Bible Basics

Over the course of four Wednesday evenings, a small groups has gathered for 'Bible Basics,' exploring together how the Bible was formed and how we might therefore understand it better when we read it in worship or in our own devotions.

Three members of the group - Lillian, Sue and Alan - share their reflections below.

'Thank you for running the four weeks course at St Andrews Church in January and February 2026 and for everyone who has taken time to prepare each session. I felt this course would be beneficial for me and this proved to be correct. Week 1 focussed on biblical timelines, on both the Old Testament and New Testament. This achieved this, by linking books in the bible by significant events and themes. As an individual, this helped me to see the whole bible. This was extremely useful.  When I read the bible, I tend to concentrate on a particular chapter in a biblical book and never the whole.

 On week 2, we looked at the history of the Old Testament and how it was compiled over many centuries and the impact of the Torah, Prophets and Writings. It looked at factors which shaped books that were received as Scriptures. The session also showed how the Scriptures were translated initially into Greek in Alexandria, for Jews, living outside Israel. Later, more books were added by Greeks speaking Jews and these were adopted by early Christians. But these additions were not accepted by Protestant reformers.  It was great to have a simplified historical explanation of the Septuagint and to why bibles differ in faiths.

What was more rewarding me, was the explanation of two creations accounts in Genesis. Genesis1 concentrating on a more majestic, orderly approach and Genesis 2, with an intimate earthy approach. We agreed that the latter was more spiritual to read. This discussion was also to reinforce my decision on week four, to start to read the book of John in the New Testament – at my pace for joy. The style of writing in the Gospel of John is a more straightforward, friendly, engaging style.

 By week 4 with Kirsty looking at The Gospels, this really pulled the four weeks together.  I already know that John's Gospel was considered as unique, - the others as the Synoptics. But discovering that the four Gospels differ in the same event. By working together, reading short stories in the Gospel, this re-ignited my decision to start reading books in the bible. Kirsty oozed with her love for bible study. What particularly was useful with the session on The Gospels, was discovering the writing styles adopted – Parables, Hyperbole and Metaphor. When I read John, I will improve my literacy knowledge and try to know why the style is used.

 The sessions have enhanced my spiritual life and have encouraged me to turn to the bible and help to guide my life. I have blessed to be part of a supportive community. Thank you.'

Lillian Stearn

'Well, I thought I knew my bible, I just accepted it without really questioning it. I have my favourite books and passages, and books that I don’t understand and therefore avoid sorry Amos!

 But the Bible Basic reflections showed me how much more complicated & complex the bible was and is.

 The Old Testament containing books of History, Law, Poetry & Prophets

 The New Testament having The Gospels, History, Letters & Prophecy

 We learned how the Bible came together over many centuries and that the books it contains are not in chronological order, that they were written in different languages, that the books contain different versions of the same events, for example that Genesis has two perspectives on the creation story.

 The short course was interesting and mind blowing, leaving me with a yearning to learn more. I now want to understand more, and to use all parts of the bible, fully recognising that those bits I avoid were written at a time and place when men and women’s roles were very different, that the books included in the bible were partly chosen because of their popularity at the time.

A fascinating course- thank you to every one who led & shared the session.'

Sue Ambrose

'What you always wanted to know about the Bible but were afraid to ask – or you don’t know what questions to ask. If this rings a bell with you, you missed the opportunity to find out about the nuts and bolts of the Bible on the recent course.

 Do you know how the books of the Old Testament are categorised? The Pentateuch, history, poetry/books of wisdom, prophesy. And the New Testament – gospels, history, letters and the Book of Revelation.

 How and why were these, and only these, books included in the Bible? Who wrote them and why? Were the books written chronologically, as they appear in the Bible? Absolutely not: One example, Chronicles – next to Kings in the OT, was written much later, but for what purpose? Why do some Bibles have the Apocrypha and some don’t? Were the Acts of the Apostles written before or after Paul’s Epistles? Why are the Epistles in the order they are? How can we read the New Testament to learn more about the life of Jesus and be alive to his message?

 These were just a few of the questions explored on the course. A key lesson was: Do not try to read the Bible all the way through from the beginning. Look first at what each part is trying to say to you, when it was written and by whom and for what purpose.

 Thank you, Lucy, Ian Riches, Andy Redfearn and Kirsty Cook for the insights you gave in helping our small group learn more about how the Bible was put together and what it means to us in our daily lives.'

Alan Colley