Fr. Tony Baron, Rector
The Way Anglican Fellowship

Recently, several people have come up to me and said that they would like to read and understand better the best-selling book the world has ever produced—The Bible. Most novels or non-fiction works are best read starting from the first page, then moving sequentially until you reach the end. However, I have found that is not the best way to read the Bible.  In fact, you might be interested to know that the Bible, inspired by God and written by men, is composed of 66 books written over a 4,000 year period.

Which Bible Translation Should I Read?

If I were to recommend a Bible to read, I would recommend two different Bibles.  One Bible would be designed for reading large portions at one sitting, much like you would read a novel.  I would recommend a paraphrase translation of the Bible’s original languages and the best one, by far, is the Message Bible by Eugene Peterson.  His introductory notes on the individual books within the Bible alone are worth the price, and that part is not even inspired by God!

The second Bible I would consider purchasing for readings of one chapter at a time reading is a study Bible.  There are many study Bibles to select from, and they can be rather confusing to those who are getting started.  Choosing one type over another is usually based on personal preference.  If I were a new believer or just getting started with my Bible reading, I would choose The Life Application Study Bible in the New International Version.

The highest rated Study Bible for maturing Christians is the ESV Study Bible. Anglican J. I. Packer was instrumental in developing this study Bible with a team of evangelical scholars. However, if you have a great interest in biblical archaeology and culture, the best study Bible is the Archaeological Study Bible.

Where Would I Start Reading?

The early Church, the Apostolic period through the Patristic period, believed that the Old Testament and the New Testament pointed to Jesus Christ.  The only Bible Jesus ever read was the Old Testament, and Jesus himself stated that the Scriptures spoke of him (Luke 24:27).  Because the Bible was designed as divine revelation for us to know God, I would start with one of the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John.  If it were me, I would start with the Gospel of Luke, then move to the Book of Acts.  Luke wrote these books as two volumes; it would be good to read them in this way as well.

After Luke and Acts, I would begin reading the Gospel of John, followed by Matthew and Mark.  By then the reader has been saturated with the focus of our Christian life, Jesus Christ.  Then, I would begin reading the first two books in the Bible, the Book of Genesis and the Book of Exodus.  After that, call me and we can discuss the next steps in your reading plan.

How Should I Read?

I know the question sounds strange, but it is really is a serious question.  And you are right…I am not saying you should read the Bible with a notepad in one hand and a “Grande Decaf Non-Fat Mocha with No Whip” in the other.  Find a place with limited distractions, just like when you read a novel, so you can get ‘lost’ in the Book.

If you are inclined to do enjoyable readings, like reading a love letter or a good novel, take your Message Bible and read away.  Get the big picture and don’t get lost in the detail right away; you can use your study Bible for that purpose. If you are inclined to read as a student of God’s Word, take your study Bible and read only one chapter.  Then go back and take a look at the notes within that chapter.  Of course, ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you as you do all your readings.  Holy Spirit thoughts may come your way that you need to explore.

The ancient Christian scholars and mystics used many methods in reading God’s Holy Word.  In my next post, I will explore those for you, including Lectio Divina. But for now, enjoy the adventure in reading and studying the Word of God.

The time to read is really based on your internal alarm clock.  For me, I usually choose early morning for enjoyable readings and prayer.  Later, in the day, for a half-hour, I would choose a short study time.   Because I prepare sermons, that study time is usually absorbed in understanding the Scripture at a deeper scale and often takes longer than 30 minutes.  But, for now, take 15-30 minutes in the evening to study before bed.  It would be a good time, if married, to study the passage with your spouse.

Is That It?

Yep, that’s it!  The key is to get started and do it.  Keep the Bible near you, in your car, and at your favorite place in the house so you will see it.  That way, you can pick it up when you have a moment.

Enjoy your reading.  I have found the Bible to be captivating, and I have found myself captivated by the lead actor in the story, God.

Blessings,

Fr. Tony