Interpretation

by T.M. Hyland, Birkenhead | Category: The Holy Scriptures | Oct 1966

Much of our Lord's teaching in the days of His flesh consisted in the exposition and interpretation of the Old Testament writings. Although the people among whom He lived had for generations been the custodians of the oracles of God, there was much ignorance of the true meaning of those sacred writings. True, the letter of Scripture was prized and studied, but alas! its central message was largely concealed. Scribes and Pharisees, to whom the people looked for spiritual enlightenment, had distorted and perverted the pure word of God! Our Lord's estimation of those Jews who were antagonistic to His teaching is contained in the solemn words of John 5.38-40:

"Ye have Dot His word abiding in you: for whom He sent, Him ye believe not. Ye search the Scriptures, because ye think that in them ye have eternal life; and these are they which bear witness of Me; and ye will not come to Me, that ye may have life."

Not only was there misunderstanding of the Scriptures among the common people and their leaders but also among the men our Lord chose to be His apostles. Their minds had imbibed erroneous teaching, and it was necessary that they, too, should be carefully instructed in the principles of interpretation of Holy Scripture. The master Teacher enlightened their minds and gave them insight into the divine oracles which no teacher before Him had ever given. Not only throughout His public ministry did He expound to them the true meaning of Scripture but also after His resurrection, before His ascension to the Father, He opened their mind, "that they might understand the Scriptures" (Luke 24.45). This is the reason the apostles were able to draw from Holy Scripture teaching which was hidden from unenlightened teachers, no matter how great was their knowledge of the letter of the Word. It also accounts for the unity and harmony of the apostles' teaching.

If Scripture was misunderstood and misinterpreted 2,000 years ago, it is no less so today. This is why false cults which profess to be founded on the Bible are so prevalent. Cranks and impostors have misapplied and manipulated the word of God and founded movements which have large numbers of adherents. Because Scripture has authority, evil men have contrived to deceive the simple by claiming its support for subversive heresies. This was foreseen by our Lord and His apostles, who warned that false prophets would arise and lead many astray. In his charge to the Ephesian elders at Miletus, Paul reiterated the warning:

"I know that after my departing grievous wolves shall enter in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them" (Acts 20.29,30).

With such caution as the foregoing demands, we approach the important subject of the correct interpretation of the Sacred Writings. Who has not felt the force of the enquiry addressed by Philip to the Ethiopian eunuch, "Understandest thou what thou readest?" and the eunuch's apt reply. "How can I, except some one shall guide me?" (Acts 8.30,31). If God has given a divine revelation, then surely He will give guidance to the submissive mind in the understanding of its contents. Yet there are conditions to be observed. Scripture yields its secrets only to those who humbly seek the Spirit's guidance. Knowledge in any subject is acquired only by diligent and earnest application. In the study of Scripture, however, there is a factor operating which does not occur in other fields of learning. Man's spiritual condition is such that his intellect, unaided by divine grace, is unable to unlock the hidden treasure of God's Word. This explains why many who have spent years in the study of the Bible fail to discover the spiritual riches which are "the joy and rejoicing of the simplest believer. Such were in our Lord's mind when He said to His Father:

"I thank Thee, 0 Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou didst bide these things from the wise and understanding, and didst reveal them unto babes: yea, Father, for so it ""as well-pleasing in Thy sight" (Matthew 11.25,26).

Here, then, are the basic conditions necessary for the right understanding of Holy Scripture: earnest enquiry and diligent application, a childlike mind, unquestioning faith, and the enlightenment of the Spirit of God. Let none presume to explain Scripture who lack these essential qualities, for

"The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God:

for they are foolishness unto him; and he cannot know them, because they are spiritually judged" (1 Corinthians 2.14).

Scripture being a unitary whole, it is important to interpret each part in relation to the rest. The careful expositor will compare scripture with scripture. He will not wrest a passage from its context, nor force into it a meaning it will not bear. Any passage which seems obscure will be viewed in the light of other passages which are clear. This principle is well expressed in the words of the Westminster Confession: "The infallible rule of interpretation of scripture is the scripture itself; and therefore, when there is a question about the true and full sense of any scripture, it must be searched and known by other places that speak more clearly." If this had always been borne in mind by would-be expositors, much unsound doctrine that has been perpetuated and systematized would have been avoided.

