Many say that the Bible is extremely difficult to understand, especially when we come across books such as Revelation, Daniel, or Zechariah, or even certain letters of the apostle Paul that the apostle Peter himself acknowledged as difficult to understand (2 Peter 3:16). This perception is not entirely wrong. The Bible contains historical narratives, poetry, prophecy, wisdom literature, parables, and letters written to specific churches in particular contexts. Because of this diversity, studying Scripture seriously can sometimes feel challenging and even uncomfortable, especially when we encounter terms, symbols, or concepts that are unfamiliar to us.
However, the difficulty of the Bible does not mean that it is inaccessible or impossible to understand. On the contrary, Scripture consistently presents itself as God’s revelation to His people. While it contains depths that require effort and maturity to grasp, its central message is clear and life-giving. God desires to be known, and He has spoken in a way that ordinary believers, guided by His Spirit, can truly understand and apply His Word.
Below, I will share a series of principles that can help us understand the Bible in a better and more faithful way. These are not secret formulas or shortcuts, but biblical and historical means that God Himself has provided for the growth and instruction of His people. Above all, we must remember that Jesus promised to leave us the Holy Spirit, who guides believers into all truth (John 16:13).
The first and most essential foundation for understanding Scripture is the work of the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul teaches that “the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him” (1 Corinthians 2:14). This does not mean that an unbeliever cannot read the Bible or understand words on a page, but rather that the spiritual meaning and saving significance of Scripture cannot be fully grasped apart from the regenerating work of the Spirit.
Since believers are no longer merely natural men or women, God opens our understanding so that we may know His truth. The Holy Spirit illuminates the text, helps us discern its meaning, convicts us of sin, and applies the Word to our hearts. This illumination does not replace study or effort, but it enables us to study with humility, faith, and dependence on God.
Another key element in understanding the Bible is recognizing that God has appointed teachers within His church. Scripture tells us that Christ “gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11). This means that teaching is not a human invention but a divine calling. God, in His wisdom, chose to build up His people through the faithful instruction of His Word.
Because of this, we should never underestimate or despise the ministry of teaching. Throughout history, God has raised up faithful teachers who have helped clarify difficult passages, defend sound doctrine, and guide the church away from error. Even in the period after the completion of the biblical canon, God continued to use trustworthy men to expound Scripture with reverence and clarity.
Today, we benefit immensely from this rich heritage. We have access to biblical dictionaries, commentaries, theological books, sermons, and lectures that reflect centuries of careful study and devotion. Many of these resources are now freely available, which gives modern believers an unprecedented opportunity to grow in biblical understanding. Learning from faithful teachers is not a sign of weakness, but of wisdom and humility.
Another powerful way to deepen our understanding of the Bible is through the study of theology. Theology simply means “the study of God,” and every Christian is, in some sense, a theologian. When we read Scripture, we are forming ideas about who God is, what He has done, and how He relates to His creation. The question is not whether we will have theology, but whether it will be sound and biblical.
Studying theology helps us see the unity of Scripture, understand how doctrines are connected, and avoid interpreting isolated verses in ways that contradict the rest of the Bible. This does not mean that attending a formal theological school is the only way to understand Scripture. There have been remarkable exceptions, such as Charles Spurgeon, who never attended a theological seminary and yet became one of the greatest preachers in church history. Still, exceptions do not invalidate the general rule that structured learning is a valuable gift from God.
We live in a time of extraordinary access to theological riches. From free online courses to classic books written by faithful servants of God, there is no shortage of tools available to those who desire to grow. What is required is not brilliance, but perseverance, prayer, and a teachable spirit.
For this reason, I encourage you not to grow weary in the study of the Bible. Ask God in prayer to guide you, to open your understanding, and to give you discernment. Seek out reliable teachers, rooted in Scripture and sound doctrine, from whom you can learn with confidence. Above all, approach God’s Word with reverence, patience, and faith, trusting that the God who spoke has also provided everything necessary for His people to understand and live by His truth.