STUDY!

A few things to bear in mind when studying Scripture:

(1) The epistles of the New Testament were written for us, but not to us. The context of the letters (and the entire Bible for that matter) is critically important in understanding the intended meaning of the author and how the message is applicable to us today. Viewing/Interpreting Scripture exclusively through a modern western lens or in a vacuum will inevitably lead to misinterpretations and the promulgation of false doctrines.

A responsible Bible student will always ask the following questions when examining a passage:

  • Who wrote it?
  • When was it written?
  • What then-current events shaped the author’s worldview?
  • Who was the intended audience?

(2) To study only the New Testament to the exclusion of the Old Testament is to dine at a table without legs. Sadly, many self-styled “New Testament” churches are saturated in false teachings because they have neglected to study the Old Testament (or, as I prefer to call it, “The First Testament”).

(3) Translators are fallible. To understand the depth/meaning of a passage, it is often necessary to consult the original language, along with a lexicon and other translations. Many of the false doctrines being propped up by the church today are the result of poor or deceptive translations.

(4) The safest way to interpret the Bible is to always compare Scripture with Scripture. To view/interpret a passage in a vacuum without examining all that the Bible has to say on a particular subject would be irresponsible. Scripture, when properly understood, will never contradict itself.

Matthew: 1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14   15   16   17   18   19   20   21   22   23   24   25   26   27   28

Mark: 1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14   15   16

Luke: 1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14   15   16   17   18   19   20   21   22   23   24

John: 1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14   15   16   17   18   19   20   21

Acts: 1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14   15   16   17   18   19   20   21   22   23   24   25   26   27   28

Romans: 1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14   15   16

1 Corinthians: 1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14   15   16

2 Corinthians: 1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13

Galatians: 1   2   3   4   5   6

Ephesians: 1   2   3   4   5   6

Philippians: 1   2   3   4

Colossians: 1   2   3   4

1 Thessalonians: 1   2   3   4   5

2 Thessalonians: 1   2   3

1 Timothy: 1   2   3   4   5   6

2 Timothy: 1   2   3   4

Titus: 1   2   3

Philemon: 1

Hebrews: 1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13

James: 1   2   3   4   5

1 Peter: 1   2   3   4   5

2 Peter: 1   2   3

1 John: 1   2   3   4   5

2 John: 1

3 John: 1

Jude: 1

Revelation: 1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14   15   16   17   18   19   20   21   22
Please Note: You will likely find minor grammatical/formatting issues throughout my notes. When I began taking notes on my studies, I had no intention of sharing them with anyone beyond my own household. That being the case, I wasn’t always careful to record everything in a precise manner. Thank you for your understanding. I pray that you will be enriched and edified by the material you find here. Onward and upward, fellow truth-seeker!
Genesis: 6

Exodus: 32

Deuteronomy: 31

Psalms: 82

"But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day." (Proverbs 4:18, NKJV)