It is important to have a knowledge of the whole Bible, so that the correct context of passages can be understood. If you want to understand the Bible you need to be prepared to commit time and effort, and some expense to this worthwhile work. The rewards will be extensive, including knowledge of God, and your personal salvation.
The first step is to obtain at least one copy of the whole Bible, and to become familiar with the contents. A visit to a religious bookstore will show the wide range of new Bibles that is now available. Secondhand Bibles may frequently be found in secondhand bookshops, and in the book sections of Charity shops.
If you cannot afford to buy a Bible most community libraries have several versions on their shelves.
Browse through the various English versions and you will find one that you can read easily. The readability of various Bible versions may be viewed at:
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/cms_content?page=652502&sp=1003
The King James Version (KJV) is one of the most difficult to read, but most people who have reached the 12th year at school should enjoy it.
The New King James Version (NKJV) only requires education to the 9th year, and the New International Version (NIV) to the 8th year.
Often people start with a simplified modern version, and as they grow more familiar with the Bible they find that they want a more accurate translation. The most literal translations available today are the New King James Version and the New American Standard Bible.
Over the years our family has collected hundreds of Bibles, including many in foreign languages, and antique and modern Bibles in interesting bindings. We love our Bibles, and we enjoy sharing them with others. We have opened Australia's first Bible Museum - visit our website at: www.thebiblemuseum.com.au
Our Museum includes:
-
over 80 different versions of the New Testament in English
-
5 versions of the Greek New Testament
-
2 versions of the Hebrew Old Testament
-
1 version of the Greek Old Testament (Septuagint)
-
1 version of the Latin Bible, printed in 1602,
-
and a facsimile of the Lorsch Gospels (Latin) printed in 810
Study Aids