how can i understand the bible - our daily bread...

CONTENTSHow To Make The Bible Say Anything . . . . . . 2One Rule To Study The Bible With Confidence . . . . . . . . . . . 4Four Essentials For Finding Truth In Context . . . . . . . . . . 21The Inductive Study Method . . . . . . . . 22Guidelines For Interpreting Prophecy . . . . . . . . . . . . 24The Bible Student’s One-Shelf Library . . . . . 26How To Use A Commentary. . . . . . . 28“The Bible Is Ours” . . . 30Bible-Study Checklist . . 32

HOW CAN IUNDERSTANDTHE BIBLE?

IIf scholars disagree abouthow to interpret the Bible,how can we hope to make

sense of the Scriptures? Whilesuch a question can seemoverwhelming, it doesn’t need to be. What can be understoodby the average layman is farmore important than whatscholars disagree about.

Most important, the Authorof the Bible has not left thereader alone. God’s commitmentto help us was signaled by Paulwhen he wrote, “Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lordwill give you insight into allthis” (2 Tim. 2:7 NIV). With this confidence, we offer in thefollowing pages a simple rulethat can provide focus for alifetime of study and discovery.

Martin R. De Haan II

Managing Editor: David Sper Cover Photo: Michael ForrestScripture quotations are from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by ThomasNelson, Inc. Used by permission.All rights reserved.© 1985,1995,2003,2005 RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, Michigan Printed in USA

© RBC Ministries. All rights reserved.

HOW TO MAKETHE BIBLE SAYANYTHING

AAn American Presidentonce said he would

rather live in Russiathan in America. WhatPresident would make sucha remark? It was said by theGreat Emancipator himself,Abraham Lincoln.

But he’s being quoted outof context. He actually said,“I shall prefer emigrating tosome country where theymake no pretense of lovingliberty––to Russia, forinstance.” Lincoln wrotethese words while expressingregret about a dangeroustrend he saw in America. Hefeared that many wanted tochange “all men are createdequal” to “all men arecreated equal, except non-whites.” Lincoln suggestedthat if that happened, hewould be more comfortablein a land where thegovernment didn’t pretend to

stand for liberty. The contextmakes all the difference, forit tells us exactly what Abemeant to say.

But did you know that though Lincoln hatedslavery, the Bible condonesit? The Bible tells slaves toobey their masters (Eph.6:5). It even appears toencourage us to viewAfricans differently than we view other people whenit says, “Can the Ethiopianchange his skin, or theleopard its spots?” (Jer.13:23). Why would theEthiopian want to changehis skin unless it were a lessthan desirable condition,and why would the authorlink Ethiopians to leopardsunless he wanted his readersto think of black people inless than human terms?

Again, these words havebeen twisted out of theiroriginal setting and intent.Quoted in context, Jeremiahwas not putting dark skin inan unfavorable light, any

2© RBC Ministries. All rights reserved.

more than he was beingcritical of the beauty anddistinctive design of aleopard’s coat. Jeremiah’smessage is that if theleopard could change his own spots, and if anEthiopian could change thecolor of his skin, then “mayyou also do good who areaccustomed to do evil”(Jer. 13:23). The immediate

context shows that Jeremiahwas saying we cannotchange our own hearts anymore than we can changethe color of our skin. Anychanges we make are merelycosmetic. The context showsexactly what Jeremiah meantto say.

But did Paul encourageslaves to obey their masters?

Yes, and his comments mustonce again be understood inlight of the times and spiritin which the apostle wrote.Slavery in Roman days wasoften the result of war orunpaid debts. Paul taughtChristians to be free if theycould (1 Cor. 7:21). If thatwas not possible, heencouraged them to show by their behavior that theirwell-being was not in thehands of human masters but in the hands of God,even in bad circumstances(1 Cor. 7:20-24). When two Christians foundthemselves in a master-slaverelationship, Paul appealedto them to treat each otheras equals and as brotherswho were both accountableto God for the way theytreated each other (Eph. 6:5-9; Phile. 15-16).

Context. If the immediateand wider contexts are notconsidered, a person canmake the Bible say anythinghe wants it to say.

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Ripped fromcontext, noble

words can be filledwith an evil spirit.


ONE RULE TO STUDY THEBIBLE WITHCONFIDENCE

OOne basic rule of Biblestudy underlies all

others. It is the lawof context. In what settingand with what intent were the words written?Equipped with this onebasic principle, a student

can begin immediately tospend a lifetime looking for and discovering thetreasures of the Bible. Let’sbegin by seeing how thispursuit of context will lead naturally into a careful consideration of (1) immediate setting, (2) normal usage of words,(3) the Bible as a whole,and (4) foundational truthsof sound doctrine.

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A GOODCONSCIENCE

KNOWLEDGE OF GIFTEDTEACHERS SELF-STUDY

Context OfImmediate

Setting

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CONTEXT OFIMMEDIATE SETTING Even experienced Biblestudents are often surprisedto see what a familiar Biblequotation means whenunderstood in light of itsimmediate setting. Difficultproblems of understandingoften evaporate simply bydetermining how a text isframed by the main idearunning through that section of Scripture.

