BASIC BIBLE STUDY – A C R O N Y M S
Pentateuch (GELeND)
Historical (JoJuRuSamSamKingKingChroChroEzNeTobJEMM)
Wisdom (JEWPPSS)
Major Prophets (IsJerLamBED)
Minor Prophets (JOHNJAHMZeZeMaHa)
Gospels
Acts of the Apostles
St. Paul’s Epistles (RoCoCoGaEPhiColThesTimTimTitPhilHe)
Catholic Letters (JaPePeJoJoJoJu)
Revelation
OLD TESTAMENT
Pentateuch (GELeND)
G enesis N umbers
E xodus D euteronomy
Le viticus
Historical (JoJuRuSamSamKingKingChroChroEzNeTobJEMM)
Jo shua Ez ra
Ju dges Ne hemiah
Ru th Tob it
1Sam` uel
2Sam uel
1King s J udith
2King s E sther
1Chro nicles 1M accabees
1Chro nicles 2M accabees
Wisdom (JEWPPSS)
J ob P salms S ong of Solomon
E cclesiastes P roverbs
W isdom S irach
Major Prophets (IsJerLamBED)
Is aiah Lam entations E zekiel
Jer emiah B aruch D aniel
Minor Prophets (JOHNJAHMZeZeMaHa)
J oel N ahum H osea Ze phaniah
O badiah J onah M icah Ma lachi
H abakkuk A mos Ze chariah Ha aagai
NEW TESTAMENT
Gospels
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Acts of the Apostles
St. Paul’s Epistles (RoCoCoGaEPhiCloThesThesTimTimTitPhilHe)
Ro mans
1 Co rinthians
2 Co rinthians
Ga atians
E phisians
Phi lippians
Col ossians
1 Thes salonians
2 Thes salonians
1 Tim othy
2 Tim othy
Tit us
Phil emon
He brews
Catholic Letters (JaPePeJoJoHoJu)
Ja mes
1 Pe ter
2 Pe ter
1 Jo hn
2 Jo hn
3 Jo hn
Ju de
Revelation
Conference 1: THE BIBLE AS A BOOK
I. HOW THE BOOK IS CALLED
Holy Bible/Holy Scriptures/Word of God/Good News/ The Old And The New Testament/Book of Life
The different names suggest the uniqueness of the Bible. It is the only book which has been translated into many languages and dialects – 300 languages for the Old Testament and 700 for the New Testament. In addition, volumes of commentaries and other scholarly studies have been written about it. To top it all, the Bible was and still is instrumental in the authentic conversions in the lives of many people.
II. ORIGINS OF THE TERMINOLOGY
The word “bible”originates from the Latin word “biblia”which means “book”and the Greek word “biblia”(plural of biblion) which means “books”.
The bible therefore is a “book of books”. It is not a single literary composition but a “library”in which the books come under various literary classifications:
A. History – Genesis, Exodus, Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings, Chronicles
B. Poetry – Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Songs
C. Prayer – Psalms
D. Laws & regulations – Leviticus, Deuteronomy
E. Prophetic Writings – Books of the major and minor prophets, Revelation
F. Narratives – Gospels, Acts of the Apostles
G. Wisdom Books – Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach, the Letters
III. HOW THE BIBLE CAME ABOUT
A. GOD’S INSPIRATION
The Bible was not printed and made I heaven. It was inspired by God and written by men. It is therefore the work of God and man. Inspiration will be discussed in a subsequent conference entitled “The Bible as the Word of God”. Suffice it to know at this point that, in inspiration, God revealed through the human author a divine truth or message. The truth or message was expressed through human thought and reflection influenced by the culture, language, thought patterns, self, world view, emotions, and literary style of the human author.
