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 The
beginner at Bible reading expects to find doctrines and commands
neatly indexed and detailed; and he is joined by others, who
should know better, expecting concise Bible rules for
distinguishing "approved examples" ETC. Both groups
are disappointed for they fail to grasp the nature of Bible
literature. It must be interpreted exactly as any other period
Literature — except that its statements are inspired, hence
both accurate and complete to accomplish their
intended end. Many points of this article may be read in greater
detail by referring to previous Plain Talk articles; indicated
as Volume 9, Number 12, page 7; abbreviated "9-12-7."
Confused
by the absence of what they expect, some think "human
interpretation" is the culprit-- as though command or
direct statement could be understood without interpretation. To
say we should not accept anything that comes by human reason is
to ignore God's process for revealing His will-- via the
Holy Spirit, to chosen witnesses, who wrote, so that we may read
and understand (Eph. 3:l-5; see V.13, N.10, p.7). The
alternative is to accept the concept that only those receiving
some direct Spirit operation can understand the Scriptures.
Of
course some brethren decry "human interpretation" as
they do "inference" — without giving much attention
to the dictionary. We "interpret" if we understand the
meaning of a command or a declarative statement. And inference
is the process by which one reasons to a conclusion. It is not
the same as "implied," "hinted at," or
derived by specious logic.
Is
a "necessary inference" binding upon
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the conscience? Yes! When careful study
of God's word impresses you with an inescapable conclusion, you
must receive it or be untrue to yourself and to God. (See
12-6-2.)
It
is ridiculous to argue that examples teach nothing (Phil.
4: 9; 1 Cor. 11:l); and whatever they teach, God binds upon
those who would follow NT teaching. Divisions occur because
incidentals are sometimes regarded as examples of necessary
conduct; but we are persuaded that more often than not, the real
problem is a sectarian spirit that builds about camps of
various views. We make it appear that the Bible is almost
impossible to understand; leading some to reject approved
examples and necessary inferences; when the real problem is our
attitude toward one another. We must not lose faith in the word
of God to produce unity among saints who will be exercised
thereby (Jn. 17:17-21).
The
customs and surroundings of the day in which the N.T. was
written are present in the text, as in any communication.
How else could thought be conveyed? (11-5-7) Knowing such
matters is part of the job of translation and interpretation.
Believing the Bible record sets a pattern for today, we are
indeed faced with the task of separating 1st. century idioms
from the basic truth intended, and incidental circumstances from
the examples to be universally followed. But it is not an
impossible task. It will be made easier by recognizing the
nature of Bible literature (12-12-2), and having a willingness
to study the word of God together.
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