Behind every statementof Scripture is an immediatesetting. This provides cluesas to what was on theauthor’s mind. In everyimmediate setting there are similar or recurring ideas and words that help tosignal the main idea. Oncethat main idea is identified,it becomes the key to

opening up the meaning of the text in question.

To discover the flow of ideas streaming through a passage, good Biblestudents become childlikeand at the same timescientific in askingquestions: Who is theauthor? To whom is hewriting? Why? When?Where? How? Wherefore?

Careful studentsinterrogate the page toexpose its logic and flow ofideas. They don’t assumethat the author is sayingwhat they think he issaying, until they have done their spade work. Theydon’t try to plant an idea in

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Imagination andcuriosity are

powerful tools of the Bible student

as long as they aretied to the text.


“unworked ground.” Theydig and turn over the soil of the biblical environmentuntil they discover thegrowing, living, life-changingideas that God has planted.

Let’s look at someexamples of specific textswhose immediate contextshave been ignored.

MISQUOTE #1:“The Bible says that ifyou confess your sinsyou’ll be saved.” It reallysays, “If we confess oursins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins” (1 Jn. 1:9). These familiarwords are often quoted as a formula for salvation. Butthe presence of the word wein the immediate contextmakes it clear that John was not addressing theunsaved. Rather, he wastalking to people who werealready believers in Christ(vv.6,7,8,10), and wasshowing them how to berestored to a right familyrelationship with the God

who had saved them. If we don’t consider theimmediate context, wemight conclude that we aresaved by admitting our sinsrather than by believing thegospel of Christ.

MISQUOTE #2:“The Bible says that it’s wrong to wearjewelry.” The actual quote is: “Do not let youradornment be merelyoutward—arranging the hair,wearing gold, or putting onfine apparel” (1 Pet. 3:3).Some have used these wordsto say that godly womenshould not style their hair,use cosmetics, or wearjewelry. But if we read on,we find the words, “rather let it be the hidden person of the heart” (v.4). By theseadditional words we see thatthe apostle’s main purposewas not to tell women thatthey either should or shouldnot style their hair or wearjewelry. He was saying thatthey should focus on the


beauty of a gentle and quietspirit rather than relying onoutward appearance.

To focus on whether ornot jewelry or cosmetics arepermissible can cause us tomiss issues of the heart thatPeter was concerned about.

MISQUOTE #3:“The Bible says thatstudying for knowledgeisn’t necessary.” Itactually says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let himask of God, who gives to all liberally and withoutreproach, and it will begiven to him” (Jas. 1:5).These words have been seenby some as a promise thatwe can receive unlearnedskills and knowledge if wejust pray. More than a fewcollege students haveclaimed this promise before taking an exam they had not prepared for.

The immediate context,however, is describing areason for the joy we can have when difficult

circumstances test our faith.James’ promise is not thatwe can be successfulwithout effort, but ratherthat God does not leave us alone when He allowstrouble or temptation tocome into our lives. Jamesassured us that if we don’tknow how to let God do Hiswork in us, we can havewisdom for the asking.

Later in the same letter,James told his readers how torecognize this wisdom whenit comes. He said it is notmarked by envy or selfishambition, but is “pure, thenpeaceable, gentle, willing toyield, full of mercy and goodfruits, without partiality andwithout hypocrisy” (Jas.3:17). This is the kind ofwisdom James had in mind.

MISQUOTE #4:“The Bible says that I can do anything withGod’s strength.” Morespecifically it says, “I can doall things through Christ whostrengthens me” (Phil. 4:13).


This optimistic comment isoften taken to mean that ifour faith is strong enough we can do anything we setour mind to do. But theimmediate setting in whichPaul said this is important.The apostle was talkingspecifically about his abilityto live by God’s strength intimes of great poverty as wellas in times of plenty. Paulwanted us to know that theperson whose confidence isin the strength God suppliescan live and thrive in allkinds of situations.

These are just a fewexamples to show thatmisinterpretations of Bibletexts can often be avoided if the immediate setting istaken into account. Lookingat the verses that precedeand follow a passage is anatural and logical first stepin understanding the Bible.It is a way of giving God thesame consideration we wantfor ourselves. No one wantsto be quoted out of context.

CONTEXT OF PLAIN AND NORMAL MEANINGThe second rule of contextsays that the language of theBible can be taken at facevalue. The Word of Goddoes not have to be decodedto find deeper, hiddenmeanings. When studiedand interpreted in context,the authors of Scripture saywhat they mean and meanwhat they say.

Take for instance theaccount of Balaam and thetalking donkey recorded inNumbers 22. According to this familiar account, the donkey on which adisobedient prophet wasriding became frightenedwhen she saw an angel witha drawn sword. The donkeylurched sideways, crushedthe foot of her owner

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against a rock, refused to goany farther, and complainedto her rider in completesentences.

Because donkeys don’ttalk, some might say this is simply a parable meant to show that even dumbanimals sometimes makemore sense than their humanowners. Others, however,could claim deeper truths.

