align with scripture itself.