In the Chapter Summary Method of Bible study we attempt to gain an understanding of the contents of any given
chapter of the Bible by reading it in its entirety several times (at least five), asking a series of questions
relating to the content of the chapter, and ending with a general summary of the chapter. Note that the chapter
divisions currently in our Bible are not in the original manuscripts but were added later (about 1,200 AD) by
Bishop Stephen Langton in order to make the various parts of the Bible more accessible to the general reader.
Although usually well done, at some points the chapter divisions interrupt the natural flow of the text. There
are 1,189 chapters in the Protestant Bible so there is a wealth of material to study.
2.1 - Tools
2.1.1 - Bible
2.1.2 - Cross references
2.2 - Hints
2.2.1 - Read the chapter from a Bible without notes in order to encourage fresh insights
rather than reaffirming those already found.
2.2.2 - Read the chapter without stopping in order to get a feel for the flow of the chapter.
2.2.3 - Read the chapter in various translations noting important differences discovered.
2.2.4 - Read the chapter aloud, but quietly to yourself, as an aid to concentration.
2.3 - Steps
Step 1 - Caption - Give the chapter a short but descriptive heading. Headings that are short
and / or convey a vivid image of the chapter are especially beneficial.
Step 2 - Contents - Make a list or outline of the major point of the chapter.
Step 3 - Chief People - Make a list of the major individuals in the chapter, some reference
to the surrounding chapters may be necessary.
Step 4 - Central Verse - Select a verse that is significant in the chapter or which you find
is important during this study.
Step 5 - Crucial Word(s) - Make a list of the key word(s) of the chapter.
Step 6 - Challenges - List any difficulties you may have with the chapter. What don't you
understand? Are there areas of your life that need changing but cannot be changed?
Step 7 - Cross References - Use your cross references to find other passages in the Bible
that help you to understand this chapter.
- You should evaluate cross references in steps:
2.3.7.1 - Internal Cross References - Look for cross references within the book you are
studying.
2.3.7.2 - External Cross References - Look for cross references within other books by the same
author.
2.3.7.3 - Compare with cross references within the same Testament (Old or New)
2.3.7.4 - Compare with cross references within the Bible as a whole.
- There are also several types of cross reference, three are listed below (see your cross
reference resource for more details):
2.3.7.5 - Pure Cross Reference – Says almost exactly the same thing as the verse you are
studying.
2.3.7.6 - Illustrative Cross Reference – Illustrates what the verse you are studying is
saying.
2.3.7.7 - Contrasting Cross Reference – Says the opposite of what the verse you are studying
is saying.
Step 8 - Christ Revealed - As the Bible as a whole is the revelation of Jesus Christ (the
Old Testament points to Him, the Gospels give the details of His earthly life, and Acts and the Letters show
His activity in the world) it should be possible to find His presence in all areas of the Bible. Find out what
you can discover of the nature, ministry, or person of Christ from this chapter.
Step 9 - Central Lesson(s) - List the major lessons taught in the chapter that you have learned
at this time (next time you study this chapter entirely new insights may become evident).
Step 10 - Conclusion - Here you will begin to apply what you have learned. Two questions that
are important to ask during any application of the Bible are:
2.3.10.1 - How do these insights apply to me personally?
2.3.10.2 - What am I going to do about them?
Chart for the Chapter Summary Method of Bible study
Date: |
Passage: |
Passage: |
Read five times (check here when done):
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1. Caption:
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2. Contents:
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3. Chief People:
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4. Choice Verse:
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5. Crucial Word(s):
|
6. Challenges (Difficulties I need to study):
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7. Cross References:
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8. Christ Seen:
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9. Central Lessons:
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10. Conclusion (Personal application):
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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.
Please ignore the copyright below that is generated automatically on each page. This material can be freely
used by anyone desiring to bring honour to our God - Peter Rhebergen