Is There a Best Way to Study the Bible?

I need to spend more time on Bible study. Is there a best way to do that?

While there likely isn’t one best way to study the Bible, there are some things to keep in mind as you read.

Read paragraphs, not verses. The chapter and verse numbers, as well as the section headings found in many Bibles, are helpful when navigating such a big book, but it can cause us to concentrate on tidbits of the writing rather than reading it like we would any other book.

The Bible is one book. In order to understand what a portion of the Bible is saying, you must put it in the context of the rest of the Bible. Continually ask yourself how the section you’re reading fits into the book of the Bible that it’s in as well as how it fits into the whole Bible.

Get help. The Bible is a book written in different languages and in and for different cultures thousands of years ago, so we need help to understand those contexts. Study Bibles have a treasure trove of information and can be very helpful in setting the stage for your reading. Be prayerful and invite the Holy Spirit to teach you as you read.

Find a friend or two to study with. Talking about what you’re reading will help you articulate your thoughts and ask questions, and it will give you the opportunity to hear other thoughts on a passage. Having a scheduled time to meet helps with accountability too.

It’s about God. Not every passage is about you, but they all tell us something about God and about the human condition. As you read, ask, “What does this teach us about God?”

Be patient. The Bible is a book that people spend their whole lives studying. You are not expected to understand it the first time. But the Holy Spirit will make your study fruitful.

Finally, choose a method that will keep you reading. The best method is one that you enjoy and will keep you coming back to the Word. A method you won’t use isn’t helpful.