How to Study the Bible “All Scripture is God-breathed…” 2 Tim 3:16

How to Study the BibleHow to Study the Bible“All Scripture is God-breathed…” 2 Tim 3:16“All Scripture is God-breathed…” 2 Tim 3:16

Richard AndersonRichard AndersonBaltimore YDJBaltimore YDJ

Harvest FestivalHarvest FestivalWashington UBF Bible CenterWashington UBF Bible Center

November 5, 2004November 5, 2004

Why study the Bible?Why study the Bible? The Scriptures are The Scriptures are able to make us able to make us wise for for

salvation Learn how to live a life that is pleasing to GodLearn how to live a life that is pleasing to God

““The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov 9:10)The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov 9:10)““The fool has said in his heart there is no God” (Psa 14:1)The fool has said in his heart there is no God” (Psa 14:1)

We can trust the Scripture because God is the sourceWe can trust the Scripture because God is the source Bible study Bible study should lead us to Jesus

Wisdom in highest sense is being wise for salvationWisdom in highest sense is being wise for salvation““Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only

true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” (Jn 17:3)true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” (Jn 17:3) Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for studying with the Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for studying with the

wrong pointwrong point““You diligently study the Scriptures…yet you refuse to come You diligently study the Scriptures…yet you refuse to come

to me to have life.” (Jn 5:39-40)to me to have life.” (Jn 5:39-40)

How do we study the How do we study the Bible?Bible?

Don’t be lazy!Don’t be lazy! Desire to simply obey the Bible “practically” is not Desire to simply obey the Bible “practically” is not

enoughenough ““Theology” is Theology” is notnot a bad word a bad word Every Christian is a “theologian”, either good or Every Christian is a “theologian”, either good or

badbad Not enough to say, “I just want to know Jesus”Not enough to say, “I just want to know Jesus” Even an answer to the simple question “Who is Jesus?” Even an answer to the simple question “Who is Jesus?”

involves doctrine and theologyinvolves doctrine and theology A good “theologian” is one who is instructed by GodA good “theologian” is one who is instructed by God

GOAL:GOAL: May God raise us as scholarly Bible May God raise us as scholarly Bible students and Bible teachers!students and Bible teachers!

How do we study the How do we study the Bible?Bible?

Role of the Holy SpiritRole of the Holy Spirit In seeking In seeking applicationapplication of Scripture of Scripture Pray for divine illuminationPray for divine illumination Humbly listen to God’s voice (teach, rebuke, correct, Humbly listen to God’s voice (teach, rebuke, correct,

train...)train...) Pray to be diligent students, not lazyPray to be diligent students, not lazy

Separate issue: Discern the author’s Separate issue: Discern the author’s objectiveobjective meaningmeaning Requires diligent studyRequires diligent study Crucial to recognize literary styles (e.g. historical Crucial to recognize literary styles (e.g. historical

narrative vs. metaphor) in order to correctly interpretnarrative vs. metaphor) in order to correctly interpret

KEYKEY: : Need both Holy Spirit and diligent study!Need both Holy Spirit and diligent study!

How do we study the How do we study the Bible, Bible, contd.contd.

FIRST, , We study to find theWe study to find the meaning meaning intended by the authorintended by the author The Bible is inspired by God, but He spoke through The Bible is inspired by God, but He spoke through

menmen God did not ignore the basic principles of writingGod did not ignore the basic principles of writing The Bible is a book—thus, it is to be read like other The Bible is a book—thus, it is to be read like other

booksbooks Natural meaning of a passage is to be interpreted Natural meaning of a passage is to be interpreted

according to normal rules of grammar, speech, according to normal rules of grammar, speech, syntax, contextsyntax, context

There is an important role of literary analysis: There is an important role of literary analysis: what literary style is being used?what literary style is being used?


