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A LIST OF STUDY HELPS AND REFERENCE BOOKS

BIBLE HANDBOOKS

Halley's Bible Handbook, Henry H. Halley, Zondervan Publishing House

Unger's Bible Handbook, Merrill F. Unger, Moody Press

            A Bible Handbook is arranged by the Books and Chapters of the Bible. It contains a wealth of information about the Bible. It includes, as the title page of Halley's Bible Handbook states, "A General View of the Bible, Heart thoughts of the Bible, Remarkable Archaeological Discoveries, Notes on Each of The Bible Books, Miscellaneous Bible Information, Notes on Obscure Passages, Related Historical Data, An Epitome of Church History, Suggestion on Church-Going."⁽¹⁾ This information is invaluable in understanding the historical situation of the Scripture you are investigating.

             There are many pictures, charts and diagrams found throughout the handbook that greatly aids in understand the historical situation of portions of Scripture. For example: The reference to Genesis 10-11, give a great deal of information concerning Egyptian history, including the Egyptian dynasties, past wars, and chronology of the period. This background information will help you to understand the period of time between the Flood and Abraham.

BIBLE DICTIONARIES

Unger's Bible Dictionary, Merrill F. Unger, Moody Press, Chicago.

Zondervan's Pictorial Dictionary of the Bible, Merrill C. Tenney, Zondervan Publishing House,Grand Rapids, Mich.

Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Herbert Lockyer, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, Camden, New York.

             A Bible Dictionary is an alphabetical listing of the all the major words found in the Bible with their meanings. A Bible Dictionary is more like an encyclopedia than just a simple word dictionary. For example: it will list all the proper names found in the Bible, with not only its pronunciation and meaning, but also will give information about the various persons in the Bible that had that name with related Scripture references. A Bible Dictionary will furnish information on such things as money, tools, customs, geography, cities, towns and countries. It will list each Book of the Bible with an outline and historical data such as the author, date, addressee, subject and content.

A CONCORDANCE OF THE BIBLE

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, James Strong, MacDonald Publishing Company.

Young's Analytical Concordance of the Bible, Robert Young, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

Layman's English-Greek Concordance, James Gall, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1975

The Englishman's Greek Concordance of the New Testament, George V. Wigram, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Mich, 1979.

             A Bible concordance is an alphabetical listing of every word found in the Bible with every verse in which it is used listed. If you know only one word of a verse you can use a concordance to find the reference you are looking for. The first two concordances listed above are "exhaustive concordances." This means that every occurrence of the word in the Bible is listed. Condensed concordances have only limited use as they do not list every occurrence of a word in Scripture. Strong's is probably the most popular concordance. In addition to being a concordance, it includes a Hebrew and Greek dictionary of Bible word.

             Strong has assigned each Hebrew and Greek word in the Bible with a number. This numbering system is used by most other reference books making Strong's Concordance a must for Bible students.

            The Layman's English-Greek Concordance, lists all the English words of the Bible. However, under each English word is listed the various Greek words from which it was translated with references. For example: If you were to look up the English word "accompany" you would find that no less that five Greek words are translated "accompany" in our English Bible. Each of the five Greek words has a slightly different meaning. By looking up the definition of the Greek word in a word study book such as Vines Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament words, you would have a better understanding of the passage of Scripture. (see 4. Word Study Books)

            The Englishman's Greek Concordance of the New Testament, is a Greek concordance, (written in English), arranged using the Strong's Concordance word numbering system. Without being able to read Greek, a word can be located in English in Strong's Concordance and then using Strong's numbers can be used to find the exact Greek word in The Englishman's Greek Concordance. The Greek words are arranged alphabetically and each verse the Greek word is used in the New Testament is shown. This is invaluable in determine the exact Greek word used and its proper meaning.

WORD STUDY BOOKS:

Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, W. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, William White, Jr., Thomas Nelson Publishers. Nashville, 1984

Theological Word Book of the Old Testament, Harris, Archer, Waltke, Moody Press, Chicago.

             Word study books list the words used in the Bible with their Greek or Hebrew meaning. (Hebrew for the Old Testament and Greek for the New Testament) These study helps are invaluable in determining the original meaning of the words of the Bible. Our English words were translated from Hebrew or Greek and often one English word was used to translate several words in the original language. It is important to know which Hebrew or Greek word the English word represents in order to determine its correct definition.

