Online Bible Study Classes to Help You Grow

Christianity has a major impact on all our lives. Believer and non-believer alike are affected by the writings in the Bible. From how it has changed history to how history has viewed it, there is much to learn from looking at its role in society. Beyond this, many find spiritual enlightenment through the words of the Bible and seek to further their understanding and growth through deep and meaningful Bible studies.

To help you find the best online class for your Bible study, we have compiled the top classes from a range of sites.

What Should You Look For in an Online Bible Study?

Before choosing the Bible study class that is right for you, it is important to think about the things you want to get from it. What are you hoping to take away from these classes, and what are you willing to give in order to get this? Can you spend hours every week to complete exercises, or do you prefer to make your own way? Are you in a position to pay extra for the sort of expertise you would normally only get from a university?

Why Take an Online Bible Class?

There can be many reasons to read the Bible. It is a text that has influenced the history of Europe and the Middle East for thousands of years. It informs many of today’s societies around the world. It informs the law.

Beyond the historical and political context, it is a source of wisdom and peace for millions of people around the globe. Learning how to get the most from the Bible means gaining a new perspective of Christianity, and what we can take from the life of Christ and the prophets to add to our own lives.

Because there are many reasons to be part of an online Bible study, it is important to look at whether the course will fulfil those reasons. Some classes focus on the context of the writing, while others look at ways to interpret the text. Others still offer guidance and meaning for our lives by using the text as an example of how to live.

History Buffs, the Spiritually Curious and Committed Christians

What do I want out of a Bible study? Once you have a clear answer to this question, you will find it a lot easier to find the online Bible study class that best suits you.

If you are searching for a better understanding of historical context, some courses suit this. If, however, you are more interested in finding spiritual growth through the teaching of others, those same courses may not have what you are seeking.

By looking at the focus of study in a course, you can find which ones are most likely to answer your questions; the ones from which you will gain the most satisfaction.

From Whom Are You Learning?

We want to be taught by experts. We want those people to be experts in what they are teaching. If we are looking for historical context, we want to be taught by historians, rather than ministers. If we seek spiritual guidance, it won’t be from translators. Learning a little about the teacher of a class can assure us that the information we receive will be useful.

What Resources Will We Need for This Online Bible Course?

Taking an online class can consume time, money, and effort. Before starting any class, it is worth looking at what it expects from us. Can we keep up with weekly lessons? Are videos short or long? Some classes are completely free, while others may cost hundreds of dollars.

From history lessons to personal philosophies, included here are the best classes you can find online for your Bible study.

Top 10 Best Online Bible Study Classes 2023

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1. Christianity Through Its Scriptures

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Why we like it

Offering a wide range of Christian perspectives, this Harvard-based course gets right to the most interesting parts.

The Content

The beauty of Harvard University’s introductory course to the Scriptures is that it suits all audiences. While the text remains the focus, the teachers look at the historical context behind the specific passages, how different important Christian leaders have interpreted those texts over time, and how these texts are seen today.

Information is sourced and referenced, so don’t be surprised if this course ends up being to blame for buying more books for your study.

The Teachers

Professor King has previously written about apocryphal texts and has a PhD in the History of Christianity. Her expertise shines in this course, but it never feels too academic. New terms are explained clearly, and the course isn’t afraid to cover the controversies that surround Christianity in the modern world.

Overall Impressions

While this course takes a bit of work to complete, you walk away knowing a lot more about the Bible and feeling fulfilled in your studies. The certificate is also well worth getting if you are interested in working in religious fields. EdX is a non-profit organization providing courses for the sake of education, not to make money.

For the most well-rounded course by a well-respected institution, take the time to study “Christianity through its scriptures.” If you’re looking for the basics, though, you might prefer a shorter introductory course.

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2. 7 Rules of Bible Interpretation EVERY Christian Should Know

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Why we like it

There are a wide variety of ways you can interpret the Bible, and this course offers a great look at how to get the most from a Bible study.

The Content

For a new Christian trying to find how to get the most from their Bible study, this course offers a step-by-step way to get the most out of any reading. Walking through from the first read to end impressions, extra time is spent to ensure you are comfortable with each new lesson before moving to the next.

This course is also wonderful for offering new ways to lead group Bible studies, especially if you are only used to offering studies for long-term followers of Christ.

The Teachers

Gustavo Karakey is a professor of New Testament studies at the Biblical Seminary of Colombia. With 15 years experience as a teacher of the Bible, he has a PhD from the London School of Theology and has taught in multiple countries around the world.

