10 Things to Know About the Catholic View of Scripture

July 17, 2026

Why does the Catholic Church have 73 books in the Bible, and how should Catholics read and interpret Scripture? Jeff unpacks ten foundational truths about the Catholic understanding of the Bible, explaining how Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the teaching authority of the Church work together to reveal God's plan of salvation.

Shownotes

1. The Bible is the Word of God

Catholics believe that Scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit. While God worked through human authors with their unique personalities and historical contexts, He is the ultimate author of Sacred Scripture. The Bible is God's revelation of Himself and His plan of salvation.

2. The Bible is Part of God’s Revelation

The Catholic faith is built upon the two inseparable modes of God's Revelation: Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition. Together, they faithfully communicate the fullness of Christ's teaching and have been safeguarded by the Church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

3. The Catholic Church discerned the biblical canon.

The Bible did not simply appear as a single volume. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the early Church discerned which books were truly inspired and formally recognized the canon of Scripture. Jeff explains the historical significance of the Councils of Hippo (393 AD) and Carthage (397 AD) in establishing the 73-book Catholic Bible.

4. Scripture should be interpreted within the Church.

Catholics are encouraged to read and study Scripture personally, but never in isolation from the Church Christ established. The Magisterium serves as the authentic interpreter of God's Word, helping believers understand Scripture in harmony with the apostolic faith.

5. Scripture is without error in what God intends to teach.

Because God is its author, Sacred Scripture faithfully teaches the truth necessary for our salvation. Understanding literary genres, historical context, and faithful translations allows Catholics to interpret Scripture according to its intended meaning.

6. The Old and New Testaments are united

The Old Testament prepares for Christ, and the New Testament fulfills the promises made throughout salvation history. The entire Bible reveals one continuous story of God's covenant love and His plan to redeem humanity.

7. The Liturgy is Filled with Scripture

Every celebration of the Eucharist is saturated with the Word of God. From the readings and Psalms to the prayers and liturgical responses, the Mass immerses Catholics in Sacred Scripture and unites the Liturgy of the Word with the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

8. The Bible nourishes the Spiritual Life

Reading the Bible is not merely an intellectual exercise—it is an encounter with the living God. Jeff encourages Catholics to pray with Scripture through Lectio Divina, allowing God's Word to shape the heart and deepen discipleship.

9. The Bible belongs to the whole Church.

Sacred Scripture is a gift for every member of the Body of Christ—not only clergy or biblical scholars. Every Catholic is invited to read, study, and pray with the Bible while remaining united to the Church's teaching.

10. Jesus Christ is the Living Word.

The ultimate purpose of Scripture is to lead us into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. Every page of the Bible points to Him, and every encounter with God's Word is an invitation to know, love, and follow the Lord more faithfully.

Scripture References

John 1:1–14 — "In the beginning was the Word… and the Word became flesh."
2 Timothy 3:16–17 — All Scripture is inspired by God.
2 Peter 1:20–21 — Scripture comes through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, not private interpretation.
Luke 24:25–27 — Jesus explains how the Old Testament points to Him.
Luke 24:44–49 — Christ fulfills the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms.
Hebrews 4:12 — The Word of God is living and active.
Romans 15:4 — Scripture gives endurance and hope.
James 1:22–25 — Be doers of the Word, not hearers only.
Psalm 119:105 — "Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light to my path."
Matthew 4:4 — "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."