COMMENTARIES ,

The Wycliffe Bible Commentary, Charles F. Pfeiffer, Everette Harrison, Moody Press, Chicago.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Bible, Matthew Henry, MacDonald Publishing Company, McLean, Va.

Romans, Donald Grey Barnhouse, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Mich.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary, An Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Faculty, Old and New Testament, John F. Walvoord, Roy B. Zuck, Victor Books, 1988. (Caution: Based on the New International Version of the Bible)

             A commentary is the written comments and explanatory notes of an author on Scripture. Many commentaries are available covering the entire Bible or just one Book. When consulting commentaries be sure to investigate the author. This information will be found on cover sheets of most books. Where the author went to school, the denomination he belongs to and other information will guide you in determining his position on the Scriptures. Just because a person writes a commentary on Scripture is no assurance what he writes will be doctrinally sound.

             Commentaries can greatly aid in studying the Bible, but be aware they can become a crutch if we are not careful. Use them to get different perspectives on a passage of Scripture. Be aware commentators can make errors in judgment and come to incorrect conclusions. The rule is to use them as a guide, but never as an authority. The Bible itself is our only authority. It is the Bible that judges whether the commentator is correct.

             The three commentaries above are very popular and are representative of most commentaries. They would be a good addition to your library. The first two are commentaries on the whole Bible and are good "general" reference to the Scriptures. Commentaries such as Barnhouse's work on Romans, because they focus on a smaller portion of Scripture, will give more detailed information than would be possible in a commentary covering the entire Bible. Purchasing several commentaries on one book will help you get a better and wider perspective on the book you are studying.

STUDY BIBLES

The Ryrie Study Bible, Charles Caldwell Ryrie, Moody Press, Chicago.

The Scofield Reference Bible, C. I. Scofield, Oxford University Press, New York.

The Thompson Chain Reference Bible, Frank Charles Thompson, B. B. Kirkbride Bible Co., Inc.

             A Study Bible is one in which an author has written explanatory notes in the margins. Study Bibles will have much information that aids in understanding the Bible. Modern words are given for antiquated ones. Cross references are included to guide the reader to other places in Scripture where the subject of the verse is found, or to parallel passages. Some contain abbreviated Bible dictionaries and concordances that can be very useful.

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BEGINNING YOUR STUDY

TO BEGIN:

             Please go to Chapter Two, "Principles of Literal Bible Interpretation." Read and become thoroughly familiar with this chapter. This section is vital in properly studying Scripture expositorily. It will greatly aid you by teaching ten principles to guide you in correctly interpreting the Bible. An important part of studying the Bible expositorily is interpreting the Scripture passage. Use the BACK key on your browser to return to this point in the course.

            You will need a copy of the Work Sheet to use in this study.

CLICK HERE TO GET A MASTER COPY OF THE WORK SHEET. PRINT IT AND MAKE COPIES TO USE IN YOUR STUDIES.



            During the course of your study if you need help please e-mail me and I will try to assist you.




WITH A COPY OF THE WORK SHEET IN HAND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW:

THE SYMBOL  ! DENOTES PLACES WHERE YOU WILL BE MAKING ENTRIES ON THE WORK SHEET AS YOU PROGRESS THROUGH THIS STUDY.

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! FIRST: Enter the today's date. In the future it may be helpful to know when you made this study.

! SECOND: Enter the Scripture reference you will be studying. We will begin this lesson by studying Acts 9:1-31. This passage will be used as an example several times in this study.

! THIRD: Enter the title of the study if you have one at this time.

It may be better to assign the study a title after you have completed your work. The title should reflect the content of your studies and will be developed as your investigation proceeds. It should relate too and reflect what this lesson or sermon is about. A good title will spark interest in the message and cause your hearers to want to know what you will be teaching.

STEP l. CONTEXT.

! Read the chapter (Acts 9:1-32) at least twice from the Bible. Be sure to also read the chapter(s) before and after the passage once. (Acts 8 & 10) Read the passage until you understand what it is generally about.