Overall Impressions

Rather than tell you what to take away from any Bible verse or passage, this wonderful course shows you how to find your own meaning through studying the verse, the book it is found in, and the world in which it was written. The course is non-denominational and doesn’t present any specific viewpoint of the Bible itself.

While it might not be as useful for someone coming to Bible studies while not a Christian, for a new Christian or new teacher, this course is an invaluable resource. Those looking for a course from a secular perspective might prefer a more historically-focused course.

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3. The Bible’s Prehistory, Purpose, and Political Future

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Why we like it

The most comprehensive course on the contemporary context and impact of the Bible.

The Content

This course from Emory University provides a comprehensive look at the history surrounding the creation of the Bible, especially the Old Testament. By looking at both the texts of the Bible and other ancient texts, it attempts to provide a historical overview of the literary impact of the writings and how they informed the political decision-making of the leaders of Israel.

The Teachers

Dr. Wright is an associate professor of the Hebrew Bible at Emory University. He has written several academic texts on subjects as wide-ranging as political theology to warfare in ancient Israel.

Overall Impressions

A Christian may be upset by the distinct avoidance this course makes to the spiritual aspects of the Bible, and the role the book plays to the modern human. However, for those interested in the contemporary world of the Bible, what was happening during its creation, and its impact at the time, this course is quite an eye-opener.

For historical context and contemporary political interpretation, this course covers what is important.

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4. Worldviews, the Bible, and the Believer

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Why we like it

A serious look at how historical context can inform an interpretation of biblical texts, and how we can be aware of our own bias.

The Content

A unique Bible study to say the least, “Worldviews” deeply examines how the cultural context of the reader can affect how they interpret the Bible. This helps a reader not only understand why a text may use certain techniques but also helps a reader avoid common pitfalls created from their own experiences.

What sets this course apart is that it doesn’t just look at the worldview of the writers and today’s readers. It also examines the worldview of readers throughout history and how a passage can be interpreted by them in a way today’s may not.

The Teachers

Professor Wright has an impressive resume. He not only received his PhD from Oxford but has also taught both there and Cambridge. He is a recipient of the Burkitt medal for New Testament Scholarship and is now a professor at St Andrews, Scotland.

Professor Seemuth not only has 25 years of experience as a teacher, but 16 of them have also been in online teaching. This is reflected in how well-presented the videos are, and how clearly the worksheets are designed.

Overall Impressions

“Worldviews, the Bible, and the Believer” is one of the most expensive courses out there, especially when you factor in the need to purchase the textbook “Subversive Christianity” by Brian Walsh. However, for an academically rigorous look at the Bible that will also challenge and improve your spiritual growth, a person who can afford such costs will find them well used.

That said, someone looking for a more affordable option might prefer "Principles of Interpreting the Bible" which covers similar ground at a lower price—though it's even more academically complex.

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5. Bible Study Skills 101 – Introduction to the BSS Curriculum

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Why we like it

The first step in a wider study, it provides the information needed to avoid common mistakes.

The Content

Before diving into specific passages, it is often useful to look at the skills required to interpret the Bible. This course looks at some of the common mistakes that Christians can make when getting involved in Bible study. It also examines how you can work out if your interpretation fits what God wants.

This course is the first in a much larger series but works well as a stand-alone.

The Teachers

Frey is a Professor of Bible Hermeneutics at EGFM School of Ministry and is passionate about teaching Bible studies skills. He is a passionate believer in what he teaches and approaches the work with great conviction.

Overall Impressions

This course offers some useful approaches to helping you make interpretations, and its advice for avoiding common mistakes is useful. One warning that must be given, however, is that Frey unapologetically approaches the Bible as if there is only one acceptable interpretation and only one acceptable way to take that interpretation.

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6. Jesus in Scripture and Tradition

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Why we like it

By focusing on the person of Jesus Christ, this course sheds some of the less typical parts of studying the Bible.

The Content

This course uses the Bible as the primary source to examine the history of Israel, the importance of Jesus, and how the early church formed. It then builds on this knowledge by looking at outside texts, including the letters of the early church and contemporary accounts of Jesus.

The Teachers

Cavadini is a Professor of Theology and the Director of the Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame. He was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009 to the International Theological Commission. He was also created a member of the Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great, classis civilis, by Pope Benedict.

Gary Anderson is a Professor of Catholic Theology at the same university. While both come from a catholic tradition, they avoid taking only this interpretation when examining the Bible.

Overall Impressions

The course does take a Christian viewpoint when discussing Christ (as compared to a historical, Jewish, or Islamic one). However, it does touch on these other views and examines texts that are not included in the Bible. The focus on the person and importance of Jesus brings a fresh perspective for us to use in our Bible studies.

