Let’s be honest—opening the Bible can feel overwhelming.
Seventy-three books, long genealogies, ancient poetry, highly detailed imagery… where do you even start? And how do you know you’re understanding it the right way?
The good news? You don’t need to be a Scripture scholar to start studying the Bible well. You just need the right approach—and the right heart.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to go deeper, here’s a Catholic guide to help you study the Bible with clarity and confidence.
Why Catholics Read the Bible
Catholics don’t just read Scripture for information—we read it for transformation.
The Catechism tells us that “ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ” (CCC 133, quoting St. Jerome). Scripture isn’t just a book—it’s God’s living Word, a way to encounter Jesus, grow in holiness, and let God speak directly into our lives.
Studying the Bible helps us:
- Know Jesus more intimately
- Understand our faith more deeply
- Live more boldly as missionary disciples
Where to Start: Bible Versions and Tools
First things first: get a solid Catholic Bible. Look for one with all 73 books of the canon and an Imprimatur (a Church stamp of approval).
Recommended Translations:
- Revised Standard Version – Catholic Edition (RSV-CE)
- New American Bible (NABRE) – used in the U.S. lectionary
- Douay-Rheims – a traditional, older translation, specifically a translation from Latin
You might also want:
- A Catholic Bible commentary or study Bible (like the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible or The Great Adventure Catholic Bible)
- A journal to jot down reflections
- A bookmark for the daily Mass readings (or use an app like Laudate or Hallow)
How to Study the Bible as a Catholic
Here’s a simple, practical approach you can follow—whether you’re studying on your own or with a group.
1. Start with Prayer
Invite the Holy Spirit to guide you. You’re not just reading words—you’re meeting the Word made flesh.
“Come, Holy Spirit. Open my heart and mind to hear your Word and live it.”
2. Choose a Book or Theme
If you’re new, start with:
- The Gospels (especially Mark or John)
- Acts of the Apostles (for mission and evangelization)
- Psalms (for prayer)
- Genesis or Exodus (to understand salvation history)
Or use the daily Mass readings to stay connected with the Church’s liturgical rhythm.
3. Read Slowly and Reflectively
Don’t rush. Read a small section (a few verses or one chapter), and read it again.
4. Use the Three R’s: Read, Reflect, Respond
- Read: What does the passage say?
- Reflect: What does it mean? What is God saying to me?
- Respond: How is God calling me to live differently?
5. Check with the Church
If something is confusing, that’s okay! Use a good Catholic commentary (like Fr. Mike’s Bible in a Year podcast) or the Catechism to help. The Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, helps us interpret Scripture faithfully (see CCC 111–119).
Helpful Tips for Bible Study
- Be consistent: Set a regular time—even 10 minutes a day makes a difference.
- Write it down: Journaling your thoughts, questions, and verses that stood out can help you process and remember.
- Pray with it: Use Lectio Divina—an ancient Catholic method of prayerful reading.
- Join others: Consider joining or leading a small group Bible study. Learning in community is powerful!
But What If I Don’t Understand It?
You will definitely run into confusing or difficult passages. Don’t be discouraged. You’re not reading to “master” the Bible—you’re reading to let God form you through it.
Keep going. Ask questions. Look things up. Talk to a priest or mentor. And most importantly, trust that God is working in your heart as you keep showing up.
The Bible isn’t just an old book—it’s a living conversation with God.
As Catholics, we read Scripture not just for knowledge, but to grow in love—love for Jesus, love for the Church, and love for the world He sends us into.
So don’t wait. Open the Word. God’s already waiting for you there.
Additional Resources
We’ve got all things prayer related here on the FOCUS Blog! From resources like how-tos on how to lead a Bible study to daily prayer guides, we’ve got you covered! Here are some related resources to this guide:
Fr. Mike Schmitz: Prayer – How Do I Go Deeper?
How to Pick a Parish (and Why It Matters!)
Creating a Sacred Space: How to Set Up a Prayer Space
How to Pray: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Divine Mercy Chaplet
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