             If you find that the wording of the passage is hard for you to understand it may be helpful to read the passage from another translation of the Bible such as, The New King James Bible (NKJV). I strongly believe that the King James Vision (KJV) is the best English translation of the Bible. All modern translations are based on the corrupt Greek text of Westcott-Hort "scholarship." The KJV has stood the test of time and has not been affected by so called "modern scholarship" that omits passages of Scripture, mistranslates words and casts doubts on other areas of God's word. I believe the New King James Bible (NKJV) to be the best "modern" translation because it is based on the Textus Receptus.

(l) Who is the Book Addressed to or Who is about?

FIRST, determine to whom the book is addressed or who is it about. It is recognized that all Scripture is given for our benefit and is applicable in principle to all. But here we are seeking to find to whom the passage was historically addressed when it was penned and/or what it was about.

a. Read the introductory material found in your reference Bible.

b. Consult Halley's or Unger's Bible Handbook or a Bible dictionary or better, read both to find historical or geographical information related to the passage.

c. In the Old Testament many of the books are written to Israel or about them. However, some are written to other nations .

For example: From the introductory material in Halley's Bible Handbook you would find that the book of Obadiah, is addressed to Edom and is a prophecy of its destruction. The information on the Psalms would indicate that they are generally all addressed to Israel and many are about David himself. You may find Books such as the Song of Solomon hard to pinpoint. It is a poem of Solomon's love for the Shulamite girl and the subject is not specifically stated. If you consulted Unger's Bible Dictionary it would include information on how Bible scholars have interpreted the book and give you a better understanding of who and what the book is about.

! Write the pertinent information you find in this blank. In Acts 1:1, the author addresses this Epistle (letter) to "Theophilus." From your Reference Bible or Bible Dictionary you will find that this name means, "Dear to God" or "Friend of God."⁽²⁾

             Record what information you find about Theophilus. You will find also that the Book although is addressed to Theophilus it is written to the whole church because it is a historical record of the foundation of the church and how the church began.

            Sometimes who the Book to is written to is not clear. If you cannot be sure who the Book is addressed to, then try and determine who or what it is about. The Gospelof John does not have an addressee. You should record this information and then find out who or what is the book about? In consulting a Bible Dictionary you would find the Book is a Gospel about the Lord Jesus and presents Him as the Son of God the Savior (John 20:30-31).⁽³⁾

             If you checked a Bible commentary, such as Matthew Henry will find much introductory information as well.

! Write this information down. This could be important later in your study. Remember you are attempting to gather as much information about the passage as possible. Consider yourself on a treasure hunt making note of every clue you find. Sometimes what seems insufficient at first may later turn into a precious jewel of truth and help you understand more fully the spiritual message of the passage. The rule is record what you find. Later when you prepare your sermon or study you can decide to omit or exclude information you find.

(2) Who is the Chapter About or Addressed to?

NEXT, determine who the Chapter is addressed to or who is it about. The chapter could be addressed to or about someone other than who the book addresses.

! In Acts 9:1-31, the chapter is about the Apostle Paul, who is called Saul here.

Ask: Are these believers? If so, what kind, Jew or Gentile? Are they religious leaders as Scribes, or Pharisees? Was this person a political leader or held some public office? It will help you to determine the context of the passage to know whom it was written.

! The book and the passage could be about the same person or subject. If that is the case,write that down.

Examples: (Read each of the following passages of Scripture)

Gospel of John 4... Jesus is speaking to the Samaritan woman. (She was a half Jew)

Matthew 16.............Jesus is rebuking the Pharisees and Sadducees

Luke 5:27.............. .It is about the call of Levi, called Matthew.

Acts 1......................Christ is speaking to the disciples

Acts 2...................... I t is about the disciples gathered in the upper room.

Acts 10:23-48..........Cornelius, a gentile, Roman Centurion

Acts 19:1-7..............It is about Paul and his encounter with the disciples of John the Baptist.

The Book of Hebrews......It is addressed to Jewish believers who were in danger of turning from Christ and returning to Old Testament Judaism.

Hebrews 11.............It is about the faith of Enoch, Noah, Abraham, etc.

             If your study was in the Book of Galatians obviously it was written to the "Galatians." You would record this in "STEP 1, CONTEXT, Item 1." If it your passage was from Galatians Chapter 6, is about, a sinning brother. The Book is found to be generally addressed to the Church at Galatia, however Chapter six is addressing a more specific subject, that being a sinning brother.

