Why are there so many different interpretations of the Bible? How are we to deal with this?
God is not the author of confusion ...
(1 Corinthians chapter 14, verse 33)
There are many churches and many different teachings - this is even amongst those who claim the Bible as their sole source of teachings.
Why is this so? Should this even be so?
The Bible is not up to one's interpretation.
The Bible says that we will be judged by it (John 12:48-50). I would fear relying on some man's interpretation of it. Also, looking at 2 Peter 1:20,
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation (King James Version)
But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture becomes a matter of someone’s own interpretation (New American Standard Bible)
God promises that we can understand His Word!
He [Jesus] said to them [His disciples], “Is the lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be put on a stand? For there is nothing hidden, except that it should be made known; neither was anything made secret, but that it should come to light. If any man has ears to hear, let him hear.” Mark 4, verses 21-22
Jesus, using the example of a lamp: tells His disciples that the purpose of His teachings is to give light, not to hide it. Then,
He said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you, and more will be given to you who hear. For whoever has, to him will more be given, and he who doesn't have, even that which he has will be taken away from him.” Mark 4, verses 21-22
While it is His will that we can know and understand, we share responsibility in this. We must put in the effort. Also,
“Be careful therefore how you hear. For whoever has, to him will be given; and whoever does not have, from him will be taken away even that which he thinks he has.” Luke 8 verse 18
Mark says to take heed to what we hear, while in Luke, it's how we hear. Now see
My son, if you will receive my words, and store up my commandments within you; So as to turn your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you call out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding; If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures: then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. Proverbs chapter 2, verses 1-5
We won't understand everything at the start - however we can easily understand those things which are essential to salvation and the christian life. (More about this later.)
Hindrances to our understanding the Bible
A. Not believing it's really possible to understand it.
This is something pervasive in our post-modern world.
Post-Modernism philosophies in our society teach there is no such thing as objective truth - hence, it's claimed, people cannot ever come to a common understanding of the Bible.
However, we do not create our own reality. We are but a part of reality, which continues with or without us, whether or not we accept it.
In fact we rely on objective truth every day. We eat, and we avoid walking off cliffs, for example.
In the same way, God is able to effectively communicate what He means.
B. Unwillingness to give up our sinful ways.
Some people don't want to be shown that their lifestyle is wrong. John 3:19-21. Some people don't want to be shown that their lifestyle is wrong. John 3:19-21.
C. Intellectual pride.
Science is always changing and updating. There are countless schools of philosophy and no universal agreement upon anything. These things tell us that man has limits to his understanding. But God has no such limits!
God is far wiser than us; there is no place for intellectual arrogance. Romans 11:33-36; 1 Corinthians 1:19-31.
Also - thankfully, great intelligence isn't requirement for salvation. God makes no such distinctions.
D. Doubting the power of God's Word.
With some, it is that people fear that God doesn't really know what's best for us.
But we may be assured that God is far wiser than us (as we previously saw), that He loves us, and He knows what's best for us! 1 John 4:8-9; Psalm 139:1-18.
His Word is of more value and help to us than we will ever know. Psalm 19:7-12.
To follow His ways is the best possible life!
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes. Fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It will be health to your navel, and nourishment to your bones [figurative for your total wellbeing]. Proverbs chapter 3, verses 5-8
Necessary things in order to understand the Bible
A. Be still, and know that I am God!
Psalm 46:10.
We need humility, Proverbs 3:5-8; James 1:21.
We ought not be stubborn (John 8:43), neither ought we impose our own assumptions or ideas on the Scriptures. Rather, be silent and listen to God. Consider 1 Thessalonians 2:13. See also Deuteronomy 4:2; James 1:19.
B. As with anything worthwhile, it cannot be mastered overnight. It takes work and perseverance; it requires dedication.
Proverbs 2:1-5.
Also, it is important not to overestimate our current abilities and go beyond our level of understanding, 2 Peter 3:15-16.
