5 Simple Steps to Improve Your Biblical Literacy

Have you ever felt God nudging you to speak, but thoughts like, “I don’t know the Bible enough,” or “What if I teach something wrong?” overwhelm you? You’re not alone—many women struggle with these insecurities. Understanding the Bible may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to hold you back.

In my small group, we’ve been studying Jen Wilkin’s book, Women of the Word, and it’s been transformative. Wilkin emphasizes the importance of Biblical literacy—knowing and understanding the Bible deeply. If you’re ready to grow in this area, here are five simple steps to help you start:

Friend, I have really great news! You don’t have to stay paralyzed or silent. There are small steps you can take towards Biblical Literacy.

One simple step to help you understand the Bible better is to ask five simple questions about the text you are reading.

Here’s how Jen explains them:

1. Who wrote it?

   • Most of us first consider the source before reading a book or article. Knowing the author helps us understand why the author wrote the text in a particular way and enables us to judge its credibility.

2. When was it written?

   • We use a book’s dating first to understand how its original audience would have read it, then to see how it uniquely speaks to its historical moment, then to determine which books of the Bible are its contemporaries and finally to identify where it fits in the Big Story.

3. To who was it written?

   • Every book of the Bible was written for a specific audience in the past. To begin with, these original hearers lived in times and cultures very different from ours. However, while the message of the Bible transcends its original audience, it nevertheless remains deeply connected to them. As a result, we must consider both the historical context and the timeless message when interpreting the Bible.

4. In what Style was it written?

   • Each book of the Bible utilizes one or more of these genres to communicate its message. Our ability to interpret and apply a text accurately depends on how well we understand the nuances of each genre, which uses language in different ways.

5. Why was it written?

   • Every author has a specific purpose in mind when writing. First, we can identify the author’s intent by examining a book’s major themes and repeated ideas in the context of its original audience and historical and cultural background. Furthermore, understanding a text’s purpose helps us avoid interpreting it solely based on our perspectives. Ultimately, this approach allows us to grasp the deeper meaning intended by the author.

These straightforward questions provide a practical approach to studying the Bible more deeply.

If you’re visual like me, Women of the Word offers clear examples to help you apply these questions effectively. I highly recommend this book—it’s short, easy to read, and life-changing.

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