(3) What is the Historical Situation of the Passage:

             Consult your Bible helps to research the historical situation. Look in your reference Bible in the introductory material before the Book. Look for: (1) the date it was written; (2) the governmental situation; (3) local situation, and (4) What were the events surrounding the situation?

! Acts 9:1-31, is the account of the conversion of the Apostle Paul. He was on his way from Jerusalem to Damascus to persecute the believers there. Christ appears to him in a blinding light and Paul becomes a Christian.

Other Examples

             If you are studying a passage in 1 Corinthians you would start by reading the passage and consulting several Bible study helps. You would find that the Book of 1 Corinthians was written in 56 AD. The Gospel was preached in Corinth on Paul's Second missionary journey in 50 AD. He lived with Aquila and Priscilla, preaching in the synagogue until those that opposed him forced him to move in a house next door. He was accused before the Roman Governor Gallio, but the charge was dismissed. There was gross sin in the church and much need of instructions. Paul was in Ephesus when he wrote to this young church.⁽⁴⁾

             If 1 Corinthians 5:1-2, was your text you would want to include that these verses deal with a problem of incest in the church there. Checking the chapter in Halley's Bible Handbook you would discover that Paul mentioned this problem again in 2 Corinthians 2.

(4). What is the Major Subject?

! In Acts 9:1-31, the major subject is the conversion of Paul.

             Read the passage carefully to find its subject. If it is not clear read the verses before and after the verse. You could be in the middle of a discourse that began in earlier verses. If you have difficulty deciding what is the Major Subject, consult your Reference Bible or Bible Handbook and look at the chapter headings.

Example:

2 Cor. 8:16-24. Various authors list the same subject, but word the chapter title differently:

Ryrie Study Bible: "Principles of giving"

The Scofield Reference Bible, "Part II. The collection for the poor" (3) The Messengers.

Halley' Bible Handbook: Chapters 8 and 9, Listed as, "Offering for the Mother-Church."

From these titles and from reading the text you will see that the major subject is "giving."Remember, this is YOUR study. If you see something different from what is in your Bible helps,write it down also. You may want to word the title differently.

(5) Who is the Author of the Book?

             In section "3. The Historical Situation," you recorded information about the general historical situation of the passage. This section should list information about the author. A good source for this information would be the introductory material listed before the Book in your reference bible. A Bible dictionary will give you much detailed information about the author. In some books of the Bible the author is not known. In some there may be some question as to who the name refers to due to there being several persons with the same name. A Bible dictionary will explore all the possibilities.

! The Book of Acts was written by Luke, who was a physician and companion of Paul on his second missionary journey. Read the introductory information on the Book's authorship . Consult several Bible Helps in obtaining this information.

Examples:

The Book of Romans? Paul - In Rome in prison

The Book of James? James the half brother of the Lord and pastor of Jerusalem church.

Hebrews? Unknown. Possibly was Paul or Luke.

             Record any information about the author. Such things as who Bible characters were related to or their occupation adds depth to your study. A Bible Dictionary would furnish this information.

(6) Record any parallel references.

            Check the margin of your reference Bible to see if it lists any parallel references to the verse or subject. Record them and look up each reference.

! In Acts 9:1-31, you should find that your reference Bible refers to Acts 22:1-29, and Acts 26:9-19 as other accounts of Paul's conversion.

             In the Gospels, you would want to check a "Harmony of the Gospels." A "Harmony of the Gospels" is a chronological listing of the events in the Four Gospels. Each event in the Gospels is shown with the places that refer to it in each of the Four Gospels.

             Some reference Bibles have a "Harmony of the Gospels" in the back. They are found in book form such as, A Harmony of the Gospels, by A. T. Robertson.⁽⁵⁾

STEP 2. DEFINITION OF WORDS:

             Definitions of words that you do not know should be recorded here. Some words in the King James, are not understood today and have taken a different meaning. Check your Reference Bible's marginal notes and an English dictionary, such as Webster's New World Dictionary, for the meanings. If there is any doubt in your mind that you do not fully understand the meaning of the word, look it up!

! In Acts 9:1-31, you might want to find out what the following words mean: V., "prick," V22, "confounded," V26, "assayed," V29, "disputed."