For example, someonemight point out that the storyof Balaam and the donkey isactually a visualization ofwhat happens when we find ourselves faced with the pains of self-conflict. To illustrate this internalstruggle, the crushed footrepresents the physical painwe often incur in the processof acting against our ownconscience. The talkingdonkey depicts how our ownstubborn thoughts can turnaround and talk back to us.Then there’s the angel. That’sour human spirit. At the rightmoment, it intervenes with

our plans, startles ourtroubled mind, and talks to us from a different level of consciousness.

The trouble with theabove interpretation is that it says far more aboutthe imagination of theinterpreter than about thetext. More seriously, suchimagination, as spiritual as it may sound, actuallytwists, ignores, and denies the real meaning of the Word of God.Emptying words of theirplain meaning and filling them with spiritual contentdoesn’t honor the words northe Author of the Bible.

The story of Balaam and 9

The trouble with“spiritualizing” is

that it can cause usto miss what God isreally saying to us.


the donkey isn’t treated by the text as a parable.Neither is it about personalinternal conflict, eventhough that is in the text.The plain, normal languageof the text calls for us tointerpret it as a realhistorical narrative. Itpresents a record of realevents that show God’smiraculous ability not onlyto deal with a rebel prophetbut, more important, Hisability to miraculously blessand preserve His chosenpeople Israel.

The normalmeaning of figures of speech. We use word pictures in everydayconversation not to hide our ideas but to expressthem. Take for example theexpression, “I’m getting coldfeet.” Context and normalusage make its meaningobvious. If a person were tomake this statement whileice fishing, and just beforesaying, “I wish I’d worn that

other pair of socks,” it wouldhave a literal meaning. But if someone were to say thesewords a couple of daysbefore signing papers for a home mortgage, we could probably assume thatsomething else was in view,especially if the person thensaid, “I’m going to refigureour budget.”

Christ often used figuresof speech with plain andobvious meaning. On oneoccasion He said to theapostle Peter, “I will give youthe keys of the kingdom ofheaven, and whatever youbind on earth will be boundin heaven, and whatever

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We use figures of speech

because, even in a conversation,a picture is worth a thousand words.


you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (Mt.16:19). No one needs toquestion whether Jesus wastalking about real physicalkeys or keys as a figure ofspeech. The kingdom ofheaven is not enclosedwithin a material wall with adoor that requires an actual key. Neither was Christpromising, as some haveimagined, that Peter and thedisciples would be able tobind anything they wantedto bind (including Satan).

In time, the “keys” wouldhave a specific meaning forPeter. In Matthew 16, Christgave Peter authority to openthe doors of Christendom.He used that authority for Jews on the Day ofPentecost (Acts 2), forSamaritans when he laidhands on the people whobelieved the message ofPhilip (Acts 8), and forGentiles when he preachedin the house of Cornelius(Acts 10). Peter had opened

the door to all nations toreceive Jesus as Savior andKing. No one would everagain be able to “bind” a Jew or a Gentile whobelieves in Christ fromcoming into the kingdom of God.

When read in context,there is usually a plain andordinary sense to figurativeand symbolic language. Inmany cases, the Bible evenimmediately explains itsown symbolism. But what if the intent of the author is not clear? What if it’s notclear whether the Bible isusing words in a plain orfigurative sense? Then thesafest rule is to go with theliteral meaning of the text in its immediate context.Because of the integrity of Scripture, we can beconfident that the ultimatetruth in view will correspondto the plain and ordinarysense of the words. “Goodfruit” won’t mean “badresults.”


CONTEXT OF THEBIBLE AS A WHOLEA third rule of contextualinterpretation is to considerthe passage in its relation tothe whole Bible. Because the 39 books of the OldTestament and the 27 booksof the New Testament areall “chapters” of one Book,those who want to live bythe whole counsel of Godneed increasingly to be ableto see each individual partin light of the whole.

The many perspectives of the whole Bible cannot bequickly mastered. Gatheringand combining the insightsof the whole Bible is theprocess of a lifetime. This is one reason the Bible saysthat God gives pastors andteachers to His people.Those who know more than we do about the Bible can help us to

balance our understandingof individual passages withcomplementing perspectives.

The Lord Himself showedhow important it is to be ableto see one passage in light of another. On the occasionof His temptation in thewilderness, He skillfullyquoted from the OldTestament to offset the devil’sown use of Scripture. Thedevil first challenged the Lordto prove that He was the Sonof God by turning stones intobread. Jesus refused, andquoted Deuteronomy 8:3 to make it clear that He wasdetermined to live by HisFather’s provisions ratherthan His own. Satan thentransported Jesus to thehighest point of the templeand again challenged Him to prove that He was the Sonof God. Satan quoted from amessianic section of Psalm91, which says, “He shallgive His angels charge overyou,” and “In their handsthey shall bear you up, lest


you dash your foot against a stone” (vv.11-12; Mt. 4:6).But Jesus replied by saying,“It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test’” (Mt. 4:7 NIV). Byquoting Moses (Dt. 6:16),Jesus indicated that it was not right for a man towillfully put God to the test.Something Moses wrote asmany as 1,500 years earlierallowed Jesus to show that it is not our right to arrangecircumstances in such a wayas to attempt to force God’shand of provision.

