BSM 2.7
Interpret Comparatively
This principle of comparative interpretation focuses on the internal consistency of the Word of God, pointing us to the importance of comparing Scripture with Scripture to analyze similarities in subject matter, so that we might arrive at correct meanings.
It is important to compare subjects similar to one another, such as grace and mercy, and also subjects very different from one another, such as God and Satan. When we compare similarities and differences of subjects in remote contexts, we put together a picture that has been cut into pieces - sometimes a great number of pieces. Theology is developed by putting these pieces together.
Not only the novice (1 Tim 3:6), but also the experienced interpreter must be careful in the development of theology (Prov 3:5-6), realizing that important details within the 31,000+ verses of Scripture may have been overlooked. The sheer volume of material we are trying to understand should keep us aware of the potential for error, and therefore keep us humble.
As we compare Scripture with Scripture, we come to find out that a given theological issue is considered in many parts of the Bible. One example is the issue of "Justification by Faith" (Gen 15:6; Rom 3-4). When we find a contrasting passage that speaks of a "Justification by Works," such as found in James 2:14-26, we must consider both passages. When we put both passages together, we understand "works" as necessary in the plan of God, as an outgrowth of the faith that led to salvation, but not as a means to acquire salvation. This principle is also taught in Ephesians 2:8-10. We are "saved by grace through faith," and have been "created for good works."
This same principle teaches us to beware of building theology or doctrine on passages or textual readings of questionable intent. For example, the Greek text from Mark 16:9 to the end of the book is very uncertain. Some people have built doctrine on these passages, which has resulted in erroneous theology.
Another example of the importance of comparing Scripture with Scripture is seen in the identification of the "mystery" (namely, something unknown) which is referred to many times in the New Testament. Normally, if we were studying Ephesians 3 and ran into the word "mystery" we would try to answer the question, "what is the mystery?" Our answer, however, is found in Colossians 1:25-27, which says:
"Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God; that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations; but has now been manifested to His saints, to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."
The "mystery" is identified by Scripture as a new intimate relationship with the Messiah. This relationship is for the new era known as the Church Age.
FOR PERSONAL STUDY
# Why is it important to compare Scripture with Scripture?
# What is important to note about major theological issues?
# List some similar subjects you would like to compare.
# List some different subjects you would like to consider.
Masters Degrees in Hermeneutics
BSM 2.6
Interpret Based on Context
This principle is based on the fact that every word, sentence, or verse in the Bible has information preceding it and following it (except the very first and the very last word, sentence or verse). This principle pays careful attention to the physical location of each word and verse and the relationship to other words and verses. God sheds light upon a subject either through passages that are nearby - that establish the theme for that section - or through passages that are similar in subject in another part of the Bible.
We should never take a verse out of its contextual setting and give it a foreign meaning. Using verses out of context is a deceptive way to try to prove one’s own ideas and promote personal agendas. This incorrect practice is a form of allegory, which we discussed in Section II Lesson 4.
Contextual interpretation basically means that readers determine who is speaking, who is the audience, what is the main theme of the passage, and in what time frame and place the teachings are valid. (The student may need to review Section I Lesson 5, "Preparing To Study The Bible.")
THREE TYPES OF CONTEXT:
1 THE NEAR CONTEXT.
The Near Context includes verses within the same paragraph. For example, Galatians 5:1 tells us, "It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery." We might have a tendency to apply the term "slavery" to a particular culture in a particular place and time, since "slavery" frequently refers to being physically under the domination of a person or political entity. In context, however, we see that this verse refers to a kind of slavery that is spiritual. The passage refers to those who are enslaved by the rituals of The Law - specifically circumcision - and are not "free" to "serve one another in love" (Gal 5:13).
2 THE INTERMEDIATE CONTEXT.
The Intermediate Context includes those verses found within the same book. An example of this is found in Matthew 24:40, which says, "Then there shall be two men in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left." The context concerns the subject of the "last days." The question involves who will be taken and who will be left behind? Will the righteous be taken and the wicked left, as at the Rapture of the Church; or will the wicked be taken and the righteous be left, as at the Second Advent when Christ establishes His literal Millennial Kingdom? The Near Context does not answer the question.
Matthew 13:49, however, gives the answer. In a passage also dealing with the "last days," we are told that the "wicked will be taken out from among the righteous." Thus the Intermediate Context has answered the question of who will be taken and who will be left behind. The passage is referring to the Second Advent.
This Intermediate Context informs us of the importance of studying verse by verse through a book in order to understand and maintain the context. If a student went first to Matthew 24, the answer to the above question would be difficult to find. But, if the student had read the entire book up to Matthew 24, the answer would have already been given.
3 THE REMOTE CONTEXT.
The Remote Context recognizes the internal consistency of the Word of God. It includes passages from the whole of the Bible that have a bearing on a particular passage under consideration.
A study of the Remote Context considers that a passage might be clarified by another distant portion of the Bible. Studies of a selected word, such as "grace," "faith," or "love," by means of a concordance, for example, lead to other, more remote passages containing that particular word. A concordance is a book that lists - by individual word -verses in which a given word may be found. An "exhaustive" concordance will give a list of every verse containing that word. See Lesson 5, Section III for more information about concordances.
