Introduce students to the three other aids to Bible study: the Bible Dictionary, a One-Volume Bible Commentary, and a Bible Concordance. Display in at least one example of each to show the class. Then divide the class into three groups. Have them complete the following short exercises with their group. Allow about five minutes to work. Then rotate the study aids. Continue until each group does one assignment for each study aid.
Bible Dictionary Assignments
- Look up and define “nomads” and list one example of nomadism from the Bible.
- Look up “genealogy.” How many genealogies are there in the Bible? List them.
- Look up “mystery.” How is it defined in the Old Testament? How is it defined in the New Testament?
One-Volume Bible Commentary
- List three interesting facts about Jesus’ anointing at Bethany (Mk 14:1–11).
- What are the origins and background of Hannah’s hymn of praise (1 Sm 2:1–11)?
- What does Paul mean by “freedom from the Law” (Rom 7:1–25)?
Bible Concordance
- What is the first reference of “Jerusalem” in the Bible (Jos 10:1)? What is the last reference (Rv 21:10)?
- What is the Scripture reference for “Such a one, man or beast, must not be allowed to live” (Ex 19:13)?
- Which Gospel has the most references to St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus? (Matthew).
Option: Arrange a trip to your school library (or local Catholic university library) to compare single-volume Bible commentaries with multi-volume versions.
