Interpreting External Examples Through the Lens of Scripture
Interpreting External Examples Through the Lens of Scripture
The concept of interpreting external examples through the lens of Scripture is rooted in the biblical understanding of the authority and relevance of Scripture in understanding the world. According to 2 Timothy 3:16, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" [7]. This verse underscores the divine origin and purpose of Scripture, establishing it as a foundational resource for interpreting life and the world.
The practice of interpreting external examples through Scripture involves comparing spiritual things with spiritual, as noted in 1 Corinthians 2:13, where it is written that spiritual truths are expounded by comparing them with other spiritual truths [5]. This comparative method allows for a deeper understanding of both the Scripture and the external examples being considered. For instance, the biblical account of Noah's faith in Hebrews 11:7 provides an example of interpreting an historical event through the lens of faith, demonstrating how Scripture itself models this interpretive practice [3].
Scripture is considered the "Word of God" and is described as being inspired by the Holy Spirit [1]. This understanding is crucial for interpreting external examples, as it establishes Scripture as a divinely authoritative guide. The Psalmist expresses a similar sentiment in Psalm 119:125, marveling at the wonder of God's testimonies [6].
The early Christian church adopted the practice of reading Scripture in public congregations, a custom inherited from Jewish synagogue worship (1 Timothy 4:13) [4]. This practice underscores the communal and liturgical context in which Scripture was interpreted, suggesting that interpreting external examples through Scripture is not merely an individual activity but also a communal one.
In interpreting external examples, Christians are encouraged to seek wisdom and understanding through the Scripture. Ephesians 1:17 prays for the "spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of God," highlighting the role of divine illumination in understanding spiritual truths [2]. This prayer suggests that interpreting external examples through Scripture requires not only intellectual engagement but also spiritual insight.
The Reformed tradition, represented by commentators like John Gill, emphasizes the importance of Scripture in understanding God's will and purposes. Gill's commentary on Psalms 119:125 notes the wonder of Scripture in testifying to God's mind and will [6]. Similarly, Baptist and Reformed interpretations of passages like 2 Corinthians 9:13 highlight the role of Scripture in glorifying God and demonstrating the subjection of believers to the Gospel of Christ [8].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Scriptures, The — Given by inspiration of God -- 2Ti 3:16. Given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit -- Ac 1:16; Heb 3:7; 2Pe 1:21. Christ sanctioned, by appealing to them -- Mt 4:4; Mr 12:10; Joh 7:42. Christ taught out of -- Lu 24:27. Are called the Word. -- Jas 1:21-23; 1Pe 2:2. Word of God. -- Lu 11:28; Heb 4:12. Word of Christ. -- Col 3:16. Word of truth. -- Jas 1:18. Holy Scriptures. -- Ro 1:2; 2Ti 3:15. Scripture of truth. -- Da 10:21. Book. -- Ps 40:7; Re 22:19. Book of the Lord. -- Isa 34:16. Book of the law. -- Ne 8:3; Ga 3:10. Law of the Lord. -- Ps 1:2; Isa”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Ephesians 1:17 cross-references: Genesis 41:38, 1 Chronicles 29:11, Psalms 24:7, Psalms 24:10, Psalms 29:3, Proverbs 2:5, Isaiah 11:2, Jeremiah 2:11, Jeremiah 9:24, Jeremiah 24:7, Jeremiah 31:34, Daniel 2:28, Daniel 5:11, Daniel 10:1, Matthew 6:13, Matthew 11:25, Matthew 11:27, Matthew 16:17, Matthew 20:33, Luke 2:14, Luke 12:12, Luke 21:15, John 8:54, John 14:17, John 14:26, John 16:3, John 17:3, John 17:25, John 20:17, Acts 6:10, Acts 7:2, Romans 1:28, Romans 15:6, 1 Corinthians 2:8, 1 Corinthians 2:10, 1 Corinthians 12:8, 1 Corinthians 14:6, 2 Corinthians 12:1, Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 3:5,”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Hebrews 11:7 cross-references: Genesis 6:9, Genesis 6:13, Genesis 7:5, Genesis 7:23, Genesis 8:16, Genesis 19:14, Exodus 9:18, 2 Kings 4:5, Job 35:8, Proverbs 22:3, Proverbs 27:12, Ezekiel 3:17, Ezekiel 14:14, Ezekiel 14:20, Matthew 3:7, Matthew 12:41, Matthew 24:15, Matthew 24:25, Matthew 24:38, Luke 11:31, Luke 17:26, Romans 1:17, Romans 3:22, Romans 4:11, Romans 4:13, Romans 9:30, Romans 10:6, Galatians 5:5, Philippians 3:9, Hebrews 5:7, Hebrews 11:1, 1 Peter 3:20, 2 Peter 1:1, 2 Peter 2:5, 2 Peter 3:6”
- 1 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Timothy 4:13: Till I come--when Timothy's commission would be superseded for the time by the presence of the apostle himself (Ti1 1:3; Ti1 3:14). reading--especially in the public congregation. The practice of reading Scripture was transferred from the Jewish synagogue to the Christian Church (Luk 4:16-20; Act 13:15; Act 15:21; Co2 3:14). The New Testament Gospel and Epistles being recognized as inspired by those who had the gift of discerning spirits, were from the first, according as they were written, read along with the Old Testament in the Church (Th1 5:21”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 2:13: also--We not only know by the Holy Ghost, but we also speak the "things freely given to us of God" (Co1 2:12). which the Holy Ghost teacheth--The old manuscripts read "the Spirit" simply, without "Holy." comparing spiritual things with spiritual--expounding the Spirit-inspired Old Testament Scripture, by comparison with the Gospel which Jesus by the same Spirit revealed [GROTIUS]; and conversely illustrating the Gospel mysteries by comparing them with the Old Testament types [CHRYSOSTOM]. So the Greek word is translated, "comparing" (Co2 10:”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 119:125: PE.--The Seventeenth Part. PE. Thy testimonies are wonderful,.... The Scriptures, which testify of God, his mind and will, are wonderful both with respect to the author of them, the things contained in them, and the use and advantage of them. They give an account of the wonderful works of creation; of their author and matter; of the manner, order, and time of their being wrought: they relate many wonderful events of Providence, both in a way of mercy and judgment; they declare several surprising miracles, wrought by Moses and others, and exhibit many marvellous t”
- 2 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Timothy 3:16: All scripture--Greek, "Every Scripture," that is, Scripture in its every part. However, English Version is sustained, though the Greek article be wanting, by the technical use of the term "Scripture" being so well known as not to need the article (compare Greek, Eph 3:15; Eph 2:21). The Greek is never used of writings in general, but only of the sacred Scriptures. The position of the two Greek adjectives closely united by "and," forbids our taking the one as an epithet, the other as predicated and translated as ALFORD and ELLICOTT. "Every Scripture ”
- 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”