Before we chat about how to read the Bible, I think it would help all those who read this article (as it has helped me) to peek at the history of the early church and the origins of this fantastic book, the Bible.
History is never straightforward. In my own experience, history is somewhat like a maze. The further back in time, the more evident this becomes. So, bear with me as I try to write something sensible. Always use these two maxims: When uncertain, always check with God, the source of all truth. Please do your research; it’s always interesting, exciting and helpful. (You’ll also have facts if you inadvertently step on someone’s toes 😊)
The first Bible was produced by St. Jerome in early 400ce, after 40 years of labor. He assembled an Old and New Testament collection, translated from scripts. This version became known as the Vulgate.[1] St. Jerome was said to have been a priest and one-time secretary to Pope Damasus in Rome.
The first printed Bible was produced by Gutenberg in 1456 and based on the Vulgate written by St. Jerome.
The Bible has evolved over many years from different versions to become the most widely read book in the world.
History recording over the years varies according to who produces the written work. The validity and accuracy of Bible translations have always raised questions and will likely do so as time passes. If you have doubts, know this – the Bible contains wisdom and prophecy like no other book on earth. Where does this leave you and me?
Let’s start here. What does God want from us? In the broadest sense, it is this:
“You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” [2]
It is a crisp instruction that’s not difficult to understand, although it’s not easy for us to apply. In previous articles, I explained how we apply Jesus’s teachings. In other words, as we know God, we can love God and our neighbor. Knowing God is a process we cultivate through intimacy with God. The more we know God, the more understanding and ability we gain in learning how to love our neighbor.
As we grow in knowing God, we prepare for eternal life.[3]
As part of this process, reading the Bible helps. Now, you will notice that I did not say, ‘study the Bible,’ I said read the Bible. You ask, ‘Does this mean I cannot study the Bible?’ No, not at all. Studying if you wish is your choice.
God said to me many years ago, ‘Just read, and as you read, I will teach you my Word.’ I have read the Bible many times, from the beginning of Genesis to the end of Revelation. ‘You have?’ Yes, I have.
How did Jesus teach His disciples? In front of the crowds, He spoke to them in parables – then later, when they asked Him why He did that, He explained that it was not for the crowds to understand. ‘But we do not understand either.’ They responded. Then Jesus took them aside from the crowd, into a house in private, and explained the meanings of the different parables.
God wants to do the same for you. God wants to teach you the meaning of his word – the right word at the right time,’ not just any words at any time. How does God do this?
Just as no two humans on the planet have the same DNA, I believe God does not necessarily deal with any two humans in the same way. Listen to what the Psalmist had to say:
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
“My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance…”[4]
God told me, “Peter, I shall be your teacher alone.” And this is how God taught me to read the Bible:
I read each day – I did not try to understand. (especially with a KJV version 😊) When a scripture stood out – like into my face, I underlined it and inserted a date. (as time went by, I found dating was significant.) Then, I would wait for God to explain it to me. Sometimes, I received immediate understanding; other times, it took years, but understanding always came.
In the enlightenment of God’s Word, time is irrelevant; knowing is essential. My Bible is filled with underlines, dates, and, yes, even explanations. The next step I learned was that teaching is the finest way to learn. So, what God taught me, I began to share with others. Today, by God’s grace, I know my God and my God’s Word.
Love and blessings
Peter-James