Learn how to make inductive Bible study questions!

Manuscript Study of the Book of Titus

Paul Bucknell
Ramesh Reddy
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Purpose

Manuscript Study of the Book of Titus highlights the first part of doing an inductive Bible study on a book of the Bible such as Titus. This manuscript study is part of the series Inductive Bible Studies in the Book of Titus.

Dividing a Bible book into paragraphs

The first part of any thorough study of a Bible book is to be well acquainted with it. This is done by reading it over and over until one gains a good grasp of its contents and purpose.

• Download your free manuscript of Titus with line numbers here in the NASB version (pdf) or click the image below.
  

One way people have done this is through eliminating all the Bible verses, paragraphs and other separation marks or comments. The reason for this is to read it more as it originally was written.

The Book of Titus and in fact the entire New Testament was written in koine Greek. The early books consisted of all capitals and no space between words. There were no Bible verses or chapters. They were added later on. So as much as possible we strip the Bible text of extra markings so that we can form our own judgment on where there might be a change in subject (indicating a new paragraph).

Although this manuscript study (this is what this process is called) is important, it is not critical. It only helps us better be less biased by our translated versions.

The point of a manuscript study is to read the Bible book (or passage) and then write down what you think are the best divisions for the book. Remember the verse and chapter numbers were not part of the original Bible text. They were added later. So feel free to form your own paragraphs. The number lines on the left are placed so that there is a way to refer to which line is being spoken of (see the right).

We have highlighted the process below.

• Read the text carefully once, twice, three times (as many times as you can). When a book is longer, spend several days reading it. Spot common themes and repetitive words.
  Form your own paragraphs in a way which your are comfortable and readable.
  

• Write a short title for each paragraph (use the line numbers provided on the left). This is easiest done by carefully noting the change of topics or key words like ‘for’, ‘therefore’, ‘when’, etc.
  

• Each paragraph will form the unit for your individual studies. We formed seven studies from the Book of Titus.

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After the manuscript study is completed, one can move onto the next two steps.

• Observation, interpretation and application questions will be made for each unit or section so to thoroughly discuss the contents and apply the truths to our lives.
  

• After each section has its IBS study questions, titles are remade and an outline for the whole book can be formed. A purpose for the whole book can then be refined. The extent of this depends on your own teaching gifts.

=> Next: Titus 1:1-4 Introduction

Other related articles from Biblical Foundations for Freedom:

• Introduction to Bible Study Methods
  
• Learning how to Effectively Study the Old Testament Psalms
  
• Much more on the Background of Titus
  

Biblical Foundations for Freedom ( BFF )

Rev. Paul J. Bucknell