I recently started teaching a course on hermeneutics (biblical interpretation) and was asked to create an online version. Hermeneutics was the first class that I took at seminary. It was foundational to not only my education but also to my growth as a Christian. Knowing how to properly read, interpret, and respond to Scripture is essential for every follower of Jesus Christ. The more we know the Bible, the more we will know Jesus, and the more joy we will experience in our relationship with him.

Before we learn to study the Bible, we need to have full confidence that we can trust it as God’s inspired Word. Therefore, the first lesson seeks to answer these questions and more:

  • How did we get the Bible? Can we trust it?
  • Who decided which books would be included in Scripture and which would not?
  • Do we really have the Word of God? Why these 66 books and only these?
  • Are there any missing books? Any extras?
  • Why does the Catholic Bible contain more books than the Protestant Bible?

Below is part 1 of the first lesson of my hermeneutics class. It is taught at an introductory level and is suitable for all ages. You can also find all 5 parts of lesson 1 here.



Lesson 1, Part 1: How did we get the Bible? An overview of the Formation of the Canon.