Read the Bible Selectively: Who?

Anyone who knows anything about fishing or hunting understands the importance of being at the right place at the right time. Even though you scope out a particular place and find the right time, it is pointless unless you have the right equipment. You need the necessary gear and tools to net your big catch.

It is the same with reading. You may have a specific place and time where you read your Bible, but unless you have the right tools, you can neglect a productive Bible study.

What are the tools necessary to read the Bible selectively? They are 6 questions that you need to ask while you are reading the Bible: Who? What? When? Where? Why? and How?

Let’s look at the first question: WHO? Identify the person or people and then ask and answer the following questions:

• Who wrote the book that you are reading? Who is the person or people? to whom is the book or text written? What do you know about the person or people? Who wrote 1 Peter? Peter! He writes about the devil who prowls around like a lion seeking to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Of all the disciples, Peter understands this because the devil enticed him to deny the Lord.

• What does the writer say about the person or people in the text? For example, Rahab is referred to as a harlot. How would you like to have that emblem embroidered on your jacket? How do you think that person felt about such a label?

• What does the person say? Much of the Bible is narrative and events can easily be summarized in a verse or two. When the writer spends a large amount of time letting you hear words vocalized, it is for emphasis. Listen carefully to what is being said.