In Part I we looked at a variety of different books which

constitute tools for studying the Bible These are especially

useful for those without a knowledge of Greek but who want to

improve their understanding of what the Bible actually says.

In Part II we shall be looking at how to use these tools. In the

first part we also noted that one can study the Bible at different

levels, so it will perhaps be most useful to use that categorisation

as the structure here.

LEVEL ONE

This level uses a study/student's bible and a popular type of

general Bible commentary. The procedure here is quite simple.

We choose a book, letter or section which acquires particular interest

for us. For the sake of argument, say, this is the eleventh chapter

of the Letter to the Hebrews. To study that chapter we might first read it

several times to digest what is being said. We could then divide it

into several sections, say, vv 1 - 3; 4 - 7; 8 - 11 and so forth.

We might then try to summarise in our own words what we think each

of these sections is saying to us.

Having thus completed the chapter, we can then consult the notes

in our study Bible and amend those we have made if needed. Similarly,

we can then consult our Bible commentary and go through a similar

process. Comparing our first set of notes with the last set might

reveal a quite clear progression in our understanding of Hebrews 11.

LEVEL TWO

At this level we are using a more scholarly Bible commentary which

goes into greater depth. Similarly, we have a special commentary

(e.g. on the Letter to the Hebrews). We can follow a similar approach

as in Level I but now the process will be more time consuming.

In addition, we have an inexpensive concordance and two

or three different translations of the Bible. The concordance will

be useful for looking-up various words of interest. Cruden's gives

a definition for a limited number of words which, where they occur,

can be quite useful. Thus Hebrews 11 is all about faith and Cruden's

gives a definition of, and a short discussion on faith. More generally,

such a concordance is useful because one can compare all the occurrences

of that word in the Bible to assess its (perhaps different) meanings.

The principle word (e.g. faith) is quoted in italics within the phrase

in which it occurs and in different contexts. (Related words will then

also be given e.g. faithful, faithless, etc.). Thus one can come to a

greater understanding of a word by considering the various contexts

and ways in which it is used.

Our understanding will be further increased by comparing two or three

(or more!) different translations of the Bible because it is often not

possible for a translator to give a word which precisely mirrors

the Greek (or Hebrew in the Old Testament). Choices will differ as between

translators and the differences can be very reveling. However, be sure

in this connection to use only those translations which seek to give as

precise as possible a translation. More colloquial translations

(such as the "Good News Bible") are fine for beginners seeking to

understand difficult part more easily but are not really suitable for our

present purpose. But if you have such a copy do, of course, consult it.

What it says can be quite surprising.

LEVEL THREE

In addition to the above, for this level one also needs a Parallel

New Testament In Greek and English; Strong's Concordance; one or

more Bible word studies.

These were explained in Part I, so here we need to see how they

can be used. Initially one might follow the general approach already

outlined above, making one's own notes on the passage being studied.

But leave a margin at either side of the page for any subsequent

notes that qualify or change what you have said. Then consult

the word study to see what is said about the passage. This can often

be very enlightening as to the proper understanding of words or phrases;

often they are not what one thought! "The Zondervan Parallel New Testament

In Greek And English" will also give an NIV and King James Version so it

is easier to see what the message is and how different translators render it.

"Strong's Concordance" will come in for heavy use. Every word in the Bible

is given a number. In its Main Concordance all these words are given in

English, along with the Scripture references. The word "faith", for example,

in Hebrews 11.1 is 4102. This can be compared to other places in which a

word occurs, so that one can see the context in which it is being used

in different instances. Moreover, one can then turn to the Dictionary for

either Hebrew or Greek. In, say, the Greek Dictionary, one uses the word's

number, such as 4102, to find the word. The Greek version of the word

is given first, then possibly another reference (e.g. to number 3982)

when the word is the derivative of another. This, of course, can

sometimes throw much additional light on its meaning. There will

then follow one or perhaps more possible definitions of the word.

Comparing these with information from word studies and/or commentaries,

one often comes to a much fuller understanding of what a scripture is

seeking to tell us.

CONCLUSIONS

Bible study is often quite demanding, but it is exciting and worthwhile.

If one has a pastor who has the requisite skills and knowledge, it will

often be worthwhile to consult him on what you have developed as an

understanding. One might also become keen to learn a little Greek. Jim

Found's self teaching book "Basic Greek in 30 Minutes a Day" is a

great and uncomplicated introduction. In any case, hopefully, once

you have started on your own Bible study, the enthusiasm will come

to keep it going.