C. Bible study also requires prayer.
Proverbs 2:3; also James 1:5-6.
Since the Bible was given by God, it makes sense that we would need to ask His help in grasping it. 1 Corinthians 2:11; 14.
D. We need time to grow spiritually.
Note that we start as a babe!
As with anything, it takes time to learn a subject. It's even the same when getting to know a person! And so it is with the LORD and His Word.
The Bible talks of progressing from milk to meat (1 Corinthians 3:1-2). We can't take meat before we're ready.
There is a 'virtuous circle' of growth. Colossians 1:9-10. I.e., learn - pray - do - grow - repeat!
Note that we only truly learn when we also act on it, Hebrews 5:13-14; Psalm 111:10.
E. Getting to understand the layout of the Bible
Over time, we should build in our mind a picture of the times, historical context, purpose, of the various Bible books.
We need to learn how the Bible unfolds over time, in order to properly understand it.
A simplified example.
- The law of Moses was given to Israel on Mount Sinai. Note that this law was not in force before this time (Deuteronomy 5:1-4), which history tells us was about 1400 BCE.
- Later, Jesus Christ came to earth. We read about His life and teachings in the gospel books of Matthew/Mark/Luke/John (about 4 BCE-29 CE).
- When Jesus was crucified and rose from the dead, the old Law of Moses was done away with and replaced with Christ's teachings (Ephesians 2:11-16; Romans 7:1-4; Galatians 3:23-28).
Another example.
- After Jesus rose from the dead and returned to heaven, God called certain men, who were eyewitnesses of Christ, to be apostles (Acts 1:20-26).
- In the early church, these men taught the Word and performed miracles (Hebrews 2:3-4; Acts 2:42-43; 4:33; 5:12).
- As the church grew, soon the time came to delegate to other men who could teach and perform miracles (Acts 6:3-6; 8; 8:5-6); however, unlike the apostles who could pass on this power by the laying on of their hands, these men could not (Acts 8:14-17).
- As the first century drew to a close, as the apostles passed away and the fullness of the revelation of Jesus' teachings had been given: the miraculous gifts were no longer needed and have passed away (1 Corinthians 13:8-10; Jude verse 3. Note that 'knowledge' in 1 Corinthians 13:8 refers to the gift of revelation of knowledge, in 12:8. It cannot refer to the Word passing away - see 1 Peter 1:24-25).
- So today: we have the complete Bible, and no longer have - or need - miracles.
F. Some ‘tech rules’ for Bible study
* Technical rule #1: Context!
The joke about taking things out of context ...
“and he went out and hanged himself” (Matthew 27:5)
“Go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37)
So a vast amount of error may be cleared up by this simple rule!
We need to learn:
- what a passage is talking about. Let's call this the topic,
- we need to learn where a topic begins, and
- where it ends.
This takes practice.
Simple example: 1 Peter chapter 4
- verses :1-7 cease living like the sinful world
- :8-11 Love and hospitality toward one another
- :12-19
Be ready for trials
* Technical rule #2: Learn when the Bible is literal and when it's figurative
Example:
Jesus explains the principle in Matthew 16:5-12. Here He uses leaven (or yeast) as a figure of speech: for the insidious nature of the false teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
Why does the Bible use figures of speech? To vividly illustrate, or to emphasize a point.
Another example: Luke 14:26.
Is Jesus literally saying we should hate our families? No! See 1 Timothy 5:8 and Titus 2:4. Therefore we know Luke 14:26 cannot be literal, since it contradicts the rest of the Scriptures. This is a figure of speech called an hyperbole: exaggeration for emphasis. The verse is driving the point that love for our Lord must far exceed all other loves.
* Technical rule #3: Get all the information!
- The synoptic gospels (Matthew/Mark/Luke) have many parallels, and it is important to study all of them.
Example: the parable of the sower, in Matthew 13; Mark 4; and Luke 8.
- Background/history/culture/etc.
Example: to understand Matthew 25:1-13 we need to know about the wedding customs in the Middle East at that time.