How to Interpret the Bible Lesson #1 - Introduction
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Introduction. As Jesus prayed for the disciples “who will believe in me through their Word” (all of us today), He prayed “that they all may be one.” Jesus knew that a lack of unity among His disciples would create a bad impression. He wanted unity so “that the world may believe that You sent Me.” (Jn. 17:20-23). Paul elaborated on this when he told the Corinthians, “I plead with you, brethren,” “that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1Cor. 1:10).
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That we don’t have that unity today in America is obvious to anyone who has looked at the doctrines of the 1,000's of denominations today. They are not one! They do not speak the same thing! There are divisions, and many do think the Bible must be flawed. While everyone knows math only has one right answer per equation, multitudes have drawn the conclusion that the Bible must be flawed when they look at the different answers given to the same questions.
The problem is not the Scriptures, but the hearts of those who read them. Peter warned of those who would “twist the scriptures to their own destruction” (2Pet. 3:16). Paul explained that turmoil and controversy arises “because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved” (2Th. 2:10). He later encouraged Timothy (and all of us) to “be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2Tim. 2:15). The shame of false interpretation is not in Scripture, but those who falsely interpret it. We simply need to diligent to learn the methods of proper interpretation. The same principles we learned to rightly divide in math or in science will also help us rightly divide Scripture.
When a child begins school, he quickly learns the three key principles to successfully master any subject. The first and most basic is simple instruction. The teacher lectures and explains while the students take notes, memorize, and learn the material. Tests are given and answers are right or wrong based on facts and truth. In math, a student is introduced to numbers 0 - 9 and to “+, -, ×, ÷, =.” Once the numbers and symbols are learned, everyone in the class is expected to get the same “right” answer every time. That is the absolute nature of truth, it is exclusive!
A large portion of the truth revealed in Scripture follows this same path. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Paul was an apostle, the church is Jesus’ body and there is only one body (Eph 1:22-23; 4:4-6). These are facts! We memorize them and all give the same answer. They are no more open to interpretation than 2+2=4. There are not ten different answers, there is only one.
The second principle of teaching is imitation. The teacher puts pictures of letters and numbers on the walls of the room. She also shows them where to start each letter and how the pencil moves to make it. Only when they can duplicate those letters as pictured do they have the right answer. Those who interpret them differently will not be able to read, write, or do arithmetic. If my “6" looks like an “&” every math answer with a 6 in it will be wrong. Reading follows exactly the same pattern. There are many things that cannot be taught through instruction alone. They have to be learned by example and imitation.
The Scriptures also use this principle. When the tabernacle was being built, God told Moses to build all things according to the pattern shown. Words would not be enough to give the exact details necessary to build it. We do the same today. We do not give a builder words alone, but a blueprint with exact details. Jesus taught His apostles about humility by direct teaching, but He also used the example of washing their feet. “For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you." (Jn. 13:15). Paul said the same thing. “Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.” (Phil. 3:17). When we all follow the examples God has given us in the Scriptures, we will all produce the same product.
The third method goes by different names. It is called logic, deduction, inference, common sense, syllogism, or extrapolation. Because it is highly advanced and takes cognitive skills, it is the most difficult one to train and teach, and the one where mistakes can easily be made. It is characterized by the ability to take several concepts or ideas and draw proper conclusions. Word problems in math or essay questions in history or science work on this principle. The student must take his basic knowledge and draw logical conclusions based on deduction and inference that will always be characterized by common sense.
Syllogistic reasoning is first learned in math with the equation if a=b and b=c, then a=c. When this is carried into physics, chemistry or physiology, many amazing inventions are created. The harnessing of electricity or the development of medications is not based on direct learning or examples, but logic, inference, and deduction. Although the most complicated form of learning, it holds the most potential for growth and development.
When we approach the Scriptures with these same tools used in science or math, we will be rewarded with truth! Jesus used critical thinking skills and common sense in His deductions. When asked about the resurrection from the dead, He said: “But even Moses showed in the burning bush passage that the dead are raised, when he called the Lord 'the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' For He is not the God of the dead but of the living, for all live to Him." (Lk. 20:37-38). This is pure deduction and logic. Jesus simply reminded them that since God said I am their God, and the eternal God cannot be the God of those who are dead and no longer exist, they are still alive. There are many important truths to be found by using the power of deduction, logic and inference.
