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The Readings and Tasks --
As you read, make a list of all the topics discussed in
the Book. Then note the relative amount of space and significance that the author
gives to each. For an example, when reading one of the Gospels, you would note
many things pertaining to Miracles of Christ. List the chapters and verses as
well as the total number of verses. As a comparison in this example, you can
note the chapters and verses as well as the total verses that pertain to the Birth of Christ.
You would notice a big difference in the amount of time that the author spends on the Miracles (Ministry) of Christ
as compared to the Birth of Christ (which would be different in each of the Gospels).
That is all you do in the first reading. Then, when you have another block
of time you can proceed to the next reading.
Develop a title for each paragraph of the book. The title should clearly and fully state what the paragraph is saying.
In other words, it should be a complete thought or sentence, containing both subject and predicate in both grammatical
and literary sense. In other words, the sentence should answer the question,
What is the author saying about what he is talking about. That
would include the subject as well as the action (verb) that involves the subject. Dont
forget to list the references for each paragraph. Now you can go to the next
reading, and build on what you have already done!
Develop a title for each chapter, using the same criteria
as in the above reading. This is more difficult because you have to combine more
ideas into the same number of words. You may change any of the chapter divisions
of your version if you think it is necessary, and accurately reflects the authors intent. Be very sure your titles are refined to one complete sentence. Now
you are ready to make some real progress on your next reading. By now you should
be seeing and feeling the benefit of this approach to Bible Study.
In this reading you will develop a title for each major
division in the authors theme or argument. Also, as you are doing that, develop
the authors main idea or theme for the entire book and put that into a single statement.
Use the same criteria as in the above readings, utilizing complete sentences and the use of grammar. Be sure that your division titles accurately state the authors intent, yet are broad enough to include
all sub-topics of the book. Likewise, your theme title or statement should do
the same for the entire book. As you have probable noticed by now, you are building
on your previous readings. As your familiarity with the book increases, each
reading makes more sense as you get into the mind of the author of the book.
Now you are ready for the final reading of the book. As you are doing this reading, you will combine all of your previous work into an
original outline of the book. This should include at least every paragraph of
the book as the smallest division. Be sure all the titles in the same category
are parallel (i.e. expressed by the same parts of speech, etc.) and that you have complete thoughts at each point. Also, be sure to include the reference for every point in the outline.
You may want to consult an English text on outlining is necessary. However,
youve already listed all of the topics, paragraph titles, chapter titles and major divisions as well as the major theme. As you do this final reading, put all of these together and you will see how they
are all parts of the outline. As you put them together, you should see the author
theme start to unfold and it will fit together like pieces to a puzzle, except the completed puzzle is your own original outline
of the Bible Book you have been reading through.
You would do well to type this, or enter it into a word
processor as it will prove to be one of your most valuable study tools when you go to teach this Book of the Bible. You will be familiar with the Book and its breakdown. Now,
when you consult other reference texts, you will see that perhaps many of the commentators have done the very same thing that
you have, and come up with much the same by way of conclusions. If you will take
the time to do this at least one time, you will find it very rewarding, and will motivate you to study other of your favorite
Bible Books in the future. As for a preacher or teacher it is essential as a
study tool by which you can use to, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need
to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." (2 Tim 2:15)
May God bless you as you study His Word.
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Introduction to Thematic Synthesis
As the Apostle Paul instructed young Pastor Timothy, (2
Tim 2:15 NIV) "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman
who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." It
is within the scope of this passage, that we focus on the paramount truth that we too, are to be ones who correctly handles
the word of truth, (i.e. the scriptures). But how can we become effective at
this important task? How can we learn the scriptures in order to be able to fulfill
this obligation?
Paul had already set the pattern for this obligation, when he exhorted the
young minister, Timothy, when he said, (2 Tim 2:2 NIV) "And the things you have
heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others."
As
we share the Word of God with others and teach them in accordance with the Great Commission, we need to be ready and skilled
workers that are able to teach and communicate effectively. Even a short perusal
of the numerous Bible Study Books, and Guides -- one tends to become overwhelmed by the many choices available. As good as many of these are I have utilized one particular approach that I was first introduced to as
part of my Bible College experience many years ago. I have since modified it,
and adapted it, and then utilized it in part of my own teaching experience at a Bible Institute. My students were challenged, but in the end, their course critiques were demonstrative that this approach
helped them in gaining a deeper understanding of the Bible Books that we covered. It
is merely a thematic synthesis. And in going through each step of the process,
one will come up with his/her own original outline of the Bible Book covered.
Needless to say, that when you have developed your own original outline of a Bible Book, you will
have a firm grasp of the material within that particular book with a keen understanding of it's message. Then, when you are going to teach that Book of the Bible, your study will have made a tremendous difference
in your ability to communicate it effectively. It is with this Thematic Synthesis
approach, that we gain repeated exposure to each Bible Book we study. And with
this repeated exposure we can develop the expertise that is needed to be a clear communicator of the Word of God.
The goal of Thematic Synthesis is to uncover the authors theme or argument and how they develop
it in their writing. To get into the mind of the writer to better understand
where they are coming from and what is the big picture in their mind. As we go
through this process, we start to see the Bible Book in a different light or from a different perspective the authors. This will allow the student of the Word to become very familiar with the scriptures
and much more confident in their teaching or preaching. To do this you
need repeated exposure to the Bible Book. If possible, it is preferable to read
the entire book at one sitting each time. Of course, longer Bible Books will
take a large block of time. It is preferable that the student starts out with
shorter books. Further, it is also helpful to do some of the readings in different
versions of the Bible. This helps by seeing it in slightly different words or
phrases. Just be sure that you utilize good translations. The process involves a minimum of 5 Readings. Each
of the 5 readings has a separate Goal in the process. Each of the Goals
will be discussed in the following paragraphs.
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Other Methods --
In the future we will post other good Methods of Biblical Study that will do every christian well to
know and understand. If you even master one method -- that is good, but being able to utilize more varied methods is
even better. It gives the Bible student a good perspective and insight into the Scriptures that will aid in the spititual
growth of the believer. What ever method you use -- use it to the Glory of God!
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