Many people find it difficult to know how to study the Bible. The varying ages of the text, the differences in the cultures of the Mediterranean and America, the diverse literary styles and genres, and the large amount of material makes it overwhelming and intimidating for a number of believers. In addition, the Bible contains passages that have difficult material or morally challenging teachings.
It is also difficult to understand something if you do not read it. In the United States, about half of adults read the Bible less than twice a year – would that sound like Christmas and Easter to you? Unfortunately, nearly 60% if self-identified Christians rarely or never read it. Readership has surged recently because Millennials and Gen Z people are reading the Bible more often.
About 9% of US adults say that have never read any part of the Bible. Another 57% are what the American Bible Society calls “Biblically Disengaged,” meaning they do not interact with the Scriptures in any consistent or meaningful way. Although 87%of Americans own a Bible, only about 13% say they have read through the Bible completely at least once. About 9% claim to read the Bible every day.
If you select a book or website to help you study the Bible, you are likely to find a detailed structure to help you better understand the Scriptures. Often the plan itself can be confusing and often discouraging. Koinonia Bible Studies suggests a fairly simple five-step plan to assist you in your Bible reading and study. While you may not immediately be ready to teach at a Seminary, the plan will help you see patterns in the Scriptures. You will develop habits that can guide you no matter which book of the Bible you choose to study.
STEP ONE | Read It
The numbers are staggering. A survey from 2021 discovered that only 11% of Americans profess to reading the Bible daily. Trends in their reading habits over the last four years show the majority of Americans never read their Bible at all. Although the figures show that fewer people are reading the Bible, the vast majority own a Bible and claim they have genuine desire to read it. About 56% of those queried expressed an interest in reading the Bible but were not sure how or where to start.
The vocabulary of the Bible is more challenging than some books because its vocabulary is more advanced and more specialized than most readers are accustomed. The phenomenon is not unique to Christianity. If you were to pick up a doctor’s medical journal, you would find its vocabulary challenging as well.
The first step in the Koinonia Bible Study method is to read the Bible. Today the Scripture is translated into several different English reading levels. You will be encouraged to read your passage from the Bible from several different sources to help you better understand its vocabulary and its meaning.
In addition to vocabulary differences, Bibles are produced to help meet your reasons for reading. You will learn about the different types of translations and the purposes behind the translations.
You will get a chance to actually understand what you are reading.