Learning

biblical truth

from the

characters we characters we

read about.

To learn character from the characters of

scripture.

In the Biblical context, character study is the

study of a select character from the scripture

with the intent of learning important biblical

truths from them and the events concerning truths from them and the events concerning

their lives. These truths have a moral

application to our faith and our lives.

Let’s gather the facts!!

After selecting a character of interest, it is important that After selecting a character of interest, it is important that we gather as much information about them from the scripture as possible. What does the Bible say about them? Sometimes, a lack of information can be information too but not always. This is determined from the biblical context itself and other passages addressing the same character. This will require the use of Bible Concordances and Bible Dictionaries to find those passages. Look at the example on the following slide:

There was a priest in the Old Testament named Melchisedek, Genesis 14:18-19, Psalm 110:4. He Lived during the time of Abraham and a few hundred years before Moses and the giving of the Law. There is no record of his ancestral descent in Genesis. He is only mentioned in 3 verses of the Old Testament. This lack of information for someone who was a priest was interesting. Under the Law of Moses, a priest proved his calling by showing his decent from Aaron the first priest. The lack of this vital information was interpreted by the writer of the book of Hebrews, in chapter 7 under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, to show that the Messiah would be a priest inspiration of the Holy Ghost, to show that the Messiah would be a priest but not a descendant of Aaron. Instead, he would be a priest having the ranking of Melchisedek ‘s priesthood, who was both a king and a priest. The priesthood of Jesus Christ would not only have intercessory ability by his death and resurrection, but it would have kingly authority allowing him to fulfill the Davidic Covenant. Jesus is both King and High Priest.

Note: We arrived at these conclusions about this character because of

what various biblical passages said about him and not by our own

choosing. This is how scripture should be interpreted.

Study the character in the context of the scriptural

passage(s). How is the character used in the account(s)?

Questions to ask: What part did they play in the Questions to ask: What part did they play in the

account? Where they the main characters, or what

relation did they have to the main characters.

Vital Stats?

Does the scripture give statistical information about the

character? This information is very helpful in determining character? This information is very helpful in determining

what kind of person they were or were not.

Who was their father, genealogy?

Who was their mother?

What tribe are they from?

What influences did they have in their life?

What was their vocation if given?

Where did they live?

Does the scripture mention this character

elsewhere? If so, what does it say about them?

Bible dictionaries and concordances can be helpful

here.

What characteristics do you observe in their life?

When reading about a person various traits will

begin to stand out. Are they good or are they bad?

What did I learn?

The ultimate goal of Bible study:

•Is my knowledge and understanding of God’s

word enhanced?

•Is what I learned applicable to life?

•Will I grow If I do it this way?

•Do I understand Jesus and the gospel better?

The best way to maximize your study is to meditate, The best way to maximize your study is to meditate,

consider deeply, your new found knowledge. That is how

understanding and wisdom come. This is the way to

answer all questions and enhance your knowledge and

understanding of God’s word. This is diligence in study.

For whatsoever things were written

aforetime were written for our learning,

that we through patience and comfort of

the scriptures might have hope .

Romans 15:4

But Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of

our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. To him

be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

II Peter 3:18