The Biographical Method Unlocking God’s Word How to Study the Bible

The Biographical Method

Unlocking God’s WordHow to Study the Bible

What is this method?

Research the Scripture to study a Biblical person’s life and

character.

Why use this method?

People are important to God.God reveals himself in the way he

interacts with peopleGreat way to study the OT narrativesLearn to see people through God’s

Perspective

Tools you will need

Study BibleExhaustive concordanceTopical BibleBible Dictionary or Encyclopedia

Tips

Start with a person on whom you can do a simple study

Walk in his/her sandalsDon’t confuse people with the same

names.Remember some people have multiple

namesStay away from biographies until after

your study

Select the Person

Find a person who has a weakness you have

Find someone who has a strength you would like to develop

Stephen the MartyrIn-Class Example

Stephen the MartyrIn-Class Example

PRAYER

Make a list of ALL references

Use your concordanceYou may need to perform some historical

research

Stephen the MartyrReferences

Acts 6:3-8:2Acts 11:19Acts 22:20

Reading 1: First Impressions

Write out your first impressionsNote any observationsRecord any important information

Stephen the MartyrReading 1: First Impressions

Stephen was an early Christian.Stephen was trusted by the Apostles.Stephen was trusted by other Christians.Stephen was a powerful preacher.Stephen was unashamed of his faith and

willing to die for it.Stephen was true to his convictions.

Reading 2: Chronological Outline

Make a timelineLook for natural major divisionsLook for progressions and changes of

attitude in that person’s life

Stephen the MartyrReading 2: Chronological Outline

A. Chosen to be a leader1. To help resolve conflict (Acts 6:5)2. On basis of godly characteristics (Acts

6:3,5,8)

B. Had a wide ministry1. Waited tables (Acts 6:2-5)2. Performed miracles (Acts 6:8)3. Preacher and Teacher (Acts 6:10)

Stephen the MartyrReading 2: Chronological Outline, continued…

C. He was persecuted1. Opposed by Jews from “overseas” (Acts 6:9)2. Falsely Accused (Acts 6:11)3. Arrested and tried before Sanhedrin (Acts 6:12-14)

a. False witnesses testifyb. Rebutted with a masterful overview of OT Scripture

(Acts 7:2-53)c. Testified about Jesus (Acts 7:55-56)d. Stoned to death by an angry mob (Acts 7:57-60)

D. His death acted as a catalyst that increased persecution and caused the church to spread (Acts 8:2-4, 11:19)

Reading 3: Get some insight into that person

Go back over references again answering questions from handout

Stephen the MartyrReading 3: Insights (Answers to Questions)

1) Why was he chosen to be a leader?Because he was full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom (Acts 6:3)

Because he was full of Faith and the Spirit (Acts 6:5)

Because he was full of God’s grace and power (Acts 6:8)

Because he knew the Scriptures (Acts 7:2-53)

Stephen the MartyrReading 3: Insights (Answers to Questions)

2) How did he handle false accusations?He “kept his cool,” remained silent, and only answered when he was directed to speak by the high priest.

3) Are there any parallels with Jesus?Yes. Just like Jesus, he was falsely accused, demonstrated love and concern for his accusers and died an “undeserved” death.

Stephen the MartyrReading 3: Insights (Answers to Questions)

4) What was his attitude toward his executioners?He was forgiving, even to the point of praying that God would forgive them for their sin.

5) What were the long-term results of his life, ministry and death?His death caused the disciples to scatter and take the Gospel to other parts of Judea, Samaria, and regions beyond Israel in fulfillment of Acts 1:8.

His death sets a path by which Saul is brought to the Lord.

Reading 4: Identify some character qualities

Use the suggested list of positive and negative characteristics

Write out the qualities (good and bad) that show up with verse references

Stephen the MartyrReading 4: Character Qualities Identified

Spirit-filled (6:3,5,10)

Wise (6:3,10)

Faithful (6:5)

Available to God (6:8)

Persistent (6:10)

Holy (6:15)

Knowledgeable (chapter 7)

Bold (7:51-53)

Brave (7:51-53)

Forgiving (7:60)

Respected by others (8:2)

A witness to Jesus (22:20)

Reading 5: Bible Truths Illustrated

Cross reference truths that are demonstrated in this person’s life

Cross reference what the Bible says about some of the characteristics you found

Stephen the MartyrReading 5: Bible Truths Illustrated

The fruit of the Spirit can be discerned by others (Acts 6:3,5; Galatians 5:22-23; John 15:1-17)

During trials of life, the Holy Spirit will be present and comfort you (Acts 7:54-55; Hebrews 13:5-6; John 14:15-25)

False accusations and persecutions will come into our lives (Acts 6:11-8:4; John 15:18-27)

Summarize the Main Lesson

What is the main lesson taught by this person’s life?

Is there any one word that would describe that life

What was his most outstanding characteristic?

Stephen the MartyrSummarize the Main Lesson

The outstanding characteristic of Stephan was his commitment to the Lord and his willingness to do anything for him, including dying.

This commitment is seen in the fact that he was a man who walked with God (he was “full of the Spirit and wisdom…faith…God’s grace and power”). He had a great testimony before others in the church. He witnessed to people both in life and in death.

Furthermore, he was a man of the Word. He really knew his scriptures.

Personal Application

Did I see myself in this person’s life?Did he show me some of my weaknesses?Did he reveal to me some of my

strengths?What impressed me the most about this

person?Where do I fall short in this area?What do I intend to do about it?

Stephen the MartyrPersonal Application (Personal, Practical, Possible, Provable)

I want to become a spiritual leader like Stephen. Stephen’s life exemplified godly values and the fruit of the Spirit, so people trusted him to lead them. Stephen was also looked to because he knew the Word of God intimately and lived his life authentically in accordance with those scriptures. I think those two traits are not happenstance.

As a result of this study, I will commit myself to memorizing two scripture verses each week. If I fertilize my life with scripture, then I will produce the fruit of Spirit.

Share your Study

Condense to a simple outlineDivide info into natural sequences of timeThink of some titles for each sectionMake up rhymes, songs, alliterations

Stephen the MartyrShare the Study

The concepts of this study that are transferable:1. The necessity of demonstrating the Activity of the Holy

Spirit in my life.2. The necessity of demonstrating the Activity of the Word

of God in my life.3. If I really exhibit these two traits, then I will be able to

handle the trials of life.

Someone I intend to share this study with

Andy (over lunch next week)Kevin (via email)My Sunday School Class

The Biographical Method

Unlocking God’s WordHow to Study the Bible