Conclusion. When God created the heavens and the earth, He created math, physics, chemistry and physiology. He also wrote the Bible. When we use the same principles of interpretation for the former in our study of spiritual truths found in the Scriptures, we will know the truth and the truth will make us free.
For additional study material from our archives, see the following:
The problem is not the Scriptures, but the hearts of those who read them. Peter warned of those who would “twist the scriptures to their own destruction” (2Pet. 3:16). Paul explained that turmoil and controversy arises “because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved” (2Th. 2:10). He later encouraged Timothy (and all of us) to “be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2Tim. 2:15). The shame of false interpretation is not in Scripture, but those who falsely interpret it. We simply need to diligent to learn the methods of proper interpretation. The same principles we learned to rightly divide in math or in science will also help us rightly divide Scripture.
When a child begins school, he quickly learns the three key principles to successfully master any subject. The first and most basic is simple instruction. The teacher lectures and explains while the students take notes, memorize, and learn the material. Tests are given and answers are right or wrong based on facts and truth. In math, a student is introduced to numbers 0 - 9 and to “+, -, ×, ÷, =.” Once the numbers and symbols are learned, everyone in the class is expected to get the same “right” answer every time. That is the absolute nature of truth, it is exclusive!
A large portion of the truth revealed in Scripture follows this same path. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Paul was an apostle, the church is Jesus’ body and there is only one body (Eph 1:22-23; 4:4-6). These are facts! We memorize them and all give the same answer. They are no more open to interpretation than 2+2=4. There are not ten different answers, there is only one.
The second principle of teaching is imitation. The teacher puts pictures of letters and numbers on the walls of the room. She also shows them where to start each letter and how the pencil moves to make it. Only when they can duplicate those letters as pictured do they have the right answer. Those who interpret them differently will not be able to read, write, or do arithmetic. If my “6" looks like an “&” every math answer with a 6 in it will be wrong. Reading follows exactly the same pattern. There are many things that cannot be taught through instruction alone. They have to be learned by example and imitation.
The Scriptures also use this principle. When the tabernacle was being built, God told Moses to build all things according to the pattern shown. Words would not be enough to give the exact details necessary to build it. We do the same today. We do not give a builder words alone, but a blueprint with exact details. Jesus taught His apostles about humility by direct teaching, but He also used the example of washing their feet. “For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you." (Jn. 13:15). Paul said the same thing. “Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.” (Phil. 3:17). When we all follow the examples God has given us in the Scriptures, we will all produce the same product.
The third method goes by different names. It is called logic, deduction, inference, common sense, syllogism, or extrapolation. Because it is highly advanced and takes cognitive skills, it is the most difficult one to train and teach, and the one where mistakes can easily be made. It is characterized by the ability to take several concepts or ideas and draw proper conclusions. Word problems in math or essay questions in history or science work on this principle. The student must take his basic knowledge and draw logical conclusions based on deduction and inference that will always be characterized by common sense.
Syllogistic reasoning is first learned in math with the equation if a=b and b=c, then a=c. When this is carried into physics, chemistry or physiology, many amazing inventions are created. The harnessing of electricity or the development of medications is not based on direct learning or examples, but logic, inference, and deduction. Although the most complicated form of learning, it holds the most potential for growth and development.
When we approach the Scriptures with these same tools used in science or math, we will be rewarded with truth! Jesus used critical thinking skills and common sense in His deductions. When asked about the resurrection from the dead, He said: “But even Moses showed in the burning bush passage that the dead are raised, when he called the Lord 'the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' For He is not the God of the dead but of the living, for all live to Him." (Lk. 20:37-38). This is pure deduction and logic. Jesus simply reminded them that since God said I am their God, and the eternal God cannot be the God of those who are dead and no longer exist, they are still alive. There are many important truths to be found by using the power of deduction, logic and inference.
Conclusion. When God created the heavens and the earth, He created math, physics, chemistry and physiology. He also wrote the Bible. When we use the same principles of interpretation for the former in our study of spiritual truths found in the Scriptures, we will know the truth and the truth will make us free.
For additional study material from our archives, see the following:
- "U" for "Unity"