How to Study the Epistles? (Part 2)

Pei Jia shares with us some of the tools for uncovering the treasure trove behind the letters of the Bible...

 

 

In this article, let's explore the second and third parts of a 3-stage process to help us study the epistles. You can find the first part here. 

 

 

Stages 2 to 3: STUDYING A UNIT OF THOUGHT (I.E. PERICOPE) FOR YOUR OUTLINE IN STAGE ONE, AND APPLY THE TRUTH IN YOUR LIFE

 

 

 

You can do so with these two methods:

 

 

1) S-T-O-P
 
 
Scripture
 
What is the passage you are learning?
 
 
Theme
 
What is the main point that the passage is saying?
 

Outline
 
How can we divide the passage into its key points?


Purpose

Why did the author say these things?
What does the author want to achieve in saying these points?
 
 

 

 

2) Inductive Bible Study
 

 
Observation
 
What is the passage saying in each key point?
 

• Identify Connecting Words and Repeated Words
• Question using 5W+1H - Who, What, When, Where, Why, How

 

 

Interpretation
 
What does the passage mean?
 

• Conduct word studies to understand a deeper meaning of the word; an example is to use the interlinear function on the Blue Letter Bible (BLB) App
  
• Let scripture interpret scripture. Find other parts of the Bible which may support the text; an example is to look up particular word(s) in your bible app which points you to other verses for cross-examination

 

Application
 
How can I apply the truth in my life?
 

 

Hope this will help you read the epistles in a new light. Open an epistle from your bible book or app and try this for yourself!

Any questions? Feel free to reach out to us.