This goes to show that the makings of the book is the handwork of the power of inspiration in history and chronology (refer to the supplement on the Chronology of the Bible Writings). It is the product of an arduous process in history baked over a span of centuries. Therefore, in a human point of view, possibilities exist that apparent inconsistencies appear when not taken in the proper context, as the books were sporadically authored by different persons who ever tinkered with the idea that what they were writing would comprise what we now call “Holy Bible”(example: Genesis).
B. The General Process of BIBLE COMPOSITION
1. A STORY
Naturally, a story happens before it is written. The Bible speaks of a love story (covenant) between God and Israel (representing man).
Lev 26:12; Ex 6:7; Dt 14:21 – God’s love for Israel and Israel’s response expressed in her laws and regulations, worship, prayers, saying and lifestyle in general.
A story contains characters, events, and experiences. God’s love and man’s response was vividly expressed and first-handedly experienced by individual Israelites and a nation as a whole.
a. The calling and life of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph (Gen 12-50).
b. The Exodus – Moses (Ex 1-16; Num 10-25).
c. The Conquest – Joshua, Samson, Samuel (Joshua 1-16; Judges 1-9; 1 Samuel 1-7).
d. The Establishment of the Kingdom of Israel, David, Saul, Solomon (1 Sam 8-31; 2 Sam 1-20; 1 Kgs 1-11).
e. The Division of the Kingdom (1 Kgs 12-22; 2 Kgs 1-24).
f. The Exile (2 Kgs 25).
g. The Return from Exile (Ezra 1-10; Neh 1-13; 1 Mac 1-16).
h. The Birth, Life, Death & Resurrection of Jesus Christ (Gospels).
i. The Spread of Christianity (Acts of the Apostles; The Letters of Paul; the Catholic Letters).
2. ORAL TRADITION
The experiences and responses of Israel to God’s love were accounted and recounted in the hearts and minds of the Israelites. In the absence of mass media, story telling was the pastime of the Jews. Stories of such experiences were handed down as spiritual treasure from one generation to another.
3. WRITTEN TRADITION
The events and experiences were written first in fragments. Later, these were compiled, edited and re-edited. The first bible was in Hebrew, but this cannot be termed strictly as “bible”. A lot of writings were used then – in worship and liturgy, in rules and regulations – covering different areas of life and relationships.
The Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings were translated in Aramaic called “Targus”. Later translations were in Greek called “Septuagint”and in Latin called “Vulgate”by St. Jerome.
IV. CONCLUSION
The human and historical authorship and compilation of the Bible should be taken into consideration when approaching or interpreting the Bible. (This will be dealt with in Conference 3: The Approaches to the Bible.)
Conference 2: The Bible as the WORD of GOD
I. THE “WORD’
A. modern usage: The expression of an idea or message either spoken or written
B. according to Hebrew usage: “DABAR”
Word for the Hebrews was primarily spoken, not written, containing an individual’s force of personality and authority. This spoken word was stronger than any written word. It was used to seal contracts (Gen 23:1ff). If a person broke his word, he somehow broke himself. In our times, a written word is considered more significant than a spoken one. Written evidence is more convincing than a personal word.
For the Hebrews, a word is more than an expression of an idea; it may be a happening. They use “dabar”to mean a word, a thing, an experience, an event (Gen 24:66). Spoken words contained the energy and personality of the speaker. Words like blessings and curses, were so strong that they were independent from the speaker. An example would be Isaac’s blessings on the wrong son which he could not take back anymore even though he was deceived (Gen 27:35).
When we say therefore that the Bible is the Word of God, it is not only God’s handing over. His ideas, but as the revelation of Himself in writing, basing on the ancient understanding of the word “dabar”.
II. THE BIBLE AS GOD’S REVELATION OF HIMSELF
A. Revelation in general means the uncovering or disclosure of something that was hidden. Example: suddenly a solution to a problem props out without deliberation.
B. Revelation in the Bible is restricted to divine revelation: God’s communication of truths about Himself and the purposes of our existence. Example: God’s revelation of Himself as three persons.