Often times the Remote Context must be consulted for more advanced principles, such as the interpretation of prophecy, or the understanding of "types" and "symbols." For example, the Veil in the Tabernacle (Ex 26:31-35), which separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies, is interpreted for us in Hebrews 10:20 to have represented the flesh of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Interpreting contextually is extremely important in our quest to "handle accurately the word of truth" (2 Tim 2:15). When we make "doctrinal" statements, we must be able to prove them from Scripture to demonstrate that the Bible is harmonious in terms of its Near, Immediate and Remote Contexts. If our beliefs are not in harmony with all of Scripture, then the "doctrine" resulting from our study is questionable.
FOR PERSONAL STUDY
# What is meant by "context"?
# What are the three different kinds of context that we are to consider?
# Will God’s Truth violate any of those contexts?
# Why would you never want to take a verse out of its context?
# List as many qualities as you can find of a "model" or "example" church in 1 Thessalonians 1.
Tuition free Doctoral courses in Theology and Bible
BSM 2.5
Interpret from Primary Passages
This principle recognizes that certain passages are to be read as the primary declaration of God’s attitude on a subject, that is vital to our spiritual life. Many times in the Bible, God gathers together several scattered fragments that have to do with a particular truth and places them in one of these primary passages. Some examples include:
# The Resurrection of Jesus Christ. 1 Cor 15
# The Human Tongue. James 3
# The Restoration of Israel. Rom 11
# Triumphs of the Faith. Heb 11
# God’s Discipline of His Children. Heb 12:1-11
# The Church. Eph 1-3
# Righteousness by Faith. Rom 3:10-21
# Law. Ex 20
# Full Armor of God. Eph 6:10-17
# Love. 1 Cor 13
This principle requires us to study the primary passage of Scripture to determine major principles and then go to related passages for additional information.
For example, the most extensive discourse in the Bible on the qualities of love is found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a, where there are sixteen qualities so full of meaning that we could easily spend a week in classroom instruction on these verses alone. Consider that:
"Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails."
When we read Mark 12:29-31, we find that Jesus responded to a question concerning the greatest commandments:
"The foremost is, ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these."
Since the Two Greatest Commandments involve the quality of love, seeking to know what love involves - so we can make correct evaluations of ourselves before God and others - is good common sense. The importance of love is found in Mark 12. Its manifestation is found in 1 Corinthians 13.
If you would like to test your application of "love" defined in the verses of 1 Corinthians 13, ask yourself these questions: "Am I patient?" "Am I kind?" "Am I jealous?"
Another example of this principle is found in the description of the "full armor of God" Ephesians 6:10-17. This is the only place where all of the Believer’s spiritual armor is mentioned together. The belt that one "girds his loins with truth" is referred to in Isaiah 11:5. The "Breastplate" and "Helmet" are referred to in 1 Thessalonians 5:8. The "Sword" as part of one’s "armor" is implied in Hebrews 4:12.
FOR PERSONAL STUDY
# Why would it be considered important to first study the primary passage about any topic?
# Study 1 Corinthians 15 for information on the Resurrection and write down your observations.
# Look at the following verses. Find the portions that relate to the Resurrection and add them to your observations from question #2.
# Rom 4:24-25, 6:4-9, 7:4, 8:11, 33-34; 1 Cor 6:14; 2 Cor 1:8-10, 4:13-14, 5:14-15, Eph 1:18-21, 5:14-15, Col 2:9-12, 1Thess 1:9-10, 1 Pet 1:20-21, Rev 20:4-6, 12-13. Look for information that seems to conflict and note it.
2.4.2
SIX HINDRANCES TO PROPER INTERPRETATION
There can be many hindrances to the proper interpretation of God’s Word. We will examine six of them that lead to mistakes in interpretation. Remember that no one is immune from mistakes. It is wise, in addition, to remember the admonition from Paul found in 1 Corinthians 10:12, "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall."
1 CARNALITY.
The first hindrance to proper interpretation is Carnality. Carnality involves an ongoing sinful lifestyle and is often referred to as "fleshly" (1 Cor 3:3). It means that the Believer has chosen to pursue sin through "deeds of the flesh" rather than be led by the Holy Spirit and see His fruit (Gal 5:19-23). This is life with unconfessed sin (1 John 1:9) and lack of repentance (2 Cor 12:21).
If one who studies God’s Word is involved in deeds of the flesh - immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing and things like these (Gal 5:19-21) - then his interpretation will surely be flawed. For instance, a teacher who is involved in sexual immorality would clearly have the tendency to distort passages that deal with that subject.
Since truth is revealed by the Holy Spirit (John 16:13) and the "fleshly" man has chosen to pursue a path of life apart from the leading of the Holy Spirit (if even for a short period of time), the "fleshly" man will get a distorted understanding of truth since he is not "spiritually appraising" the Word.
The "fleshly" man is similar to the "natural man" (1 Cor 2:14), but slightly different. The "natural man" refers to an unbeliever who, "does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised" (1 Cor 2:14). The "natural man" does not have access to the Spirit while the "fleshly/carnal" man is not in fellowship with the Spirit. Neither will be able to correctly understand God’s Word.
BSM.2.4.1
Interpret to Find Out How to Live
Introduction
This principle comes from a direct statement of Jesus Christ found in John 7:17. If we truly want to "know" God’s Word, then we must be willing to "do" His Word. This principle encompasses the necessity of intellectual honesty in the study of God’s Word. We must seek to set aside our bias and our preconceived ideas and honestly seek illumination from the Spirit of God (1 Cor 2:14). Applying this principle involves personal soul searching, for example, to evaluate the purity of our motives (2 Cor 13:5).
It is easy for us to hold personal bias, or form unwarranted opinions, and then go searching for a Biblical proof of them. However, that approach can "prove" almost anything, because it makes us blind to passages that could lead in other directions, or to passages that urge us to seek balance.
For example, one might look at King David’s actions concerning Bathsheba, the wife of one of his most loyal warriors (2 Sam 11). Some people might try to use that passage to prove that it is acceptable for a person in power to commit murder and adultery. One simply needs to read the next chapter and compare it with the "Ten Commandments" (Ex 20:1-17) to determine that murder and adultery are not an acceptable lifestyle to our God. David was retained as king because of God’s grace displayed toward David’s repentance (Ps 51).
Proper application of God’s Word has to come from proper interpretation. There may be many applications, but there is only one correct interpretation of any particular verse. For example, 1 Timothy 3:1-7 gives the qualifications for an "overseer" in the church. The interpretation concerns real requirements for one who is to hold that position. The application considers that the "overseer" should not be a "new convert," and that the listed qualifications represent qualities of maturity, which should be the objective for all men in the church, especially its leaders.
BSM 2.3
This principle instructs us to consider differences where God establishes them. In other words, we are to recognize the Biblical difference between such concepts as faith and works, salvation and sin, law and grace, and many others. The Bible makes many distinctions. Our challenge is to realize these differences in our interpretation.
An example of realizing differences is exemplified in the study of faith and works. We are told in Ephesians 2:8-10:
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not as a result of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Clearly salvation is by grace through faith, not of works. Yet the importance of works is not negated. Works are not meant for salvation, but are important to the Christian life.
Faith has no merit in itself, because all the merit is found in the object of the faith. For one to have faith in faith is actually to have trust in oneself. We know that we all have sin and thus trusting ourselves is really not a wise choice of objects (Rom 3:23).
If a heavy adult were going to swing from cliff to cliff over a large hole and someone handed him a small piece of twine that is attached to a small branch, it would be difficult to have faith because there would not be sufficient merit in the object. However, if a strong rope were attached to a large branch, the faith would be easier to have because there is sufficient merit in the object.
Jesus Christ, who bore our sins in His body on the cross and rose from the dead, has more than sufficient merit to be the object of our faith.
Works involve actions that are good in their very nature, such as helping the poor (Gal 2:10). But, even good actions will not save us (Titus 3:5). Works are designed by God to be a display of our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. In fact, we will give an account for the works we have done in the name of Jesus Christ, and we will be rewarded for them accordingly (2 Cor 5:10). Works should be done out of thanksgiving for what the Lord has done for us. They should not be done with an attitude toward personal gain.
Another difference we might consider is between the security of the Believer’s salvation and the reality of sin in his life.
We are told that the Lord did the greatest work for us when He died to save us even while we were His enemies. Should we expect any less of Him now that we are members of His family (Rom 5:6-10)?
The Bible makes it clear that Believers can and do sin after they are saved.
"If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us" (1 John 1:8-10).
It should be clear that this passage refers to Believers. We do not have to read very far in the New Testament to discover the warnings to Believers against our tendency to sin. The question arises, do we as Believers lose our salvation when involved in sin, or not?
In the book of Romans, as well as many other books of the Bible, salvation is attested to be an eternal fact. Paul said, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death" (Rom 8:1-2). The Corinthian church became heavily involved in a multitude of sins. Paul called them "fleshly" (1 Cor 3:1-2), but never referred to them as "unsaved." He even refers to them as a "church" composed of "saints" (1 Cor 1:2).
Clearly, Christians may fall into sinful lifestyles. Equally clear is that our salvation cannot be lost: "If we are faithless, He remains faithful" (2 Tim 2:13).
A Christian’s sinful lifestyle is certainly not without repercussions (consequences). It leads to loss of rewards: "if we deny Him, He also will deny us" (2 Tim 2:12). The immediate context confirms that we will not reign with Him, if we deny Him.
From these two illustrations, we can begin to see certain differences that God has established within His Word. We will spend a lifetime discovering them and seeking to understand the relationships between the various concepts involved with them.
FOR PERSONAL STUDY
# What are some other differences that come to mind?
# Select one of them and seek to determine why it is Biblically different.
|
Masters/Doctors in Theology |
free bible courses Free theology courses free bible school free online bible seminary
free online bible school free online theology courses free online bible courses
free apologetics courses free theology degrees free articles free bible seminary