Trying to understand and interpret the Bible for ourselves is hard work: it requires a combination of disciplined study and humble reliance on God’s guidance through His Spirit. That’s why it’s often tempting to over-rely on other people to teach the Bible to us – to be spoon-fed by sermons, group discussions and commentaries. But whilst we should be grateful for the abundance of good Bible teaching available in this country, it is important to remember that we need to check everything we hear against what the Bible says for ourselves (Acts 17:11).

This book is ideal for anyone wishing to develop their skills in handling and interpreting the Bible. The authors go through a series of highly practical “tools” which can be employed when approaching any passage of Scripture, and which (if utilised sensibly and intuitively) will greatly improve one’s understanding of God’s living and active word.

For example, the reader is instructed to consider the context and structure of a passage; to look out for repetitions, linking words and parallels; and to bear in mind the genre of the text, as well as its author’s purpose. Each tool is explained with the aid of worked examples of Bible passages that are frequently misinterpreted or misapplied. At the end of each chapter, there are also questions for further self-study, although answers are not provided (because the aim of the book is to help the reader to gain confidence in his or her own reading of Scripture, rather than to reach instinctively for a commentary!)

This book is essential reading for anyone who regularly leads Bible studies but is also highly recommended for all Christians who want to improve their grasp of Scripture and to discover its true meaning. However, it should be emphasised that improved intellectual knowledge of the Bible on its own is useless without humility and obedience – the ultimate aim is to know God better and so follow him more closely.

This book is brilliant for helping you to understand the Bible. It's written in such a way that its really accessible for Christians new and old. Each chapter focus' on a different 'tool' and has worked examples and also examples for you to do yourself. Using the tools can make Bible passages seem much easier to understand. I've only given it 4 out of 5 though because it could also lead you into the trap of making Bible study simply an intellectual thing rather than time spent learning about God.

This is a fantastic book, that gives helpful ideas in how to understand and interpret the bible correctly and apply it into our lives. It uses 'tools' to show you how a passage is meant to be understood in the correct context and enables you to further your love and knowledge of Jesus. A great book to read yourself or to give away to young Christians in order to help them understand the bible correctly. A top quality book! Go on buy it!

Clear, concise and comprehensive. It's a wonder to me, that nobody had written such a book before this: truly a gem. I have given it as 'required study' to my senior leadership team. Essential to master these simple tools if you want to lead a Bible Study (especially if you write your own). Very useful if you're wanting to get more out of your own, personal study of Scripture too.