(no time to edit at the moment, sorry for typos, et.)It may seem odd to the average Christian that there should be qualifications for an interpreter of Scripture. While it is true that any true Christian may turn to Holy Scripture, even as a child, and understand much that they may grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, those who would be teachers and expositors of God’s Word must possess sufficient competency. These core competencies may be classified as intellectual, educational, and spiritual. While it is true that these several areas may be developed through training, some degree of giftedness is also required.
Any able interpreter must be of able-mind and sound judgment. Too often the Scriptures are interpreted by the wildest machinations of a fanciful mind leading to the most absurd doctrines. One qualification for an elder is that he be sober-minded. A teacher and leader of God’s flock must be self-controlled and in one’s right mind in order to adequately “…convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” If a man is not possessed of such a mind then he must either grow into maturity or be considered unqualified as an interpreter of God’s Word. An interpreter must be able to comprehend the basic ideas and scope of the biblical writer. An epistle, for example, must be perceived first as a whole unit before its several parts may be adequately expounded.
Equally important in understanding what a passage teaches is also comprehending what it does not teach. A keen and perceptive intellect will be able to recognize and analyze the biblical text to discover its true import. To some degree this may be accomplished with a sober mind as the interpreter transports himself to the places and times of the biblical writers. Through reasonable investigation of the language, culture, and history of the Bible the sound exegete may rationally imagine himself living in the times of the apostles and prophets to see and feel as they did. From a disciplined and educated imagination the interpreter may expound the doctrines of Holy Scripture consistently and logically. In such ways an interpreter of God’s Word may be intellectually qualified and apt to teach.
While a keen intellect is important to proper interpretation of Scripture, a sound and thorough education is also necessary. The fields of study in archeology, geography, science, and philosophy may add an incredible of insight on the pages of Scripture. Chronological studies can furnish the exegete with a wealth of information regarding events, dates, and the division of the great eras of history. The study of antiquities may transport the interpreter into the past to perceive the habits and customs of the ancients. The Annals by Tacitus shed considerable light on the political climate of Rome at the time of Jesus. Learning the politics of the ancient world can enable the interpreter to set the doctrine of Christ set forth in the New Testament. Having a thorough acquaintance of the sciences and philosophical thought can serve to elevate the sublime teaching of God and serve to give evidence to its Divine origin. Becoming familiar with classical literature and the languages of the Bible can only serve to enhance the expositor’s message and making him a bulwark against the ever onslaught of false religion and skepticism.
Intellectual and educational qualifications are qualifications that may be honed and developed. Spiritual qualifications, however, are obtained from on high. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “…the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Cor 2:14. Jesus said to Nicodemus, “…unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3. As important as natural abilities are to the teacher of God’s Word, much more that such a man be truly regenerated by the Spirit of the Living God. If the work of the supernatural grace of Almighty God has not wrought upon a man’s heart then he is wholly and completely incapable of expounding the Holy Scriptures no matter what natural abilities of intellect or education he may possess.
Those who are born from above and do possess sufficient intellect and education to expound Scripture must also be motivated from a sincere and fervent love of the truth. The interpreters passion for truth and God’s glory must be stronger than prejudicial opinions he may possess. Jesus taught that the person that does evil hates the light, but those who do the truth come to the light. The interpreter of God’s Word must remain a humble seeker as he approached the Scripture and pant for the pure and unadulterated truth of God. A zealous and enthusiastic passion for the Word should burn brightly in the heart of every preacher of Holy Writ. Such a disposition arises from the one who has been with Jesus in long hours of private prayer. He has been so touched by the Spirit of God that like Isaiah he has had his lips touched by a live coal from the throne of grace. From such a humble walk with the Lord Jesus in Spirit and truth will pervade a reverence of God and His Word. “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.” Romans 8:5
Any able interpreter must be of able-mind and sound judgment. Too often the Scriptures are interpreted by the wildest machinations of a fanciful mind leading to the most absurd doctrines. One qualification for an elder is that he be sober-minded. A teacher and leader of God’s flock must be self-controlled and in one’s right mind in order to adequately “…convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” If a man is not possessed of such a mind then he must either grow into maturity or be considered unqualified as an interpreter of God’s Word. An interpreter must be able to comprehend the basic ideas and scope of the biblical writer. An epistle, for example, must be perceived first as a whole unit before its several parts may be adequately expounded.
Equally important in understanding what a passage teaches is also comprehending what it does not teach. A keen and perceptive intellect will be able to recognize and analyze the biblical text to discover its true import. To some degree this may be accomplished with a sober mind as the interpreter transports himself to the places and times of the biblical writers. Through reasonable investigation of the language, culture, and history of the Bible the sound exegete may rationally imagine himself living in the times of the apostles and prophets to see and feel as they did. From a disciplined and educated imagination the interpreter may expound the doctrines of Holy Scripture consistently and logically. In such ways an interpreter of God’s Word may be intellectually qualified and apt to teach.
While a keen intellect is important to proper interpretation of Scripture, a sound and thorough education is also necessary. The fields of study in archeology, geography, science, and philosophy may add an incredible of insight on the pages of Scripture. Chronological studies can furnish the exegete with a wealth of information regarding events, dates, and the division of the great eras of history. The study of antiquities may transport the interpreter into the past to perceive the habits and customs of the ancients. The Annals by Tacitus shed considerable light on the political climate of Rome at the time of Jesus. Learning the politics of the ancient world can enable the interpreter to set the doctrine of Christ set forth in the New Testament. Having a thorough acquaintance of the sciences and philosophical thought can serve to elevate the sublime teaching of God and serve to give evidence to its Divine origin. Becoming familiar with classical literature and the languages of the Bible can only serve to enhance the expositor’s message and making him a bulwark against the ever onslaught of false religion and skepticism.
Intellectual and educational qualifications are qualifications that may be honed and developed. Spiritual qualifications, however, are obtained from on high. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “…the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Cor 2:14. Jesus said to Nicodemus, “…unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3. As important as natural abilities are to the teacher of God’s Word, much more that such a man be truly regenerated by the Spirit of the Living God. If the work of the supernatural grace of Almighty God has not wrought upon a man’s heart then he is wholly and completely incapable of expounding the Holy Scriptures no matter what natural abilities of intellect or education he may possess.
Those who are born from above and do possess sufficient intellect and education to expound Scripture must also be motivated from a sincere and fervent love of the truth. The interpreters passion for truth and God’s glory must be stronger than prejudicial opinions he may possess. Jesus taught that the person that does evil hates the light, but those who do the truth come to the light. The interpreter of God’s Word must remain a humble seeker as he approached the Scripture and pant for the pure and unadulterated truth of God. A zealous and enthusiastic passion for the Word should burn brightly in the heart of every preacher of Holy Writ. Such a disposition arises from the one who has been with Jesus in long hours of private prayer. He has been so touched by the Spirit of God that like Isaiah he has had his lips touched by a live coal from the throne of grace. From such a humble walk with the Lord Jesus in Spirit and truth will pervade a reverence of God and His Word. “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.” Romans 8:5
No comments:
Post a Comment