(This post is Part 1 of a two-part series on Luke 1:1–4. Here we’ll explore copying and/or paraphrasing Scripture as practices that help us internalize God’s Word. In Part 2, we’ll look at how writing your own testimony of God’s work can strengthen your faith and create a legacy for others.)

Scripture Focus:
“Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us… so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.” —Luke 1:1,4 (NIV)

From Luke to You: Copying Scripture and/or Paraphrasing God’s Word

Have you ever paused to think about how much effort has gone into helping us understand the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus?

From Luke’s careful investigation to centuries of preaching, writing, dramatizations, and commentary—people throughout history have devoted their lives to sharing the story of Jesus in ways that are clear, truthful, and moving.

Luke tells us in his introduction that many others had already written about Jesus. And yet, he still felt it was important to compile his own “orderly account” so that his reader—most likely a curious new believer named Theophilus—and he himself could have certainty about what they had been taught.

As I was reading this passage recently, the word certainty really stuck with me.

It’s easy to hear spiritual truth without ever truly making it ours—without becoming certain of what we believe with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength. We listen to sermons and podcasts, scroll through inspirational quotes, and read daily devotionals. But often, we are simply consuming other people’s words—their insights, their revelations, their experiences.

And while these can be helpful, unless we digest Scripture for ourselves to the point that it becomes part of us—so much so that we know with certainty what we believe—then we are only skimming the surface of faith.

Jesus said in John 6:53–56 (NIV):

“Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them.”

Essentially, Jesus’ words—His very life—must become so much a part of us that they permeate our being, just as the food and drink we consume become part of our physical bodies.

A Biblical Example of Ownership: Why Personal Scripture Reflection Matters

Luke’s Gospel reminds me of a lesser-known command in the Old Testament. In Deuteronomy 17:18–19, God told Israel’s future kings to personally hand-copy the Torah. It wasn’t enough for them to have access to the scrolls. They were to write their own copy and carry it with them at all times.

Why? So their knowledge of God would be personal and firsthand. So they would grasp the scope of His commands and recognize their importance. So they would learn to fear the Lord. And so they wouldn’t forget where their authority came from.

It was an exercise in ownership. Writing down God’s Word helped internalize it and transform it from something external into something deeply personal.

We may not be kings or ancient scribes, but it makes me wonder if you and I shouldn’t practice something similar today. What if we undertook the task of making our own handwritten copy of the Bible?

Or, what if we decided that we would study each passage until we understood it, then wrote it out in our own words instead of simply rushing through several chapters to check off a “read the Bible in a year” goal?

Wouldn’t we be much more clear and certain about what we believe? Would we not come to know God so intimately that His truth would be etched into our very DNA?

How can I make my own copy of the Bible?

It doesn’t need to be fancy or costly. You can use a simple spiral notebook and a pen or pencil. You don’t need beautiful handwriting or the ability to do calligraphy in order to make your own copy of the Bible. As long as you can read your own writing, that is what matters. This is a private devotional practice for your own edification, not for public consumption.

The act of copying Scripture down word for word causes you to slow your pace, meditate more deeply on it, and begin to internalize it. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you as you copy God’s Word. If He gives you a spiritual application or fresh understanding of the verse you’re copying, write it down in a separate journal so you can remember it and refer back to it later for continued spiritual growth.

Is It Okay to Paraphrase the Bible? (How Paraphrasing Scripture Supports Spiritual Growth)

Of course it is. However, there are a few ground rules you should follow to be sure you stay on track.

First, let me define what I mean by paraphrasing. I simply mean digesting the text to such an extent that you can rephrase it in your own words or express it in modern terms, while still preserving the original intent and meaning. Paraphrasing is not a license to rewrite Scripture in a way that supports personal opinions or invents new doctrines.

Paraphrasing is simply a tool that helps you dig deeper to understand Scripture and apply it to your life. That’s why you will often see pastors and Christian writers paraphrasing passages in sermons and devotionals. However, it is never meant to replace reliable Bible translations. In fact, using a variety of translations alongside your paraphrase can be very beneficial; comparing wording can illuminate the passage enough that you can put the ideas into your own words with greater accuracy.

Never assume that once you have paraphrased a section you fully understand it. The truth is, as we continue to study the Bible and mature—in experience, emotionally, and spiritually—the Holy Spirit is able to reveal deeper truths in passages we thought we already understood. So, once you complete a Bible paraphrase—whether of a chapter, a book, or the entire Bible—take a break for a time and then do it again. It can be fascinating and faith-building to compare and contrast your paraphrases of different books if they are created five, ten, or twenty years apart.

One last point: when copying or paraphrasing Scripture, there is no rigid formula for how to proceed. What matters is a willing heart. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide and teach you as you create the time and space to read, study, meditate, and write. Meditate on one passage at a time before you copy it or put it into your own words. Don’t rush. You are feeding on the Word of God. Take time to chew it well and let it become part of you.

You might work your way from Genesis to Revelation, or choose one book from the Old Testament and then one from the New Testament. You could also focus on a theme—such as prayer, discipleship, or the life of Jesus—and paraphrase key passages related to that theme. The point is to be consistently filling your mind and heart with His Word every day, allowing paraphrasing Scripture and hand-copying the Bible to become practical habits that nurture spiritual growth.

Prayer

Lord, help me not just to hear about You, but to know You for myself. Teach me to slow down, to reflect on, and to internalize Your Words so I can understand and trust You more and, as a result, love You more fully. Thank You for the certainty we can find in Your Word and in our walk with You. Amen.

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Reflection Questions for Hand Copying and Paraphrasing Scripture

1. In Deuteronomy 17, Israel’s kings were instructed to write their own copy of God’s law. What practices help you “own” your faith rather than simply relying on others’ words?
2. If you were to begin paraphrasing Scripture in your own words, where would you start—and why?
3. Reflect on your spiritual habits: are you more often consuming secondhand faith (sermons, devotionals, podcasts) or digging deep into God’s Word for yourself? What steps could shift the balance?
4. How might paraphrasing or copying Scripture help you know with certainty what you believe?

Part 2: Why Writing Your Testimony Strengthens Faith