Understanding the Bible can be difficult. For many centuries, the Catholic Church taught that the Bible could only be understood by an ordained priest. In modern times, people like N.T. Wright and other well-credentialed theologians are often held up as having profound (even special or unique) insights into God’s word due to their advanced degrees and learning.
Others might contend that a working knowledge of the original Hebrew (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament) languages is necessary for understanding the Bible. Of late, the need to have an understanding of the culture of the day (1st century) has advanced…to the degree that some disregard portions of Scripture with the charge of modern-day irrelevance.
So what exactly is required to understanding the Bible? Can any person, without a special degree or a library of “special” books, come to a knowledge of the truth revealed by God through His word?
how Scripture answers "What do you need for understanding the Bible?"
Understanding the Bible requires nothing more than the Bible itself1,3,6,9 and a diligent, open, seeking heart2,6,8,10. With our prayer to God for understanding4,7, He has promised that we will find (or, know) Him8,9,10. It is, in fact, the only way we can know His will for us.1,7,9
Of course, the word may travel by way of a teacher/preacher6. There are some portions or topics that are difficult5, but Scripture’s promise3,10 is that we can grow in the truth9 with careful, diligent study2,6.
the answer above is built on and footnoted with the following scripture-blocks
1
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Paul is writing to the younger Timothy and giving general advice about his work in preaching the Gospel.
Scripture is what is held up as the source for man’s “completeness” and equipping for any “good work”.
2
How can a young man keep his conduct pure? By understanding your [God’s] word. I seek you [God] with an undivided heart; let me not wander from your word!
A great Psalm (119) dedicated to the merit and beauty of God’s word.
Coming into an accord (e.g. understanding) of God’s word requires seeking with a whole heart.
3
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.
Earthly knowledge (“many books”) is put at odds with God’s word which, it’s concluded, is independently self-sufficient for man’s “whole duty”.
4
Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
How can a young man keep his conduct pure? By understanding your [God’s] word. I seek you [God] with an undivided heart; let me not wander from your word!
A great Psalm (119) dedicated to the merit and beauty of God’s word.
A prayer to God that He might grant an understanding of His word. (A thought repeated several more times in the 119th Psalm.)
5
Peter’s final exhortation to hold a “firm grasp on the truth” (vs 17) and to “continue to grow in the grace and knowledge” of Christ (vs 18).
Peter acknowledges that some of scripture, particularly what Paul wrote, is “hard to understand.” However, the very next verses confirm his audience had a “grasp of the truth” and his encouragement is to continue to grow [in the truth].
6
These Jews [Bereans] were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word eagerly, examining the scriptures carefully every day to see if what we [Paul and Silas] said was so.
Paul is on his second missionary journey and has come to Berea after having to flee Thessalonica in the night for fear of being killed for preaching the gospel.
The Bereans were taught the word by the apostle Paul himself, but they still confirmed it with daily, careful examination of the scriptures.
7
Paul’s letter to the church in Colossae.
Paul and his companions prayed for Christians to gain understanding of God’s word.
8
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
God will draw near to those who seek him with a desire and single-mindedness of heart.
9
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you dwell/remain in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Jesus promises that true disciples will “know the truth” by remaining or continuing to dwell in the word.
10
Ask and you’ll receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened for you. Everyone that asks receives, and he that seeks finds, and to the one that knocks it will be opened.
Jesus sermon on the mount after giving instructions about how to pray to God in heaven (6:1-14) and trusting in God to provide in this life (6:19-34).
God promises us understanding, if we seek Him.
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…and if you’re wondering more about what we’re doing and why, here are some links we hope can help explain it (and maybe even get you excited about contributing):
- the Bible Study Framework and scripture-blocks
our format and the anatomy of a question
the Bible study standard that we follow
- our top four obstacles to letting scripture interpret scripture
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