Let’s look at a fewexamples that show why the context of the wholeBible is so important.

EXAMPLE #1:What is “also written” aboutforgiveness? Whileindividual sections of theBible might lead you toconclude that it is never rightto withhold forgiveness, thecounsel of the whole Bible isthat there is a time to forgiveand a time not to forgive.

There is a time toforgive. Paul wrote that weare to forgive others as Godhas forgiven us (Eph. 4:32).Jesus said that if we don’tforgive others, God willwithhold forgiveness from us(Mt. 6:14-15). And from thecross, Jesus freely forgavethose who applauded Hisdeath when He said,“Father, forgive them, for they do not know whatthey do” (Lk. 23:34). If youread only these passages,you might conclude thatChristlike people will alwaysand immediately forgive anyharm done to them. Butthese passages representonly part of the picture.

There is a time not toforgive. “It is also written”that God forgives us inresponse to our repentance(Lk. 18:9-14). In the process of extending “familyforgiveness,” which renewsand restores children of God who have sinned, Godforgives when we confess our


sins (1 Jn. 1:9). Forgiveness is not unconditional. Itdepends on the willingness ofsinners to acknowledge andbelieve what God says abouttheir sin. Many passages ofScripture show that weshould not freely forgivethose who have knowinglysinned against us but havenot shown any remorse (Mt. 18:15-18; 1 Cor. 5:7-13).

But what about Jesus’words from the cross,“Father, forgive them”? Didn’t He freely forgive those who had carried outHis execution? Yes, but thekey to understanding Hiswords is found in theimmediate context. He wenton to say, “Father, forgivethem, for they do not knowwhat they do.” This was nota request for their salvation,but rather a plea forindividuals who didn’t knowthat their hands had liftedthe Creator of the universeonto an executioner’s cross.Jesus mercifully asked that

they not be heldaccountable for beingchosen by time andcircumstance to be thehands of the whole fallenhuman race.

The key to forgiveness is found in the followingquestions: What do love and truth require? Whatwould Jesus do in thissituation? (For more help on this subject, see the RBCbooklet When ForgivenessSeems Impossible CB941).

EXAMPLE #2:What is“also written” aboutour spiritual enemy?

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Forgiveness is not unconditional.

It depends on the willingness of sinners to

acknowledge andbelieve what God

says about their sin.


While some sections of the Bible seem to leave theimpression that Satan is nolonger a threat to us, otherparts of Scripture show usthat in some ways we havepower over him, and insome ways we don’t.

We have power overthe devil. Some passages of Scripture picture Satan as a defeated enemy. Theapostle James made it clearthat those who are in Christcan resist the efforts of thedevil and by so doing cause him to flee from them. James said, “Submitto God. Resist the devil andhe will flee from you” (Jas.4:7). The apostle John toldthe Lord’s children that the One who is in them isgreater than their spiritualenemy (1 Jn. 4:4). And even Jesus verified this truth when He sent out His disciples to cast outdemons and to heal allkinds of sickness (Mt. 10:1).

We don’t have power

over the devil. It is “alsowritten” that while we havepower to resist Satan, wedon’t have authority overhim. God has not yet“bound the dragon” (Rev.20:2), who is still prowlinglike a roaring lion (1 Pet.5:8). Neither has God givenus authority to bind theenemy ourselves. Instead,the Scriptures encourage us to have a healthy respect for the one who still troubles the world. The New Testament writerJude reminded us that evenMichael the archangel didnot presume to act as if hehad authority over Satan,but instead said, “The Lordrebuke you!” (Jude 9). Andwhile Jesus had at one pointsent His apostles to cast outdemons and heal all kindsof sicknesses (Mt. 10:1), He showed on a lateroccasion that the terms of their assignment andauthority were subject tochange (Lk. 22:35-38).


EXAMPLE #3:What is“also written” aboutreal Christians? While individual passages of theBible might lead you tobelieve that real Christianswill always prove by theiractions that their faith isgenuine, the whole counselof God shows that realChristians often live farbelow their potential inChrist.

Real Christians will actin a Christlike way. Manysections of the Bible give usreason to expect new andconsistent behavior fromgenuine Christians. Jamessaid simply, “Faith withoutworks is dead” (Jas. 2:20).Paul said that anyone who is in Christ is a “newcreation.” He said that oldthings have passed awayand that all things were new (2 Cor. 5:17). Theapostle John agreed that true children of God have a new nature that does notexpress itself in a sinful life

(1 Jn. 3:4-9). Throughout the whole of Scripture thereis a consistent theme thatGod expects His children tolive in a manner that showstheir relation to Him.

Real Christians willdisappoint us. It is “alsowritten” that real Christianscan behave in ways that are demonic (Jas. 3:13-16).The same James who wrotethat “faith without works is dead” also described thedark side that remains intrue Christians. He warnedabout the dangers ofprejudice (2:1-7), carelessconversation (3:1-12), andwarned the people of Godabout the desires that causebelievers not only to harmone another (4:1-4) but alsoto act like enemies of God.In a similar way, the apostlePaul acknowledged thatmost Christians are stillpreoccupied with their owninterests rather than withthe interests of God (Phil.2:21). Paul confronted


so much out-of-characterbehavior among those whoclaimed to be believers thathe took comfort in thistruth: “‘The Lord knowsthose who are His,’ and,‘Let everyone who namesthe name of Christ departfrom iniquity’” (2 Tim. 2:19).

