Interpreting Scripture

How we -might- exegete meaning from God's Word (The Bible).

For many decades regarding all doctrines, issues, topics when it comes to what the Bible actually teaches I’ve sought to apply the following carefully. But first, an aside. One old wag said “It’s incredible how much light the scriptures shed on the commentaries.” Ha! None of us are flawless, know-it-all exegetes regarding theology and biblical interpretation -including of course myself and you dear reader. So what to do?

---Did Jesus, then other NT and OT writers clearly mention the issue?

---Focusing first on Jesus’ words, taking care to recognize the context, who He was speaking to, etc., the larger picture of what He said and did prior to and after that island of verse/s in question, here is how I would frame it: it's not what you, I, other theologians, etc., various churches believe/ed, but WHAT DOES JESUS BELIEVE ABOUT THIS? No matter the issue.

I suggest our greatest flaw is bringing our own pet bias to the text rather than allowing it to speak for itself. Our ability to listen to HIM via His Word vs. seeking rubber stamp agreement on whatever we already want and think is a deep problem regarding the soundness of interpretation.

Is historical context important? Of course! Neither is it the end-all final stamp on truth when considering what God does or doesn't want.

Let us read for discovery vs. confirmation bias. What the Word brings to us is far more important than what we bring to it!

So after the above approach I then apply the same to the other human authors of scripture.

After breaking down the Greek and Hebrew terms, I prayerfully consider what I’ve learned.

We have online the most resources in history to do all this for free! Then of course one can move on to Bible School and Seminary libraries.

1. What was Jesus intent, what does He seem to believe about the issue?

2. Is He neutral, positive or negative in His stance about it? Is He completely silent about the matter?

3. How must I apply all this in my own life seeking to both receive, then share His love, grace and truth with others -and when must I be silent, pray and simply -live out- my flawed but studied, mindful theology in seeking to honor Jesus and bless others who I come in contact with?

The point is greater discovery of God- Father, Son, Spirit, experiencing and sharing His love. It is not about winning arguments, endless debates and setting up rival camps from which to lob "truth bombs" at those we disagree with.

Note, I take it for granted others will or won't agree with me on any issue you'd care to name. Yet we must remember humility- "Knowledge puffs up, love builds up" as Paul so adeptly wrote.

What I NEED is not confirmation of my bias in any direction, rather what does Jesus think/believe/act upon and mention and why? As so many of His chosen people missed the Messiah when He appeared it’s been an ongoing matter of history Christians have done likewise on many, many levels. No surprise.

I’ve read a massive amount of quite learned theologians ancient and contemporary and agree in some areas and disagree in others.

I do think sometimes any of us can be unaware of our own motives for whatever belief, doctrine, methodology -and out of love and worry for others we can begin to either judge God or others re. Theology. Nothing new.

As always, thanks for stopping by. -Glenn