6 Ways to Study the Bible Like an Investigative Reporter
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The Bible is God’s word, and if you read and study it then it can change your life. However, it is not uncommon for many people to feel overwhelmed by its depth and struggle to grasp its meaning. If you have ever felt this way, trust me, you are not alone. With this being the case, how can you approach the Bible to find meaning and gain understanding?
One suggestion is to approach the Bible like an investigative reporter and learn to ask questions about what you are reading. I call these the W questions: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How. (I know how does not start with a W, but since it has a W in it, then it qualifies.)
These questions can be a great foundation for helping you understand the truth of Scripture. Let’s consider each one.
1. Who?
Helps identify the key people in the story.
As an investigative reporter, you want to begin by identifying "who?" The goal is to identify the important people in the story. It is essential to prioritize gathering information when engaging in this task. The initial goal is not to come to conclusions, but to uncover facts which will help you later as you look for meaning in the passage.
Here are some great “who” questions to use.
- Who is the person speaking? The one speaking could be God, Jesus, a prophet, an apostle, or someone who holds none of those titles. Knowing who is speaking can help shape the authority and tone of the message. But remember, initially, we are just gathering information.
- Who are they speaking to? Are they addressing a specific person, group, or nation? Is their message just for that specific audience or is it for all believers?
- Who are the supporting characters who may not be speaking? Not everyone in the passage may be speaking, but they may still play an important role in what is happening.
2. What?
Helps to understand the events that are taking place.
Once you know who, then it is natural to consider “what?” This question forces you to consider all the events that are taking place. You want to look for things that identify what is happening within the passage. You can start looking at some meaning at this stage, but not too much yet.
Here are some questions to consider.
- What is happening? Identify what is going on and what type of event may be occurring. Is someone speaking? Are they sharing a meal? Is something good happening or maybe something tragic? Whatever you discover, just make note of it.
- What is the primary message or lesson? Is the passage giving a command, a promise, an instruction, or maybe something that reveals God’s character? Remember, you are still gathering information, but it is okay to start thinking about the message this passage is trying to convey.
- What are the key actions or statements? Is there something that stands out as critical to understanding this passage?
3. When?
Helps focus on the time this passage was written.
Sometimes knowing when something happens can give additional cultural or historical context. This can further illuminate the passage because timing could be everything, especially when reading the Bible.
You can ask these “when” questions to continue gathering your information.
- When did this event occur? Is it before Christ came, during the time of Jesus, or maybe in the first century when the church was first formed? When is not just about the era, you can also think about the time of day or the time of the year. Each of these details may lend some level of significance to the passage.
- When was this text written? Knowing when a book was written can reveal the concerns and issues facing the original audience or the author. For example, Paul wrote some of his epistles while he was a prisoner. Knowing he was writing while in chains can give another layer of context to what he was writing.
- When does this event take place within the broader biblical timeline? Is it before or after significant events like the giving of the Law or the resurrection of Jesus? Focusing on when can help place that passage within the larger biblical narrative.
4. Where?
Helps to set the stage and the setting.
"Where" is another crucial question that provides insight into the physical surroundings and cultural backdrop of a passage. There are many locations mentioned in the Bible that have historic and symbolic meaning.
- Where is this event happening? Be careful to pay attention to the finer details because they matter. Sometimes you may have to re-read a passage to capture them, but don’t miss them.
- Where are the characters located? By understanding their physical and cultural setting, you may be able to understand more clearly the reasons behind their actions and reactions. For instance, Jesus choosing to go through Samaria may not seem like a big deal until you realize the tense relationship between Jews and Samaritans.
5. Why?
Helps to discover the purpose and meaning of the passage.
I love why questions. Not just for reading passages, but even when talking to people. I believe why questions force you to think. It helps you consider the meaning of what was said or done and encourages you to meditate on the Scriptures.
- Why did this happen? Helps you reflect on God’s purposes in allowing or orchestrating events. For example, why did God allow Job to suffer? Why did God accept Abel’s offering and reject Cain’s? Just think how asking these “why” questions positions you to meditate on the passage.
- Why is this teaching important? Consider this for a moment. Why did Jesus focus so much on the Kingdom of God? Do you see how asking these questions automatically draws you deeper into the passage?
- Why is this included in the Bible? Asking this why question moves you to consider the significance of this passage.
6. How?
Let’s apply this to your life.
After you have gone through the other five questions, then we get to how. By this time, you might have gained some meaning to the passage, but it is not enough to stop there. This is where the application happens.
- How does this apply to me? What lessons, principles, or commands can you take away and start putting into practice?
- How should this change my thinking or actions? Is there something within the passage that can reshape how you act or think?
- How can I encourage someone else with what I have learned? Once you have learned the truth of Scripture, don’t keep it to yourself. Share it with someone else and it may encourage them as much as it encouraged you.
God’s word is rich and when you approach it like an investigative reporter, you position yourself to unlock all that is within its pages. One thing you will notice is this takes some time. This means you are not looking to rush through the Scriptures, but you are taking your time. The truths are there and if you will take the time to discover them and apply them. That is when God’s word will change your life.
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