Reading one passage in the Bible by itself can be like looking at a piece of a jigsaw puzzle. As youanalyze it, you see elementsof form and color, but youunderstand that it is onlyone essential part of thebigger picture.

But there is another basic and essential elementof context. There are sometruths in the Bible so basicthat new believers need tobe quickly oriented to them.Without a grasp of thesefoundational truths, theBible can be especiallydifficult to understand.

CONTEXT OFFOUNDATIONALTRUTHSThis fourth rule of context,like the third, calls for awide view of Scripture.There are some basic,foundational truths inScripture that whenunderstood can help to provide orientation,background, and backdropfor the interpretation ofmany individual passages.These truths can bediscovered by self-study. But the sooner they areunderstood, the sooner achild of God can begin tosee where individual ideasfit in the whole picture ofwhat God has revealed.

Law And Grace. Inone sense “the law of God”refers to the commandmentsof Moses. In a broader


sense, however, law is any statement that describesthe high standards of God.Some of these laws aresocial. Some are moral.Some are spiritualregulations for worship.

If anyone could keep all of God’s laws, that personcould be assured of heavenand of continuous Christlikespirituality. But in reality, no one has ever qualified for eternal life by keepingthe law. Neither has anyoneever grown to spiritualmaturity by trying to keepthe commandments of God(Gal. 3:1-5). Both salvationand spirituality occur not by trying to keep the perfectprinciples of God but bybelieving what God has said.

The grace of God, which is offered to those who believe, is a system ofmercy and undeserved help.Without grace, no one hasever been saved. Withoutgrace, no one has ever takenthe smallest step toward

God. Without grace, no childof God has ever grown inChristlikeness. Grace is God’soffer of relationship and help.It is His way of living His lifethrough all who will humblethemselves enough to callout and surrender to Him.

Justification And Sanctification.Justification is the legal act by which God declaresrighteous all who trust HisSon for salvation. The onlything we can do to qualifyfor this status is to believe in Christ. To be justified is a free act of God’s grace. Wecannot earn it (Rom. 3:24).

Because of His life,death, and resurrection onour behalf, Christ our Saviorcan justify every wicked andungodly person who comesto Him for grace (Rom. 4:5).

Sanctification is theprocess by which Godcontinues to set apart anddistinguish those who havebelieved in His Son. A firstact of saving sanctification


“sets apart” a believer for God forever. That act is followed by a planned,progressive process of beingset apart from sin to God.

If the ideas of justificationand sanctification areconfused, we might make the mistake of thinking thatour salvation has never beensecured. Some who leantoward a law rather than agrace view of God will never have the assurance of sins forgiven and of fullacceptance and adoptioninto the family of heaven. Aright view of the distinctionbetween justification andsanctification allows us tosee that a believer in Christis born into the family ofGod, fully justified, andready for the lifelong processof practical sanctification.

Israel And TheChurch. Much confusioncan be avoided by seeingthe clear distinction betweenIsrael and the church. Whileboth worship the same God,

there is a fundamentaldistinction.

Israel is a nation of individuals who can trace their ethnic, bloodrelationship back toAbraham through Isaac and Jacob. Israel gave us theLaw of Moses, the Prophets,and the Messiah. Israel is a nation with whom Godmade specific covenants for time and eternity. It is the nation that was set aside shortly after Jesus’appearance and rejection asMessiah. It is the nation, ofall the nations on earth, thathas been chosen by God toshow Himself to the wholeworld. Israel is the nation,according to the Scriptures,that will be in the center ofworld events in the last days.

The church has no singleethnic identification. It ismade up of men and womenof every nation who confessChrist as Savior and Lord.Beginning at Pentecost, thechurch will remain on earth


until supernaturally removedin an event often called “therapture” (1 Th. 4:14-17; Jn. 14:1-3).

Two Phases OfChrist’s Return. Amongthe Lord’s people, there isdisagreement about whenJesus will return. On onehand, the Bible tells us to be ready because “the Sonof Man is coming at an hour you do not expect”(Mt. 24:44). But theScriptures also say thatChrist will return to theearth at the end of a terribletime of cosmic and worldtribulation (Zech. 14:4-5;Mt. 24:29-31).

These differences can be explained by a two-phase return. Just as twocomings are commingled by Old Testament prophets,so two phases of His returnare intermingled in the New Testament.

In the first phase, whichcould occur at any moment,Christ comes in the clouds

for His church (1 Th. 4:16-17). The second phase willoccur at the end of thetribulation when Christreturns to the earth to save Israel from worldwidepersecution, and toestablish on earth His long-awaited politicalkingdom (Isa. 2:1-4; Acts 1:6).

These two phases of Christ’s return are notspelled out by the NewTestament any more thanthe Old Testament spelledout two main comings ofChrist. Rather, it is a way to make sense of (1) thedistinct missions of Israeland the church, (2) twodifferent descriptions ofChrist’s return, (3) theabsence of the church inRevelation 4–18, (4) thewarning that Christ iscoming at a time we do not expect, and (5) the need for people innonglorified bodies to enterthe millennial kingdom.


