The term “mastering the Bible” is a hat tip to a very good little book by James Grey called “How to Master the English Bible”. Which while it is a difficult book to purchase, it is a little book well worth purchasing.
This method of reading requires longer concerted periods of reading in many cases and is well suited to gaining a deep familiarization of a particular book of the Bible.
How? Simply read the book (e.g. Ephesians) from start to end in one sitting – and then repeat. If possible re-read the book several times in one sitting. In some instances, this takes considerable time and concentration (e.g. Romans), but as you re-read you’ll find that you’ll see more of the meaning that the author intended and possibly more gaps (such as customs) that hide the intention.
Over time you’ll become very familiar with the book and have a deep understanding of the theme, intentions and characteristics of a book.
This is a great method to use to prepare to teach on a book of the Bible, or just to get a better understanding of a book or set of books.
There is only one better way of mastering a book than this method in my experience – and that is to memorize the book.
If you apply this method to (for instance) the entire new testament, you will indeed master the bits that you read over time and even the whole Bible.
