Episode Overview
Podcast: Ask Ligonier
Episode: What Are the Benefits of Reading the Bible Chronologically?
Date: July 24, 2025
Host: Nathan W. Bingham
Guest: Dr. Stephen Nichols (President, Reformation Bible College; Chief Academic Officer, Ligonier Ministries)
This episode explores the benefits Christian readers gain from following a chronological Bible reading plan, as opposed to the standard canonical order. Dr. Stephen Nichols addresses the question by discussing how chronological reading illuminates the grand narrative of Scripture, enhances understanding of individual passages, and provides historical and literary context for biblical events.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Canonical vs. Chronological Order
- Canonical order: The typical Protestant Bible arranges 39 Old Testament books and 27 New Testament books in a literary and theological sequence, which differs from both the Jewish arrangement (the Tanakh) and from actual historical chronology.
- Tanakh groupings: Torah (Law), Neviim (Prophets), Ketuvim (Writings). The final OT book is 2 Chronicles for the Jewish Bible, while Malachi is last in the Protestant canon.
- Chronological reading: Arranges scripture according to the timeline of events, allowing readers to encounter the unfolding of God's redemptive plan as it happened in history, not simply in literary groupings.
2. Benefits of Chronological Reading
- Seeing the Bible as a “Puzzle” or “Tapestry”:
- Quote (Dr. Nichols, 01:55):
“I think one of the benefits of reading the Bible [chronologically] is we see better how the pieces of the puzzle fit into the whole puzzle. So the whole puzzle, of course, is not just simply Genesis to Revelation, but it is God's grand scheme and plan, as Jonathan Edwards called it, of the progress of redemption…”
- Metaphors used:
- Puzzle: Understanding how individual texts fit within the overall story.
- Tapestry: Recognizing how various biblical threads are woven together into a unified narrative.
- Quote (Dr. Nichols, 01:55):
- Contextual Clarity:
- By reading historical accounts and corresponding prophecies or epistles together, readers discern relationships between events and writings:
- Prophets within Israel’s history:
- Clarifies distinctions between pre-exilic/post-exilic and northern/southern prophets.
- Quote (Dr. Nichols, 03:25):
“When we put the prophets within the frame of the historical books, now we can begin to see, ah, that's where this prophetic message fits and it helps us understand.”
- Acts and Epistles:
- Helps connect Paul’s letters to his journeys and relationships as recorded in Acts.
- Quote (Dr. Nichols, 04:24):
“We can go back to the Book of Acts, and now we can see where this fits in Paul's journey and where he was and how many times he was at this church. And it just gives us a better understanding of what's taking place.”
- Prophets within Israel’s history:
- Gospels harmonized:
- Seeing the chronology of Jesus’ life and ministry by comparing the four Gospel accounts.
- By reading historical accounts and corresponding prophecies or epistles together, readers discern relationships between events and writings:
3. Three Illustrative Examples
- a. Psalm 51 and 2 Samuel 12 (David’s Confession):
- Psalm 51, a heartfelt confession, is best understood when read with the narrative of David’s sin with Bathsheba and confrontation by Nathan the prophet (2 Samuel 12).
- Quote (Dr. Nichols, 05:18):
“It could be very instructive to read those two texts together…a pretty epic Psalm, Psalm 51.…it comes out of a context that is recorded in 2 Samuel, chapter 12.”
- b. The Siege of Jerusalem (2 Kings 25, Jeremiah, Lamentations):
- The event is chronicled historically (2 Kings 25), prophetically (Jeremiah 39 & 52), and poetically (Lamentations). Reading these texts together enriches understanding of the calamity and its spiritual significance.
- Quote (Dr. Nichols, 05:50):
“It is presented from the perspective of those who endured it and witnessed it. And we see the depth of suffering that that event was. And the hearts cry out to God.”
- c. Paul and the Ephesians (Acts 19–20; Ephesians):
- Reading Paul’s farewell to the Ephesian elders (Acts 20) alongside his letter to them (Ephesians) reveals Paul’s deep relationship with the church and grounds the epistle in concrete history.
- Quote (Dr. Nichols, 06:40):
“This is a church that Paul probably spent the longest time with. And it’s also a church that Paul had deep relationships with. In fact, if you're reading through Ephesians…go back and read the entirety of Acts on Paul at Ephesus…and then read Ephesians.”
4. Theological Significance
- Real Events in Real Places:
- Chronological reading underscores that the Bible tells of God’s actions in actual history, with real people and real consequences.
- Quote (Dr. Nichols, 07:06):
“The Bible unfolds in space and time as God is truly interacting with real people in space and time, in the unfolding of his plan of redemption for all the ages.”
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Puzzle and Tapestry Metaphors (01:55–03:15)
- Dr. Nichols: “We see better how the pieces of the puzzle fit into the whole puzzle…we could speak of a tapestry. And now texts and books are the threads that weave together that tapestry.”
- Understanding Prophets in Context (03:25)
- Dr. Nichols emphasizes historical placements: “When we put the prophets within the frame of the historical books, now we can begin to see…that’s where this prophetic message fits.”
- The Lament of Jerusalem (05:50)
- “Now we have this book [Lamentations] that is one big lament for this singular event…the hearts cry out to God.”
- Living History (07:06)
- “The Bible unfolds in space and time as God is truly interacting with real people…in the unfolding of his plan of redemption for all the ages.”
Important Segment Timestamps
- 00:25–01:54: Canonical vs. chronological arrangements of the Bible
- 01:55–03:15: “Puzzle” and “tapestry” metaphors for understanding Scripture
- 03:16–04:24: How chronological reading clarifies prophetic and epistolary context
- 04:25–07:06: Three practical examples (Psalm 51 & 2 Samuel 12; Siege of Jerusalem; Acts & Ephesians)
- 07:06–07:18: Final encouragement and the theological payoff of chronological engagement
Conclusion
Dr. Nichols strongly encourages Christians to read the Bible chronologically, asserting that this approach provides context, clarity, and an appreciation for the coherence and historicity of God’s redemptive work. By following Scripture’s timeline, believers can better see how God’s plan unfolds through real people and real history—strengthening both understanding and faith.