When we read the Bible, shouldn’t we take its words at face value? The answer to that question is both yes and no. While every word in the Bible is true, God inspired the writers to use metaphor, symbolism, irony, and other literary devices to convey the message.

The hermeneutical spiral is a concept that describes the iterative and recursive nature of the interpretive process in Bible study. Let me explain: The hermeneutical spiral is like a cycle because you go through it again and again, and it helps you understand the Bible better each time. So, when you study the Bible, you don't just read it once and understand everything; you keep going back and digging deeper to learn more.

Cross-referencing in Bible study refers to the practice of examining related passages and references within the Bible to gain a deeper understanding of a particular verse, passage, or topic. It involves comparing different parts of the Bible that address similar themes, ideas, or events to illuminate the meaning and context of the specific passage under study.

Proof-texting is a prevalent mistake in interpreting the Bible. This involves selectively using isolated Bible verses or passages to support a preconceived idea or argument without considering their original context, intended meaning, or the wider teachings of the Bible. It encompasses the act of extracting verses from their surrounding context and using them as "proof" to bolster a specific viewpoint.

In 2023, I began incorporating “hearing” the Bible as a part of my daily devotions. Listening to the Bible while reading can indeed enhance your devotion time, help you maintain consistency in daily reading, and improve your Bible knowledge.

Studying the Pauline letters, a collection of epistles written by the Apostle Paul requires a nuanced approach. Mirror reading is a valuable strategy to illuminate these ancient texts. By employing mirror reading, scholars can gain a deeper understanding of the historical, cultural, and theological contexts in which these letters were written. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of mirror reading, its significance in studying the Pauline letters, and provide practical steps to employ this strategy effectively.