The Chapter Summary Method

1. Read through the chapter at least five times
1. Read it in a Bible without notes
2. Read it without stopping
3. Read it in several different contemporary translations
4. Read it aloud quietly to yourself
2. Look for the 10 Cs
1. Caption:  A short, descriptive title (one to five words) using the key word of the chapter
2. Contents:  Describe, summarize, paraphrase, outline, or make a list of the major points
1. Don’t interpret, just observe
3. Chief People:  The most important people in the chapter
1. Who?  
2. Why are they included?  
3. What is significant about them?  
4. Why did you choose to list them?
4. Choice Verse:  A verse that summarizes the whole chapter or speaks to you personally
5. Crucial Word(s):  The key word of the chapter (there may be more than one)
6. Challenges:  Statements you don’t understand OR topics (or words) you’d like to study further
7. Cross-References:  Other verse that help clarify what the chapter is talking about
8. Christ Seen:  Statements that tell you something about Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, or God the Father
1. The nature of Jesus
2. Attributes of God in Christ
9. Central Lesson(s):  Major principles, insights and lessons you learn from this chapter
1. Why does God want this passage in the Bible?
2. What does He want to teach me from this chapter?
3. What is the central thought the writer is trying to develop?
10. Conclusion:  Application
1. How do these truths apply to me personally?
2. What specifically am I going to do about them?

1. Suggested starting points
1. I Corinthians 13
2. 2 Timothy 2
3. I John 1
4. John 17
5. The gospel of Luke (chapter by chapter)

(From “Rick Warren’s Bible Study Methods”)