FOUR ESSENTIALSFOR FINDINGTRUTH INCONTEXT

WWhile interpretingthe Bibleaccording to the

rule of context, there aresome timeless considerationsthat need to be kept in mind.

Dependence OnGod. The author of Psalm119 reminded us of the roleGod can have in our Biblestudy. He prayed, “Open my eyes, that I may seewondrous things from Yourlaw” (v.18). His confidencein God’s ability to help issimilar to what the apostlePaul expressed when hewrote, “Consider what I say, and may the Lord giveyou understanding in allthings” (2 Tim. 2:7).

A Good Conscience.A bad conscience creates aconflict of interest for theBible student. Those withunconfessed sin, and

therefore something to hide, are predisposed toavoid the truth. They are out of step with God, whohas promised understandingto those who, by obedience,keep a good conscience (Mt. 5:8; Jn. 14:21).

Self-study. Christiansof the New Testamentcommunity of Berea are an example for all of us. They searched the Scriptures to make sure thatwhat the apostle Paul wastelling them was true (Acts17:11). Without personalinvolvement, the Scripturesremain second-hand, pre-digested, and subject to theaccuracy of the teacher.

Use Of GiftedTeachers. Teachers are agift from God (Eph. 4:11).Along with self-study, theycan provide a depth andbreadth of contextualknowledge. They provideorientation for new believersand reminders to those whoare mature (2 Pet. 1:12-13).


THE INDUCTIVESTUDY METHODYOU CAN DO

WWhile God’s planhas been to giveHis people pastors

and teachers, there is nosubstitute for personal studyof the Scriptures. Many havefound that they get morefrom their teachers whenthey become personallyinvolved in regular andsystematic Bible study.

One method of personalBible study is called theinductive method. Thismethod challenges thestudent to form conclusionsonly after observing andanalyzing the elements ofimmediate context andnormal word meanings. After asking the Author ofScripture for insight, theinductive student exploresthe inspired page with pencilin hand and the curiosity ofa prospector looking forsomething more precious

than gold (Prov. 3:13-18).The overall strategy

of the inductive student is: (1) observation, (2) interpretation, and (3)application—in that order.

STEP #1:OBSERVATION:Whatdoes the context say?The primary purpose of thisstage is to collect as manyfacts as possible about thecontext. Inductive studentsare curious. They don’t take anything for granted. They ask and list as manyquestions as possible: Who?What? Why? Where? When?How? Wherefore? Whatwords need to be looked up to determine a range ofpossible meanings? Whatlogic indicators can be foundand marked in words such astherefore, then, and, also, but,however, or nevertheless?What is the main point of the section? What recurringwords indicate a main idea?What elements, arguments,or illustrations does the


author use to support themain point?

At this stage, a chaptermight be outlined or asentence diagrammed to see how the ideas of theauthor relate to one another.The purpose of this stage isto discover the context.

STEP #2:INTERPRETATION:What does the textmean? Only after doing the spade work of carefulobservation should theinductive student ask,“What, then, does the authormean by these words as theyrelate to the words thatprecede and follow?” Not“What do these words meanto me?” but “What did theymean when they flowed from the pen of the originalauthor? What was hisintent?” While we canassume that he said what he meant and meant what hesaid, the only way to discoverwhat he really meant is byobserving the context.

Although word forms,definitions, and a range ofpossible meanings may havebeen noted in the step ofobservation, it is at the pointof interpreting in context thata word is best understood in the way the author wasusing it. Now the Scripturescome alive with the pulseand throb of the author’sown heart and intent.

STEP #3:APPLICATION:What does this textmean to my life? Onlyafter discovering themeaning of a text in its own biblical time and placeis the student encouraged toask, “What does this meanto me?” Care is given todistinguish between cultural facts and timelessprinciples. Focus is put onthe main idea. What are theprimary issues of the heart?What does this say aboutmy relationship to God? The Bible can now explode in significance.


GUIDELINES FORINTERPRETINGPROPHECY

TTo understandprophetic portions ofScripture, a Christian

must be aware of one basicprinciple and follow six rules of interpretation.THE PRINCIPLE OF PROPHETICPERSPECTIVE The prophets often describedfuture events in one picturewithout indicating that theywould be separated byperiods of time. This hasbeen compared to seeingmountain peaks in one viewwithout seeing the valleysbetween them.

Jesus used the principleof prophetic perspectivewhen He read the Scripturesin a Nazareth synagogue.He opened the scroll toIsaiah and read:

The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to

preach the gospel to thepoor; He has sent Me toheal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to thecaptives and recovery ofsight to the blind, to set at liberty those who areoppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord (Lk. 4:18-19).Then Jesus rolled up the

scroll. People familiar withIsaiah 61:1-2 must havewondered why Jesus stoppedin the middle of the secondverse. He did not read onbecause the last part of verse 2, “And the day ofvengeance of our God; tocomfort all who mourn,”speaks of the greattribulation. Jesus said He fulfilled the first part ofIsaiah’s prophecy (Lk. 4:21).The last part is about Hissecond coming. The prophet,seeing it all in one look, didnot know that at least 2,000years would separate thosetwo phases of his prophecy.