C. Knowledge of this revelation is not restricted to the Bible, of course. St. Peter never read the Gospels in our Bible, but he received God’s revelation in the person of Jesus, through his life in the Christian community and through his prayer life. God is not limited in His revelation (Jn 20:30). He spoke to anyone, anywhere according to His own will. But He has given the Bible as a privileged source of revelation. It is one of the sources for an encounter with God.
III. THE BIBLE, BEING GOD’S REVELATION IS INSPIRED BY HIM
A. Inspiration has a lot of non-religious connotations. Example: an inspired speaker/preacher/painter/dancer. There seems to be a power or force at work in an inspired person.
B. Divine inspiration can mean the same thing. God is the power at work in the authoring of the Bible except for one noticeable difference. While an inspired “work”is a masterpiece of ultimate variety and beauty and meaning, divinely-inspired work like some writings in the Bible may not be moving or particularly noticeable. The book of Deuteronomy can bore a reader to sleep.
Divine inspiration in the stricter senses means that God involves Himself in a special way in a human event, guaranteeing His presence and the truth of what is communicated, free from error.
The Bible is a divinely-inspired writing. Biblical inspiration means that the Bible contains God’s authentic revelation about Himself and His plan for the world. (2 Tim 3:16)
IV. CONCLUSION
THE BIBLE AS THE WORD OF GOD IS GOD’S POWERFUL AND LIVING PRESENCE AMONG US.
Isaiah 55:10-11
Jeremiah 20:9
Ezekiel 3: 1-4
Hebrews 4: 12
Conference 3: APPROACHES TO THE BIBLE
The Bible is: THE WORD OF GOD
IN THE WORDS OF MEN
FOR US AND OUR SALVATION
I. THE BIBLE IS THE WORD OF GOD
It is God who speaks to us through the Bible – we ought to listen to Him with respect, to be ready and willing to receive and obey His message.
The reading of God’s word and meditating on it is a beautiful form of PRAYER. The attitude of openness, of listening, and of readiness is called PRAYER (1 Sam 3:1-6)
II. THE BIBLE IS GOD’S WORD IN WORDS OF MEN
It is written in the language of people of another time, of a different culture, with different patterns of thinking and ways of communicating. For that reason, not everything in the bible easily understood. To bridge the gap of time and culture, it is necessary to STUDY the Bible. It is good to know something about the historical circumstances in which the individual books were written; it is useful to get acquainted with the different literary forms use.
III. THE BIBLE IS GOD’S WORD IN WORDS OF MEN FOR US AND OUR SALVATION
Our reading, praying, and studying of the Bible leads us to salvation or eternal life only if we PRACTICE it or if we LIVE the message that God gives us through it (Rom 15:4; Jn 5:39).
A. BIBLE SHARING and COMMUNITY BUILDING
The Bible is not a book of several individuals – that is, the sacred writers – but a book of a community namely, the people of Israel (Old Testament) and the Church (New Testament). For this reason, it can best be understood not by individuals according to their own personal understanding, but by a community.
B. INTERPRETING LIFE IN THE LIGHT OF THE BIBLE
The Bible contains the story of God’s covenant with mankind. It is the story of God’s love in the past, at present, and in the future; the God who acts today in the events of our daily life and in the history of our times. Therefore, in reading the Bible, our task is not so much that of interpreting a book but a task if interpreting life.
BIBLE INTERPRETATION
This conference on APPROACHES TO THE BIBLE has taught us to read, pray, study, live and share the bible. The first two are accomplished through daily Bible reading and regular Bible sharing. The last two are applied, lived, and experienced with others in one’s daily living. The third one though, that of STUDY, brings about the question of interpretation and a clearer, more thorough understanding of Scriptures.
