How to Read the Bible Effectively (Part 2): Reading with Knowledge

In Part 1, we explored how reading the Bible with faith transforms our study, helping us approach God’s Word with expectation and trust. But faith alone isn’t enough—we also need knowledge to fully understand the Bible and engage with its deeper truths.

That’s where this week’s focus comes in: Reading with Knowledge. Knowing who wrote each book of the Bible, understanding the historical and cultural context, and recognizing the geography of biblical events helps us move beyond surface-level reading and into a deeper, more meaningful study of Scripture.

How Knowledge of the Author and Geography Changes Bible Understanding

Consider the book of Philippians, written by the Apostle Paul. At first glance, it reads as a letter filled with joy and encouragement, but knowing its historical and cultural context makes it even more powerful. Paul wrote Philippians while imprisoned in Rome, likely chained to a Roman guard, awaiting trial. Despite his suffering, he repeatedly tells believers to "rejoice in the Lord always" (Philippians 4:4)—a command that carries deeper meaning when we realize he wrote it from a dark Roman prison cell, not a place of comfort.

Similarly, biblical geography brings new insights. When Jesus tells His disciples in Matthew 16:18, "On this rock I will build my church," He was standing in Caesarea Philippi, a city known for pagan worship and idol temples. Knowing this geography reveals that Jesus was making a bold statement: His kingdom would stand firm, even in places where false gods were worshiped.

Without understanding the authors of the Bible and the locations of biblical events, we might miss these powerful truths that bring Scripture to life in a deeper way.

• "To better understand the people behind the Bible, Authors of the Bible: Made Amazingly Simple provides insights into who wrote each book, their background, and why it matters."

Practical Steps to Learn About the Authors and Geography of the Bible

Understanding the authors of the Bible and the geography of biblical events doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A great starting point is using a study Bible that provides historical background, author details, and cultural insights for each book. Bible maps and atlases help visualize where key events took place, making Scripture more tangible.

Another practical step is reading biblical commentaries that explain the historical and geographical significance of passages. Online Bible tools, such as Blue Letter Bible and Bible Gateway, offer access to concordances and historical context resources to deepen your study.

When reading a book of the Bible, ask: Who wrote this? Who was the audience? Where did these events happen? Keeping a Bible study journal to record insights about authorship and geography helps reinforce what you learn.

• "For a deeper look at the faithful men and women whose lives shaped Scripture, check out Heroes of the Bible: Made Simple—a resource that highlights key biblical figures and their impact."

By intentionally studying the historical and geographical background of Scripture, you’ll move beyond surface reading and gain a richer, more informed understanding of God’s Word.

Bringing It All Together: Why Knowledge Transforms Bible Study

Gaining knowledge of the Bible’s authors and geography helps us move beyond simply reading the text—it allows us to truly understand Scripture in its proper context. By using study Bibles, historical resources, and geographical tools, we can deepen our connection with God’s Word and see how biblical events unfolded in real places, among real people.

But knowledge alone isn’t enough. Next week, in Part 3 of our series, we’ll explore how reading the Bible with context transforms our understanding even further. Knowing who a passage was written for, the customs of the time, and the broader biblical narrative can help us apply God’s truth more accurately in our own lives.

Stay tuned for Part 3: Reading with Context, and don’t forget to subscribe to our email list or check back soon to continue growing in your Bible study journey!