The prophecy of Joel 24


2:28-32 also has a doublefulfillment. The first partcame to pass at Pentecost,as indicated by Peter in hissermon (Acts 2:17-21). Butthe second part, referring tothe moon turning to bloodand other supernaturalsigns, will be fulfilled in the tribulation.SIX RULES FORINTERPRETINGPROPHECY

1. Interpret incontext. As with all Biblepassages, consider thespeaker, the situation, thepeople addressed, and thesubject of the prophecy.

2. Interpret literally.Give words their normalmeaning, recognizing figuresof speech. When prophetsspecify numbers of days oryears, take them literally.

3. Be careful withsymbols. Don’t give aprophetic passage a symbolicor spiritual meaning whenliteral interpretation makessense. For example, the

earthquake of Revelation6:12-17 is exactly that; itdoes not represent thebreakup of society.

4. Look forimmediate fulfillment.Look first for the elements of a prophecy that werefulfilled within a few years,then consider fulfillmentsduring Christ’s first andsecond comings.

5. Be consistent.Don’t treat Christ’spredictions in a differentway from Old Testamentprophecies.

6. Don’t go too far. Some questions aboutendtime events must remainunanswered.

25

Don’t interpretprophecy

symbolically when aliteral interpretation

makes sense.


THE BIBLESTUDENT’S ONE-SHELF LIBRARY

A Study Bibleprovides introductions andoutlines for each book ofthe Bible, footnotes, maps,cross-references, doctrinalsummaries, historical and cultural background,time charts, and a basiccommentary on the text.

An ExhaustiveConcordance offers analphabetical listing of everyword of the Bible and everyplace where that word isfound. Make sure youchoose a concordance that matches the translationof the Bible you use. Thestandard concordance forthe King James Version,Strong’s ExhaustiveConcordance, has a helpful numbering systemthat provides a numberconnecting words to theirroot words in the originallanguages.

A Bible Handbookgives detailed information about the individual booksof the Bible, such as thebackground of the author ofa book, the book’s purposeand destination, and theimportant ideas that thebook presents. A Biblehandbook also provideshistorical and culturalinformation pertinent to the book, appropriate maps,and a detailed outline of itsmessage and themes.

A Bible Dictionaryprovides definitions andgeneral backgroundinformation for the people,places, things, and ideas of the Bible.

A One- Or Two-Volume Commentaryoffers helpful explanationsthat can show the studenthow others have interpreteda passage of Scripture.

Computer Bible-Study Software is by far the most revolutionaryrecent breakthrough in Bible


study. The whole Bible can be searched instantlyfor words or phrases. Wordstudies, cross-references,topical studies, originallanguage works, andcommentaries are all builtinto easy-to-use studysoftware programs that areavailable in both Macintoshand PC platforms.

Comprehensive Bible-study programs includeseveral Bible translations,commentaries, language andreference tools, and otherstudy aids—sometimesfocusing on the writings ofparticular Bible teachers orpastors. Examples of Bible-study programs includeOnline Bible for Macintosh,and PC Study Bible,QuickVerse, and Logos Bible Study Library for PC. The Expositor’s BibleCommentary (12 volumes inbook form) is available on asingle CD in either platform.

Entire libraries withhundreds of books are also

available in electronic form.Ages Software, for example,offers collections of classicChristian works and thewritings of Spurgeon, Luther,and other Reformationleaders.

Bible software has come a long way in the last 10 years. It enablesBible students to be goodstewards of their time andmoney. Imagine being ableto purchase hundreds ofbooks on a single CD-ROMand then using the power of a computer to quicklysearch through and accessthe information you need.These computer programshave become a wonderfulasset to pastors, Sundayschool teachers, and Biblestudents of every level ofspiritual growth.

Online Study Helps.One example of many siteson the Internet that provideBible-study helps is:www.crosssearch.com/Reference/


HOW TO USE ACOMMENTARY

CCommentaries arebooks that analyzeand explain the text

of the Bible. The better onesdeal with every verse––giving the meaning of thewords, explaining the setting,and offering light from otherplaces in the Bible. Many of them are the product of careful, prayerful, anddiligent scholarship. Someare published in one or twovolumes, others in entiresets. Commentaries areindispensable to effectiveBible study, but they must be used properly. Werecommend that you consultthem only after you havecarefully worked through the passage yourself.

After you have done your best to understand apassage, then consult threeor four good commentaries. If you use them before youhave done your own work,

you will short-circuit yourthinking. If you evaluate onlywhat others have written,you are robbing yourself ofthe thrill of discovery and the joy of creative, Spirit-ledBible study.

What will the effectiveuse of good commentariesdo for you as you study theBible? Here are some resultsyou might expect.

1. Sometimes they will confirm yourunderstanding of thepassage. When you findthat all of the commentariesyou consult interpret the

28

Commentaries areindispensable to

effective Bible study,but only after you

have carefullyworked through thepassage yourself.


passage essentially the way you did, you can beconfident that you are ontarget in your conclusions.

