9 Helpful Tips During Bible Study for Beginners

Learning to read the Bible is easy once you've grasped several beginner tips. In this article I'm going to go through nine useful tips that I use when reading scripture:

• The Six W's

• Flow of Scripture

The Six W’s of Scripture

Technically, there are only five W's; who, what, where, when, and why. However, I've also included How. The important lesson is that when reading scripture you always need to read the context of a passage. That context is often answered when you ask those basic questions.

Below I'll go through several interesting verses in the New Testament and look at these five W's and how to read the bible using them.

1. Who

The first of the six is who. It is essential to understand who is writing, to who they are writing, and in any given text, who is being discussed. While the Bible is all God's word, some of it is only applicable to certain people and at certain times.

Let's consider the following verse and try to better understand the question of who:

This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you

Titus 1:5 ESV

Reading this passage we can tell there is an author who is writing and they are writing to somebody. We know from the first verse that it is the Apostle Paul writing to Titus. But it's worth exploring who they are so that we can better understand what Paul means and why he is writing it.

Titus is a Gentile, we can tell that from another verse mentioning Titus:

But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek.

Galatians 2:3 ESV

We know that he was not forced to be circumcised and he was Greek, so he must have been a Gentile believer. We can also see from the numerous different references to Titus that the two of them were quite close:

my spirit was not at rest because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I took leave of them and went on to Macedonia.

2 Corinthians 2:13 ESV

All of this extra context helps us to better understand the conversation. Titus isn't a nobody that Paul has entrusted. He's a close partner of Paul's. They have worked together and they are very dear to one another. As we read Titus, we should bare in mind their close relationship and trust.

2. What

The second of the six is what. Using the same verse covered above, we can also try to figure out what Paul is asking from Titus:

This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you

Titus 1:5 ESV

It's clear that Paul wants Titus to 'put what remained into order' and 'appoint elders in every town as I directed you'. The fact that Paul states 'As I directed you' means that clearly the two of them had discussed this matter beforehand. Therefore, this letter is not to give Titus a new instruction, but to encourage and approve of his existing instructions.

The first statement 'put what remained into order' is confusing. It's not initially clear what it is that needs to be put into order. Whatever it is, only the remains are left to be put into order. In theory that could mean it was previously in order and now is not in order, or that it was almost in order but what remained needed order. In any case, as we continue reading Paul says to 'appoint elders in every town'. Terefore, he most likely is referring to churches that need to be put into order.

3. Where

The third of the six is where. It is important to understand where this letter is taking place. Using the same verse we can start to understand this information:

This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you

Titus 1:5 ESV

Paul writes "this is why I left you in Crete." In theory, that means that Paul and Titus were previously together in Crete. Now, either Titus remains in Crete, or, that is where Paul left Titus and he's gone on since then. As we continue reading, it becomes clear that Titus remains in Crete:

For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth. To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

Titus 1:10-16 ESV

We can see that Paul continues discussing the Cretans, yet importantly, he writes that Titus should 'rebuke them sharply'. It's unlikely a coincidence that Paul mentions that he left Titus in Crete, the Cretans are liars, and that he should rebuke them and for Titus to not be left in Crete. Therefore, we can understand from these bible verses that the job Titus was left to do would not be an easy one.

He needs to appoint elders based on the criteria that Paul instructed him, but the Cretans are liars, evil beasts and lazy gluttons.

4. When

The fourth of six is when. In this passage, it is perhaps the most difficult question to answer. There is no date written in the passage. However, this journey to Crete is not mentioned elsewhere in Paul's ministry.

A lot of Paul's ministry is covered in the book of Acts. We know that Paul was imprisoned three times:

• Acts 16:23-24,

• 22:24, 27:1,

• 2 Timothy 2:8-9

It is believed that these events took place somewhere between his first Roman imprisonment and the second, with the letter written around A.D. 63. It is considered that Paul wrote these pastoral epistles towards the end of his life as he wrote in 2 Timothy of his imprisonment and that his life would soon be taken.

5. Why

The fifth of six is why. It is vital to understand the reason for a passage. In this case, Paul makes clear that he wants to appoint elders because of the Cretans:

For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth. To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

Titus 1:10-16 ESV

He writes that there are 'many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers.' These aren't insults of those people, it's Paul explaining the reason why it is essential that elders are appointed. In any generation we will encounter those that 'turn away from the truth'. It is the job of elders to 'rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith'.

All of these passages make it clear to us why it is important to have elders, as well as why it was important for Titus to do that work.

