Encouraging Theological Discussion and Questioning in Bible Studies
Theological discussion and questioning are integral to spiritual growth and understanding within Christian communities, though certain types of questions are discouraged in scripture. The Bible encourages a diligent search for understanding and a willingness to engage with divine truths [4, 10].
Scripture emphasizes the importance of self-examination, which involves a process of questioning and reflection. This self-inquiry is enjoined in 2 Corinthians 13:5 and is deemed necessary before partaking in communion, as indicated in 1 Corinthians 11:28 [2]. Such self-examination should be undertaken with "holy awe" (Psalm 4:4), "diligent search" (Psalm 77:6; Lamentations 3:40), and "prayer for divine searching" (Psalm 26:2; 139:23,24) [2]. The purpose of this internal questioning is amendment and growth (Psalm 119:59; Lamentations 3:40) [2].
Beyond personal reflection, the Bible also presents instances where direct questioning facilitates deeper understanding. For example, when Jesus asks, "What seek ye?" (John 1:38), Adam Clarke suggests that this question provides an opportunity for disciples to articulate their desires and intentions, implying that such questions can still be profitably asked by those seeking acquaintance with Christ [5]. This interaction highlights how questions can open pathways for individuals to explain themselves and engage with spiritual matters.
The apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 10:15, appeals to the Corinthians' "own powers of judgment" to weigh his arguments, stating, "I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say." Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown interpret this as an affirmation of the responsibility to "judging for ourselves," noting that the "weakness of private judgment is not an argument against its use, but its abuse" [6]. This suggests that believers are expected to engage their intellect and judgment in theological matters rather than passively accepting information.
However, not all questions are considered beneficial. The New Testament epistles, particularly those of Paul, caution against "foolish and unlearned questions" (2 Timothy 2:23) and "foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law" (Titus 3:9) [7, 8]. John Gill, in his commentary on these passages, explains that such questions are those that "have no solid wisdom in them, and are foreign from the Gospel," are "useless and unedifying," and "gender strife" [7, 8]. These are contrasted with "sound doctrine" and "the things which become it," which include a good life and conversation and duties incumbent on professors of religion [9]. The concern is that these types of questions can lead to arguments and divisions within the church rather than promoting spiritual growth or unity [8].
The distinction between beneficial and unbeneficial questioning lies in their outcome and intent. Questions that lead to self-examination, a deeper understanding of God's will, and a turning towards God are encouraged [1, 2, 3]. For instance, affliction can lead to questioning that prompts prayer for divine teaching and direction (Job 34:32; Psalm 27:11; 143:10) [3]. Such questioning can also lead to conviction of sin (Job 36:8,9; Psalm 119:67; Luke 15:16-18) and a desire for amendment [1].
Conversely, questions that are merely speculative, rooted in human traditions rather than divine revelation, or designed to provoke contention are to be avoided [7, 8]. Gill notes that "foolish questions" were often associated with the schools of the Jews, involving intricate discussions about genealogies and interpretations of the law that led to disputes between different rabbinic schools like Hillel and Shammai [7]. These discussions, while perhaps intellectually stimulating for some, did not contribute to the spiritual edification of the community.
