Introduction
Explaining the Bible to a beginner requires patience, clarity, and faithfulness to Scripture. Someone who is new to Bible study may not understand certain biblical words, historical events, or the circumstances surrounding a passage.
Our responsibility is to help the person understand what the passage actually teaches, rather than making the explanation unnecessarily complicated.
We should not assume that someone understands a subject simply because we understand it ourselves. Good teaching begins by explaining the truth clearly, using Scripture in context, and allowing the learner to ask questions.
1. Scripture Reading (KJV)
Nehemiah 8:8 (KJV)
“So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.”
This verse shows the importance of communicating God’s Word in a way that helps people understand what is being read.
The people did not merely hear the words; they were helped to understand their meaning.
When we teach beginners, we should aim for the same clarity. We need to explain the passage carefully rather than simply quoting verses without helping the learner understand them.
2. Understanding the Teaching
A. Begin with the passage itself.
Read the relevant verses before offering an explanation. Identify the speaker, the audience, the subject, and the circumstances.
This helps prevent misunderstandings caused by reading a verse in isolation.
B. Explain unfamiliar words.
Some biblical words may be unfamiliar to beginners. Explain their meaning in simple language while preserving the meaning intended in the passage.
For example, the word redemption can be explained as deliverance or release through a price being paid, with the precise meaning determined by the context.
C. Explain one main idea at a time.
Avoid introducing too many subjects in one explanation. Begin with the central message, then explain the supporting details.
This makes it easier for the learner to follow the teaching.
D. Use practical examples carefully.
Examples can help beginners understand how a biblical truth relates to everyday life.
However, an illustration is not Scripture. Make sure the example clarifies the passage rather than replacing its meaning or introducing a conclusion that the text does not support.
E. Encourage questions and further study.
A beginner may need to read a passage more than once or ask for clarification.
Answer questions patiently and use relevant Scripture to support your explanation. If you do not know the answer, it is better to acknowledge that and study further than to invent an explanation.
3. Another Example from Scripture
Acts 8:30–31 (KJV)
“And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.”
The Ethiopian was reading the prophet Isaiah but needed help understanding what he was reading.
Philip responded by engaging with him and explaining the Scripture. The conversation continued as Philip taught him about Jesus.
This account illustrates the value of guidance when someone is learning to understand the Bible.
It also reminds us that reading Scripture and understanding its message are not always the same thing. A learner may benefit from someone who can explain the passage in its context.
4. Practical Example
Imagine a beginner asks you what Ephesians 2:8–9 means.
Instead of immediately introducing several complicated theological terms, you could:
- Read the verses together.
- Explain that salvation is God’s gift of grace received through faith.
- Point out that the passage rejects the idea that people can earn salvation through their works.
- Ask whether the learner understands the difference between receiving a gift and earning something.
- Read the verses again and answer any further questions using Scripture.
This approach makes the explanation accessible without changing the passage’s meaning.
5. Remember
When explaining Scripture to beginners, read the passage in context, explain unfamiliar words, focus on the main message, and use clear examples. Be patient with questions, support your explanation with Scripture, and never invent an answer when you need further study.