It seems more and more the case that the prerequisite to accurate Bible interpretation requires special training. In fact, this condition or restraint that accurate Bible interpretation requires special training can take many forms. For example, many churches require special training to preach God’s word. It might be referred to as Theology, Seminary, Divinity School, or Biblical Studies. But other perquisites may not be so formal.
Just the implication that Bible interpretation requires special training may be made when a well-credentialed Bible teacher promotes their secular training (“Dr. So-and-So”). Or maybe, they inject knowledge of another language (e.g. Greek) or cultural studies (“Based on Jewish customs…”) into their Bible interpretation. Rarely is a sermon preached today without Greek definitions being thrown about to justify a position. While these may be useful and are not wrong in and of themselves, does Bible interpretation require special training?
Theology is the systematic study of the nature of the divine and, more broadly, of religious belief. It is taught as an academic discipline, typically in universities and seminaries. Wikipedia
How Scripture answers "Does Bible interpretation require special training?"
The Bible actually presents the opposite123571011121314151617 picture about Bible interpretation requiring any special training. Any extra-curricular training is presented in various ways whether it’s “going beyond”3, having “confidence in the flesh”5, or putting your confidence in human wisdom11131415. Requiring or suggesting that Bible interpretation require special training is taught against as it may cause pride14 and division12.
In fact, Corinth’s ‘division problem’ was rooted in the notion that Bible interpretation requires special training3, and continued with false teachers (“super-apostles”) denigrating Paul’s rejection of the man-made condition9. Paul, as an apostle of Jesus, denounces his formal religious studies and literally says that it is garbage5. We only need God’s word36810121617 and should resist any other teachers or a “wisdom of this world”11131415 that might insist otherwise.
Answer built on scripture-blocks below
For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. What I mean is that each one of you says, I follow Paul, or I follow Apollos, or I follow Cephas, or I follow Christ. Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
I [Paul] have heard from Chloe’s people that quarrels are happening based on individuals claiming allegiance to Paul, Apollos, Peter or Christ. But Christ is not/should not be divided in this way. Christ was crucified. They are baptized into Christ.
Paul is writing to the church in Corinth dealing with several serious issues throughout the letter, but here dealing with divisions among them.
Applying 1 Corinthians 1:11-13 to this question...
Paul points the Christians in Corinth back to Christ as their sole authority and leader. There was division because they were “choosing favorites” in terms of their spiritual leader or preacher.
And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
When I [Paul] came to you [Corinthians brethern/Christians], I plainly spoke the word of God – that Jesus Christ was crucified.
Paul is writing to the church in Corinth dealing with several serious issues throughout the letter, but here dealing with divisions among them and reminding them of the uniting nature of the Gospel. In this chapter, and really including the first four chapters of this letter, he emphasizes the need for them to rely upon the word of God that he had shared with them as the foundation to solve these issues.
Applying 1 Corinthians 2:1-2 to this question...
Paul simply preached the gospel of Christ and His crucifixion, using no “lofty speech or wisdom.”
It’s clearly man’s or human wisdom he’s talking about since he immediately contrasts what he didn’t use with what he did – “wisdom of God” (vs 7).
I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?
I (Paul) have applied these things to myself and Apollos to benefit you, brethren, so you will learn not to go beyond what is written and become puffed up favoring one over another. Who makes you different? What do you have that you did not receive? If you received it, why boast as though you did not?
In his letter to the church in Corinth, Paul is calling them back to what they have learned and away from the arrogance and divisions that have crept in. In these first four chapters, he emphasizes the need for them to rely upon the word of God that he had shared with them as the foundation to solve these issues.
Applying 1 Corinthians 4:6-7 to this question...
Paul says not to “go beyond” God’s word, as it leads to putting confidence (e.g. “puffed up”) in the flesh.
I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day.
I [Paul] am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia. I was raised in this city [Jerusalem], the center of our worship, and educated by Gamaliel in strict accordance with the law of our fathers, having a great zeal for God just as all of you possess.
Paul is testifying to the Jews about his personal salvation, including the three days he spent blind and fasting before Ananias arrived. Also told by Luke (9:1-19) and again by Paul (26:12-18).
Applying Acts 22:3 to this question...