There is a need for a GUIDED INTERPRETATION of the scriptures because the biblical authors (in words of men) wrote in a completely different cultural, social, economic, political, and religious world from ours, and they did not try to explain these to their readers. Their manner of thinking and of expressing themselves were also different, as well as their literary forms and styles of writing, most of which may be alien to us. There also may be questions which arise owing to the tremendously increased knowledge that we have now which the original writers would never have thought about. All these must be rediscovered by the contemporary reader, not for the sake of just going back to it but in order to understand better what the biblical writers are trying to say.
The entire Bible though is not a conglomeration of unintelligible words and stories. There are many sections which can be readily understood by the reader. But it is also the responsibility of the reader to do what is ever possible, in his own little way, to ensure a proper interpretation, especially of seemingly conflicting or vague words and teachings. One effective means to achieve this end is to join a Bible study group led by competent people. Also it is emphasized that every reader who approaches God’s word in faith will be guided by the Holy Spirit. This does not mean that a miraculous voice or a form of supernatural intervention will guarantee the right interpretation. Guidance by the Holy Spirit will help the faithful open his heart to the message that is read and understood. Lastly, one should never forget that the Church produced, recognized, and interprets the Scriptures, and it is through this covenant community (the Church) that its proper interpretation is primarily made available to the faithful. It is within the community of faith that we hear the Word of God speaking to us.
POOR APPROACHES TO THE BIBLE
1. WORDS-TO-LIVE BY APPROACH
Searches the bible for a verse or text to suit one’s moral point which had already been decided on, usually at the expense of another’s moral value; often quotes out of context; tends to flaunt one’s own knowledge of Biblical references.
2. SO-THERE! APPROACH
Misuses quotes; views the Bible as a collection of religious proofs, the last word in the debate; considers the Bible text to be the answer to all the theological, historical and scientific problems that confront mankind.
3. THE-BIBLE-AS-LITERATURE APPROACH
Looks at the Bible as merely a collection of sonnets, short stories, myths, and masterpieces, much of it elegant and lofty, some too common and boring.
SOUND APPROACHES TO THE BIBLE
1. CONTEXTUAL APPROACH
Views the particular biblical work as a whole; seeks to give the reader a feel for the forces that shaped the book to enable today’s reader to sense the earliest reader’s situation and response to the book, in order to respond in faith and understanding along with those ancient believers.
2. THEMATIC APPROACH
Complements the contextual approach; after the reader feels, to some extent, what the Bible writers felt, he is ready to pursue a theme; extremely fruitful for a Bible study group. (A concept, such as “love”can be explored with great benefit through a varied and representative list of readings.)
Reference: Special Study Guide Essay, How to Study the Bible, from the GOOD NEWS BIBLE, CATHOLIC STUDY EDITION, pages ixiv-ixvi.
Conference 4: RESPONSE to the WORD of GOD
A. THE RESPONSE OF THE DISCIPLES
1. Mark 1: 16-20
a. Four Steps: Call of Peter and Andrew
1) Jesus saw them (v. 16, 19)
2) Jesus called them (v. 17, 20)
3) They left something (v. 18, 20)
4) They followed Jesus (v. 18, 20)
b. Two Steps: Call of James and John
1) Word / Call of Jesus
2) Answer / Response of the Disciples
2. Luke 5: 1-11
a. Introduction: the powerful word and preaching of Jesus.
b. Miracle Account: the obedience and trust in the words of Jesus resulted in the miraculous catch of the fish.
c. Call Story: the miracle account turns into a “call story” which serves as a lesson for Peter whom Jesus wanted to make a “fisher of men”; Peter learned what obedience and trust in the words of Jesus can do.
3. John 1: 35-51
a. Jesus uses somebody who knows Him already in order to call a new disciple.
b. It is not just the testimony of the one who knows Jesus already which touches the heart of a new disciple –it is rather his own personal encounter with Jesus Himself, who looks at him, knows his heart and thoughts, and calls him to follow Him.
B. OUR RESPONSE
1. We too are being called by the Lord Jesus. Our situations in life are very different from those of His first disciples, but our response ought to be the same as theirs—obedience and trust in Jesus.