Another pitfall to be avoided in the interpretation of Holy Scripture is undue and fanciful spiritualizing. Scripture contains many types and prophecies as well as much allegorical teaching. Wisdom and spiritual insight are necessary in expounding the hidden meaning of these parts of the Sacred Writings. But fancy should be held in check lest it be indulged at the expense of sound doctrine. The temptation to be novel and ingenious is very strong with some expositors. In his Lectures to my Students, C. H. Spurgeon has a useful chapter, "On spiritualizing". He gives some examples of foolish and extravagant use of this method of teaching. While he gives counsel to "employ spiritualizing within certain limits and boundaries", he also cautions about carrying it to excess. There is much wisdom in the advice he gives, and all ministers of the Word could consider his remarks with profit.

The serious and patient student soon becomes aware that certain doctrines of Holy Scripture have a major relevance. None of these doctrines should be neglected. Each should be given its due place according to the prominence it receives in Scripture so that a balance of revealed truth is presented. It is most important that the major doctrines of Scripture receive continual emphasis. Some teachers seem to fasten on minor themes and to neglect the main line doctrines which are so vital and fundamental to healthful teaching. "The master-themes of Scripture demand a lifetime of study and will occupy a lifetime of preaching... Keep among them. Do not become a trifler among the little suburban texts with secondary themes." (Watson.)

It is clear that during the course of history God has raised up men to direct attention to certain truths of His word that had become neglected or obscured. Such a time of rediscovery of precious truth was that generally known as the Reformation. It is important at such times to ensure that truth recovered does not displace or overshadow other equally important doctrines of Holy Scripture. This did occur, and it is one of the lessons of history which should not be lost on us today. We believe that there was a further rediscovery of precious truth about 80 years ago. This had to do with the Scriptural pattern of gathering for God's people in churches of God. It is our conviction that this is a mainline truth of the New Testament needing continual emphasis. The magazine Needed Truth was founded in 1888 so that this emphasis could be maintained and, with God's help, we shall continue to give it prominence. But it is also our resolve to hold the balance by giving due place to other important truths which are necessary to the edification of God's people. Not only should we hold tenaciously to such great doctrines as the Inspiration of Holy Scripture, the Trinity, the Deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Fall of Man, and the Atonement; we should also be concerned with such vital matters as Christian conduct and godly living. We need, too, a deeper exercise concerning the present work of the Holy Spirit and such manifestations of His presence and power as are necessary to the work of God in our time.

The study of Holy Scripture demands dedicated concentration as well as dependence on the Holy Spirit's teaching. It is not only necessary to read but also to meditate and to cogitate. Treasure is seldom found on the surface, and the deep mine of spiritual wealth enclosed in Scripture yields only to hard work and persistent exploration. No labour is more worth while. The rewards are spiritual and mental invigoration and increasing usefulness. No man can better serve his fellows than by imparting to them the spiritual wealth he has gathered from the word of God. Paul's injunction to Timothy is to the point:

"Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth,, (2 Timothy 2.15).

This brief survey of an important subject is concluded with an appeal for greater attention to orderly and logical presentation by those who essay to interpret Scripture. Sometimes brethren with a massive spiritual knowledge of the Word fail to profit others because of careless and haphazard delivery. Let there be on the part of all who handle the word of God a greater concern to "make the message clear and plain", and God's people will greatly benefit thereby. The wise preacher ponders, sets his message in order, and finds out acceptable words (see Ecclesiastes 12.9-11).

Using our own dictum to hold a true balance, we associate two passages of Scripture, one of caution, the other of encouragement:

"Be not many teachers, my brethren, knowing that we shall receive

heavier judgement" (James 3.1).

"And they that be wise [the teachers, R.V. margin] shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever" (Daniel 12.3).

T.M. Hyland, Birkenhead | Oct 1966
The Holy Scriptures