Introduction to Interpretation

by Leland M. Haines

We have seen thus far that the answer to the question of religious authority is found in Jesus Christ. He has, through what are now historical events, formed the foundation of religious authority. Paul wrote of this: "According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ" (I Cor. 3:10, 11). We who bring the gospel to the lost can only plant and water but God alone can give the growth (vs. 5-7). As workmen, we must be careful how we build. Our building can be either with gold, silver, and precious stones or with wood, hay, and stubble. At judgment our work of evangelism and church-building will be tested and judged, and "If the work which any man has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward" (3:12-15 RSV). Therefore, we should be careful how we build. Let us now look at the question of how to build, that is, how to use Scripture. Qualifications of the Builder

To use Scripture one needs to interpret it. There are several qualifications one must have to be an interpreter. Scriptures are unique writings, unable to be interpreted by natural or unspiritual man (I Cor. 2:14). The interpreter must love truth and have a desire to know truth. The natural man who is biased or prejudiced, and who hesitates to obey the truth, cannot properly understand Scripture. Paul wrote, "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (v. 14), and "the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God: neither indeed can be" (Rom. 8:7).

Unless man frees himself from his prejudices, biases, and pet ideas and becomes as a little child, he cannot understand the gospel. Jesus said, "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 18:3, 4; cf. 11:25-30).

What are the qualities of a child that make him an example? Perhaps the most important is that he does not bring with him a whole array of preconceived ideas and overwhelming confidence in his own understanding. Too often adults possess too much confidence in their own wisdom and philosophy to understand Scripture. In contrast, a child is receptive to others' ideas and is teachable; thus he accepts God's wisdom with simplicity of mind. God's wisdom is infinitely higher than human wisdom. One great lesson man must learn is to humble himself to the point of completely putting away his own ideas and fully subjecting his mind to God's wisdom and doctrine.

The Holy Spirit is the Guide to lead one to accept the truth of God's Word. Paul wrote that Christians "received not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; . . . But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (I Cor. 2:11-14). The Holy Spirit teaches us, and through study and prayer we may obtain knowledge and wisdom (Eph. 1:17, 18; James 1:5; John 14:26; 15:26; 16:13, 14).

The interpreter must have a sound mind, but this does not mean he must be a college graduate or ranked among the intellectuals of the world. Paul noted that in the Corinthian church there were "not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble . . . called" (I Cor. 1:26). Although we must possess certain basic intellectual qualifications to interpret Scripture, these must never be equated with higher learning and education. The Jews did this and could not imagine where Christ got His knowledge since He had never been enrolled under any great teacher. They could only equate knowledge with higher education, as many do today (see John 7:15). We are admonished to "avoid the godless chatter and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge, for by professing it some have missed the mark as regards the faith" (I Tim. 6:20 RSV).

Jesus once thanked God "that thou hast hid these things from the wise, and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes" (Matt. 11:25). Jesus knew that the wisdom of the world was not necessary and could actually hinder the understanding of God's Word. Understanding is revealed to "babes" who come to learn without bringing with them preconceived ideas.
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December 26, 2000