How to Study the Bible

Mastering the Message of an Entire Bible Book

Three Steps in Mastering the Message of a Bible Book 1. Exploration- personally gleaning basic information 2. Synthesis- organizing data re: purpose, occasion, etc. 3. Research- using resources to supplement your study

Preparation! 1. Select the Bible book! (Start with a short book) 2. Choose the right translation (word for word translation!) 3. Schedule enough time! (quantity & quality matter!)

Exploration! Do a “walk through”! A. Read the book through carefully several times B. Glean basic information re: Author, recipients, occasion time, location, kind of book, main theme, peculiarities

Gleaning information Author- what do we learn about him? Recipients- to whom and for whom? Occasion- why was it written? Time- both of writing and events Location- where did it occur? Nature- kind of literature, epistle, etc. Subject/theme- central idea of book Peculiarities- structure, words, etc.

Author of Galatians Once a violent persecutor of the church, now transformed into a preacher of Christ,1:23 Had a special commission as apostle to Gentiles 1:16 He was independent of, but endorsed by apostles 2:9 He was a staunch opponent of Judaizers 2:1-5, 11-14

Author of Galatians Author is their spiritual father, 4:19-20 Illness led to his ministry 4:13 The Holy Spirit and miracles were evident, 3:2,5 They were bonded together in love, 4:15-16; 6:11 Author’s credentials were well known,1:13-14

Recipients of Galatians Multiple churches with one common problem, 1:2 Founded by Paul, 3:1-3; 4:13-14 Revered Paul as an “angel of God” 4:14 Loved Paul enough to sacrifice their eyes for him 4:14

Recipients of Galatians Primarily Gentiles = not yet circumcised, 5:2 Familiar with the Old Testament 3:6-9 Saved long enough to be “mature” in their faith, 5:7-12 Had fallen prey to a new, false “gospel,” 1:6-10

Let’s practice on the book of Philemon 1. Glean information about- - Paul, the author - Philemon, the recipient - Onesimus, the subject 2. What do you discover about the occasion/purpose?

Author of the Book of Philemon Paul is the author, vs. 1 The letter is handwritten, vs. 19 Paul is a prisoner (in a prison for the sake of of Christ) vs. 1, 23 Timothy and Epaphras are in prison with Paul, 1, 23 Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke are fellow workers (not prisoners?) Paul is consistently thankful

Author of Philemon Paul is praying for Philemon and others while in prison, vs.4 He has received a report of their love and faith toward all saints, 5 Paul is joyful and comforted by what he has heard, 7 He has confidence in Christ to order (authority to command?) action by Philemon, 8 Paul is consistently thankful

Author of Philemon Paul appeals rather than orders Philemon to “do what is proper,” 8 He appeals on the basis of love, not his authority, 9 Paul is “aged” (an old man), 9 He has “begotten” Onesimus as a “child” while in prison,10 (led him to faith in Christ?)

Author of Philemon He is deeply attached to Onesimus Paul is gracious not demanding in his request to Philemon, 13 Paul is willing to assume any debt that Onesimus owes to Philemon Paul has confidence in Philemon Paul anticipates being released from prison and visiting Philemon

Recipient (s) of Philemon Letter is addressed to Philemon, 1 Apphia, Archippus, and the church “in your house” are included, 2 Philemon is known for his love and his faith (both are directed toward the Lord Jesus and all the saints) Philemon has refreshed (blessed) the hearts of the saints and of Paul

Recipient (s) of Philemon Philemon owns slaves (Onesimus) The church meets in his house so it must be substantial = able to accommodate guests like Paul These things suggest that Philemon was wealthy, influential However, he owes Paul his own self (led to Christ by Paul?)

Subject: Onesimus Onesimus was/is a slave He is now a “brother” not a “slave” Onesimus has been “useless” to Philemon, but “useful” to Paul He ministered to Paul in prison He apparently ran away from Philemon and may owe money and may have wronged Philemon

Subject: Onesimus Onesimus has come into contact with Paul in prison He has become a believer through Paul’s prison ministry Onesimus is being sent back to Philemon with this letter

Occasion: Onesimus has stolen and run away from his owner, Philemon Onesimus has ended up in prison with Paul and been converted Paul is sending him back to make things right (legal/moral obligation) Paul assumes & will pay any debt that Onesimus owes Philemon Paul expects to be released

Probing each paragraph Next week: Probing each paragraph