             Another way to determine the meaning is to look the word up in Vines Expository Dictionary of the New Testament (for the New Testament) or Wilson's Old Testament Word Studies (for the Old Testament). More in-depth study of Old Testament Words can be found in the Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament. If these are not available, You can look the word up in the dictionary of Strong's Bible Concordance.

            To find the correct definition in Strong's follow these instructions: Find the word and then the verse where it is used. There will be a number to the right of the verse. Look up the number in the back of the concordance in the dictionary and it will give the meaning of the Greek or Hebrew word. Make sure that if the word is from an Old Testament reference use the Hebrew/Chaldee dictionary. A New Testament word should be located in the Greek Dictionary. If you have access to the Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament you will be able to find a much more detailed definition. It will be easier to find a word's usage by first finding the word in Strong's Concordance. Use the reference number found in Strong's and look it up in the Index of the Theological Wordbook, found in the back of Vol. II.

Example: 1 Corinthians 5:6: Word "leaven."

Vines Expository Dictionary gives the meaning for "leaven" on pages 362-363. It shows that in the reference, the Greek word is "ZUME" a noun. It means, "leaven, sour dough, in a state of fermentation, etc." Much information about the word is included. In referring to this passage it states it literally refers to "implied corrupt practice and corrupt doctrine respectively." This information will greatly aid you in understanding the passage.

STEP 3. INFORMATION ON NAMES, CITIES, AND PLACES:

             Information on names, cities and places is important in understanding the Bible passage. Use your Bible helps such as your Bible dictionary and also maps to locate the places mentioned and record what you find.

             Most reference Bibles have good maps in the back pages. One problem with these maps is there is no "Gazetteer" (an index of geographical locations). It would be good to purchase a good Bible atlas. This makes finding geographical locations easy and fast.

! In Acts 9:1-31. Find out what you can about Damascus. Locate it on a map. Verse 11, states that Paul was from "Tarsus." Where was this city? Find out who were the "Grecians" of verse 29. Do you know where "Caesarea" is located? If you do not know find out.

Other Examples:

Names: Jacob: Means, "supplanter"
Joshua: Means, "salvation"

Place: Galilee: Northern area of Palestine, west of the Sea of Galilee.

City: "Hebron": On of the oldest cites of the world located west of the Dead Sea. Its name means, "league or confederacy." It is 19 Miles from Jerusalem. Situated at 3000 feet above sea level and 4500 feet, it is a choice place for growing grapes. Abram camped there, built an altar to God, and owned a parcel of land called "the field of Machpelah" where he buried Sarah. Later in the conquest of Canaan, the city was given to Caleb, to conquer. Hebron was David's capital city before he became ruler over all Israel.

STEP 4. ACTION AND RESULT!

             As you read and study the passage, look for "Actions" and "Results." To understand this procedure first look at the following examples:

! Acts 9:4-5. Subject: Paul's conversion.

"And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutes thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: {it is} hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord {said} unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do." (Acts 9:4-6)

Note the what happened in these verses.

Example 1.

! Acts 9:

V4 (Action) Christ speaks to Paul

V5. (Result) Paul responds "Who are you Lord?"

(Action)Christ says "Jesus whom you persecute"

V6 (Result) "What will you have me do?"

Example 2: Isa. 6: V1-4 Isaiah saw God's holiness!

V. Isaiah sees his sinfulness and cries "Woe is me"

V8 God asks, "Whom shall I send?"

Isaiah responds, "Here am I Lord, send me.

             Note that the natural sequence of events was first an "Action" and then a response or a "result". Looking for the "action and result" in a passage of Scripture helps you determine what happened. You will see later how this will help you to find the spiritual truths God is giving us.

             If you have trouble finding the Action and Result in a verse look for verbs in the verses.

Example 3.: II Thessalonians 3:1-5

V1 (Action) Paul said, "Pray for us."

(Note the verb is "pray")

(1. Gospel may have free course and not be hindered.)

(Result) You are to pray for what?

(2. V2.That Paul might be delivered from persecution of wicked men.)

V3 (Action) The Lord is faithful

(Result) You are protected and kept from evil.

V4 (Action) The Lord strengthens you.

