Bible Marking Honor

Missionary & Community Activities

Requirements

  1. Make a report containing:
    • The names of five different methods of marking the Bible.
    • An explanation of how each method should be used.
    • Listing the advantages and disadvantages of each one.

    Answer: 1) Colored underlining (fast, but smears), 2) Fluorescent highlighter (visible, but bleeds through), 3) Reference chain (write the next verse in the margin), 4) Colors by theme (systematic), 5) Marginal notes (rich, but clutters the page). — The chain reference method was popularized by Frank Charles Thompson in 1908 (Thompson Chain-Reference Bible). Colors by theme use a fixed code (blue=salvation, red=blood/cross, yellow=Spirit, green=growth). The Adventist Andrews Study Bible incorporates several methods.

  2. List five guidelines you should observe before beginning to mark your Bible.

    Answer: 1) Use a Bible with thick paper (Holman, Andrews), 2) Test the pen on a blank sheet first, 3) Define a color code before starting, 4) Begin with a pencil or erasable pen, 5) Do not overdo it — mark only what is essential for visual emphasis. — Thin Bible paper (28-32 g/m²) smears with ordinary pens. Pigma Micron markers, Faber-Castell Bible Highlighters or grease (china) pencils are ideal. Excessive marking nullifies the emphasis (the spotlight effect becomes ambient light). Always identify the version (ARA, NVI, NTLH) on the first page.

  3. Do the following:
    • Which method would you use to mark your study Bible and why?
    • Mark your Bible for two subjects/themes using this method.
    • Which methods would you use to do a course or devotional study and why?
    • Mark your Bible for two subjects/themes using this method, with at least 10 texts for each subject or theme.

    Answer: Study: colors by theme (blue=salvation, red=cross, green=faith). Devotional: marginal notes with date and personal reflection. Themes: Salvation (Jn 3:16; Rom 10:9; Eph 2:8-9 and 7+) and Prayer (Mt 6:9-13; Jas 5:16; 1Th 5:17 and 7+). — Reference chain for in-depth study: noting the next verse in the margin creates 'trails'. A devotional can use acronyms (SOAP — Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer). The Adventist Bible (Andrews) already has thematic colors built in. It is recommended to review markings every 2 years.