6. How

The sixth of six is how. So far we've looked at the passage and understood who are the characters, what was the requirement, where it happened, roughly when it likely happened and why. But it's also important to figure out how Titus was to appoint these elders.

This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

Titus 1:5-9 ESV

Paul lists the requirements for how to choose an elder, but states 'if anyone is above reproach'. Paul is not instructing Titus to train somebody to become above reproach, but choose one that already is above reproach. Therefore, we can understand that these qualifications are the standard for all Christians, not just elders. Yet, despite being for everyone, these are how to select the elders.

Flow of Scripture

To read and learn from scripture, you need to feel the flow of the passage. There is a lot that can be said, but initially we're going to look at three important points:

• Sentence Flow

• Chapter Flow

• Book Flow

7. Sentence Flow

The flow of a sentence can dramatically change the interpretation. Your clues are to look for words like: therefore, for, but, so that, to. Reading these words carefully will help you identify the flow of the passage. Let's take this verse as an example:

In the Law it is written, “By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord.” Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers. If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds? But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you.

1 Corinthians 14:21-25 ESV

Some believers read these sentences and conclude that tongues are a private prayer language because it would cause an unbeliever to say you're out of your mind. Meanwhile, they argue, prophecy is a revelatory gift for unbelievers to fall on their face and acknowledge God.

There are numerous problems with this interpretation, but it can be clearly identified by using the sentence flow:

To us is revealed that that 'in the Law it is written.' This verse refers to Isaiah 28, particularly verses 11 - 13, where God discusses how he will talk his people, the israelites, by strange lips and a foreign tongues. God concludes that his word will become rules upon rules to them. The passage is talking about the Jews, particularly the Pharisees who had made God's kingdom about rules.

The following verse starts with the word "thus", which is Paul's clue for what he's about to teach the Corinthians:

... tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers.

While they may have received the gift, as believers, it was not for them as a sign, but for the unbelievers. The confusion comes from the following verse where Paul starts with a conditional statement. If, therefore, you all come together and the whole church speaks in tongues - will the unbelievers and outsiders not think you're crazy?

The problem is not that they spoke in tongues, it's that they all did it at the same time. Hopefully this shows you why reading through the verse carefully and understanding the flow is important to understanding the meaning.

8. Chapter Flow

While each sentence includes its own flow, so does each chapter. Be watchful that as you read through from one page to another that you remember the overarching message. Let's take that same verse and look at how it's important to remember the flow of a passage:

But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you.

1 Corinthians 14:21-25 ESV

Some Christians take this verse to mean prophetic visions, revelatory signs of what God is doing. Afterall, if I can tell you your future, surely you would fall on your face in worship? However, let's take a look at what type of prophecy that Paul is referring to in Chapter 14:

On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation.

1 Corinthians 14:3 ESV

Paul has been comparing prophecy not in the sense of foretelling the future, but telling forth the revealed truth of God. The divinely inspired gift to preach God's word to build-up, encourage and console fellow believers. When we understand that, it becomes clear that Paul is comparing a chorus of people speaking many things incoherently, versus speaking divine truth coherently. That also ties in with what Paul says elsewhere repeatedly about the importance of understanding what is said:

Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching?

1 Corinthians 14:6 ESV

So with yourselves, if with your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said? For you will be speaking into the air.

1 Corinthians 14:9 ESV

Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

1 Corinthians 14:19 ESV

9. Book Flow

Lastly, you should consider the flow of the book. In the case of the Corinthians, they were a deeply troubled and divisive group. Paul is writing to them out of concern upon hearing of their many issues:

I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.

1 Corinthians 1:10 ESV

This helps us to make sense of what Paul is writing in these chapters, because his call for the Corinthians is to unite, to put love at the centre of their church:

But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.

1 Corinthians 12:31 ESV

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:13 ESV

Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.

1 Corinthians 14:1 ESV

But, like we've seen the book of Isaiah, chapter 28 ties in with how we understand Chapter 14. We can see how Paul's second letter ties in with this one:

For if I cause you pain, who is there to make me glad but the one whom I have pained? And I wrote as I did, so that when I came I might not suffer pain from those who should have made me rejoice, for I felt sure of all of you, that my joy would be the joy of you all. For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.

2 Corinthians 2:2-4 ESV

We can understand from his second letter, that his first letter was a rebuke of their behaviour, not an encouragement of it. But more than that, Paul did not find joy in having to write such things, nevertheless, he wrote them out of his love for them. We can use these very real emotions of his letters to understand Paul's heart as he wrote those verses and gain a richer sense of God's love for his people to build the church as he instructs in 1 Corinthians.