Must We “Interpret” the Bible?

Introduction

1. Many think sermons and Bible classes are a waste of time.

2. “It means what it says.”

3. “We don't need to interpret the Bible, just let it speak for itself.”

4. Is there more to Bible study than just reading the text?

Why Bible Study?

1. Should we all just go home and read the text of the Bible?

2. Should our Bible contain “helps” - maps, commentary, concordance?

3. Are there passages that require some interpretation?

4. What does the Bible say about the need for proper interpretation?

   1. 2 Timothy 2:15 – rightly dividing the word of truth

   2. Thayer – to handle aright, to teach truth correctly

   3. Interpretation – dictionary definition

Words To Notice

1. Interpretation – 3 times – 2 Peter 1:20; Mrk 4:34; Acts 19:39

2. Expound – Luke 24:47; Acts 18:26; Acts 18:23

3. Explain – Matthew 15:15; Mark 4:34

4. Guide – Acts 8:31

Interpretation

1. Language – translation from Greek, Hebrew

2. Type of Literature

   1. History

   2. Law

   3. Poetry

   4. Apocalyptic

   5. Wisdom

   6. Narrative

3. Setting / Purpose for the writing

4. Author / Speaker

Cautions

1. Our prejudice – We bring preconceived ideas to the text

2. Our desire – We WANT to find some support for our idea

3. Previous teaching – We start with what we “know” to be right

4. Basic assumptions – Start with a false assumption and reach false conclusions

What is the proper method of interpreting the Bible?

Method

1. A way, a path of transit

2. Bible study requires the proper path to arriave at truth

3. This implies that improper paths can be taken

4. Having a proper method is important

   1. Heart surgeons

   2. To operate a computer

   3. Auto mechanic

5. Warning in NT – 2 Peter 3:16b

   1. Scripture can be twisted

   2. Some things are hard to understand

   3. Using the wrong method will result in destruction

6. Do not mishandle to Bible

   1. 2 Corinthians 4:2

   2. 2 Timothy 2:15

God Created Language

1. Adam and Eve spoke some language

2. They could communicate with each other and God

3. God chose language as the means of revelation and communication

4. Deuteronomy 29:29

Intended Meaning

1. We must not superimpose a meaning on the text

2. We must seek to discover the meaning the author intended

3. Meaning is determined by the author

4. Meaning is discovered by the reader

5. Exegesis – to draw out of the text

6. Eisogesis – to superimpose a meaning into the text

7. By using eisogesis – the Bible can say anything you want

   1. Genesis 24:64 – woman smoking?

   2. Matthew 24:17 – woman's hair style condemned?

   3. Ridiculous? Of course?

   4. But – Why are these examples foolish?

Context

1. Matthew 19:30 – first will be last, last will be first

2. What is the “context” of a passage?

3. Every word – part of a phrase

4. Every phrase – part of a sentence

5. Every sentence – part of a paragraph

6. Every paragraph – part of a book

7. Every book – part of Scripture as a whole

8. No word or phrase can be divorced from the context

9. Most doctrinal errors can be corrected right here

10. There are two types of context

    1. Immediate context – sentence, paragraph

    2. Broader context – event taking place, whole Bible

    3. J. I. Packer - “If we would understand the parts, our wisest course is to get to know the whole.”

Historical Considerations

1. Christianity is based on historical fact

2. Jesus was seen and heard – John 1:14

3. Many witnessed the resurrection – 1 Corinthians 15:5-8

4. OT or NT; Patriarchal, Mosaic, or Christian Age

5. What nation is in power? Who is the king?

Type of Literature

1. Historical – Acts

2. Dramatic Epic – Job

3. Poetry – Psalms

4. Wisdom – Proverbs

5. Apocalyptic – Revelation, Daniel

6. A parable should not be treated as history, poetry is not apocalyptic

OT in Light of NT

1. Old Testament is the New Testament concealed

2. New Testament is the Old Testament revealed

3. OT becomes clear when seen through lens of NT

4. Example of Jesus

   1. Creation – Adam and Event

   2. Noah and the ark

   3. Jonah

   4. Sodom and Gomorrah

   5. Lot's wife

Is the Bible Sufficient?

1. The average person can read and know the will of God

   1. John 18:20-21

   2. 1 Timothy 4:1

   3. 2 Timothy 3:15

   4. Isaiah 35:8

   5. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

2. Scripture is complete, able to meet all demands

3. BUT – It must be handled correctly

   1. John 6:63

   2. Any interpretation that yields:

      1. Another Jesus – 2 Corinthians 11:3-4

      2. Another gospel – Galatians 1:6-9

      3. Will lead to eternal death – Revelation 20:11-15