Discerning Biases in Presenting Biblical Examples and Truth
Discerning biases in presenting biblical examples and truth involves recognizing how interpretations can be shaped by various factors, even when dealing with what is considered divine revelation. The Bible itself is understood as God's supernatural revelation of himself and his purposes, committed to writing under the guidance of his Spirit for the accurate preservation and propagation of truth [3]. However, the presentation and interpretation of this truth can be influenced by human perspectives.
One area where bias can emerge is in the selection and emphasis of biblical examples. For instance, "Torrey's Topical Textbook" compiles numerous biblical references for concepts like "self-denial," showing Christ as an example (Matthew 4:8-10, John 6:38, Philippians 2:6-8) and highlighting its necessity for followers (Luke 9:23-24, 2 Timothy 2:4) [1]. Similarly, "sincerity" is presented with Christ as the ultimate example (1 Peter 2:22) and ministers as those who should embody it (Titus 2:7), contrasting it with hypocrisy [2, 4]. While these are direct biblical teachings, the specific examples chosen and the weight given to them in a particular sermon or commentary can reflect an interpreter's focus or theological tradition.
Interpretive biases can also be seen in how different traditions explain biblical passages. John Gill, a Baptist/Reformed commentator, interprets 2 Timothy 2:25, "In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves," as referring to those who resist truth or contradict their own tenets, suggesting that God might grant them repentance from errors in principle [6]. This highlights a specific theological emphasis on the nature of repentance and error. In another example, Jamieson, Fausset & Brown (Presbyterian) interpret James 1:23, which speaks of a person looking at their "natural face" in a mirror, as illustrating the self-deceit of those who hear but do not do the Word. They emphasize that the Scripture provides a "faithful portraiture of man's soul," serving as proof of its truth [7]. These interpretations, while grounded in the text, bring distinct theological frameworks to bear on the meaning.
The challenge of presenting biblical truth blamelessly and with "acceptable words" is acknowledged within Scripture itself (Ecclesiastes 12:10) [5]. Even the preaching of the gospel, according to Paul, can sometimes occur "without sincerity" (Philippians 1:16), though it should ideally be characterized by it (2 Corinthians 2:17, 1 Thessalonians 2:3-5) [2]. This suggests an awareness within the biblical text of the potential for human imperfection or bias in the communication of divine truth. The apostle Paul also warns against "deceitful workers" (2 Corinthians 11:13), contrasting them with those who are "approved workmen" who "rightly handle" the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15) [8]. This underscores the importance of careful and honest engagement with the biblical text to avoid misrepresentation.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Sincerity — Christ was an example of -- 1Pe 2:22. Ministers should be examples of -- Tit 2:7. Opposed to fleshly wisdom -- 2Co 1:12. Should characterise Our love to God. -- 2Co 8:8,24. Our love to Christ. -- Eph 6:24. Our service to God. -- Jos 24:14; Joh 4:23,24. Our faith. -- 1Ti 1:5. Our love to one another. -- Ro 12:9; 1Pe 1:22; 1Jo 3:18. Our whole conduct. -- 2Co 1:12. The preaching of the gospel. -- 2Co 2:17; 1Th 2:3-5. A characteristic of the doctrines of the gospel -- 1Pe 2:2. The gospel sometimes preached without -- Php 1:16. The wicked devoid of -- Ps 5:9; ”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Revelation — An uncovering, a bringing to light of that which had been previously wholly hidden or only obscurely seen. God has been pleased in various ways and at different times (Heb. 1:1) to make a supernatural revelation of himself and his purposes and plans, which, under the guidance of his Spirit, has been committed to writing. (See WORD OF [532]GOD.) The Scriptures are not merely the "record" of revelation; they are the revelation itself in a written form, in order to the accurate presevation and propagation of the truth. Revelation and inspiration differ. Rev”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Hypocrites — God knows and detects -- Isa 29:15,16. Christ knew and detected -- Mt 22:18. God has no pleasure in -- Isa 9:17. Shall not come before God -- Job 13:16. Described as Wilfully blind. -- Mt 23:17,19,26. Vile. -- Isa 32:6. Self-righteous. -- Isa 65:5; Lu 18:11. Covetous. -- Eze 33:31; 2Pe 2:3. Ostentatious. -- Mt 5:2,5,16; 23:5. Censorious. -- Mt 7:3-5; Lu 13:14,15. Regarding tradition more than the word of God. -- Mt 15:1-3. Exact in minor, but neglecting important duties. -- Mt 23:23,24. Having but a form of godliness. -- 2Ti 3:5. Seeking only outward pur”
- Ecclesiastes “The Preacher sought to find out acceptable words, and that which was written blamelessly, words of truth. -- Ecclesiastes 12:10”
- 2 Timothy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Timothy 2:25: In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves,.... To the truth; resist it and deny it; or contradict some other tenets and principles of theirs, or the Scriptures, which they themselves allowed to be the word of God, and the rule of faith and practice, and so are self-convinced and self-condemned. These are to be instructed, being ignorant, and in a tender and gentle manner, though very perverse and obstinate. If God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth: repentance here designs a repentance of errors in principle, a cha”
- James (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on James 1:23: For--the logical self-deceit (Jam 1:22) illustrated. not a doer--more literally, "a notdoer" [ALFORD]. The true disciple, say the rabbis, learns in order that he may do, not in order that he may merely know or teach. his natural face--literally, "the countenance of his birth": the face he was born with. As a man may behold his natural face in a mirror, so the hearer may perceive his moral visage in God's Word. This faithful portraiture of man's soul in Scripture, is the strongest proof of the truth of the latter. In it, too, we see mirrored God's gl”
- 2 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Timothy 2:15: Study--Greek, "Be earnest," or "diligent." to show--Greek, "present," as in Rom 12:1. thyself--as distinguished from those whom Timothy was to charge (Ti2 2:14). approved--tested by trial: opposed to "reprobate" (Tit 1:16). workman--alluding to Mat 20:1, &c. not to be ashamed--by his work not being "approved" (Phi 1:20). Contrast "deceitful workers" (Co2 11:13). rightly dividing--"rightly handling" [Vulgate]; "rightly administering" [ALFORD]; literally, cutting "straight" or "right": the metaphor being from a father or a steward (Co1 4:1”