Why Read & Study the Bible? The Truth Every Christian Should Know

The Bible isn't just one book. It's a collection of 66 books written by over 40 authors across 1,500 years in different places and languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek).

These authors were kings, prophets, shepherds, fishermen, and scholars.

Yet despite the diversity, the Bible tells one unified story: God's plan to redeem humanity through Jesus Christ. That level of consistency? Only possible through divine inspiration.

It’s true that human hands penned the pages, but they were inspired by the Holy Spirit.

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness..." (2 Timothy 3:16)

"...prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." (2 Peter 1:21)

The Greek word for "God-breathed" is theopneustos, meaning divinely inspired. So when you open your Bible, you're not reading old ideas—you're hearing God's timeless voice.

The Bible as we know it was not randomly assembled. The term canon means "measuring stick," and the books included had to meet key criteria:

• Apostolic or prophetic authorship

• Consistency with existing Scripture

• Widespread use in early church worship

• Clear evidence of divine inspiration

The Old Testament was already in use during Jesus' lifetime. He quoted it often, affirming books like Genesis, Deuteronomy, Psalms, and Isaiah.

The New Testament books were recognized by early church fathers (like Athanasius and Irenaeus) and confirmed by church councils (like the Synod of Hippo in 393 AD). They didn’t create Scripture—they acknowledged what the church was already using as authoritative.

The Bible as we know it was not randomly assembled. The term canon means "measuring stick," and the books included had to meet key criteria:

• Apostolic or prophetic authorship

• Consistency with existing Scripture

• Widespread use in early church worship

• Clear evidence of divine inspiration

The Old Testament was already in use during Jesus' lifetime. He quoted it often, affirming books like Genesis, Deuteronomy, Psalms, and Isaiah.

The New Testament books were recognized by early church fathers (like Athanasius and Irenaeus) and confirmed by church councils (like the Synod of Hippo in 393 AD). They didn’t create Scripture—they acknowledged what the church was already using as authoritative.

Historically, the Bible is the most well-preserved ancient document in existence:

• Over 5,800 Greek manuscripts of the New Testament

• Some dated within 30-100 years of the originals

For context, Plato only has 7 surviving manuscripts. Aristotle has 49. And no one questions whether those are real.

Archaeology continues to confirm biblical accuracy—from ancient cities to rulers to timelines. The deeper scholars dig, the more Scripture is affirmed.

And believers throughout history have gone to their deaths refusing to deny its truth. That’s not a fairytale. That’s faith in something real.

Reading gives exposure. Studying brings transformation.

Studying helps us:

• Understand historical and cultural context

• Discover original meanings of words

• Recognize connections between Old and New Testaments

• Apply truth to real life

Romans 12:2 says we are transformed by the renewing of our minds. And that happens through the Word of God.

Before we open Genesis, let's approach this journey with reverence and hunger.

This isn't just about information. It's about transformation. It's about meeting the Author of Life in the pages of His living Word.

Are you ready?

If you found this blog helpful, head over to the full video on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@purpose1six

📥 Grab your free 5-day Bible study guide to get rooted in the Word: Download Here

📘 Ready to go deeper? Check out my 60-day John study: Download Here

Let’s study the Bible together—book by book. We’re building on the Word.