18 Helpful Tools to Understand the Bible – Notes Download Why do we need extra-biblical tools to help us understand the Bible? Different geography Different history Different cultures (ancient Near Eastern, first-century Jewish, Greco-Roman) Different economics Different literacy rates Different scientific and philosophical knowledge Bible Dictionaries International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (1915) Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000) Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (2015) The IVP Bible Dictionary Series Dictionary of OT: Pentateuch (2002) Dictionary of OT: Historical Books (2005) Dictionary of OT: Wisdom, Poetry, & Writings (2008) Dictionary of OT: Prophets (2012) Dictionary of NT Background (2000) Dictionary of Jesus & Gospels (2013) Dictionary of Paul & Letters (2023) Dictionary of the Later NT (1997) Commentaries Fee & Stuart: “Jesus says, ‘…It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the k

17 How to Choose a Bible Translation – Notes Download Translation basics Fee & Stuart: “Your Bible, whatever translation you use, which is your beginning point, is in fact the end result of much scholarly work. Translators are regularly called upon to make choices regarding meanings, and their choices are going to affect how you”1 “Every translation is a commentary” -Lee Brice The Bible is in three languages. Hebrew: Old Testament except the Aramaic part Nearly 99% of the OT (22,945 of 23,213 verses) Aramaic: half of Daniel and two passages in Ezra Daniel 2.4b-7.28; Ezra 4.8-6.18; 7.12-26 About 1% of the OT (268 of 23,213 verses) Greek: New Testament (all 7,968 verses) How to begin learning Hebrew or Greek Immersion program in Israel or Greece Whole Word Institute offers a 9-month program. In-person college class (usually 2 semesters) Local colleges, RTS offers an 8-week summer program. In-person classes at a Jewish synagogue or Greek church or community cen

The General Epistles Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude Some consider Hebrews to be Pauline, but even if Paul wrote it, it’s not to a church or a pastor, so it still fits as a general epistle 2 John and 3 John are technical to specific individuals and thus not general epistles Hebrews Authorship Evidence for Paul Associated with Timothy and Rome (Heb 13:23-24) Pauline themes Evidence against Paul Non-Pauline themes Ancient uncertainty (Origen, Eusebius, etc.) Non-standard opening Not an eyewitness (Heb 2:3) Daniel Wallace suggested Barnabas with help from Apollos. Audience As title indicates, the audience was Jewish. Persecuted (Heb 10:32-36) Occasion Became aware of some falling away from faith (Heb 3:6; 4:14; 6:4-6; 10:23, 26-27) Concern that they will return to Judaism Purpose Convince Jewish Christians to endure in the faith instead of falling away (presumably back into Judaism) Mode Show that Jesus is better Ch 1: Jesus as God’s p

Letters in the First Century Letters written on papyrus with ink by a professional scribe (amanuensis) Though most letters that have survived from the ancient world were short and to the point, Paul’s Epistles are extremely long. Because there was no postal system, someone had to carry the letter to its destination. Upon arrival, most people couldn’t read, so a professional would need to read it aloud. This was difficult because there were no chapters, verses, paragraphs, punctuation, or spaces between words (scriptio continua). Name Greek Words English Words Verses Chapters Romans 7113 9506 432 16 1 Corinthians 6832 9532 437 16 2 Corinthians 4480 6160 257 13 Galatians 2232 3227 149 6 Ephesians 2424 3047 155 6 Philippians 1631 2261 104 4 Colossians 1583 1993 95 4 1 Thessalonians 1484 1908 89 5 2 Thessalonians 826 1065 47 3   Church Epistles in Chronological Order Galatians 48 1 Thessalonians 49-51 2 Thessalonians 49-51 1 Corinthians 53-55 2 Corinthians

12 How to Read Acts Download Luke wrote Acts. Acts 1:1-2 Acts is the second volume. Luke is about the life of Christ. Acts is about the early expansion of the church. Major events of Acts 1:1-11  Jesus commissions and ascends. 1:12-27 Peter initiates replacing Judas. 2:1-47 Spirit is poured out, and Peter preaches. 3:1-26 Peter heals lame man and preaches. 4:1-6:7  Communal living in Jerusalem 6:8-7:60  Stephen’s martyrdom 8:1-40  Philip’s expansion to Samaria, Ethiopia 9:1-31  Paul’s conversion, expansion to Damascus 9:32-9:43  Peter’s mission to Lydda and Joppa 10:1-11:18 Peter converts Cornelius in Caesarea. 11:19-30 Barnabas brings Paul to Antioch. 12:1-24 Peter’s arrest and miraculous escape 12:25-16:5 Paul’s 1st missionary journey 16:6-19:20 Paul’s 2nd missionary journey 19:21-21:17 Paul’s 3rd missionary journey 21:18-28:31 Paul’s arrest and trip to Rome Organization of the book The first half is about Peter (1-12). The second half is about Paul (13-28). Acts 1:8 outlines t