(Result) You are then able to successfully live for the Lord.

V. (Action) The Lord will direct your hearts.

(Result) 1. Toward a greater love of God.

2. Help you wait patiently for Christ.

             Sometimes the Action or Result may not be confined to one verse. The Action could be in one verse and the Result continue over several verses. What you are trying to do is to decide what each verse is telling you to do. The end result of this exercise is to find out what is the practical application of the verse or passage of Scripture.

Let's look at another example:

Acts 26:1-32

V1 (Action) Agrippa gives Paul permission to speak in his defense.

V2 - V23 (Result) Paul tells how he came to know Christ.

V24 (Action) Festus declares Paul is beside himself.

V25-27 (Result) Paul continues and addresses the fact that King Agrippa, a Jew was familiar with the Old Testament.

V28 (Action) Agrippa says, Paul you almost persuade me to be a Christian.

V29 (Result) Paul says he longed to see Agrippa and all there saved.

V30-31 (Action) Agrippa, Bernice and Festus go aside and declare that Paul is not guilty of any crime.

V32 (Result) They kept Paul in bonds, because he had appealed to Caesar.

             With practice you will be able to determine the Action and Result of a passage. Write down your findings and then go on to Step 5.

STEP 5. PRINCIPLES NOTED:

             After you find the ACTION and the RESULT of a passage you next seek to find the principles that are in the verses.

(Read the examples in Step 4: again)

             A principle is a "fundamental truth, law, doctrine, or motivating force upon which others are based."⁽⁶⁾

             Principles are truths and remain the same in both the Old and New Testaments. Traditions of mankind change, as does customs, cultures, environments, governments and historical situations. A truth does not change. The application of a truth or principle may be different at one time in history than at another, but the principle does not change.

Here is an example:

             The Old Testament clearly establishes the doctrine or principle of the separation of God's people from evil and idolatry. It is seen in God's command to the Children of Israel not to marry, enter into contacts or have close dealings with the sinful Canaanites. This principle, when it was obeyed, kept Israel from temptation and compromise. It kept them from being polluted by those who did not fear God. (Read Deut. 7:1-26)

In the instructions to the nation of Israel, God told them to destroy the altars, images and places of idol worship. (Deut. 7:5) This clear commandment of God is not practiced today. Should it be? Are we commanded by God to attack and destroy false and pagan churches of today?

             Paul in II Corinthians 6:14-18, teaches the same principle. (Read this passage) The time, place, customs and situation are different, yet the principle is still true. What is changed is the application of the principle. Christians are not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers. Paul says, "what fellowship or union can Christ have with the Devil?" In verse 17, quoting Isaiah 52:11, Paul warns believers to come out from the world and be separate. Thus, the principle applied in the Church Age, means we are not to form close associations with unbelievers. Paul does not tell us, however to attack unbelievers.

             This commandment in the Old Testament was to the Nation of Israel. It is based on the same principle as later revealed in II Cor. 6:14-18. In order to understand the relevance of the Old Testament Law to us today we must realize the Law was given to govern a nation. God's Law was Israel's "Constitution". Israel was a "theocracy". That means they were ruled by God. The Law that God gave Israel covered every area of life within their nation the same way nations today are ruled by their laws.

             The commandments in the New Testament are written to a church. The church, which is made up of believers, is not a nation. We are ruled by the government of the nation in which we are citizens. We are not under the Old Testament Law which governed Israel. These Laws were for Israel. This does not mean the Old Testament Law has no application within the lives of Christians today! We are to obey the principles which formed the laws of God for the Nation of Israel.

             To help in understanding this, let us look again at the principle of separation. Christians should live absolutely by the principle of separation from evil and evil doers, but we live in a different age. We are not a nation, but a group of believers, a church. It would be incorrect to try and apply to the church the application of the principles given in the Old Testament that dealt with separation. We are not to destroy idolaters and there places of worship! That commandment was given to Israel in the Old Testament, not to the New Testament church.

             In order to find the principle in a passage look for a truth. From Deut 7:1-26 and 2 Corinthians 6:14-18you would find the principle of "separation." In other words, "believers are to separate themselves from close relationships with the world." This is the truth presented by these verses.

             There may be more than one principle found in the passage. Some could be more important than others. List all those you see. Later, if you see others and add them to your work sheet.

