In the Book Synthesis Method of Bible study we will summarize and condense the lessons learned previously. The word synthesis indicates
the putting together of the discrete items that together compose a whole; thus in the Book Synthesis Method of Bible study we will put
back together the details we extracted from the book through our previous two studies.
The Book Synthesis Method of Bible study is the last of three methods of Bible study that, together, will give you an extremely
comprehensive view of each book of the Bible. These three methods will require the greatest effort on your part but will ultimately yield
the best results. Each of the three emphasizes a different aspect of one overall process of study:
Survey (Method 9 - Book Survey Method) - obtain a detailed overview of a
particular book of the Bible.
Analysis (Method 10 - Chapter Analysis Method) - study each chapter
of the book in great detail.
Synthesis (Method 11 - Book Synthesis Method) - take what you learned
in the previous two study stages and put it all back together, drawing conclusions as you go and gaining an appreciation of the whole of
the book.
11.1 - Tools
11.1.1 - Bible and several additional modern translations
11.1.2 - Bible dictionary and / or Bible encyclopedia
11.1.3 - Bible handbook, such as Unger's or Halley's
11.1.4 - Old and New Testament surveys
11.1.5 - Cultural contextualization tools
11.3 - Steps
Step 1 - Reread the book several times in the same manner as you did in the Book Survey method.
Step 2 - Write out a detailed, final, outline using the preliminary outline from your Book Survey and the passage
summaries from your Chapter Analysis. These, when coupled with your current readings, will allow you to put this outline in its final form.
Step 3 - Write down a descriptive book title using the same methods by which you gave titles to each section in your
Chapter Analysis. The title should be original and define the contents of the book in as few words as possible.
Step 4 - Make a summary of your insights. You will here summarize the major and minor themes as well as the conclusions
of the book as you discovered them in the previous two studies. Avoid commentaries for the moment as you are attempting to arrive at your
own understanding of the Bible. Feel free to add new ideas you have discovered during the readings in step one.
Step 5 - Write out a personal application. Review all applications listed in your Book Survey and Chapter Analysis
studies, noting any which you have not yet completed and making definite plans to complete them in the near future if not immediately.
If all are complete select other potential applications and make plans to implement these in your life as soon as possible.
Step 6 - Share the results of your study with other. The Christian faith is unique in that each of us is individually
saved through Christ Jesus, yet our carrying out of that faith is best done in a community of believers. Time and again we as Christians
are referred to in the New Testament as the Body of Christ and we are encouraged to build each other up in the faith:
And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,
for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the
faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. As
a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of
men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even
Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each
individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love. (Eph 4:11-16)
One of the ways in which the building up other Christians takes place is to share with them what you have learned of
God, be it through Bible studies such as this or illuminations from the Holy Spirit.
Chart for the Book Synthesis Method of Bible study
1. Book: |
Chapters: |
Number of Times Read: |
2. Detailed Final Outline:
|
3. Descriptive Title:
|
4. Summary of Insights:
|
5. Personal Application:
|
6. People with Whom to Share this Study:
|
Peter Rhebergen, was raised in a Christian home and currently attends Westney Heights Baptist Church
with his family. He is a volunteer in several of its ministries and has served as assistant pastor, youth leader, adult Sunday School
teacher and as pulpit supply at various churches and Bible Camps in Southern Ontario. He has been married since 1989 and together with
his wife has three wonderful children who have introduced them to horses, hermit crabs and numerous other creatures they would not
otherwise have met. He is an avid photographer and poet and has held a life-long interest in astronomy thanks to Psalm 19 and an uncle.
You can visit's Peters website at www.EachNewDay.com.
This material can be freely used by anyone desiring to bring honour to our God - Peter Rhebergen