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7. Effective Preaching and Teaching

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Why we like it

One of the few courses designed to help you run a Bible study, rather than simply be in one.

The Content

This course is a great course on teaching the Bible to beginners and intermediate users alike. Helping us work out the themes and messages we want to focus on as well as how to structure lessons and sermons in a captivating way, not just informative.

The course doesn’t assume that there is only one style and gives a range of examples and worksheets to help. It helps develop your own special way to offer up Bible studies.

The Teachers

Dr. Bogart has written several books on world religions but is better known for being the pastor of Grace Baptist Church, California through the nineties.  He has studied and taught around the world.

Having said that, Dr. Bogart received his PhD in Education and has little academic experience. So, while he is passionate and experienced about the Bible, there may be aspects of historical or scientific accuracy that may bother you.

Overall Impressions

For a better understanding of how to craft Bible studies and create great communication when discussing biblical meanings, this is a wonderful course. However, it is not one for the rigorously academic study of Christianity and Christian interpretations.

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8. The Bible in Light of the Ancient Near East

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Why we like it

A deep dive into the contemporary influences and historical contexts of the Old Testament.

The Content

This course doesn’t attempt to interpret the Bible or offer spiritual insights into the book. Instead, it provides an in-depth look at the context surrounding specific parts of the Bible, especially the world in which the authors lived.

Units include flood stories in ancient tradition, examining the historical knowledge of the tower of Babel story, and how biblical laws compare to laws in other countries at the time.

The Teachers

Dr. Samet is a teacher at the Bar-Ilan Research University in Tel Aviv. She has written nearly two dozen papers on ancient history and how it relates to the Bible. Along with her research assistant, she has been able to take her expert knowledge and present it with all the quality you would expect from a university-level teacher.

Overall Impressions

For providing a historical context to the Old Testament, this course is impressive. The teachers know what they are talking about, but break it down so that anyone can learn it. The amount of work required to get a strong understanding is surprisingly low, but they also provide further resources if you want to take your studies to the next level.

Unfortunately, this course concentrates entirely on the early books of the Bible, and rarely touches on even the later books of the Old Testament. To get a full look at contemporary biblical contexts, you would need multiple courses like this.

If you are interested in a comprehensive look at just one aspect of Bible studies, this is the course for you.

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9. Hermeneutics: Principles of Interpreting the Bible

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Why we like it

This course focuses on many unique topics and is a great deep dive into biblical interpretation given its quick runtime.

The Content

This course offers a range of topics not found in other Bible studies, including examination of Bible translations, features of biblical poetry, and common terms found in theology courses.

A range of passages from across the Bible is used. Each one reflects a particular skill that is being taught, which can then easily translate to other passages.

Impressively, this course also comes with an eBook written by Dr. Pattico, for free.

The Teachers

Dr. Pattico has written many texts on Christian spirituality and beliefs. While Pattico’s original Bachelor’s Degree was in Information Technology, he has a Masters in Bible & Ministry from King’s College, London, as well as a Doctor of Ministry.

Overall Impressions

While Dr. Pattico is open about his interpretations of the Bible, the information he offers can help form independent beliefs. This will rely on being able to see what hasn’t been included in the teachings, which will require a high level of critical thinking.

For a specific interpretation, with backing from historical context and a literary understanding of the Bible, it is worth considering this course.

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10. 15 Essential Biblical Texts

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Why we like it

This broad overview through deep passage analysis is the perfect introduction to the Bible.

The Content

As one could surmise from the title, this course looks at 15 core texts of the Old and New Testaments that help give a full understanding of Christianity. It does so by taking a close look at passages from books, rather than the entire books themselves, and then providing an interpretation that can be made of these passages.

This course offers a lot of content, and it is highly recommended that the articles and worksheets are printed to make life a little easier.

The Teachers

Wright and Seemuth are the same lecturers who present “Worldviews, the Bible, and the Believer”, and their credentials as academics are clear. However, this course takes a very different perspective and offers a more personal take on the scriptures. Wright talks here as a believer rather than an academic, and unashamedly presents his own interpretation.

Because of the work of Seemuth, the presentation of these beliefs is not as dry as it could be. Without his work, however, one might find this personal perspective less appealing than other courses by Wright.

Overall Impressions

Wright is much better suited to academia, but for a great way to choose passages to study, and be provided with one of many interpretations, this is a great course. It could easily substitute for the books you find by select pastors and comes with the bonus of having those engaging videos to share with others.

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Bible Study FAQs

It’s not unusual to have other questions about learning the Bible and about taking Bible classes. To help, we’ve compiled a few of the most common ones to save you the trouble of looking.

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