Performing a Book Study
A book survey study involves gaining a sweeping overview
of an entire book of the Bible. It is the goal of the student to understand the writer’s purpose, theme, structure, and
content. When conducting a book survey study, the following tools should be employed: A Study Bible, a Bible dictionary
and/or Bible encyclopedia, A Bible handbook.
STEPS:(the chart below will help record the information found in the various steps)
STEPS:(the chart below will help record the information found in the various steps)
- Read the book. It is one thing to read books about the Bible; it is another to read the Bible itself. During this step do not read any Bible surveys, handbooks, or commentaries. Try to read through the book in one sitting. Most of the books of the Bible (other that Psalms and Isaiah) can be read in three to four hours or less. Read through the book rapidly, ignoring the chapter divisions. Remember, chapter divisions and verses were not in the original writings. Read through the book repeatedly. Each time through the book, you will notice some new things and the overall picture will become clearer and clearer. Read through the book without referring to commentaries or other notes. The key is to see things for yourself. Read through the book prayerfully (Psalm 119:18). Read through the book with pen or pencil in hand. During your second or third readings of the book, begin taking notes and making observations on what you are reading.
- Make notes on what you read. Give consideration to: Category: Is the book history? Poetry? Prophecy? Law? A biography? A letter?; First Impressions: What is the first impression you get from the book? What do you think is the purpose of the writer? What “feel” do you get from reading it?; Key Words: What are some of the significant words the writer uses? What words are repeated the most? What word or words is he emphasizing? Key Verse: What seems to be the key verse (if any)? What ideas or phrases are repeated that may show his main thought? What is the writer’s key statement?; Literary Style: Is the book a narrative? A drama? A personal letter? A discourse? Poetry? A combination of narration and poetry? Does the writer use figurative speech? Is he using a logical argument?; Emotional Tone: Is the writer angry? Sad? Happy? Worried? Excited? Depressed? Calm? How do you think his hearers must have felt when they received this writing? How does it make you feel?; Main Theme(s): What is the main theme? Is there more than one? What is the writer saying? What is his major emphasis?; Structure of the Book: Are there obvious divisions of thought in the book? How is the book organized? Around people? Events? Places? Ideas? Time spans? Major People: Who are the principal personalities in the book? Which people are mentioned the most, and what parts do they play in the book?
- Do a Background Study. Ask the following questions: What can I learn about the writer(s)?; When was the book written? (Date); Where was the book written?; To whom was the book written?; Why was the book written?; What other background information sheds light on this book?; What is the place of this book in the Bible?; What are the geographic locations mentioned in the book?
- Make a Horizontal Chart of the Book’s Contents. On a blank sheet of paper, make as many vertical columns as there are chapters in the book. Find the major divisions of the book and record these divisions in as few words as possible at the top of your chart. Read through the book again, think of a title for each chapter and record these at the top of each column directly below the major divisions. Read through the book once more and do the same thing to all the paragraphs in your book. Try to relate the paragraph titles to the chapter title under which they fall. * Titles should be one to four words in length. * Use picturesque words to help visualize contents. * Use words taken directly from the text. * Use words that tell you where you are in the book.
- Make a Tentative Outline of the Book. Refer to your horizontal chart for ideas in outlining. The chart will display the natural organization of the book’s contents. Begin your outline with the major ideas/points and work to the minor. Look for paragraph divisions for clues in outlining.
- Write Out a Personal Application. Select one thing the Lord spoke to you about from your survey and write a personal, practical, possible, and measurable application on that truth.
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