Chapter 21: Gathering Up the Fragments that Remain
Gathering Up the Fragments that Remain
As you have read this book and done the assignments, you have probably asked some questions I haven’t answered. I will try to remedy that in this final chapter.
How do I select a translation of the Bible that will meet my needs?
The Bible you select for serious study must first of all have an accurate text. Many popular versions that are interesting to read can’t always claim to be accurate. Years ago, Dr. A. W. Tozer published an essay titled “Confessions of a New Translation Addict” and pointed out that using a popular new translation is no guarantee you will discover new truths or become a capable student of the Bible. I have known people who rush to purchase new versions only to discover that the new text didn’t provide new understanding. Your Bible should have an adequate system of cross-references so you can connect the verses and let the Bible explain itself. My favorite study text is The New American Standard Version. My second choice is The New King James Bible. Years ago, a well-known Christian musician and speaker was given a modern translation by his publisher, and he asked me about it. “This book just doesn’t seem to talk to me,” he told me. You must choose the version that “talks to you” and learn how to use it.
Must I purchase a study Bible?
I was surprised to discover that I have fourteen different study Bibles in my library! Some were purchased, some were given to me by friends, and some were sent by their publishers. A study Bible combines the biblical text with a “digest” Bible dictionary so you have your resources all in one volume. The editors provide outhnes and introductions for each book of the Bible, explanations of difficult passages, and diagrams and maps to illuminate the text. Study Bibles can be great time-savers, but they are not substitutes for Bible dictionaries, Bible encyclopedias, or more detailed books. And you don’t need fourteen of them! The text of the Bible is the most important consideration. If you can afford to purchase a study Bible, by all means, do so. But don’t sacrifice the text for the extras.
I like to read books and my Bible while taking the train into the city and home again five days a week. Is that the proper place to handle things spiritual?
When I was a seminary student, I used to study my Greek and Hebrew vocabulary cards while on the train, which to me seemed a proper use of my time. If possible, while you are at home over the weekend, review in the privacy of your home what you have studied during the week. Beware of shortcuts. Whether on the train or in the station, give it your best.
What’s involved in marking the Bible? Is this practice a necessity?
Let me begin with an interesting piece of history. C. I. Scofield, then an attorney and a young believer, visited his friend C. E. Paxton and was shocked to find him marking a page in his Bible with an ink pen. “Man, you’re spoiling that fine new Bible,” he said, but Paxton explained that he was only connecting two verses: Acts 8:5 and 8:8. Read these verses in your Bible and discover the connection yourself. This experience eventually led to the publication of the Scofield Reference Bible, which is still a popular study Bible today. To begin with, the Bible you mark must be printed on sturdy paper that will take the ink you use, and your pen must have a fine point and contain an acid-free ink. You will find excellent fine-point pens with many colors of ink in an artist’s supply store.
Why do we mark our Bibles? To permanently record the spiritual truths the Lord has taught us. Mr. Paxton in my story connected Acts 8:5 and 8:8 to show that receiving the gospel brings joy to people. If I were studying John 3, I would probably circle the word must, which appears four times in the chapter. Check it out for yourself and decide why. Marking the Bible must not be an impulsive, careless activity but a careful and deliberate one. To underline everything is to underline nothing and mess up a page. It would be better to draw a line or write a note in the margin. Over the years, I have often referred to the markings in my various Bibles as I have prepared sermons, lessons, and chapters for books.
How much time should I devote to serious Bible study?
It’s not the length of the time so much as the depth of the encounter that makes the difference. As with your daily devotional time, spend enough time to learn and be spiritually refreshed. If study time is available, take advantage of it. Be neither a clock-watcher nor a time-waster. Many believers keep a study notebook into which they may record this adventure. Over the weeks, you will gradually discover and develop your own particular style.
I have problems with Bible names. Help me!
Most Bible names, especially the geographical names, give us trouble, but this is where a good Bible dictionary or a study Bible comes in handy. A name’s meaning can be very important to the purpose of the narrative. When a person’s name is changed, this is especially significant. You are right to pay attention to Bible names, both of people and places.
I sometimes learn things from my studies that excite me, and I want to share them with others. Do I have that privilege?
Sharing is permissible so long as we don’t become nuisances or interject into the class ideas that don’t relate to the topics at hand. The Lord may be preparing you to encourage others who will come to you with their problems. Whatever we learn, we must first apply it to our own lives in private. Once we have done this, the Lord will give us opportunities to minister to others. From this may come an invitation to lead a Bible study group or simply to be available to counsel with folks. Don’t promote yourself: be patient and let God work in His way and His time. Eventually our gifts will make room for us (Prov. 18:16).
When two versions of the Bible differ radically or two expositors differ, what should I do?
Accept the fact that good and godly people may disagree, but you can still make your own decision and, if necessary, change it later. Weigh the facts carefully, pray for wisdom (James 1:5), and don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know.”