The Four Gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John Gospel = good news The Gospels are biographies about Jesus which seek to convince readers about the good news that he is the Messiah. Basic Storyline of the Gospels Birth narratives John’s ministry John baptizes Jesus. Jesus calls the twelve. Teachings of Jesus Miracles of Jesus Conflict with critics Triumphal entry Intensified conflict Last supper Arrest, trial, execution Resurrection appearances Great commission Mark (11,305 words) Papias: “And the elder used to say this: ‘Mark, having become Peter’s interpreter, wrote down accurately everything he remembered, though not in order, of the things either said or done by Christ. For he neither heard the Lord nor followed him, but afterward, as I said, followed Peter, who adapted his teachings as needed but had no intention of giving an ordered account of the Lord’s sayings. Consequently Mark did nothing wrong in writing down some things as he remembered them, for he made it his one con

Lesson 10 Notes Download Recent History Persians: Cyrus the Great Greeks: Alexander the Great, Antiochus Epiphanes Hellenization (2 Maccabees 4.7, 10-15; 1 Maccabees 1.41-53) Maccabean Revolution: Mattathias, Judah the Maccabee, Jonathan Apphus, Simon Thassi, John Hyrcanus, Aristobulus I, Alexander Jannaeus, Salome Alexandra, Hyrcanus II, Aristobulus II Romans: Pompey the Great annexed Judea in 63bc Herodian Dynasty: Herod the Great and his descendants Geographical and Political Setting Roman Empire: Augustus (27bc-ad14), Tiberius (14-37), Caligula (37-41), Claudius (41-54), Nero (54-68) Provinces: every region outside of Italy Galilee: Herod the Great (37-4bc), Herod Antipas (4bc-ad39), Herod Agrippa I (37-44) Judea: Herod the Great (37-4bc), Herod Archelaus (4bc-ad6), Coponius (6-9), Marcus Ambivulus (9-12), Annius Rufus (12-15), Valerius Gratus (15-26), Pontius Pilate (26-36), Marcellus (36-37), Marullus (37-41), Herod Agrippa I (41-44) Samaria: under Judean jurisdiction; Samari

Canonical Arrangement 5 Major Prophets Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel 12 Minor Prophets Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi Chronological Arrangement early pre-exilic: Amos, Hosea, Jonah, Micah, Isaiah late pre-exilic: Nahum, Zephaniah, Obadiah, Joel, Habakkuk, Jeremiah exilic: Ezekiel, Daniel post-exilic: Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi Setting The historical context is helpful In Jer 1.1-3, Jeremiah prophecies during the last days of the kingdom. He’s the last chance for the people to repent. Since they go into exile anyhow, it’s easy to anticipate that the people will not respond to Jeremiah. The Prophet God calls prophets into his service (Jer 1.4-6) oftentimes, the prophet has access to the king and speaks to him competition with false prophets (Jer 28.1-3, 15-17) Acting out prophecies Ezekiel built a model of Jerusalem and acted out a siege against it (Ezek 4.1-3) lay on his side for 390 days (Ezek 4.4-5)

Lesson 8 Notes Basic Facts Phenomenal for devotional reading, emotional connection 150 total psalms Called psalms, not chapters (Psalm 50:4 not Psalms 50:4) Authors: David (73), Asaph (12), Sons of Korah (11), Heman the Ezrahite (1), Ethan the Ezrahite (1), Moses (1), Solomon (2), Anonymous (49) Book 1: 1-41 Book 2: 42-72 Book 3: 73-89 Book 4: 90-106 Book 5: 107-150 David reassigned the Levites to develop a music ministry to worship God (1 Chron 16:4-6, 41-42). Chesed כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ (1 Chron 16:41) for his chesed (is) forever. הוֹדוּ לַיהוָה כִּי־טוּב כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ (Ps 118:1) O give thanks to Yahweh for (he is) good for his chesed (is) forever. chesed is an extremely important word in the Psalms. “EVV [English versions] translate chesed by expressions such as ‘steadfast love’ and ‘constant love.’  It is sometimes described as covenant love, though in the OT it rarely appears in the company of the word ‘covenant.’  It is used in two connections: when someone makes a

