Avoiding Eisegetical Exegesis in Preaching Techniques
Eisegetical exegesis, in the context of preaching, refers to the practice of reading one's own ideas or interpretations into a biblical text, rather than drawing meaning out of it [4]. This stands in contrast to exegesis, which aims to understand the original meaning and intent of the biblical author. The importance of avoiding eisegesis is underscored by the biblical emphasis on delivering God's own words, not human opinions, as divine doctrine [4].
The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 14, addresses the proper use of spiritual gifts within the church, particularly distinguishing between speaking in tongues and prophesying. He prioritizes prophesying because it directly edifies the church through instruction and understanding [3, 6]. Adam Clarke defines prophesying in this context as the ability to "teach the way of God to the ignorant," considering it the most valuable and useful spiritual gift [1]. This emphasis on clear, understandable teaching highlights the need for preachers to accurately convey biblical truth. Matthew Henry further explains that speaking in foreign languages without interpretation is "unprofitable" and "useless to the church," akin to "talking gibberish," whereas gifts should always be used for the greatest good [6].
The role of a preacher, or "watchman," is to receive the word directly from God and then warn others from that divine message [4]. This implies a responsibility to faithfully transmit the message without alteration or the introduction of personal biases. God is described as "particularly jealous lest any words but his own be taught for Divine doctrines," rejecting "human creeds" or "Traditions" when they supplant God's word [4]. Only words originating from God are deemed successful in the salvation of sinners [4].
Preachers are encouraged to "covet to prophesy," meaning they should earnestly desire and pray for the ability to teach God's way [1]. This desire is not for personal glory but for the edification of the congregation. The continuous instruction provided through preaching is considered essential for maintaining Christian life and progressing in faith [5]. Those who "slight or neglect the means of grace, and especially the preaching of God's holy word," are often characterized as "vain, empty, self-conceited people, and exceedingly superficial both in knowledge and piety" [5]. This underscores the critical role of sound, exegetical preaching in spiritual growth.
The desire to spread religious doctrines and enlighten others is a natural outgrowth of faith [2]. John Calvin notes that "nothing could be more inconsistent with the nature of faith than that deadness which would lead a man to disregard his brethren, and to keep the light of knowledge choked up within his own breast" [2]. Therefore, those who have received a greater calling or eminence are expected to labor more diligently to enlighten others [2]. This responsibility necessitates a careful approach to the biblical text, ensuring that the message delivered is indeed the light of knowledge derived from scripture, rather than personal interpretation imposed upon it.
Sources
- 1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 14:39: Covet to prophesy - Let it be your endeavor and prayer to be able to teach the way of God to the ignorant; this is the most valuable, because the most useful gift of the Spirit. And forbid not to speak with tongues - Let every gift have its own place and operation; let none envy another; nor prevent him from doing that part of the work to which God, by giving the qualification, has evidently called him.”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah, Vol. 1, section 8.8: an ardent desire to spread the doctrines of religion, that every one not satisfied with his own calling and his personal knowledge will desire to draw others along with him. And indeed nothing could be more inconsistent with the nature of faith than that deadness which would lead a man to disregard his brethren, and to keep the light of knowledge choked up within his own breast. The greater the eminence above others which any man has received from his calling so much the more diligently ought he to labor to enlighten others. This points out to”
- 1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 14 (introduction): We should earnestly desire spiritual gifts; but prophesying is to be preferred, because it is superior to the gift of tongues, Co1 14:1, Co1 14:2. Prophesying defined, Co1 14:3. How to regulate this supernatural gift of tongues, in teaching for the edification of the Church, Co1 14:4-13. In praying and giving thanks, Co1 14:14-17. Those who speak with tongues should interpret that others may be edified, Co1 14:18-22 What benefit may accrue from this in the public assemblies, Co1 14:23-28. How the prophets or teachers should act in the Church, Co1”
- Ezekiel (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Ezekiel 3:17: I have made thee a watchman - The care and welfare of all this people I have laid on thee. Thou must watch for their safety, preach for their edification, and pray for their eternal welfare. And that thou mayest be successful, receive the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. God is particularly jealous lest any words but his own be taught for Divine doctrines. He will not have human creeds, no more than Traditions, taught instead of his own word. No word can be successful in the salvation of sinners but that which comes from God. Every minister of the Gospel sh”
- 1 Thessalonians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Thessalonians 5:20: Despise not prophesyings - Do not suppose that ye have no need of continual instruction; without it ye cannot preserve the Christian life, nor go on to perfection. God will ever send a message of salvation by each of his ministers to every faithful, attentive hearer. Do not suppose that ye are already wise enough; you are no more wise enough than you are holy enough. They who slight or neglect the means of grace, and especially the preaching of God's holy word, are generally vain, empty, self-conceited people, and exceedingly superficial both in knowledge a”
- 1 Corinthians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Corinthians 14 (introduction): In this chapter the apostle directs them about the use of their spiritual gifts, preferring those that are best and fitted to do the greatest good. I. He begins with advising them of all spiritual gifts to prefer prophesying, and shows that this is much better than speaking with tongues (Co1 14:1-5). II. He goes on to show them how unprofitable the speaking of foreign languages is, and useless to the church; it is like piping in one tone, like sounding a trumpet without any certain note, like talking gibberish; whereas gifts should be used for ”