Avoiding Cultural and Non-Biblical Influences in Biblical Interpretation
Biblical interpretation faces the ongoing challenge of distinguishing divine revelation from human traditions and cultural influences. The Apostle Paul warned the Colossians to "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ" [1]. This admonition highlights the need for discernment, ensuring that understanding of scripture is rooted in Christ rather than external human constructs.
The New Testament frequently cautions against doctrines and practices that deviate from the truth. Paul instructed Titus to reject "Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth" [2]. Similarly, in 1 Timothy, he advised against paying attention to "myths and endless genealogies, which cause useless speculations rather than God’s plan that is by faith" [3]. These passages underscore a consistent theme: the importance of adhering to God's revealed truth over human-made narratives or legalistic requirements.
John Gill, a Baptist commentator, interprets Hebrews 13:9, "Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines," as a warning against the "variety and multitude of other doctrines," whether they be the "various rites and ceremonies of the law, or to the traditions of the elders, or to the several doctrines of men, whether Jews or Gentiles" [4]. He contrasts these with the singular, uniform doctrine of the Scriptures, Christ, and the apostles [4]. This perspective emphasizes that true doctrine is consistent and unified, unlike the diverse and often contradictory teachings that arise from human invention.
The danger of non-biblical influences extends to cultural distinctions that can obscure the universal message of the Gospel. Adam Clarke, a Methodist commentator, notes on Colossians 3:11 that in the "new creation," distinctions such as "Greek nor Jew," "Circumcision nor uncircumcision," or "Barbarian, Scythian" are irrelevant [6]. The focus shifts from national origin, religious rites, or cultural sophistication to the transformative power of knowledge gained "under the teaching" of Christ [6]. This perspective suggests that cultural identities, while significant in other contexts, should not dictate or limit one's understanding or participation in the Christian faith.
Furthermore, the avoidance of offense, as discussed by Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 10:32, extends to not prejudicing "unconverted Jews or the unconverted Gentiles" against Christianity, nor causing division within the "Church of God" [7]. This implies that interpretations driven by cultural biases or non-biblical traditions can create unnecessary barriers to the Gospel and internal strife within the Christian community [7].
The contrast between the old and new covenants, as described in Hebrews 8:9, also illustrates the shift away from external, legalistic frameworks towards an internal, Spirit-led obedience [5]. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown explain that the old covenant "only 'worked wrath' (Rom 4:15) through man's 'not regarding' it," whereas the new covenant enables obedience "by the Spirit's inward impulse producing love because of the forgiveness of our sins" [5]. This highlights that reliance on human-made rules or traditions, even those derived from earlier divine covenants, can be superseded by a deeper, Spirit-empowered relationship with God, which is the essence of biblical truth. The emphasis is on God's initiative, where He "made to" the Israelites, taking them "by the hand" to guide them, rather than them being "coagents" with God [5].
Sources
- Colossians “Colossians 2:8 (BSB) — See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.”
- Titus “Titus 1:14 (NASB) — not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.”
- I Timothy “I Timothy 1:4 (LEB) — and not to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which cause useless speculations rather than God’s plan that is by faith.”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 13:9: Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines,.... The word "divers" may denote the variety and multitude of other doctrines; referring either to the various rites and ceremonies of the law, or to the traditions of the elders, or to the several doctrines of men, whether Jews or Gentiles; whereas the doctrine of the Scriptures, of Christ, and his apostles, is but one; it is uniform, and all of a piece; and so may likewise denote the disagreement of other doctrines with the perfections of God, the person and offices of Christ, the Scriptures of truth, the anal”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 8:9: Not according to, &c.--very different from, and far superior to, the old covenant, which only "worked wrath" (Rom 4:15) through man's "not regarding" it. The new covenant enables us to obey by the Spirit's inward impulse producing love because of the forgiveness of our sins. made with--rather as Greek, "made to": the Israelites being only recipients, not coagents [ALFORD] with God. I took them by the hand--as a father takes his child by the hand to support and guide his steps. "There are three periods: (1) that of the promise; (2) that of the pedag”
- Colossians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Colossians 3:11: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew - In which new creation no inquiry is made what nation the persons belonged to, or from what ancestry they had sprung, whether in Judea or Greece. Circumcision nor uncircumcision - Nor is their peculiar form of religion of any consideration, whether circumcised like the Jews, or uncircumcised like the heathens. Barbarian, Scythian - Nor whether of the more or less tractable of the nations of the world; for although knowledge, and the most refined and sublime knowledge, is the object to be attained, yet, under the teaching and”
- 1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 10:32: Give none offense, etc. - Scrupulously avoid giving any cause of offense either to the unconverted Jews or the unconverted Gentiles, so as to prejudice them against Christianity: nor to the Church of God, made up of converts from the above parties.”