2. Sometimes they will refine yourunderstanding of the passage. Thecommentators may presentinsights that didn’t come toyour mind, thus deepeningand enriching yourunderstanding of the passage.

3. Sometimes they will lead you to reconsider yourinterpretations.Occasionally you will find that the commentariespresent conclusionssomewhat different fromyour interpretation. You may also discover that thecommentators differ fromone another. When thishappens, you’ll be glad youdid your own spade work. It will help you evaluate the views expressed. Aftercareful thought, you may

select an interpretation quitedifferent from the one youhad when you started.

4. Sometimes theywill show you that your understanding of the passage wasalmost entirely wrong.Reading the commentariesmay give you informationthat will make you realizeyou have overlooked or misunderstood an important element in thepassage or verse you havebeen studying. When thishappens, go back to the textand think it through again.

29

If you usecommentaries

before you havedone your ownwork, you will

short-circuit yourown thinking.


“THE BIBLE ISOURS”

MMany people feel they won’t be able to

understand the Bible, nomatter how hard they try.Bill and Gwen Petroski feltthat way—till somethinghappened that opened God’s way for them. Here’s their story:

“One of the greatestblessings in our lives hasbeen the discovery that wecan read and understand the Bible for ourselves. Yousee, both of us were raisedin a religion that did notemphasize the Bible.

“After we were married,we began a spiritual quest.We felt vaguely dissatisfied.We wanted our children to know God and to haveChristian values. So webegan to search.

“Then the day camewhen both of us receivedJesus Christ as personal

Savior. We began attendinga Bible-preaching churchand hearing the Word ofGod proclaimed. Graduallywe realized that the Bible isours and that we can readand study it for ourselves.”

Gwen: “I still remembervividly the first time I readthe book of Hebrews. OneSunday morning I read itthrough in one sitting. Tearsflowed then, and still donow as I realize that allbarriers between God andme are broken down, andthat I have access to God.”

Bill: “When I first read 30

Gradually werealized that theBible is ours andthat we can readand study it for

ourselves.


Ephesians 2:8-9 andunderstood salvation bygrace through faith alone, I was filled with gratitude to God. This passage willalways be one of myfavorites.

“We now know that the Bible is ours. As wecontinue to read and studyit, it means more to us thanever before. We are trying to put its teachings intopractice so that our fourgirls will see that it can bereal to them.”

These testimonies of Bill and Gwen highlight the thrill of discovering rich spiritual truth throughpersonal Bible study. TheHoly Spirit ministers tobelievers in a special waythrough the Word, but Healso brings understanding to non-Christians who readit with a sincere desire toknow God.

Carl Armerding toldabout an Australiansheepherder and his

wife who came to knowChrist this way. They beganreading the book of Romansout of the old family Biblejust to while away theevening hours. After sometime, the man said, “Wife, if this book is right, we areguilty sinners before God.We are condemned.” At the conclusion of theirreading a few days later, he exclaimed, “Wife, if thisbook is right, we need notremain condemned. A mancalled Jesus Christ took ourpunishment by dying for us. He’s alive again, and He wants us to believe on Him.”

Although these peoplehad very little education,they were able to gatherfrom the Scriptures the basic truths necessary for salvation. When theybegan reading the Bible,they found that it was forthem.

The Bible is for you—it’sfor everyone.


BIBLE-STUDYCHECKLIST

HHere are somequestions to askyourself when

studying the Bible:❏ Have I asked God for

insight into His Word?❏ Am I studying for

relationship with Him?❏ Have I read the verses

immediately precedingand following thepassage?

❏ Have I scanned thesurrounding chapters?

❏ Have I looked up words I don’t understand todiscover the range ofpossible meaning?

❏ Have I asked thequestions who, what,where, when, why, how,wherefore?

❏ Have I looked for logicindicators such as then,therefore, but, also?

❏ Have I identified any OldTestament quotes andchecked their context?

❏ Have I used a Bibledictionary to identify the people and placesnamed?

❏ Have I used a studyBible to identify and read parallel passages?

❏ Have I checked cross-references in a studyBible to see what else the Bible says about thissubject?

❏ Have I avoided the trapof focusing on the detailswhile missing mainideas?

❏ Have I double-checkedmy interpretation withreliable commentaries?

❏ Have I asked what thispassage tells me aboutGod, myself, and others?

❏ Are there any sins to beavoided?

❏ Are there commands tobe obeyed?

❏ Have I thanked God forthe privilege of studyingHis Word?


Our mission is to make the life-changing wisdom of the Bible understandable and accessible to all.

Discovery Series presents the truth of Jesus Christ to the world in balanced, engaging, and accessible resources that show the relevance of Scripture for all areas of life. All Discovery Series booklets are available at no cost and can be used in personal study, small groups, or ministry outreach.

To partner with us in sharing God’s Word, click this link to donate. Thank you for your support of Discovery Series resources and Our Daily Bread Ministries.

Many people, making even the smallest of donations, enable Our Daily Bread Ministries to reach others with the life-changing wisdom of the Bible. We are not funded or endowed by any group or denomination.

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