The emphasis in scripture is on seeking God diligently (1 Chronicles 22:19; Hebrews 11:6), obeying Him (Deuteronomy 6:17; 11:13), and striving for perfection (Philippians 3:13,14) [4]. This pursuit involves a continuous process of learning and understanding, which naturally includes asking questions that facilitate genuine spiritual insight. The "counsel of God" and the "mysteries of the Gospel" are meant to be known, not just notionally, but "spiritually and experimentally," which occurs when human teachings are accompanied by the "spirit of wisdom" [10]. This implies that theological discussion, when guided by the Holy Spirit and focused on genuine understanding, is a vital component of Christian discipleship.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Afflictions Made Beneficial — In promoting the glory of God -- Joh 9:1-3; 11:3,4; 21:18,19. In exhibiting the power and faithfulness of God -- Ps 34:19,20; 2Co 4:8-11. In teaching us the will of God -- Ps 119:71; Isa 26:9; Mic 6:9. In turning us to God -- De 4:30,31; Ne 1:8,9; Ps 78:34; Isa 10:20,21; Ho 2:6,7. In keeping us from again departing from God -- Job 34:31,32; Isa 10:20; Eze 14:10,11. In leading us to seek God in prayer -- Jdj 4:3; Jer 31:18; La 2:17-19; Ho 5:14,15; Jon 2:1. In convincing us of sin -- Job 36:8,9; Ps 119:67; Lu 15:16-18. In leading us to con”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Examination — Enjoined -- 2Co 13:5. Necessary before the communion -- 1Co 11:28. Cause of difficulty in -- Jer 17:9. Should be engaged in With holy awe. -- Ps 4:4. With diligent search. -- Ps 77:6; La 3:40. With prayer for divine searching. -- Ps 26:2; 139:23,24. With purpose of amendment. -- Ps 119:59; La 3:40. Advantages of -- 1Co 11:31; Ga 6:4; 1Jo 3:20-22.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Affliction, Prayer Under — Exhortation to -- Jas 5:13. That God would consider our trouble -- 2Ki 19:16; Ne 9:32; Ps 9:13; La 5:1. For the presence and support of God -- Ps 10:1; 102:2. That the Holy Spirit may not be withdrawn -- Ps 51:11. For divine comfort -- Ps 4:6; 119:76. For mitigation of troubles -- Ps 39:12,13. For deliverance -- Ps 25:17,22; 39:10; Isa 64:9-12; Jer 17:14. For pardon and deliverance from sin -- Ps 39:8; 51:1; 79:8. That we may be turned to God -- Ps 80:7; 85:4-6; Jer 31:18. For divine teaching and direction -- Job 34:32; Ps 27:11; 143:10. Fo”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
- John (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on John 1:38: What seek ye? - These disciples might have felt some embarrassment in addressing our blessed Lord, after hearing the character which the Baptist gave of him; to remove or prevent this, he graciously accosts them, and gives them an opportunity of explaining themselves to him. Such questions, we may conceive, the blessed Jesus still puts to those who in simplicity of heart desire an acquaintance with him. A question of this nature we may profitably ask ourselves: What seek ye? In this place! In the company you frequent? In the conversation you engage in? In the affairs ”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 10:15: Appeal to their own powers of judgment to weigh the force of the argument that follows: namely, that as the partaking of the Lord's Supper involves a partaking of the Lord Himself, and the partaking of the Jewish sacrificial meats involved a partaking of the altar of God, and, as the heathens sacrifice to devils, to partake of an idol feast is to have fellowship with devils. We cannot divest ourselves of the responsibility of "judging" for ourselves. The weakness of private judgment is not an argument against its use, but its abuse. We should t”
- Titus (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Titus 3:9: But avoid foolish questions,.... Such as were started in the schools of the Jews; see Ti2 2:23 and genealogies; of their elders, Rabbins, and doctors, by whom their traditions are handed down from one to another, in fixing which they greatly laboured; see Ti1 1:4 and contentions and strivings about the law; the rites and ceremonies of it, and about the sense of it, and its various precepts, as litigated in the schools of Hillell and Shammai, the one giving it one way, and the other another; and what one declared to be free according to the law, the other declared forbi”
- 2 Timothy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Timothy 2:23: But foolish and unlearned questions avoid,.... Such as have no solid wisdom in them, and are foreign from the Gospel, the wisdom of God in a mystery, and are not useful and unedifying; such ought to be avoided, publicly and privately; they should not be started in the public ministry, nor attended to in private conversation; as being unworthy of the notice of a minister of the Gospel wise and learned, and useless to the church, and to his hearers. Knowing that they do gender strife; about words, and contentions, which break the peace of churches, and hinder the p”
- Titus (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Titus 2:1: But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine. Concerning sound doctrine, and the form of it; see Gill on Ti2 1:13. The things which become it are a good life and conversation, the various duties incumbent on professors of religion, according to their different station, age, and sex, which are observed in some following verses; these become the Gospel of Christ, and are ornamental to the doctrine of God our Saviour; and these are to be spoken of by the ministers of Christ, in their proper places, and at proper times; who ought not to be dumb, and keep silence at”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 78:6: That the generation to come might know them,.... Not only notionally, but spiritually and experimentally; which is the case, when human teachings are attended with the spirit of wisdom and revertion in the knowledge of divine truths; for the truths of the Gospel are unknown to men; the Gospel is hidden wisdom, the wisdom of God in a mystery; the Bible is a sealed book, the doctrines of it are riddles and dark sayings; the ministry of the word is the means of knowledge, which become effectual when attended with the Spirit and power of God: even the children which sho”