Theologians have penned innumerable books explaining how to interpret specific lines in the Bible, and while they don’t always agree, Christians have been studying it for centuries. Does that mean the average person finds the Bible too difficult to read? Should we initially take some courses, or can we just start reading on our own?
The essence of the Bible is not hard to understand, but difficult to accept
The essential message of the Bible can be understood without being an expert in theology (click here for a summary). In Matthew 11:25–26, Jesus even states, “Yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children.” “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God,” He says in Luke 18:16–17. I tell you the truth: no one will ever be able to enter the kingdom of God if they do not receive it like a child.”
It is not for want of knowledge that many [do not “receive the kingdom of God”], but rather because they are unwilling to embrace the reality, put their trust in the Lord, and submit to His will. Ultimately, it is unpleasant to discover that you are a sinner, deserving of God’s anger, and incapable of resolving this issue on your own. Initially, it may not seem appealing to abandon your previous way of living and follow God’s instructions. It’s not their incapacity to comprehend the Bible that keeps people back. Jesus makes it very evident that being a child of God does not need one to be “wise and understanding.” Sincere confession of sin and trust are.
Gradually grow in your understanding
If you read the Bible for the first time, you won’t understand every detail and you won’t notice all the relevant links between different verses within the text. Even if you read the Bible for the 21st time or for the 39th time, you will miss something. But as you continue reading, meditating and growing in faith, your understanding of the Bible will deepen. As 1 Peter 2:2 encourages us, “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation”. If you do so, you will eventually become a mature Christian. “Everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:13-14)
Background information can help you to better understand the Bible
Because the Bible was written across several centuries, many readers today are unaware of its cultural context. As such, it’s beneficial to study background-informational literature or to enroll in a course if you wish to deepen your comprehension of the Bible. Reading book summaries of the Bible’s books can also help you better grasp certain Bible verses by providing more textual context. Take a look at [our collection of articles on different books in the Bible].
Read the Bible together with other Christians
Believers in general are a fantastic source of support as well. Given that they have studied at theological universities or Bible schools, or because they have read the Bible for decades, some of them might actually be experts. A few churches offer small-group Bible studies where members read and discuss passages from the Bible, as well as ordained pastors who can assist you with your inquiries. Bible scriptures will be read, interpreted, and used throughout church services. Bible study shouldn’t be something you do alone. Combining group Bible reading with individual Bible reading is quite beneficial.
Above all, you need the Holy Spirit
In the end, comprehending the Bible requires more than just cerebral understanding. It goes far farther than that. Deep understanding encompasses our heart and soul as much as our brain. For this reason, we require spiritual direction, which the Holy Spirit offers. Examples of people who misunderstood the Scriptures and the teachings of Jesus can be found throughout the Bible (see, for example, John 8:27; 10:6; 20:9). Their enlightenment prayers, “Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart,” may serve as an inspiration to us. (Psalm 119:34)
Jesus has promised His disciples: “The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26) And He did. Those same disciples who understood so little of Jesus’ words at first, became His witnesses over all the earth. And this promise of the Spirit’s help is not limited to Jesus’ first disciples but applies to all believers: “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:13) So, if you don’t understand the Bible and want to grow in faith, ask for the Holy Spirit to teach you. Really understanding God’s Word requires a living relationship with its Author.