Paul was impeccably credentialed under the first-century standards of Jewish law in both his upbringing and his education.
If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.
If anyone can be confident about their accomplishments it’s me (Paul). I was circumcised according to the law (of Moses) and from the tribe of Benjamin – a Hebrew if there ever was one! I studied law and was a Pharisee, as to righteousness under the law I was blameless, and as to zeal I persecuted the church.
Paul’s letter to the Christians at the church in Philippi, established during his second missionary journey. A big problem in the first-century church were those that were teaching that one had to be physically circumcised (e.g. become a Jew) in order to become a Christian. He refers to these folks “evildoers” (vs 2), warning agains them and encouraging the brethren there to “press on” as he is doing (vs 12).
Applying Philippians 3:4b-6 to this question...
Paul denounces any “confidence in the flesh” and calls out his own “advanced degree” in interpretation of what would have been the Torah, or our Old Testament.
He counts everything of his own physical accomplishments “as loss” and “as rubbish” (vs 8).
When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.
When you [Ephesians] read this [letter], you can understand my [Paul] insights into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men beforehand but has now been revealed to His appointed apostles and prophets through the Holy Spirit.
Paul is reminding them that he had disclosed “the mystery” (vs 3) to them. Specifically, in this application, it was the mystery that the Gentiles were “fellow heirs” of God’s promise (vs 6) but he goes on to talk about the “the gospel” (vs 7) more broadly as the “the mystery” brought to everyone (vs 9). The gospel is commonly referred to as “the mystery” in Scripture as the gospel (Col 4:3).
Applying Ephesians 3:4-5 to this question...
Paul only requires that they read his word (which is God’s word since he’s an inspired apostle).
My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh. The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
Be warned, my son, of anything added to them [wise sayings of the Teacher]. There is no end to the making of books, and their study wearies the body. Having heard everything, I have concluded that it is enough for man to only fear God and keep his commandments.
A book of wisdom from “the Preacher” (many believe to be Solomon). The very wise and wealthy “Preacher”, having done all things “under the sun”, shares his treatise on life and worldly pursuits – it is all vanity.
Applying Ecclesiastes 12:12-13 to this question...
We are warned specifically regarding the study of God’s word not to add anything to it, namely, “many books.”
The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.
All of your word is truth, and all of your commands endure forever.
A great Psalm (119) dedicated to the merit and beauty of God’s word.
Applying Psalms 119:160 to this question...
Reading all of God’s word equals “truth”.11
Indeed, I consider that I am not in the least inferior to these super-apostles. Even if I am unskilled in speaking, I am not so in knowledge; indeed, in every way we have made this plain to you in all things.
Even though I [Paul] may not be skilled in speaking, I’m in no way inferior to these so-called ‘super-apostles’ since I’m in knowledge of God’s word and have made this plain to you in all things.
Paul, while away from Corinth, is being marginalized by other men that Paul refers to as “super-apostles” (vs 5). They are criticizing what Paul spoke when he “preached God’s gospel” to them “free of charge” (vs 7 xref Acts 18:8-11). He is warning the Corinthians of these individuals’ inferiority in the knowledge of Christ and labels them as “false apostles” and “deceitful workmen” (vs 13).
Applying 2 Corinthians 11:5-6 to this question...
False teachers were gaining traction at Corinth by promoting their special training and criticizing Paul’s “unskilled speaking”.
The second letter from Paul is only a few months after the first,123 so there’s every reason to believe these “super-apostles” who would “boast according to the flesh” (vs 18), were doing so at Paul’s expense of having not used “lofty speech or wisdom”2. They were using Paul’s “style” and humility against him and appealing to human wisdom.
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.
Happy is the godly person that doesn’t entertain the ungodly person’s advice, or stand in sinners' way, or sit in the scoffers' seat. Rather, his joy is in the commands of the Lord on which he meditates day and night.
Applying Psalms 1:1-2 to this question...
A godly person only mediates on God’s word, and does not seek advice from those that are opposed to Him.
Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts.
Your (God’s) commandment makes me wiser than any opposed to me and they are always with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers because I meditate on your testimonies, and more than the aged because I keep your precepts.
A great Psalm (119) dedicated to the merit and beauty of God’s word.
Applying Psalms 119:98-100 to this question...
