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How to Master the English Bible Originally Titled: Synthetic Bible Studies or Through the Bible in 52 Weeks
Boutwell republished this Christian classic because the modern church pulpit has gotten away from expositing the Bible, indeed Boutwell maintains that many parishioners would barely recognize the Bible if actually quoted. HOW TO MASTER THE ENGLISH BIBLE is for the typical layperson who wants to learn to read God's Word for themselves, and know what God is really saying to us. It teaches the reader how to read the Bible in an expository manner (explaining what the Bible means by what it says). Gray teaches that rather than analyzing a passage of Scripture (taking it apart), it should be synthesized (how a specific passage fits within the whole of a book of the Bible or the Bible as a whole). Scripture explains the meaning of passages of Scripture, as God has written His Word in toto over a period of time through human authors in time and space. If you want to really understand the message of Scripture, use this book to learn to teach yourself!
76 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
About the author
James Martin Gray
42 books2 followersJames Martin Gray was a pastor in the Reformed Episcopal Church, a Bible scholar, editor, and hymn writer, and the president of Moody Bible Institute, 1904-34.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 21, 2023
This very short 100 year old book was great! I had heard this recommended a few times and was intrigued by the (near audacious) title and finally decided to explore this one.
Honestly, there is not a lot that’s profound about this book, but it does hone in on the obvious in a marvelously striking way. The author’s primary task is to show how to read Scripture with the most profit for knowing it well. The plan is actually very simple. He recommends that the reader start with Genesis, read it, and re-read it until the reader can generally outline it, and judge they have an excellent grasp on it.
From there, the task is to simply move through each book of Scripture in order - ignoring the artificial chapter and verse breaks. Gray urges that the reader read each book in a single sitting if possible. As the reader gets through this - they should also attempt to make a rough outline of each book - further revising it with each read.
I had heard much of this practice before - but Gray’s argument for going in canonical order I had not heard before - and it was actually pretty convincing. I’ve experimented with the re-read process a bit and have found it remarkable for what it allows me to see and understand that I had not before. It also works to give the reader a macro-view of each Bible book - if you will. After this read, I’ll be adopting this process more regularly from now on.
The second half of the book is an exhortation for preachers to preach and teach expository sermons through each book of the Bible. The plea is a good one.
Gray argues 1) that contemporary society (over 100 years ago) didn’t read their Bibles - and were so busy that they usually wouldn’t learn them on their own, 2) that the Bible was no longer taught in schools - so wouldn’t be learned there, 3) that the Bible typically wasn’t taught from the pulpit - it was more or less moralistic life lessons or interesting oratory - but not expository teaching through the Bible (sound familiar?..), and 4) that the Bible wasn’t even taught in Sunday school classes - but those were mostly just games or fun things to keep children occupied or maybe even topical lessons for adults (sound familiar?..). His plea, is that if the Bible isn’t taught and exposited through in the pulpit then where would it be? Where was anyone to go to learn it?
His question is a good one. And I find myself baffled just the same at the general lack of expository preaching in most churches.
Gray ends by warning his readers that if Christianity didn’t change this process, authentic biblical Christianity would be near unrecognizable in the coming generations. I dare say his words may have been a bit prophetic. This part struck particularly close to home for me after having recently left a church for a turning away from expository preaching (among other things), and now having a near hour drive in order to be part of a church that does preach through scripture (driving past dozens that do not on the way).
I’d highly encourage pastors read this, especially if they don’t preach expository sermons through whole books as their regular bread and butter in the pulpit. If nothing else, simply to see the issue from a different perspective.
Excellent book! And I’m excited to start the journey and tackle the book of Genesis a whole bunch of times now.
Honestly, there is not a lot that’s profound about this book, but it does hone in on the obvious in a marvelously striking way. The author’s primary task is to show how to read Scripture with the most profit for knowing it well. The plan is actually very simple. He recommends that the reader start with Genesis, read it, and re-read it until the reader can generally outline it, and judge they have an excellent grasp on it.
From there, the task is to simply move through each book of Scripture in order - ignoring the artificial chapter and verse breaks. Gray urges that the reader read each book in a single sitting if possible. As the reader gets through this - they should also attempt to make a rough outline of each book - further revising it with each read.
I had heard much of this practice before - but Gray’s argument for going in canonical order I had not heard before - and it was actually pretty convincing. I’ve experimented with the re-read process a bit and have found it remarkable for what it allows me to see and understand that I had not before. It also works to give the reader a macro-view of each Bible book - if you will. After this read, I’ll be adopting this process more regularly from now on.
The second half of the book is an exhortation for preachers to preach and teach expository sermons through each book of the Bible. The plea is a good one.
