Reading the Bible for the first time can be daunting. It has lengthy passages, sometimes complex language, and a breadth of themes; it can be hard to know where to begin. However, with the right approach, reading the Bible is an enriching and transformative experience. It’s one of the ways many of us draw closer to God, understand humanity’s experience of Him, and find guidance in pursuing meaning and purpose. Here are some tips on how to read the Bible:
Choose a translation
The Bible has been translated into many languages, and there are various translations available in English as well as most other languages. Choose a translation that is easy for you to read and understand. The English translations sit on a spectrum of formal, such as the ESV, through to the informal, most notably the Message translation. The New International Version (NIV) sits somewhere in the middle, and a growing number of people prefer the New Living Translation (NLT), which tends to favour accuracy and readability. It’s helpful to know that any translation has it’s limits in that they are usually seeking to give you the best possible understood meaning of the text. Find one that works and go with it for a while, change it up after some time to get a different flavour. The Bible App has all the options you need.
Start with the Gospels
The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) are a great place to start for beginners. They provide an account of the life, teachings, and ministry of Jesus, and offer an accessible entry point into the Bible. It might seem unusual to start so far into the Bible, but we Christians see Jesus as the centre. We understand Him to be the full expression of God in Human form, and the Gospels introduce us to Him. The Gospel of John, for example, encourages us to understand that Jesus is the living scripture, and many interpret that to mean the entire Bible is to be understood through Christ.
Read with purpose
Before you begin reading, ask yourself what you hope to gain from your reading. Are you looking for inspiration, guidance, or knowledge? Having a purpose can help you focus your reading and make it more meaningful. If you’re reading for discipline, that will land differently than if you are reading devotionally and reflectively. Are you looking for a life application or to know God better? Sometimes it’s several reasons at once, but knowing this can change how you approach scripture.
Use study tools
Bible study tools, such as commentaries, concordances, and study Bibles, can help you to understand the history and meaning of the Bible. They can also provide insights into the cultural and social context in which the Bible was written. If you are reading with a study perspective, using tools like this will help you glean vital insights crucial in avoiding misinterpretation of the text. Be mindful not to bend or interpret the words of the Bible in a way you find favourable if you come across something challenging. The aim is not to impose your preferences on scripture, but to allow it to speak to you in your pursuit of God. It, of course, needs to be placed in context, but we must not try to manipulate the text to suit our preferences.
Take notes
Take notes as you read, and reflect on what you have read. This can help you to better understand the text and make it more personal and applicable to your life. Many studies show the benefits of writing for memory and comprehension. It forces you to slow down and reflect on what you have read. Simply write the scripture along with your thoughts and questions that arise as you spend time thinking about the text.
Join a study group
Joining a Bible study group can provide you with a community of readers who can offer insights, support, and accountability. It can also provide a space for discussion and reflection on the Bible. The Bible was never meant to be read solely in isolation. The majority, if not all, the books of the Bible were aimed at communities and were to be read with your neighbours and fellow believers. Knowing that the Bible is not individualistic and reading it with others will bring a whole new depth to your understanding.
Pray
Finally, prayer is an essential component of reading the Bible. Ask God to guide you as you read, and to open your heart and mind to the message of the Bible. Ask Him to reveal new depth and meaning. Use the scripture as prayer points. They usually demonstrate God’s character, will and ways of interacting with humanity. You can use this to enrich your prayer life. Explore contemplation and Lectio as ways of praying through what you have read.
Reading the Bible can be a rewarding and enriching experience, but it requires patience, persistence, and an open heart and mind. Reading the Bible 3-4 times or more a week will help you cultivate a deeper faith. Even if it does not feel effective, you will be amazed at how it is adding to you.
What is reading the Bible like for you? How are you engaging with scripture, and what do you notice about its effect upon your understanding of God?