The psalmist makes clear the precedent of God’s word over other “teachers” and “the aged” (e.g. experienced or “wise” of this world).
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
Wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. A harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
James’ practical words to Christians on how to live faithfully. In chapter three, he turns to address those among the brotherhood that might teach others (vs 1) and from here begins to talk about the tongue and its power, particularly for evil. He says that “It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison” (vs 8).
Applying James 3:17-18 to this question...
Godly wisdom (the teaching of God’s word) is “pure” or unstained, untainted, only God’s word. Only from this can peace (e.g. reconciliation to God through His gospel) be sown that yields a “harvest of righteousness.”
The context (vs 1) really forces this wisdom to be understood as something that is shared with others – specifically, God’s word or teaching about God.
Thus says the Lord: Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.
God says that a truly wise man’s confidence should not be in his [earthly] knowledge or in any material gain, but rather that he has come to know the God that practices enduring love, justice, and righteousness on earth. This is what pleases Me, says the Lord.
God speaking through the prophet Jeremiah during the days/years leading up to Judah’s captivity to Babylon. It’s from this passage that Paul likely refers and loosely quotes in both of his letters to the Corinthians (1 Cor 1:31, 2 Cor 10:17). In both of those passages, he is advocating for the power and precedent of God’s word over human wisdom and defending himself against false teachers (e.g. ‘super-apostles’).
Applying Jeremiah 9:23-24 to this question...
God’s pleasure is in those who know and put confidence in His word/wisdom instead of the wisdom and things of this world.
Paul prefaces this truth in both of his Corinthian arguments.1239 In his first letter,123 he is advocating for the power and precedent of God’s word over human wisdom and his own advanced learning. In the second letter9, he’s defending himself against false teachers (e.g. ‘super-apostles’).
The Jews therefore marveled, saying, How is it that this man has learning, when he has never studied? So Jesus answered them, My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood.
The Jews were amazed since this man was not educated. Jesus responded to them that His teaching was not His own, but His Father’s. If one is interested in obeying God, they will know that He was speaking with the authority from God, not His own. Anyone speaking on his own authority is seeking their own glory, while the one seeking to glorify the Father that sent Him is true and pure.
Jesus is teaching in the temple (vs 14) during the Jews Feast of Booths (vs 2). He has gone there ”privately” (vs 10) because His ”time had not yet fully come” (vs 8).
Applying John 7:15-18 to this question...
An exchange between Jesus and certain Jews showing: (1) Jesus’ teaching was solely from God, not from any human “learning”, (2) Anyone interested in obeying God will know that it is from God; the implication is based on other teaching from God (e.g. scripture), (3) Anyone representing/teaching about God based on their own learning (e.g. not from God/scripture) is seeking their own glory.
At that time Jesus declared, I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.
It was at that moment that Jesus thanked the Father and Lord of heaven and earth, that it was by His generous will that He had hidden these teachings from the wise and understanding while revealing them to little children.
Later in Jesus’ ministry when his cousin John the Baptist has been imprisoned (vs 2) before his death. “Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent.” (vs 20)Matthew’s is the only account (11:20-30).
Applying Matthew 11:25-26 to this question...
Jesus states a truth regarding who can receive God’s word, fundamentally contrasting between the humble/“poor in spirit” (e.g. “little children”) and the proud/”puffed up” (e.g. “wise and understanding”).
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition.
When they [Jewish council of rulers, elders, and scribes] saw Peter and John’s determination and conviction coupled with the fact they were uneducated, common men, they were amazed. They also recognized they had been with Jesus. But they could say nothing against them given the healed man standing beside them.
Peter and John have been put in prison (vs 3) and have been brought before the Jewish council of leaders (vs 5) after preaching and healing a lame man (chapter 3).
Applying Acts 4:13-14 to this question...
The apostles had no formal education and in fact were “common men”. Their lack of any formal training or “credentials” was in itself a testimony to the power of the gospel.
The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.
When God’s word is pursued or studied (“unfolding”) it provides a lighted path and understanding for the untrained.
A great Psalm (119) dedicated to the merit and beauty of God’s word.
Applying Psalms 119:130 to this question...
Understanding and receiving the “light” given by God’s word does not require any special training.
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