Concordance: A concordance is the most basic of our study tools. It allows those of us with imperfect memories to find half-remembered verses. It also allows us to see how words are used in the Bible and to find a more complete list of verses on a subject. Note that your concordance should match the Bible translation you use for study. An “exhaustive” concordance is far superior to other kinds of concordances because it lists all references to all words, not just a selection. Strong’s is an example.
Cross-references: A book of cross-references (e.g., The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge) is an important tool. In fact, just looking at all the cross-references for a passage can be a study all by itself! Note that many computer programs can now do the work of a concordance and a cross-reference aid much more quickly than printed versions.
Vine’s Expository Dictionary: While it won’t make you an expert in the Greek, Vine’s is an essential study tool for those of us who are not competent with New Testament Greek. It clearly and concisely explains the meanings and connotations of most major New Testament words.
Translations: Most errors in doctrine can be avoided if one consults several reliable translations. While some are better than others, consulting these translations is important if we are to avoid error and obtain a more full understanding of the verses and passages we are studying.
Other helpful books: Christian publishers have certainly proved the proverb: “Of the making of books there is no end.” And while we may lean too much on others, the Lord has gifted the Church to help us. Here are some suggestions for helpful books that will aid our understanding of Scripture.
Believer’s Bible Commentary (William MacDonald): This commentary is eminently reliable, extremely practical, and was clearly written out of love for the Lord Jesus and His Word. It makes an excellent gift or prize for new Christians or Sunday School students.
Treasury of Bible Doctrine (Precious Seed Publications): A summary of the doctrines of the Bible. Every important doctrine of the Christian faith is explained and substantiated from Scripture.
Dispensationalism (Charles Ryrie): To understand dispensational truth is to have a foundation on which to accurately interpret the Bible and build other doctrines. Ryrie’s classic from the 1960s has now been updated.
Jesus Christ Our Lord (John Walvoord): This is an introductory textbook on Christology. To know Christ better is the ultimate goal of our Bible study. This book brings together the whole of the Bible’s teaching about our Lord.
Basic Bible Interpretation (Roy Zuck): Principles of Bible interpretation are an additional foundation upon which profitable and accurate study of the Bible is based. While not all Zuck’s observations are valid, this is a great introductory book for new Christians.
According to Luke (David Gooding): Rather than simply being a commentary on Luke, this book unfolds the underlying structure of Luke. The book introduces the reader to the idea that the Bible was put together for specific reasons and with a specific structure. By understanding this structure we are better able to learn its meaning.
What the Bible Teaches (series from John Ritchie): In-depth, rich, and trustworthy commentaries on the books of the Old and New Testaments. They have covered the New Testament in eleven volumes and have now begun work on the Old Testament.