“Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.” Acts 8:26-40
Have you ever seen a toddler try to read? Many times they are sounding words that they don’t understand and they rely on the parents to explain those words or show them an example of what they are reading. The parents did not write the book but they have more life experiences which allows them to understand the words on the page.
Every child of God needs a teacher to show them the hidden mysteries of God’s word. This does not mean we cannot read the bible for ourselves but you need a seasoned teacher to show you what your untrained eye may not see.
In Acts 8, we meet the Ethiopian eunuch reading from the book of Isaiah. He was reading aloud—but not understanding. And then Philip asked a powerful question: “Do you understand what you are reading?” His honest answer? “How can I, unless someone explains it to me?” What followed was life-changing. Philip helped him see that the passage pointed to Jesus. And that moment sparked the Gospel’s journey into Africa. This is why you need a teacher in order to understand the bible.
It’s not that you can’t read the Bible by yourself, you absolutely should. But even the most sincere reader can miss spiritual depth without proper teaching. We all have blind spots, especially when we’re just starting out. That’s why God gifts teachers to the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11–13). Not to replace personal study, but to deepen it.
This is where your local church comes in. Be planted in a local church so that you can work closely with a teacher to grow in Bible study and your knowledge of God’s word.
God told Joshua in Joshua 1:8 (NIV) “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
Meditating on God’s word is an important way to study the scriptures. It is an important tool because it allows us to pay attention to the context. Meditation allows the Word of God to sink into our hearts and change us. You should not be in a hurry to read the Bible because God’s word is a double edged sword that transforms you.
Dear believer, be steadfast in devotion. Be humble enough to seek help, and disciplined enough to meditate. God’s word will change you. Stay planted. Stay teachable, and soon, your growth will become evident to all.
Bible Reading Plan: Ezra 3-5; Luke 16:1-18