Study Smarter, Not Harder: 5 Must-Have Bible Study Resources
This semester I am teaching a Bible study methods class at my church, Bethel Evangelical Free Church. During our time together, I’ve mentioned a few resources that are fantastic to have on your shelf as you study. This got me thinking to create a curated list of resources for all to benefit from, not just those who come to my class. We’ve found that many of the confusing Bible verses can be easily understood with the right tools. Hence the title, Study Smarter, Not Harder.
Below are 5 must-have Bible study resources.
1. Understand the New Testament Culture
We are 2,000 years removed from the culture in which the New Testament was written. When you come across a name, place, or seeming reference to something you don’t recognize, this book is for you.
It includes:
a glossary of cultural terms and important historical figures,
maps and charts
up-to-date bibliographies, and
introductory essays about cultural background information for each book of the New Testament.
For example, I used this resource to help me understand the significance of tax collectors when studying the story of Zacchaeus. Keener writes, “The “chief” * tax gatherer would be the one who contracted for sales and customs taxes and hired collectors under him. Given this role, Zacchaeus could have become rich without cheating; but it seems that he had cheated anyway (19:8).”
2. Understand The Old Testament Culture
In the same way that we are removed from the New Testament culture, so we are with the Old. There are many passages that go right over our heads without us knowing it. But by getting inside of the mindset of the original audience, we are able to understand the point of what the authors are communicating.
For example, Moses writes Genesis 1 to the wandering Israelites who are in search of an identity. They don’t know their God, their origins, or where they are going. Much of Genesis 1 introduces them to the God who brings order from chaos, a concept that they would have been familiar with with Egyptian gods. Walton writes about Genesis 1:2, “formless and empty. In Egyptian views of origins there is the concept of the “nonexistent” that may be very close to what is expressed here in Genesis. It is viewed as that which has not yet been differentiated and assigned function. No boundaries or definitions have been established. The Egyptian concept, however, also carries with it the idea of potentiality and a quality of being absolute.”
3. Books of the Bible Guides
These little booklets are helpful to guide you through books of the Bible. These can be used as personal studies or in a group. These 12-week studies lead participants through books of the Bible and are made up of four basic components: (1) reflection questions help readers engage the text at a deeper level; (2) “Gospel Glimpses” highlight the gospel of grace throughout the book; (3) “Whole-Bible Connections” show how any given passage connects to the Bible’s overarching story of redemption, culminating in Christ; and (4) “Theological Soundings” identify how historic orthodox doctrines are taught or reinforced throughout Scripture.
4. Beginner Level Bible Study Methods
This Bible resource covers everything from how to choose a good translation to how to understand the different genres of biblical writing. For example, reading a parable is different than an epistle of Paul, which is different than Old Testament poetry, which is different from apocalyptic literature. This book will help you navigate the various issues raised throughout the Bible.
5. Understand the Worldview of the Bible
I cannot help myself, this book needs to make the list. This unique book combines the conversation of Bible study methods, the culture of the Biblical audience, word studies, and the overall concept of a fascinating topic: angels, demons, and the divine realm.
Ever wondered why people worship statues in the Old Testament? Heiser helps you to see that there is likely demonic forces behind them. When the Apostle Paul tells us to put on our spiritual armor because there is a cosmic battle at hand, this is a clue to how the ancients thought of divine activity. For example, he helped me to see that the showdown between Elijah and the false prophets was really a showdown between YHWH and the pagan god Baal.
I may not always agree with Heiser, but I am fascinated by his thoughts.
*This post contains affiliate links where I may receive a small royalty if you purchase one of these books.
