A Guide to Bible Study

Contents INTRODUCTION Chapter 1 BIBLE, THE WORD OF GOD An all-time Best Seller The Name Bible Bible – a Collection of Books Formation of the Bible 1. Event 2. Explanation: 3. Proclamation – Oral Tradition: 4. Written Tradition 5. Final Editing and Publication Chapter 2 THE AUTHOR OF THE BIBLE 1. Holy Spirit – The Author of the Bible Inspirited by God Inspiration The fruits of Inspiration: 2. Human Authors Chapter 3 CANONICAL BOOKS Chapter 4 WHY READ THE BIBLE Chapter 5 HOW TO READ THE BIBLE Chapter 6 GOSPEL SHARING – SEVEN STEP METHOD Seven Step Method of Gospel Sharing: The Steps Explanation of the 7 Steps: Chapter 7 BIBLE STUDY I.Persons who study: Here we have three categories: II.The Material Studied III.Reflect IV.Response: Chapter 8 INTERPRETING THE BIBLE 1. Bible is the Word of God 2. Word of God through Word and Deed 3. Bible – A Book Inspired By God 4. Canonical Books: 5. Pay Attention to Literary Genre: 6. Bible presents the Salvation History Fulfilled in Jesus Christ: 7. Bible and Science: 8. End of the World: 9. Not only the Bible but also the Tradition: 10. Development of Faith: 11. The authority for the final Interpretation belongs to the Church: 12. Consider the context: 13. Go into the Depth: 14. Scandalous and offensive narratives: Chapter 9 SALVATION HISTORY 1. The Time of Preparation 1. Primeval History – Genesis 1-11( B. C. 1850) 2. Patriarchal History– Gen 12-50 (1850-1700) 3. The Exodus Event – Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy (1700-1250) 4. Conquest of the Promised Land – Joshua, Ruth, Judges (1250-1130) 5. Monarchy: 1-2 Samuel; 1-2 Kings; 1-2 Chronicles (1130 – 587) 6. Babylon Exile (587-538) 7. Post Exilic Period (B.C. 538 – A.D. 135) 2. Fulfillment 3. Proclamation Chapter 10 DEI VERBUM PREFACE CHAPTER I, REVELATION ITSELF CHAPTER II, HANDING ON DIVINE REVELATION CHAPTER III, SACRED SCRIPTURE, ITS INSPIRATION AND DIVINE INTERPRETATION CHAPTER IV, THE OLD TESTAMENT CHAPTER V, THE NEW TESTAMENT CHAPTER VI, SACRED SCRIPTURE IN THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH ABOUT THE BOOK “It pleased God, in His goodness and wisdom, to reveal himself and to make known the mystery of his will (Vat II, DV 2). Bible is the written Word of God that reveals to us God, His plan and will for us and teaches how to live as children of God. Bible was written more than 2000 years ago in languages and situations totally different from ours. Without taking this fact into account, people interpret Bible verses and incidents in the way they feel suitable to their need. The same verses are given contradicting meanings,creating much confusion and misunderstanding among the People. Many of the interpretations are often against the official teaching of the Catholic Church. In this context we see a great need for a serious study of the bible that would help everybody, especially those without any special training in biblical exegesis and hermeneutics, to grasp the meaning God intends to communicate to us through the written Word. This book is an attempt to respond to this need. It deals with the basic facts such as Inspiration, Canon, and introduces various methods of bible reading, interpreting, praying with the bible and sharing the divine message.