Proverbs “[Proverbs] should not be read as promises but as guidelines, as principles for living. They show the way life works best 80 to 95 percent of the time. The Bible is clear throughout Scripture: if you live a life oriented to God, you will tend to have a good life.”1 Proverbs 14:7: Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not find words of knowledge. The Fool Mouth of a fool brings ruin near (10:14) Utters slander (10:18) Doing wrong for fun (10:23) Broadcasts folly (12:23) No restraint, careless (14:16) Despises parent’s instruction (15:5) Does not receive a rebuke (17:10) Has plenty of personal opinions (18:2) Perverse speech (19:1) Quick to quarrel (20:3) Devours wealth (21:20) Despises wise words (23:9) Vents anger (29:11) Hasty in speech (29:20) The Wise Honoring your parents (1:8-9; 10:1) Handling money well, avoiding debt (3:9-10; 22:7 Discernment between right and wrong (3:21; 10:9; 28:5) Understanding (3:13; 4:7; 18:2) Fidelity in marriage (5:15-19; 6:

Lesson 6 Notes Reading the Law takes work – Sometimes it’s just weird (Lev 11:20-23) – Sometimes it’s tedious (Ex 26:7-9) – Important to focus while reading – Eliminate distractions – Read aloud if you can – Keep track of things (underline, highlight, write notes in the margin) The books of the Law (Torah) 1. Genesis 2. Exodus 3. Leviticus 4. Numbers 5. Deuteronomy Four categories of Law 1. Holiness 2. Sacrifice 3. Justice 4. Sacred time Sinai and the giving of the Law – God came down on the mountain and spoke audibly (Ex 19:16-21) – The people agreed to obey and then “stood at a distance” while Moses went up and received the rest of the Law (Ex 20:18-21) Tabernacle – The 2nd half of Exodus contains meticulous instructions on how to build the tabernacle and everything that went outside and inside of it. – The tabernacle is where God dwelled and where the people made animal sacrifices. – Inside the tabernacle was a lamps

Notes Download “If there was one bit of wisdom, one rule of thumb, one single skill I could impart, one useful tip I could leave that would serve you well the rest of your life, what would it be? What is the single most important practical skill I’ve ever learned as a Christian? Here it is: Never read a Bible verse. That’s right, never read a Bible verse. Instead, always read a paragraph at least.”1 What to Look For author audience occasion purpose Two Tasks Figure out what a text meant to its original audience Figure out what it means to you today Understand Then Apply get the author’s point before asking about application what’s the author’s train of thought do not ask, “How does this affect my life?” do not ask, “How does this fit into my theology?” just focus on getting what the author is conveying in his own historical context paragraph style bibles help with this tremendously whereas verse paragraphs make it hard to see what is connected to what look up words and phrases th

Notes Download Exegesis Hunger for Scripture Two Questions What did it mean to the original audience then? What does it mean to you today? Context, Context, Context immediate context canonical context historical context geographical context cultural context Immediate Context Philippians 4.13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Putting this verse in context: Philippians 4.10-14 10   I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. Canonical Context Leviticus 11.4, 7 4 But among those that chew the

Notes Download The Bible is not a single book, but a collection or library of sixty-six books. Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation The Old Testament includes 39 books, written in Hebrew and Aramaic. History [Torah, Judges, Kings, Exilic] Poetry [Philosophy, Songs, General Wisdom, Subversive Wisdom, Romance] Prophecy [Pre-Exilic, Exilic, Post-Exilic] The New Testament includes 27 books, written in Greek. History [Jesus, Church] Epistles [To Churches, Pastoral, Ge

Notes Download The Bible survives in more manuscripts than other ancient documents. Author Title Surviving Manuscripts Tacitus Annals 33 Thucydides History of the Peloponnesian War 96 Herodotus History 109 Livy History of Rome 150 Sophocles Tragedies 193 Pliny the Elder Natural History 200 Plato Tetralogies 210 Julius Caesar Gallic Wars 251 Demosthenes Speeches 340 Homer Iliad                                                                             1,757 Various New Testament1  5,795 The Bible is available in more languages than other books. Author                                               Title                                             Languages J. R. R. Tolkien The Lord of the Rings 57 Mark Twain The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn 65 J. K. Rowling Harry Potter 85 Muhammed Qur’an (Arabic) 102 Joseph Smith Book of Mormon 115 Lewis Carroll Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland 174 Laozi Dao De Jing (Chinese) 250 Carlo Co

