1. How to Study
the Bible

2. Mastering the Message of an Entire Bible Book

3. 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

4. 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!)

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. Recipients of Galatians
Primarily Gentiles = not yet circumcised, 5:2
Familiar with the Old Testament :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

11. 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?

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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, (led him to faith in Christ?)

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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?)

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. Probing each paragraph
Next week:
Probing each paragraph