2. We are being called by the Lord Jesus to follow Him, not just for our own benefit, but for the good of others as well. What is essential is our trust in and our response to the Lord’s powerful word and not our personal fitness or worthiness.
3. Even if Jesus uses other people who already know Him in order to call us, the true call to a new life starts with our personal encounter with Jesus, by reading and living His word in Sacred Scripture.
BIBLE OR GOSPEL SHARING
I. WHAT IS BIBLE OR GOSPEL SHARING
Bible Sharing is a process by which we, in small groups, reflect and share on a passage taken from the Bible. “Gospel” means Good News, and thus, whatever is written in the Bible must be good news to us.
II. PROPER ATTITUDES
A. ACCEPTANCE
We accept each other by bearing in mind that each one of us has his own unique history and personality that is given to us by God. Each one has something precious to share.
B. RESPECT
This can be shown by reminding ourselves of the acronym: L I P J A S S.
L - ISTEN
(don’t) I - INTERRUPT
(don’t) P - REACH
(don’t) J - UDGE
(don’t) A - DVISE
(keep) S - ECRET the sharing
(keep) S - SACRED the sharing
C. OPENNESS
As Mother Mary accepted and treasured God’s word in her heart, so must we. We show this by our willingness to share our insight and experiences of God’s word and by our readiness to be enriched by our fellow sharers.
III. METHOD: 3-PART OUTLINE
Part 1: Focus on the TEXT of Sacred Scripture
- Reading
- Silence
- Sharing of meaningful, striking word, phrase, or verse without any comment.
Part 2: Focus on GOD’s WORD
- Reading
- Silence
- Sharing of God’s personal message to each one through the experience and circumstances in one’s daily life.
Part 3: Focus on the RESPONSE to God’s Word
- Reading
- Silence
- Sharing of spontaneous prayers.
____
STEPS TO BE FOLLOWED IN THE BIBLE OR GOSPEL SHARING
____
1. Opening Prayer or Song
2. First Round: Contact with the Text
a. Reading: One member of the group reads the text aloud; the others participate by
listening and reading silently.
b. Silence: After the reading, all observe silence for about three minutes during which
they go over the text once more. They pick out word(s), phrase(s), or verse(s) that struck them.
c. Sharing: After three minutes, the facilitator invites the group members to the share the
word(s), phrase(s), or verse(s) that struck them. They are not to give any explanation.
3. Second Round: Focus on God’s Personal Word/Message
a. Reading: After all have shared upon the invitation of the facilitator, another member
reads the same text aloud; the others again participate silently.
b. Silence: After the reading, all observe deep silence for about 5 minutes during which
each member listens intently to God’s personal message for him/her. Prompted by the text and/ or the sharing of the other group members (about the striking word, phrase, verse) something will emerge as most meaningful to each group member, true in his own experience or applicable to his life. This would be God’s personal message for him confirmed by the voice within (or the conscience or heart).
c. Sharing: After about 5 minutes, the facilitator invites the group members to share God’s
personal message to them. In order to keep the sharing on the personal level (instead of hiding behind the group) and to refrain from moralizing (telling others what to do), they will try to use only pronouns of the first person singular: Ï, me, my, mine”. They will not hesitate to do so if they remember the words of Paul VI: Ïs there any other way of handing on the Gospel than by transmitting to another person one’s personal experience of faith?”
4. Third Round: God’s Word/Message Calls for a Response
a. Reading: After all have shared, another member of the group reads the text for the third
time while the others listen and read silently.
b. Silence: After the reading, they observe deep silence once again for about 5 minutes
during which they pray in their hearts. They will answer, for example express their trust, if His word was a promise: their prayer may also be praise, thanksgiving, petition, repentance or intercession – depending on the message received.
c. Sharing: After praying in silence, each member will share with the members of the group
his/her personal prayer as a response to God’s personal message.
5. Concluding Prayer or Song