Lesson 11 and 12 Notes Download Worship Yahweh Music Playlist Galatians 3:8-9, 14, 29 Psalm 25:3-5 The human tendency we all must fight is the desire to control our own lives without the help or interference from God and anyone else. Waiting for God’s assistance and direction is hard to learn but essential if we want a better life. Asking for His help and doing things His way are so much better than doing them our own “independent” way. Waiting, in the context of this psalm, may refer to seeking God’s involvement in our daily affairs and/or waiting until the end of the age when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. Those who wait will not be disappointed. Psalm 27:13-14 Amid challenges and difficulties, we keep keeping on because we have confidence and anticipation that the day is coming when we will experience Yahweh’s goodness in the land of the living. To wait on Yahweh involves patience, trust, and a sense of reliance on God’s timing and providence. Everything will work out, even if we m

Lesson 11 and 12 Notes Download Worship Yahweh Music Playlist Hebrews 6:19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil…. 2 Samuel 7:1-17, 27-29 The covenant God cut with David is a big part of our hope. 2 Samuel 7:27-29 “For You, O Yahweh of hosts, the God of Israel, have made a revelation to Your servant, saying, ‘I will build you a house’; therefore Your servant has found courage to pray this prayer to You. “Now, O Lord Yahweh, You are God, and Your words are truth, and You have promised this good thing to Your servant. “Now therefore, may it please You to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue forever before You. For You, O Lord Yahweh, have spoken; and with Your blessing may the house of Your servant be blessed forever.” Psalm 89:3-4, 19-37 The Davidic covenant makes certain King Jesus is coming back. Psalm 132:11 Yahweh has sworn to David a truth from which He wi

Lesson 9 and 10 Notes Download Worship Yahweh Music Playlist 2 Samuel 14:28-15:6, 12-14 Absalom’s betrayal of David 2 Samuel 12:9-13 The consequences of David’s sin is foretold. 2 Samuel 16:5-13 Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my son who came out from me seeks my life; how much more now this Benjamite? Let him alone and let him curse, for Yahweh has told him. Psalm 3:1 What state of mind would David have as a parent; as a sinner who was told the consequences to come; as the founder of Jerusalem, the city of God; as the king being dethroned and exiled again; as the leader of a nation at civil war? Psalm 3:1-8 This is what faith looks like! “I lay down and slept; I awoke, for Yahweh sustains me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people Who have set themselves against me…. Psalm 9:9-11 Yahweh also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble; and those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, O Yahweh,

Lesson 7 and 8 Notes Download Worship Yahweh Music Playlist Psalm 51:5 Romans 4:1-9 Another reason this incident was written is so that we know “all men” means “all”, including the great men Abraham and David. Our understanding of grace, mercy, and forgiveness is greatly enhanced with this record about David. Psalm 51:6-12 Did God answer David’s prayer? Acts 13:21-23 7 Hyssop is a wild shrub the twigs of which were used for sprinkling in purification rites. Numbers 19:16-19 Apparently, hyssop had natural purification properties. 10 The reason acceptance of forgiveness is often difficult is we keep doing the same thing over and over. God must change our hearts and guide our steps, and we must fight to accept His workings. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. David is not only asking forgiveness and a clean heart, but additionally a STEADFAST state of mind in which he would be willing and ready to obey the commands of God and to serve Him faithfully

Lesson 7 and 8 Notes Download Worship Yahweh Music Playlist We have seen in previous sessions how extraordinary David was as a man after God’s own heart. His love and devotion to Yahweh were beyond compare. 2 Samuel 23:14-17 David was in the battlefield with his men for years. The significance of David’s refusal to drink the water is an example of David’s leadership and the deep bonds he shared with his warriors. It highlights themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and honor that committed and seasoned soldiers share. 2 Samuel 23:18 Joab is the son of Zeruiah, David’s sister; this was his nephew. Abishai was Joab’s brother and another nephew; 24 Asahel was another brother to Joab and another nephew to David; 34 Eliam the son of Ahithophel; 39 Uriah the Hittite. Bathsheba was the wife of Uriah the Hittite. The Hittites were a neighboring nation known for their fierce warriors. Uriah was one of David’s 30 elite warriors. Bathsheba’s father was Eliam (2 Samuel 11:3; 1 Chronicles 3: 5) who was als