When it comes to diving deeper into God’s Word, a character Bible study is one of the most rewarding ways to connect with scripture on a personal level.
The Bible is full of fascinating people whose lives and stories demonstrate God’s faithfulness, wisdom, and grace.
By studying the lives of these characters, you can uncover truths about God’s nature and learn practical lessons for your own spiritual journey.
If you’ve ever wondered how to approach a character Bible study, this guide will walk you through the process in a friendly and straightforward way.
What Is a Character Bible Study?
A character Bible study focuses on exploring the life, personality, decisions, and faith journey of an individual in the Bible.
Whether it’s a well-known figure like Moses or Esther, or a lesser-known person like Tamar or Barnabas, their stories offer insight into God’s work in and through His people.
The goal is not just to learn about their lives but to understand how their experiences and choices reflect spiritual truths that are relevant to us today.
By studying these characters, you can grow closer to God and apply His Word to your own life.
Step 1: Choose a Character
The first step is deciding which Bible character to study. Here are a few ways to make your choice:
- Personal Relevance: Pick a character whose story resonates with your current season of life. For example, if you’re struggling with fear, study Esther’s courage. If you’re learning to trust God, Abraham might be a great choice.
- Guidance from Prayer: Ask God to lead you to the character He wants you to study.
- Random Exploration: Open your Bible, scan a list of biblical characters, or use a concordance to discover someone new.
My personal favorites are any of the women of the Bible! There is so much we can learn from their life and struggles.
Step 2: Read Their Story in Context
Once you’ve chosen a character, it’s time to read their story. Look up all the passages that mention them to understand their life in full context. For example:
- Where did their story begin?
- What events shaped their decisions?
- How did they interact with God and others?
Take time to read not just the key verses but the chapters surrounding them. This will help you grasp the cultural, historical, and spiritual context of their story.
Step 3: Ask Questions
A character Bible study is most impactful when you ask thoughtful questions. Here are a few examples:
- Who are they?
What do we know about their background, family, and role in God’s plan? - What are their strengths and weaknesses?
Did they exhibit faith, courage, or wisdom? Did they struggle with fear, doubt, or sin? - How did they respond to challenges?
What obstacles did they face, and how did they handle them? - What can I learn from their life?
Are there choices they made that I should emulate or avoid? What does their story teach about God’s character? - How does their story point to Jesus?
Remember, every part of the Bible ultimately connects to Christ.
Take notes as you answer these questions. Writing your thoughts helps solidify what you’re learning and provides a record you can revisit later.
You can download this handy list of questions (2 pages) to keep handy during your character study. (This is totally free – just enter “0” at checkout.)
Step 4: Use Study Tools
You don’t have to do this alone! Bible study tools can help you gain deeper insights into the character you’re studying:
- Study Bibles: These often include commentary, historical notes, and cross-references to related passages.
- Concordances and Lexicons: Look up the original meanings of names or key words in the story.
- Bible Commentaries: Trusted commentaries can offer background information and theological insights.
- Maps and Timelines: Understanding where and when a character lived can bring their story to life.
Step 5: Reflect on Their Relationship with God
At the heart of every character Bible study is the question: What does this person’s story teach me about God? For example:
- How did God show His faithfulness to them?
- Did they trust Him fully, or did they struggle with obedience?
- How did their relationship with God grow or change over time?
- How did God use their struggle for something good and something greater?
Remember, the Bible isn’t just about the characters—it’s about the Author of their stories. Their lives reveal God’s love, justice, mercy, and sovereignty.
Step 6: Apply What You’ve Learned
A Bible study isn’t complete until it impacts your life.
Take time to prayerfully reflect on what God is teaching you through this character. Here are a few ways to apply your study:
- Identify Similar Struggles: Are you facing a situation similar to what this person encountered? How can you respond in a way that honors God?
- Emulate Godly Traits: If the character demonstrated faith, humility, or perseverance, how can you cultivate those qualities in your own life?
- Learn from Their Mistakes: If the character made poor choices, what can you do differently to avoid the same pitfalls?
Write down specific actions or changes you want to make based on your study.
Step 7: Pray Through Your Study
Invite God into every step of your character Bible study.
Pray for wisdom and understanding as you study, and ask the Holy Spirit to help you apply what you’ve learned. For example:
- Thank God for the lessons in the character’s life.
- Ask Him to help you develop godly traits and avoid sin.
- Pray for courage and faith to trust Him in your own challenges.
Prayer turns your study from head knowledge into heart transformation.
Example: Studying Esther
Let’s take a quick look at how you might study the life of Esther:
- Read Her Story: Start with the book of Esther, focusing on her journey from a Jewish orphan to the queen who saved her people.
- Ask Questions: What qualities made Esther stand out? How did she demonstrate courage and trust in God? How did her faith influence her decisions?
- Use Tools: Study the historical context of the Persian Empire and the significance of Esther’s role as queen.
- Reflect on God’s Role: Notice how God orchestrated events to protect His people, even though His name isn’t directly mentioned in the book.
- Apply It: What situations in your life require courage and faith? How can you trust God to work behind the scenes?
By the end of your study, you’ll not only understand Esther’s story better, but you’ll also be inspired to face your own challenges with faith and confidence.
Tips for Success
- Take Your Time: Don’t rush through the study. Spend several days or weeks on one character if needed.
- Journal Your Thoughts: Keep a notebook or digital document to record what you’re learning and how it’s impacting you.
- Share with Others: Discuss your insights with a friend or Bible study group. Hearing others’ perspectives can deepen your understanding.
- Be Open to Surprises: Sometimes God reveals unexpected lessons or challenges through a character’s story. Be ready to listen and respond.
A character Bible study is a beautiful way to connect with God’s Word on a deeper level.
Free Character Study Template
You can use the free study questions (above) and simply use a blank notebook or you can use these Character Bible study worksheets (shown below). They have space for each of the main areas you will want to dive into.
It is actually 2 pages and there is a printer-friendly (no color) option as well.
They are totally free – just enter “0” at checkout (unless you feel led to offer a small donation!)
By stepping into the lives of biblical figures, you’ll discover how God worked in their unique circumstances—and how He’s working in yours too.
Whether you’re learning from the bravery of Deborah, the faith of Abraham, or the redemption of Rahab, each story is a reminder of God’s unchanging love and power.
So, what are you waiting for? Choose a character, grab your Bible, and start your journey today.
You might just find that their story is a lot like yours—and that the same God who was faithful to them will be faithful to you.
Ladies Only – If you want to join other women in beginner-level Bible study, be sure to join my private FB group!