Historical books (narrative, dialogue) Genesis through EstherGenesis through Esther What is the difference between author’s perspective in 1, 2 What is the difference between author’s perspective in 1, 2

Kings vs. 1, 2 Chronicles?Kings vs. 1, 2 Chronicles? Exilic: Author of 1, 2 Kings is concerned with Israel’s success/lack of Exilic: Author of 1, 2 Kings is concerned with Israel’s success/lack of

in keeping covenantsin keeping covenants Post-exilic: Author of 1, 2 Chronicles wants to know if covenants and Post-exilic: Author of 1, 2 Chronicles wants to know if covenants and

promises to David are still valid?promises to David are still valid? Historical context/DatesHistorical context/Dates

1450 BC: Exodus and conquest of Canaan1450 BC: Exodus and conquest of Canaan1000 BC: David’s kingship (united kingdom of Israel)1000 BC: David’s kingship (united kingdom of Israel)750 BC: Why were King Ahaz and all Judah shaking as the trees of 750 BC: Why were King Ahaz and all Judah shaking as the trees of

the forest are shaken in the wind? (Isa 7:2)the forest are shaken in the wind? (Isa 7:2) He lived in a period of world history when Assyria was growing in He lived in a period of world history when Assyria was growing in

strengthstrength Later, Babylon would arise and defeat Assyria and EgyptLater, Babylon would arise and defeat Assyria and Egypt Israel’s relatively small size, location between geopolitical Israel’s relatively small size, location between geopolitical

heavyweights explains kings’ desire to make alliances for protection, heavyweights explains kings’ desire to make alliances for protection, though they were to trust in Godthough they were to trust in God

586 BC: Fall of Jerusalem586 BC: Fall of Jerusalem


Linguistic Forms Hyperbole/exaggerationHyperbole/exaggeration

““Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching…” (Mt. Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching…” (Mt. 9:35)9:35)

““The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him.” (Mk 1:5)went out to him.” (Mk 1:5)

Does the Does the author meanauthor mean that Jesus literally went through every single that Jesus literally went through every single town? That every single person in Jerusalem went out to see John?town? That every single person in Jerusalem went out to see John?

““It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground” (Mk 4:31)the ground” (Mk 4:31)

But aren’t there actually smaller seeds? Is Jesus wrong? NT in error?But aren’t there actually smaller seeds? Is Jesus wrong? NT in error? MetaphorMetaphor

Jesus says, Jesus says, “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.” (Jn 10:9)saved.” (Jn 10:9)

PersonificationPersonification“…“…the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all

the trees of the fields will clap their hands.” (Isa 55:11)the trees of the fields will clap their hands.” (Isa 55:11)


Cases that are more difficultCases that are more difficult Did Balaam’s donkey really speak? Personification or miracle?Did Balaam’s donkey really speak? Personification or miracle?

Literary analysis: Passage bears the marks of historical narrativeLiterary analysis: Passage bears the marks of historical narrativeVerdictVerdict:: :: Author’s meaningAuthor’s meaning is that this really happened. is that this really happened.

Does the serpent in Genesis really speak? What sort of tree is the Does the serpent in Genesis really speak? What sort of tree is the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil?Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil?Literary analysis: Passage bears the marks of historical literature, Literary analysis: Passage bears the marks of historical literature, but also elements of symbolism as found in apocalyptic literaturebut also elements of symbolism as found in apocalyptic literature

Adam is placed in a real geographic locationAdam is placed in a real geographic location Adam in portrayed as a real human beingAdam in portrayed as a real human being Adam is placed in the framework of a family genealogyAdam is placed in the framework of a family genealogy Adam is listed alongside other historical figuresAdam is listed alongside other historical figures

VerdictVerdict:: :: Author’s meaningAuthor’s meaning is that Adam was a real historical is that Adam was a real historical personperson

KEYKEY:: Only after we have determined what kind of literature it Only after we have determined what kind of literature it is can we determine what the author is trying to is can we determine what the author is trying to communicate as real historycommunicate as real history


Wisdom literatureWisdom literature Job, Proverbs, Song of Solomon, EcclesiastesJob, Proverbs, Song of Solomon, Ecclesiastes Associated with “wise men” or “sages”Associated with “wise men” or “sages” Concerned with practical and philosophical Concerned with practical and philosophical

mattersmatters Optimistic: Teach the young how to behave to prosper, be Optimistic: Teach the young how to behave to prosper, be

happyhappy Pessimistic: Wrestling with problem of evil, prosperity of Pessimistic: Wrestling with problem of evil, prosperity of

the wicked (Psa 37, 73)the wicked (Psa 37, 73) Seeks to drive home truth, turn sinners from their Seeks to drive home truth, turn sinners from their

wicked wayswicked ways Can be very “earthy”Can be very “earthy”

““Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife” (Prov 21:9)with a quarrelsome wife” (Prov 21:9)

““If you find honey, eat just enough—to much of it and you If you find honey, eat just enough—to much of it and you will vomit” (Prov 25:16)will vomit” (Prov 25:16)


Understanding Hebrew Poetry (e.g. Psalms)Understanding Hebrew Poetry (e.g. Psalms) Synonymous Synonymous Parallelism:Parallelism: when different lines/parts of a when different lines/parts of a

passage present the same thought in a slightly altered waypassage present the same thought in a slightly altered way““A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who pours out A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who pours out

lies will not go free.” (Prov 19:5)lies will not go free.” (Prov 19:5)““And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil

one.” (Matt 6:13)one.” (Matt 6:13) Difference between Proverb and LawDifference between Proverb and Law: Proverbs are catchy : Proverbs are catchy

little couplets designed to express practical truisms, not little couplets designed to express practical truisms, not moral laws applicable to all situationsmoral laws applicable to all situations

Proverb:Proverb: “He who is not with me is against me” (Matt 12:30)“He who is not with me is against me” (Matt 12:30) vs. vs. “…for whoever is not against you is for you.” (Lk 9:50)“…for whoever is not against you is for you.” (Lk 9:50)

Law:Law: “You shall have no other gods before me.” (Ex 20) “You shall have no other gods before me.” (Ex 20)Law:Law: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart…” (Matt “Love the Lord your God with all your heart…” (Matt

22:37)22:37) Proverbs should not be interpreted as prophecy or cause Proverbs should not be interpreted as prophecy or cause

and effect promisesand effect promises““The fear of the Lord adds length to life, but the years of the The fear of the Lord adds length to life, but the years of the

wicked are cut short” (Prov 10:27)wicked are cut short” (Prov 10:27)


Synoptic Gospels (Narrative, History)Synoptic Gospels (Narrative, History) Matthew, Mark, LukeMatthew, Mark, Luke Agree extensively in language, included material, and order Agree extensively in language, included material, and order

of events & sayings of Jesusof events & sayings of Jesus Most common view: Mark first, partially used as source by Most common view: Mark first, partially used as source by

Matthew and LukeMatthew and Luke Written in first century within the lifetimes of the Twelve, by Written in first century within the lifetimes of the Twelve, by

members of the apostolic community:members of the apostolic community: One of the Twelve (Matthew)One of the Twelve (Matthew) A companion of one of the Twelve (Mark)A companion of one of the Twelve (Mark) A coworker of Apostle Paul (Luke)A coworker of Apostle Paul (Luke)

Focus on the different concerns, audiences of each writerFocus on the different concerns, audiences of each writer Matthew: Jesus as King; concern forJewish audience, emphasis Matthew: Jesus as King; concern forJewish audience, emphasis

on teachings, Sermon on the Mounton teachings, Sermon on the Mount Mark: Jesus as servant of sinners; simple, dynamic, fast-moving Mark: Jesus as servant of sinners; simple, dynamic, fast-moving

work of Godwork of God Luke: Jesus as Savior of all mankind, including Gentiles, Luke: Jesus as Savior of all mankind, including Gentiles,

complete, orderlycomplete, orderly


Pastoral LettersPastoral Letters 1, 2 Timothy, Titus1, 2 Timothy, Titus Give instructions to Timothy and Titus concerning pastoral care of Give instructions to Timothy and Titus concerning pastoral care of

churcheschurches Probably written soon after Paul’s imprisonment in Acts 28Probably written soon after Paul’s imprisonment in Acts 28

ApocalypticApocalyptic Daniel, Ezekiel, RevelationDaniel, Ezekiel, Revelation Highly symbolic writingHighly symbolic writing Contain clues to their own interpretationContain clues to their own interpretation

““7” stands for completeness7” stands for completeness ““stars” are angelsstars” are angels ““lampstands” are churcheslampstands” are churches

ProphecyProphecy Isaiah through MalachiIsaiah through Malachi Fulfillment to the letter (e.g. prophecies of Jesus’ birthplace, Mic Fulfillment to the letter (e.g. prophecies of Jesus’ birthplace, Mic

