A to Z of Reading the Bible

A to Z of Reading the Bible Well

by Fr. Sujit Thomas

A. Attitude – Do you see the Bible as a boring and confusing book or as something you desire to explore with great pleasure? B. Book – On the one hand, the Bible is a single book with a single skopos/aim (St Athanasius) and a single hypothesis (St Irenaeus). On the other hand, the Bible is composed of multiple books and multiple collections of books (Pentateuch, Synoptics, Pastorals, etc.). We should notice the harmony while being able to distinguish the sound of its individual pieces. Keep the big picture in mind while still diving deep into each verse and word. C. Christ-centered – The Scriptures testify of Jesus Christ (John 5:39; Luke 24:27) and it is a treasure in which Christ is hidden (St Irenaeus). There is also a hierarchy within scripture that is determined by how much it reveals scripture (see the way Scripture is read in Holy Qurbana). Always ask how this passage is connected to Jesus Christ and how it asks me to be more Christ-like? D. Read it Devotionally - The Psalms are especially helpfully for this. E. Exegesis - (bring out meaning) - The Bible is to be interpreted. Some passages are to be interpreted according to the plain sense, while others allegorically. As Jesus said, “Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old” (Matt 13:52). F. Faith - We read with faith. We reject any approach that claims to be unbiased. Starting with faith does not distort the meaning, but rather, by reading it with the proper hypothesis and skopos in mind, we discover the truth. But not only do we start with faith, the reading enriches our faith and helps us to grow in our knowledge and trust of the Lord. G. Genre - The Bible is composed of different types of literature. The book of Revelation is an apocalyptic work, while the Psalms are poems, and Proverbs are wisdom sayings. Understanding the different genres helps to determine our approach. H. Historical Context. The Bible is written over thousands of years, and the historical context of each book and even passage can clarify its meaning. I. I (me) - Where am I in the text? How does this verse or passage speak to me? J. Justice - Justice is a major theme in the Bible. What are the ethical implications of this text? How does this text promote love of neighbor? K. Kerygma (proclamation) - The Bible is to be preached. “And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? … So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:14-17). Pay attention to preaching? How is scripture preached through these words? Does it preach Christ crucified (1 Corinthians 1:23)? L. Literary elements - While related to Genre, literary elements are the techniques or devices that bring special focus to the text. Paying attention to narrative elements like characterization, plot, etc., and chiasms, synonymous parallels can help us to understand better. M. Memorization - Scripture memorization is an important spiritual discipline. (Psalm 119:9) N. Note Cards - Write important and inspiring words down on a note card. Write the date when you came across the verse. O. Obey - Obey the message of the Bible. “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22). P. Patristic Mind - Read the Bible with the Fathers. Read with the mind of the church (ecclesial). Q. Questions - Ask good questions of the text. 5W1H – Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How. R. Read Well - Being a good reader in general will help us to become better readers of the Bible. And likewise, being a good reader of the Bible will help us to read other material. S. Salvation - If Christ is the center of the Bible, then the Bible is teaching us about the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. T. Tools - Becoming a better reader of the Bible requires the use of many tools. Helpful tools include: a good study Bible with helpful notes, a reading plan, commentaries, word helps, and concordances. U. Underline Key Verses - This helps to bring our attention to the important passages when we read the same section again. V. Verse of the Day - Try to have one verse for each day. Bible apps and calendars are available. W. Worship - One way to read the Bible with the church is to learn how it is read within the Liturgy. How is it used in the prayers? How does the lectionary connect different passages of Scripture? How are today’s passages connected to Jesus Christ, his gift of salvation, the theme of the day, and finally, how can I apply it in my life? X. eXplain to others - Share inspirational verses with others. Teach the Bible in Sunday School. Talk about the Bible with your family at family prayer. Y. Yield - Being a good student of the Scripture means we recognize its authority and we yield to that authority. Z. Zeal for the Scripture - Let’s end where we began. Our attitude. Let us have zeal for the Scripture.