How to Study the Bible Intentionally [Updated Edition]: Methods and Conditions for Effective Bible Study by Reuben A. Torrey


How to Study the Bible Intentionally [Updated Edition]: Methods and Conditions for Effective Bible Study
Title : How to Study the Bible Intentionally [Updated Edition]: Methods and Conditions for Effective Bible Study
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : -
Format Type : Kindle Edition
Number of Pages : 96
Publication : First published January 1, 1896

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Nothing is more important for our own mental, moral, and spiritual development, or for our increase in usefulness, than Bible study. But, not all Bible study is equally profitable. Some Bible study is absolutely profitless. How to study the Bible so as to get the most benefit from it is a topic of immeasurable importance.

The practicality and effectiveness of these Bible study methods and conditions have been tested in the classroom, and not with classes made up completely of college graduates, but largely composed of people of very simple education. The methods, however, require time and hard work. It must be remembered that the Bible contains gold, and almost anyone is willing to dig for gold, especially if it is certain that he will find it. It is certain that one will find gold in the Bible – if he digs. As you use the methods recommended in this book, you will find your ability to do the work rapidly increasing by exercise, until you can soon do more in fifteen minutes than you could do in an hour when you started.

No book other than the Bible provides the opportunity for intellectual and spiritual development by its study. No other book, and no other subject, will so abundantly repay careful and sincere study. The Bible is read much, but is studied very little in comparison.

Table of Contents
Ch. 1: Introduction to Methods of Bible Study
Ch. 2: The Study of Individual Books
Ch. 3: Topical Study
Ch. 4: Biographical Study
Ch. 5: Study of Types
Ch. 6: Study the Books of the Bible in Order
Ch. 7: Studying the Bible for Practical Usefulness in Dealing with People
Ch. 8: The Fundamental Conditions of the Most Profitable Bible Study
Ch. 9: Final Suggestions

About the Author
Reuben Archer Torrey traveled all over the world leading evangelistic tours, preaching to the unsaved. It is believed that more than one hundred thousand were saved under his preaching. Torrey married Clara Smith in 1879, with whom he had five children. In 1908, he helped start the Montrose Bible Conference in Pennsylvania, which continues today. He became dean of the Bible Institute of Los Angeles (now Biola University) in 1912, and was the pastor of the Church of the Open Door in Los Angeles from 1915 to 1924. Torrey continued speaking all over the world and holding Bible conferences. He died in Asheville, North Carolina, on October 26, 1928.


How to Study the Bible Intentionally [Updated Edition]: Methods and Conditions for Effective Bible Study Reviews


  • C.H. Cobb

    Torrey’s little book on Bible study is composed of eight chapters of good, practical suggestions. He organizes the bulk of the material into particular approaches to study, such as topical, biographical, typological, etc.

    The strongest (and longest) chapter is that on individual book study, chapter 2. It contains a step-by-step how-to methodology to approach a book study. This is where Torrey’s little book shines. Most of the other introductory texts contain principles (“observe intimately”, etc). Torrey just cuts to the chase and serves up a recipe for how to move through a study. It’s almost like Robert Traina’s old book, Methodical Bible Study, in pamphlet form.

    In a strange inconsistency, Torrey recommends that the beginner choose 1 Thessalonians for his first study, and specifically cautions against 1 Peter, explaining that it contains some significantly difficult texts. Then Torrey goes ahead and uses 1 Peter as his model for the rest of the chapter.

    The remainder of Torrey’s book is fairly so-so. Chapter 3 deals with topical study, and it’s pretty good. By the end of this chapter Torrey has shot his wad; there’s not much left. The remaining chapters are all three and four pages long, and are of limited value.

    Having said that, this is a good little purchase for someone interested in learning how to study their Bible more carefully. I’d read just chapter one and two, and leave the rest. Chapter two alone is worth the price of the book.

  • Matthew Sutton

    great thing about old books is that you can get them free (old as in over 100 years old), mostly on google play. i've been working on a project on reading these older books, and applying what i can in today's world.

    finished in about an hour, it was a quick read. and while some of the steps torrey rights about are a little outdated (due to commentaries written and the book itself is from the 1890's) i did find practical suggestions, such as reading a book 12 times through before taking notes, as to absorb the material, as well as the important of prayer in studying the word.

    Along with several thought provoking quotes, I enjoyed it. Any book that deepens your walk with God isn't bad at all. Easy to read, practical, I enjoyed it.

  • Jaci

    Wow!! I’m really impressed.
    This book might be short but it has a lot of information.
    Also, the author has written this book to all people, even if you are not a leader or a pastor, you’ll be able to understand everything.
    This books explains methods for studying the Bible with examples which is very helpful.
    If you want to study the Bible and you don’t know how or where to start, this books is the greatest option.

  • Ron Johnson

    I cannot recommend this short book highly enough! Whether you are a brand new baby Christian or a seasoned believer, this little book will show you how to glean more treasure from the Word of God than you ever thought possible.

  • Lynn Winesett

    Provides several study methods

    The various study methods are carefully explained using detailed how-to with examples. I found it quite helpful and on point.

  • Jonathan

    As always, Torrey does not disappoint in this book. He not only tells you how to study the Bible but goes into specific examples. It gives a lot of Scripture references for why we do what we do. The book is full of examples of different genres and how you study the Bible's many genres and subgenres. This was a great refreshing read!

  • Charlene

    Worth Your Time To Read

    There are many books out there which have similar titles. However, given this is one of the older ones, we can be thankful Torrey wrote it as his suggestions for studying the bible have been borrowed by many authors.

  • Jehiel Ortiz

    Good book

    If you want to improve or master your Bible study time, this book it’s for you. I recommended. Easy reading.

  • Steve

    Good Advice

    Overall this book has good advice on how to study the Bible. Some parts may not be applicable to everyone, but the invite useful.

  • Retha

    The chapter on studying a Bible book captured my attention the most. At first, I thought the process was too tedious but thought I'll try it out on a short Bible book. I'm amazed, how deep you delve into the Word with this method.

    I highly recommend this book on how to study the Bible for beginners and seasoned Bible students. If you want to delve deeper into God's Word, then this book is a great read for Bible study methods.

  • Nicky Bullimore

    One of the best Bible study books I have read. It might be a small book that can be read in an hour, but to get all the greatness from this book, it is worth taking the time to break it down in order to develop your own method of study by using Torrey's suggestions. By doing this, you really will be able to study the bible for the greatest profit.

  • Dee

    Excellent little book, but best avoid the RHP Essential Classics edition, as the anonymous editor seems to feel the need to insert his own views at certain points. Only a few comments, so can be ignored, but one in particular completely contradicts what Torrey is saying.

  • Andy Febrico Bintoro

    You could read this classic work for free on google play books.
    a guide to study bible methodologically. this book is for basic, even advanced student of theology. the methodology also have examples, though the example is for the advanced one.

  • Apryl Anderson

    Pray, read, apply to life and not the reverse.

  • Kenny

    Essential reading for all Believers.

  • Andreas Stump

    If lived out, prepare for a life time of study!