How to Interpret the Bible Lesson #2 - Three Methods
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Introduction. The only way people can come to the same conclusion is if they are in possession of the same facts and are using the same principles of interpretation. In the courts, the defense and prosecution hold the same facts, but their methods of interpretation differ due to bias and intent. The defense always seeks to prove innocence and the prosecution, guilt. The jury must assess both the facts and interpretations, seeking to set aside the bias of the opposing lawyers. At the completion of the criminal trial all must come to the same conclusion or it is a mistrial.
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Since everyone possesses the same facts recorded in the Bible, the only reason for differences of opinion would be exactly the same as those in a trial - either bias on the part of the one studying the Scriptures or a false method of interpretation to get to the desired result.
It must be clearly understood that the multitudes of differing interpretations is not the fault of Scripture, but of those who interpret them. That everyone could and should come to the same conclusion on every doctrine in Scripture is evident after reading Jesus prayer for unity. (Jn 17:20-23). We CAN “all speak the same thing,” have “no divisions” and “be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” (1Cor. 1:10). When what can and should be done is not being done, it is not the fault of Scripture, but of those who refuse to abandon their false interpretations and come to the same conclusion.
The first time there were two interpretations of Scripture among the disciples occurred after Paul and Barnabas returned from “going into all the world to preach the gospel.” According to Acts 15, a difference of opinion arose over the proper way for Gentiles to be saved. Paul and Barnabas had been preaching the same gospel to the Gentiles as they did to the Jews: faith in Jesus as savior and baptism of repentance without the Law of Moses (Acts 13:23-44). However, “The sect of the Pharisees” said, “It is needful to circumcise them, and to charge them to keep the law of Moses.” Since their doctrine was a clear violation of Jesus' prayer for unity, “the apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider of this matter.”
Three methods of interpretation were used to find the truth, remove the error, and restore unity. First, Peter spoke of the example God had made of him in bringing the Gentiles into the church. Second, Paul and Barnabas used critical thinking skills to draw the logical conclusion based upon deduction and inference. Third, James used the clear instructions the Law contained. There was no room for two different views. One was right and the other wrong.
Peter’s Example
Paul and Barnabas - Logic, Deduction and Inference
James - Direct Instruction from Moses Law regarding Gentiles
Their Verdict - After these three methods of interpretation were used, the conclusion was simple and absolute. The sect of the Pharisees were wrong. The Gentiles did not need to be circumcised or keep Moses’ Law. In the letter they wrote to the Gentiles it was affirmed they were “assembled with one accord,” (spoke the same thing,” had “no divisions” were “be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment”). (1Cor. 1:10). The entire process was then stamped with Divine approval – “it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us.” This Holy Spirit had inspired this meeting and gave the methods seen in Peter (inspired example), Paul and Barnabas (logic, deduction and inference that preaching attested by miracles was true), and James using direct instructions out of Scripture.
Conclusion - The template to find the truth on every doctrinal disagreement and division has been given by the Holy Spirit! Whenever there is controversy and division, they can always be resolved by these methods. First, we seek all the examples of the inspired men recorded in Scripture that can teach on the subject: “Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.” (Phil 3:17). Second, we seek all deductions, logic and inferences we can find on the subject. If we don’t, Jesus will say to us as He did to the Sadducees: “Are you not therefore mistaken, because you do not know the Scriptures” and “You are therefore greatly mistaken.” (Mk. 12: 24-27). Lastly, we seek all the direct instructions the Scriptures contain and submit to them. Only when we do all these things will we fulfill the words of Jesus: “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (Jn. 8:31-32). In this way we can avoid the warning of John:
For additional study material from our archives, see the following:
It must be clearly understood that the multitudes of differing interpretations is not the fault of Scripture, but of those who interpret them. That everyone could and should come to the same conclusion on every doctrine in Scripture is evident after reading Jesus prayer for unity. (Jn 17:20-23). We CAN “all speak the same thing,” have “no divisions” and “be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” (1Cor. 1:10). When what can and should be done is not being done, it is not the fault of Scripture, but of those who refuse to abandon their false interpretations and come to the same conclusion.
The first time there were two interpretations of Scripture among the disciples occurred after Paul and Barnabas returned from “going into all the world to preach the gospel.” According to Acts 15, a difference of opinion arose over the proper way for Gentiles to be saved. Paul and Barnabas had been preaching the same gospel to the Gentiles as they did to the Jews: faith in Jesus as savior and baptism of repentance without the Law of Moses (Acts 13:23-44). However, “The sect of the Pharisees” said, “It is needful to circumcise them, and to charge them to keep the law of Moses.” Since their doctrine was a clear violation of Jesus' prayer for unity, “the apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider of this matter.”
Three methods of interpretation were used to find the truth, remove the error, and restore unity. First, Peter spoke of the example God had made of him in bringing the Gentiles into the church. Second, Paul and Barnabas used critical thinking skills to draw the logical conclusion based upon deduction and inference. Third, James used the clear instructions the Law contained. There was no room for two different views. One was right and the other wrong.
Peter’s Example
- "Peter rose up and said to them: "Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe."
Paul and Barnabas - Logic, Deduction and Inference
- "the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles."
James - Direct Instruction from Moses Law regarding Gentiles
- "with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written: ... the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name"
Their Verdict - After these three methods of interpretation were used, the conclusion was simple and absolute. The sect of the Pharisees were wrong. The Gentiles did not need to be circumcised or keep Moses’ Law. In the letter they wrote to the Gentiles it was affirmed they were “assembled with one accord,” (spoke the same thing,” had “no divisions” were “be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment”). (1Cor. 1:10). The entire process was then stamped with Divine approval – “it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us.” This Holy Spirit had inspired this meeting and gave the methods seen in Peter (inspired example), Paul and Barnabas (logic, deduction and inference that preaching attested by miracles was true), and James using direct instructions out of Scripture.
Conclusion - The template to find the truth on every doctrinal disagreement and division has been given by the Holy Spirit! Whenever there is controversy and division, they can always be resolved by these methods. First, we seek all the examples of the inspired men recorded in Scripture that can teach on the subject: “Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.” (Phil 3:17). Second, we seek all deductions, logic and inferences we can find on the subject. If we don’t, Jesus will say to us as He did to the Sadducees: “Are you not therefore mistaken, because you do not know the Scriptures” and “You are therefore greatly mistaken.” (Mk. 12: 24-27). Lastly, we seek all the direct instructions the Scriptures contain and submit to them. Only when we do all these things will we fulfill the words of Jesus: “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (Jn. 8:31-32). In this way we can avoid the warning of John:
- “Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds.” (2Jn. 9-11)
For additional study material from our archives, see the following:
- "C" for "Controversy", especially the article entitled "The Jerusalem Meeting"
- "L" for "Law of Moses"