Incorporating Diverse Experiences in Biblical Teaching and Study
Biblical teaching and study often encounter "divers" or diverse experiences, a term used in scripture to describe various doctrines, temptations, and forms of grace [1, 2, 5]. The concept of diversity in Christian experience is rooted in the understanding that individuals encounter God and the Christian life in varied ways, whether through different forms of suffering, distinct spiritual gifts, or unique personal journeys [2].
The Apostle James, for instance, encourages believers to "count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations" [2]. Here, "divers temptations" refers not to temptations to sin, but to afflictions and persecutions endured for the sake of the Gospel [2]. This highlights a diversity in the challenges believers face, which, when met with faith, can lead to spiritual growth and joy. Similarly, the author of Hebrews warns against being "carried about with divers and strange doctrines" [1, 5]. This refers to a multitude of teachings that deviate from the singular truth of Scripture and the person of Christ, contrasting with the uniform doctrine of the apostles [1]. The warning suggests that believers will encounter a variety of teachings, some of which are foreign to the truth and can lead them astray [5].
The New Testament also speaks to diverse experiences within the Christian community itself. For example, the Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians, speaks of the "experiment of this ministration" where the generosity of Gentile churches provides a "proof" or "experience" of their Christian character to the poor saints in Jerusalem [3, 8]. This act of giving leads the recipients to glorify God "for your professed subjection to the Gospel of Christ" [3]. This demonstrates a diversity in Christian practice and expression of faith, where acts of charity become a tangible experience of the Gospel's power and unity across different groups of believers [8].
The early church also saw diversity in the spread of the Gospel. Andrew, upon finding Jesus, immediately sought out his brother Simon to share the news [4]. This act illustrates how the discovery of the Gospel naturally leads to sharing it with others, creating a ripple effect where "one invited another to come" [4]. This organic spread of the message results in a diversity of individuals coming to faith, each with their own unique background and journey.
In terms of spiritual development, the book of Hebrews urges believers to move beyond "basic teachings" to a deeper understanding of Christ [7]. These basic teachings, foundational elements of Jewish instruction, represent an initial stage of faith. The call to "go on" or "be carried on" suggests an ongoing process of growth and maturity initiated by God, implying that spiritual journeys are not static but involve diverse stages and deepening comprehension [7].
The Psalms also offer insights into diverse experiences, such as the "sweet counsel" shared between friends, which can be interpreted in both civil and spiritual contexts [6]. While David found counsel in the testimonies of the Lord, the passage can also denote the mutual delight in understanding the Gospel's mysteries, even if that understanding is merely notional, as in the case of Judas [6]. This suggests a diversity in the depth and sincerity of engagement with spiritual truths.
Sources
- 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”
- James (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on James 1:2: My brethren,.... Not only according to the flesh, he being a Jew as they were; but in a spiritual sense, they being born again of the same grace, belonging to the same family and household of faith, and having the same Father, and being all the children of God, by faith in Christ Jesus: count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; not the temptations of Satan, or temptations to sin; for these cannot be matter of joy, but grief; these are fiery darts, and give a great deal of uneasiness and trouble; but afflictions and persecutions for the sake of the Gospel,”
- 2 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Corinthians 9:13: Whiles by the experiment of this ministration,.... That is, the poor saints at Jerusalem having a specimen, a proof, an experience of the liberality of the Gentile churches ministered to them by the apostles, first, they glorify God; by giving thanks unto him, acknowledging him to be the author of all the grace and goodness which they, and others, were partakers of; particularly for your professed subjection to the Gospel of Christ. The Gospel of Christ is the doctrine of grace, life, and salvation by Christ, of which he is the author, as God, the subject m”
- John (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on John 1:41: Findeth his own brother Simon - Every discovery of the Gospel of the Son of God produces benevolence, and leads those to whom it is made to communicate it to others. Those who find Jesus find in him a treasure of wisdom and knowledge, through which they may not only become rich themselves, but be instruments, in the hand of God, of enriching others. These disciples, having tasted the good word of Christ, were not willing to eat their bread alone, but went and invited others to partake with them. Thus the knowledge of Christ became diffused - one invited another to com”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 13:9: about--rather, as oldest manuscripts read, "carried aside"; namely, compare Eph 4:14. divers--differing from the one faith in the one and the same Jesus Christ, as taught by them who had the rule over you (Heb 13:7). strange--foreign to the truth. doctrines--"teachings." established with grace; not with meats--not with observances of Jewish distinctions between clean and unclean meats, to which ascetic Judaizers added in Christian times the rejection of some meats, and the use of others: noticed also by Paul in Co1 8:8, Co1 8:13; Co1 6:13; Rom”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 55:13: We took sweet counsel together,.... Not in religious matters; for in these the testimonies of the Lord were David's counsellors, Psa 119:24; but in civil things: hearty counsel is one branch of friendship, and which greatly sweetens it, Pro 27:9; as this may be applied to Christ and Judas, it may denote the mutual delight and pleasure they had, the one in communicating, the other in receiving a notional knowledge of the Gospel, and the mysteries of it, which are the counsel of God, Act 20:27; for if hearers may hear the word gladly, as Herod did, and receive it with ”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 6:1: 6:1-3 In light of the hearers’ immaturity (5:11-14), the author urges them to move beyond basic teachings. The six basic teachings here were all foundational elements of Jewish instruction. The author might be challenging them to move beyond these basic teachings to further understanding about the person of Christ, which he elaborates in 7:1–10:25. 6:1 Let us go on: Or Let us be carried on, suggesting that God initiates growth to maturity (Phil 2:12-13) and that it is an ongoing process. • Repenting and faith are the basic commitments that initiate a person to the”
- 2 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Corinthians 9:13: by--through occasion of. experiment--Translate, "the experience" [ELLICOTT and others]. Or, "the experimental proof" of your Christian character, afforded by "this ministration." they--the recipients. for your professed subjection--Greek, "for the subjection of your profession"; that is, your subjection in accordance with your profession, in relation to the Gospel. Ye yield yourselves in willing subjection to the Gospel precepts, evinced in acts, as well as in profession. your liberal distribution--Greek, "the liberality of your contribu”