When you’re leading or joining a Bible study, choosing the topic can honestly be the hardest part. There’s so much in Scripture to explore. I’m starting with these ideas, but I’d love to hear what’s worked for you and your group.
Books of the Bible Studies
Do you like to go verse-by-verse through a book of the Bible?
Which ones have made the biggest impact for your group?
I’m thinking about options like:
Romans – for diving deeper into doctrine
The Gospels – for focusing on Jesus’ life
James – for practical Christian living
Proverbs – for wisdom in daily life
Judges – for seeing God’s faithfulness in messy times
How did you pick a book that fit your schedule?
Character Studies
Have you ever done a study centered on one person’s life?
Which biblical characters have sparked the best discussions for your group?
I’m considering people like Joseph, Sarah, Elijah, Jonah, Peter, Martha, Daniel, or maybe even lesser-known ones like Epaphroditus or Lydia.
Do you find it’s easier to relate to the “heroes of faith,” or to the lesser-known names with smaller but powerful stories?
Topical Studies
Do you prefer to build studies around a theme or question instead of a book?
What topics have connected most with your group lately?
I’ve seen people do studies on things like:
Finding your purpose
Being a witness at work
Handling anxiety
Forgiveness
Prophecy
Let’s swap ideas! I’m hoping to build a list of creative, meaningful Bible study topics that groups can dig into together.
I study Scripture through the Orthodox perspective, seeking to understand how divine grace and human freedom interact in the process of salvation. Questions such as synergism, predestination and free will, and the nature of the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist form the foundation of my studies. For me, theology is not speculative thought but the understanding of divine realities that transform the believer and unite him to God. My primary focus often begins with books such as Romans, John, and James, since they engage with the essential themes of faith, works, and grace. I read these texts alongside the writings of the Fathers, especially St. John Chrysostom, St. Athanasius, and St. Gregory Palamas. Their interpretations bridge Scripture and Tradition, providing a coherent vision of how the Church has understood salvation, the Incarnation, and the operation of divine grace. A central theme in my study is the doctrine of theosis, the participation of man in the divine nature. This concept unites all aspects of Christian life, Scripture, sacrament, prayer, and ascetic struggle, into a single movement toward union with God.
Thank you both for the thoughtful suggestions. Romans and the topic of wisdom have been rich in my own studies too. I’ve also found that tracing a theme like ‘God’s faithfulness in suffering’ across both Old and New Testaments can really resonate with a group. Has anyone ever combined a character study with a topical one, like looking at Peter’s journey to understand grace?
The Thompson Chain-Reference Study Bible is an excellent tool for exploring those kinds of questions, @JennyLynne.
Have you had a chance to use it yet?