Gray argues 1) that contemporary society (over 100 years ago) didn’t read their Bibles - and were so busy that they usually wouldn’t learn them on their own, 2) that the Bible was no longer taught in schools - so wouldn’t be learned there, 3) that the Bible typically wasn’t taught from the pulpit - it was more or less moralistic life lessons or interesting oratory - but not expository teaching through the Bible (sound familiar?..), and 4) that the Bible wasn’t even taught in Sunday school classes - but those were mostly just games or fun things to keep children occupied or maybe even topical lessons for adults (sound familiar?..). His plea, is that if the Bible isn’t taught and exposited through in the pulpit then where would it be? Where was anyone to go to learn it?
His question is a good one. And I find myself baffled just the same at the general lack of expository preaching in most churches.
Gray ends by warning his readers that if Christianity didn’t change this process, authentic biblical Christianity would be near unrecognizable in the coming generations. I dare say his words may have been a bit prophetic. This part struck particularly close to home for me after having recently left a church for a turning away from expository preaching (among other things), and now having a near hour drive in order to be part of a church that does preach through scripture (driving past dozens that do not on the way).
I’d highly encourage pastors read this, especially if they don’t preach expository sermons through whole books as their regular bread and butter in the pulpit. If nothing else, simply to see the issue from a different perspective.
Excellent book! And I’m excited to start the journey and tackle the book of Genesis a whole bunch of times now.
October 15, 2008
This is a reprint of an antique book that outlines an approach to Bible study known as the synthetic method. The inverse of studying verse-by-verse, the synthetic method calls for reading a book of the Bible in its entirety at one sitting. Over the course of a month, this is repeated at least twenty times. The goal is to master the content; to understand the big picture, purpose and theme of a particular book.
One of the reasons I was so interested was because this was the method of scriptural study advocated by the most godly woman I ever knew. An elderly woman, Mrs. Hannah mentored my husband and me when we were but newlyweds in our mid 20's. She positively radiated love and was a vibrant, intelligent conversationalist. Often, she encouraged us to choose a book of the Bible and to read it over and over again until it became a permanent possession of the heart. The pages of her own Bible were tear-stained; the proof of the suffering she had endured as a young woman when it had been her lot to become a bride, a mother, and a widow all within the space of one short year.
I have used Mrs. Hannah's secret of Bible study on occasion; especially when preparing a series of lessons for speaking. I have found it to be fruitful and fulfilling. So why haven't I made it my long term goal to study each and every book of the Bible in this way? I am ashamed that I have held this simple secret so long and done so little with it.
The women's Bible study that I lead will be using the synthetic approach this year instead of studying verse-by-verse, as has been our practice. I think both methods have merit; but it seems for me the time has come to complement the one with the other. Short books of the Bible are the obvious choice for beginning. We have completed the book of Ephesians this month and will go on to study Colossians next time.
My Bible study journey has led me to a resource which nicely describes the blessings, benefits, and means of studying synthetically. Entitled How to Master the English Bible by James M. Gray, it is a quick read (69 pages). Written in 1904, used copies are easy to find. A new paperback edition is also available from Amazon.
James M. Gray, the author of How to Master the English Bible, was a contemporary of D.L. Moody and was invited by Moody to teach this method of Bible study to his congregation. Classes became so popular that they engaged up to 4,000 participants. Apparently, there was much fruit in those days. I long to see that kind of hunger for God's Word in our times, don't you?
Lord, make me hungrier still for Your Living Word.
One of the reasons I was so interested was because this was the method of scriptural study advocated by the most godly woman I ever knew. An elderly woman, Mrs. Hannah mentored my husband and me when we were but newlyweds in our mid 20's. She positively radiated love and was a vibrant, intelligent conversationalist. Often, she encouraged us to choose a book of the Bible and to read it over and over again until it became a permanent possession of the heart. The pages of her own Bible were tear-stained; the proof of the suffering she had endured as a young woman when it had been her lot to become a bride, a mother, and a widow all within the space of one short year.
I have used Mrs. Hannah's secret of Bible study on occasion; especially when preparing a series of lessons for speaking. I have found it to be fruitful and fulfilling. So why haven't I made it my long term goal to study each and every book of the Bible in this way? I am ashamed that I have held this simple secret so long and done so little with it.
The women's Bible study that I lead will be using the synthetic approach this year instead of studying verse-by-verse, as has been our practice. I think both methods have merit; but it seems for me the time has come to complement the one with the other. Short books of the Bible are the obvious choice for beginning. We have completed the book of Ephesians this month and will go on to study Colossians next time.
My Bible study journey has led me to a resource which nicely describes the blessings, benefits, and means of studying synthetically. Entitled How to Master the English Bible by James M. Gray, it is a quick read (69 pages). Written in 1904, used copies are easy to find. A new paperback edition is also available from Amazon.