5:2)5:2) Fulfillment in a broader scopeFulfillment in a broader scope

““See, I will send you the prophet Elijah…” (Mal 4:5, 6) See, I will send you the prophet Elijah…” (Mal 4:5, 6) vs.vs.““And he will go on before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah…” (Lk And he will go on before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah…” (Lk

1:17)1:17)

I. SUBJECTIVISM VS. I. SUBJECTIVISM VS. SUBJECTIVESUBJECTIVE

Subjectivism: Distorting the objective meaning of passage to suit our own interests Think objectively about what author is saying in

context first, rather than: Jumping immediately into application Allowing personal struggle, bias to determine meaning

Distinguish between objective meaning (only one) and subjective, personal application (possibly many)

We all struggle with subjectivism, because Bible often says what we do not want to hear

“…He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Mk 4:9) Allow the Bible to criticize us, rather than

criticizing the Bible

II. IMPLICIT VS. II. IMPLICIT VS. EXPLICITEXPLICIT

“At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.” (Matt 22:30)

Does it say angels will be without gender? Explicitly says we will not marry Implies angels also do not marry Does not say angels will be without gender

“So then, he who marries the virgin does right, but he who does not marry her does even better.” (1 Cor 7:38)

Is Paul saying marriage is bad? Or that he is opposed to marriage? No, he is making a comparison between good and better.

“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them…” (Jn 20:19)

Does it say Jesus’ body dematerialized and passed through the door? Perhaps the author mentions the locked door to substantiate the disciples’

fear of the Jews Jesus could have come, opened the door, and walked in. He could have dematerialized and passed through the door, but the text does

not say this. KEY: BE CAREFUL! Differentiate between what is said and what

is left unsaid.

ConclusionsConclusions

We study to find the objective meaning intended by the author first

Be careful! Differentiate between what is said and what is left unsaid

Pray for the Holy Spirit’s help to discover personal application

References Barry, Sarah. Comments at UBF Staff Conference, Fall

2004, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.

Sproul, R. C. Knowing Scripture, 1977, Intervarsity Press, Downer's Grove, Illinois.

Bibliography for Further Study New International Version Study Bible, Zondervan

Publishing Co. Stott, J. R. W. Understanding the Bible, 2nd Ed. 1999,

Zondervan Publishing Co.

III. PRINCIPLE VS. III. PRINCIPLE VS. CUSTOMCUSTOM

Burning issue: To what degree is the Bible conditioned by culture? We have seen the importance of literary analysis and

historical context for understanding what the author meant The better we understand 1st century culture, the easier it

is to accurately understand what the author meant Scripture is neither all principle nor all local custom Optional meanings of 1 Tim 2:11-15 (see also 1 Cor 11)

Entirely custom: Only applies in that culture where women were typically uneducated/2nd class citizens. Inapplicable today.

Entirely principle/transcends culture: Women should always be quiet and learn in full submission. They should never teach men.

Partly principle/partly custom: A woman should in principle be submissive to the man, but the way in which she expresses it has changed with time and culture.

The issue of cultural conditioning is real and complex—no simple answers!

III. PRINCIPLE VS. III. PRINCIPLE VS. CUSTOM, CUSTOM, contd.contd.

Practical Guidelines Examine the Bible itself and note how principle can

transcend custom Some OT laws/principles are restated in the NT (e.g. 7th day Sabbath,

Rom 14:5), while others are discontinued (e.g., dietary, Mk 7:19) in the new redemptive context

Principles of order/authority in marriage are positively restated in NT (e.g. Eph 6:22ff), while evil institutions such as slavery are only tolerated for a time (e.g. see Rom 13:1, Gal 3:28)

Don’t assume the 1st century church just blended into the 1st century culture

Paul does not attribute his instruction (1 Tim, 1 Cor 11) to a local custom, rather to an event of Creation/Fall, so we should not either. (See also Eph 6:22ff)

Creation ordinances indicate transcultural principles unless explicitly modified later

Principles of Genesis 1, 2 are given to mankind as mankind (not as Jew or Greek)

Jesus referred the Pharisees back to the creation norms of marriage (Matt 19:4-6)

In areas of uncertainty, use the principle of humility We cannot legislate the Christian conscience where God has left it free.

How to Study the Bible “All Scripture is God-breathed…” 2 Tim 3:16

Documents

Transcript of How to Study the Bible “All Scripture is God-breathed…” 2 Tim 3:16