Bible Toolkit: Reading the Bible Well

To read a story in the Bible in the CONTEXT of THE WHOLE BIBLE, we read the story with the understanding that ___.

• This story somehow points to Jesus.

• God is the hero of this story.

• This story is connected with & in unity with the rest of the Bible.

• This story may or may not be part of the CFR storyline.

• This story may or may not have any relevance to my life.

To read a passage of the Bible in CONTEXT, which of the following are essential?

• immediate context of the verses & chapters surrounding it

• immediate context of the book of the Bible it is in

• literary context--knowing if it is a story, a poem, or something else

• context of the ancient world based on history books and archaelogy

• none of these

The largest % of the Bible (43%) is written in which literary form?

• narrative (stories)

• poetry

• prose discourse

• none of these

Speeches, letters and essays are examples of which of these?

• narrative (stories)

• poetry

• prose discourse

• none of these

A third of the Bible is written in which literary form?

• narrative (stories)

• poetry

• prose discourse

• none of these

Which literary form found in the Bible communicates emotion and uses metaphors?

• narrative

• poetry

• prose discourse

• all of these

Which of these specifically blocks our understanding when we are reading the Bible?

• pride--assuming we don't need God's help to understand what we read

• a desire to know what God is saying

• a desire to confirm/prove correct the opinions we already have

• praying to ask God for help to understand what we read

• being a slow reader

Which are necessary for reading the Bible well & understanding what we read?

• attitude of humility

• willingness to obey God based on what we read

• God's help

• high school education

• Bible resources like Bible.is, commentaries, or Bible experts