James M. Gray, the author of How to Master the English Bible, was a contemporary of D.L. Moody and was invited by Moody to teach this method of Bible study to his congregation. Classes became so popular that they engaged up to 4,000 participants. Apparently, there was much fruit in those days. I long to see that kind of hunger for God's Word in our times, don't you?
Lord, make me hungrier still for Your Living Word.
March 27, 2025
Short, simple, quick read. Good reminders for Christians in general and ministers in particular that the Book is the main thing, and there really is no substitute for getting to know it well.
How do you do that? Read each book, in its entirety, over and over again. Rinse, wash, repeat. It’s simple enough that you really can have a sense of mastery in a few short years. But there’s enough in the Book to keep you coming back for a lifetime.
How do you do that? Read each book, in its entirety, over and over again. Rinse, wash, repeat. It’s simple enough that you really can have a sense of mastery in a few short years. But there’s enough in the Book to keep you coming back for a lifetime.
March 7, 2018
This is an interesting book. Dr. Gray's thesis is this: To master the Bible, just listen/read individual books over and over again, reading or listening through them in one sitting, until you know the basic outlines and flow of the narrative/letter by heart. I'm trying this on the book of James now.
February 26, 2026
A dense and very compact read, but it will open up your understanding of clearly taking in scripture with depth.
Only 14 pages of actual text, and interleaved note pages. Think essay formats crammed onto each page. I read it in four sittings so I could absorb it well, and each was a full read-through.
Only 14 pages of actual text, and interleaved note pages. Think essay formats crammed onto each page. I read it in four sittings so I could absorb it well, and each was a full read-through.
March 23, 2019
This is an old book that has been reprinted. Great short book about how to read the Bible and understand themes and concepts. The Bible has many themes that get woven into many books and many books don't flow with a central theme. This method might help.
January 18, 2019
Excellent
Some good brief insight into Bible reading and expository preaching. Would recommend to anyone interested in learning about methodology for Scripture reading.
Some good brief insight into Bible reading and expository preaching. Would recommend to anyone interested in learning about methodology for Scripture reading.
June 14, 2020
Essential Bible study resource for mastering the Bible's contents.
March 27, 2013
Over the last few years, I have had an interest in different Bible study methods. I have generally made use of Grant Horner's excellent 10 lists plan, but I had heard of James Gray's method as described in How to Master the English Bible. In 1904, Gray penned this short volume to encourage becoming saturated in the scriptures. Basically, his method involved having someone re-read a book of the Bible again and again until the person owned that book or rather was owned by it. He shares several "testimonies" of how people have benefited from this method. In the later sections of the book, he calls for a return to expository preaching, which had apparently been replaced with modern philosophies and psychologies even at that time. On the whole, I am intrigued by this message. I agree with his general premise that the basic unit in the Bible is not the word or the verse, but the book/letter as a whole.
August 5, 2016
Method:
1. Read book by book from the beginning (Genesis).
2. Read the whole book. Don't analyze, memorize or study at first. Just read.
3. Read the book continuously. Uninfluenced by chapters and verses and reading it all in one sitting.
4. Read the book repeatedly.
5. Read it independently. Resist study aides at first..
6. Read it prayerfully.
1. Read book by book from the beginning (Genesis).
2. Read the whole book. Don't analyze, memorize or study at first. Just read.
3. Read the book continuously. Uninfluenced by chapters and verses and reading it all in one sitting.
4. Read the book repeatedly.
5. Read it independently. Resist study aides at first..
6. Read it prayerfully.
February 10, 2014
Dissatisfied, possibly at least partially because I had already followed most of the rules as through doing the NKJV reading guide, which seems to incorporate most, if not all, of those rules.
I disliked how Gray included both materials for clergy and materials for popular audience in the same book.
I disliked how Gray included both materials for clergy and materials for popular audience in the same book.
January 23, 2019
Absolutely wonderful! This book has been republished by Crown Christian Publications (Knoxville, TN), and I have been challenged and convicted. The republished copy also includes "Lincoln's Use of the Bible" by S. Travena Jackson (first published in 1909 by Eaton & Mains.) Both Gray's work and the article on Lincoln were very, very helpful. I highly recommend that you get a copy of this book!
November 25, 2007
This is a small book (76 pages, large font). But it gives the foundation, method, and application of Dr. James Gray's fantastic approach to the Word of God. I recommend it to every Christian. It's a simple technique, but I'd rather you not hear it from me. Read the book instead.
February 10, 2014
An inspiring little book. I'm currently on my 14th run through Genesis since January 1, and I can definitely see results as the book, which can often be thought of in terms of separate stories of biblical characters, becomes a cohesive whole with a unified theme of beginnings.
April 6, 2017
Very short book with a helpful (but not earth shattering) method for Bible study.
March 25, 2017
Excellent book about how to master the English Bible. It should required for all ministers of the gospel.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews