Here is a quick outline of the requirements for effectively studying and interpreting the Bible:
First, the Scriptures, as inspired by the Ru’ach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit), were NOT written to the spiritual elite, the Doctors of the Law, seminary graduates or to some selected religious group(s). No, what is recorded in the scriptures were given according to the will of God for His people – all of His people, both the chosen, the adopted, and grafted in. The scriptures are also made available (even in the ancient days) to the Goyim (nations, the “strangers” among the people, the “God Fearers), for those willing to accept them. That is, God’s word was given into the world for the world and everyone in it. It is God’s personal commentary concerning Himself, His nature and His purpose in creation. The Hebrew people were finally chosen by the sovereign God to be the vehicle by which He would again become known to the world, the chosen people.
The result being that if one desires to learn of the “God of the Jews”, the knowledge is freely available, even in poorly written translations. Any serious translation of the holy language into any known human language contains sufficient information to provide the path to reconciliation between the seeker of God’s face and God Himself. Anyone with a working understanding of their own native language can achieve sufficient knowledge to secure their salvation by a simple reading of the scriptures – and in their own language
Now, this is where things start to get a little sticky.
Second: In order to mature in one’s walk with the creator of the universe, one must also study the scriptures to show themselves approved before God. This means that one must come to an understanding of what God expects, even demands, of His children. Then comes the really hard part: The voluntary surrendering all of one’s self to the Master of Creation, just like a small child who surrenders to the authority of their parents.
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, since you know that we will be judged more severely. Ya’akov (James) 3:1 [CJB]
But the aim of our instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. Some have strayed from these and turned away to empty discussion. They want to be teachers of the law (Torah), but they do not understand what they are saying or the things they insist on so confidently. But we know that the law is good if someone uses it legitimately 1Timothy 5-8 [NET]
These two passages, taken in their original context, should be enough to give pause to anyone who would seek to elevate themselves above their brethren and receive the admiration of men.
While everyone should become teachers at some level (Heb 5:12-14), we are admonished not to remain as infants but to grow, mature, and to bear fruit in the kingdom. But to become “teachers of the Tanakh (Bible)”, we move into another realm of responsibility and accountability.
When a teacher proclaims that their knowledge, understanding and interpretation (application) of scripture is right before God, then those of lesser knowledge and understanding will accept the words of their “teacher”. If the teacher is in error, and his/her students act upon his teaching, then the student is in as much error as his teacher. Should a student fall into sin, or worse, as the result of the teaching he has received, then the blood/soul of that student is on the teacher’s hands. What if there is a generation of students? The teacher shall surely answer for his folly.
So, what is to done? Who is to teach, what is he to teach, and to whom?
Third: For those who have not come into a mature knowledge of God’s word, they may still teach others. One can, and should, share their testimony, what the Spirit of God has accomplished in their life. They can share the scripture that has impacted their life and how that was accomplished. As one matures in their knowledge and understanding they are to continue to share that which they have become confident. When placed in a position of “teacher” (children’s ministry, adult classes, etc.), one of the common answers to questions that one might expect you to give is, “I don’t know.” Or, “I am not sure, but I think …” Or some other acknowledgement that no, you do not have all of the answers, but you are willing to go study, find the answers, and will share what you learn. Also, to encourage the students to go and study for themselves and to share what it is they have learned!
Most of us are completely enmeshed in our Western, Greek centered worldview which results in a very serious limitation on our ability to understand the fullness of what our Lord is revealing to His children. It can be likened to a parent instructing their child not to go into the street. The child learns, usually with some pain, not to disobey the parent. As the child matures, they begin to learn that playing in the street can result in being injured by the traffic. Eventually the concept of nonexistence, death, as a real and present danger of being in the street is understood. The result is usually as one matures the dangerous nature of traffic is understood and what one must be aware of and what steps are necessary for “safe” travel on the streets. While this is the limit of our Greek thinking application, it still works enough for the majority of the population; it satisfies most of their perceived wants and needs.
However, there is a great deal further one can go in understanding and applying the concepts and precepts of ground transportation systems to one’s life.
To gain a greater appreciation of transportation system, their purpose, hazards and benefits, one must manifestly alter their view of traffic and transportation systems. To move from being a user of streets and the manner and modes of transportation one may choose from, to one who designs, engineer and construct streets, over and under passes, railroad crossings, etc. Streets and traffic become interlocking and interdependent systems. One must by necessity encounter physics, chemistry, mathematics, human psychology and physical limitations, design constraints, etc. etc. One’s view becomes more complex as it takes in the greater view of how one part of our society interacts with all of the other parts of our civilization. The street in front of my house is no longer a single focus, stand-a-lone object, but part of a whole that I do not fully understand. We have metaphorically moved from our Greek mindset to the Hebrew mindset.
Third: There are a few things to keep in the back of one’s mind as they peruse the scriptures.
- The Bible is a collection of Hebrew books, written by and for Israelites, not the Goyim (gentiles), with a few notable exceptions, for example the books of Luke and Acts, which were written to Theophilus, who, like Cornelius, may have been a “God Fearer” (Greek thinking God Fearer).
- There is no such thing as a perfect translation of the Holy Scriptures into English, or into any other language.
- A commentary is just one person’s interpretation of scripture. When you preach or teach the word of God you are adding your own personal commentary to the ever-growing collection.
- Your understanding of scripture will never be complete (Tamam, perfect), so be open to correction and instruction.
- If you ever get to the point where you actually understand what it is you think you know, you will be a spiritual giant.
- Do not fall into the trap of reading the scriptures as though they were written to you. They’re not! Even so, they were written with you in mind (for you).
- Do not search the scriptures to support your doctrines, rather, search the scriptures for doctrines to support.
I will be posting my approach to studying and interpreting scripture. Not for acceptance, rather as points of debarkation into discussions concerning the various subjects that may arise.
May all of our studies be fruitful.