Example: Note that in II Corinthians 9:6-8, several principles are found.

"But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:" (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)

             The overall principle is clear, "we should be freely giving to the work of the Lord. Other principles found there are (1) that if we, "give sparingly we shall reap sparingly." In verse 7, is the principle that (2) determines how much we are to give, mainly, "as a man purposes in his heart." The principle of (3) being a cheerful giver is also clearly presented.

Look for God's truths in this passage and record them on the work sheet.

! Acts 9:1-8. There are several principles found in these verses.

(1) Christ seeks the sinner. V3-5 Jesus appeared to Paul.

(2) You cannot run from God. V. "it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks". Paul tried to stifle his conscience. He knew he was doing wrong.

(3) Christ wants the sinner to serve Him. V6 The Lord

told him to go into the city and he would be told what to do.

(4) When the sinner meets Christ he should obey Him.

V8, Paul did as he was told.

Can you find more? Record the principles you find.

STEP 6. PROPOSITION (or APPLICATION).

             After you determine what God did or said, you now determine what action you should take! This is then put into the form of a sentence that will become your "proposition." The proposition is also at times called the "application". We will use the word "proposition" in this study. You are "proposing" an action by your study.

             Look at the principle you located in Acts 9. You should now determine what is the major objective of the passage of Scripture. This becomes the objective of your study. Ask the question? "What is this passage telling me to do?" How should this truth be applied to your life and the lives of those to whom you may teach this Scripture? This is why God gave us His Word.

             God's Word should become a part of us and change our lives. Applying these Scriptures to our lives will mature us and make us more Christ like. Ask, "Why is God saying this to me?" "What is God wanting me to do?"

! In Acts 9:1-8, Paul asked what Christ wanted him to do. Clearly, Christ wanted Paul to serve Him. Thus, "service" is the main application, or you could say the thought of this passage. You then form the application into a sentence that proposes something.

Examples: "Christ wants us to serve Him"

"We must serve Christ!"

"Christ calls us is to service."

Note that the above examples are all saying the same thing, but differently. The statements are proposing an action for you to take. The subject of this action is "service to the Lord." Another way of stating this action could be: "We must bow to the Lordship of Christ." Paul had, before he met Christ, openly and zealously opposed the work of Christ. But when he met Christ, he acknowledged Christ as LORD and vowed to serve Him.

             Make your statement short, one sentence, and to the point! Have only one major application to a lesson or sermon. Concentrate the entire message on developing that one point. In the next two steps you will learn how to express the practical application of your proposition.

STEP 7 & 8. HOW AND WHY:

[As you study these next two Steps record your findings on your Work Sheet. You will find that often there is not enough space on one sheet to write all you find. Use another piece of paper or another Work Sheet if you need more space.]

             Please note that "Steps 7 and 8" are two different ways to present the same truth. If your proposition is : "Christ's call is to service," you should next ask the question: How can I serve Him?, or Why should I serve Him?.

Generally "HOW" is better than "WHY," because it is tells us what we are to do. Sometimes "WHY" is best and fits the passage better. Try HOW first then WHY.

! Acts 9:1-31. Proposition: or "We must serve Christ." Other ways to make this statement could be: "Christ's call is to service" or "When Christ calls us to service we should obey." You see then, you can state the proposition in several ways.

             The proposition is taking the passage of Scripture and putting it in practical terms. It is telling us to DO something. The proposition is a simple statement of what the verse is telling us to do. Truth can be taught in great detail and depth, and yet not help the student of the Bible change his life. We must understand what action the Scripture is compelling us to take. The proposition of a passage is making the truth simple and practical so we can apply it in our lives. You could say that it is taking truth understood by the head, and turning it into directing the feet.

STEP 7. HOW?

             Ask the passage of Scripture "HOW" can one apply the principle? What can one DO, to apply the truth in his life?

! Acts 9:1-20. Your proposition is, "We must serve Christ." You next ask the passage (9:5) "How can I serve Christ?" From the passage you see what Paul did and said and what the Lord's response was.

             Make the answer in the form of a question, HOW? It asks the question: "How can we serve Him?"

From the passage we can find several ways to serve the Lord. The key to this procedure is using the word, "BY." If you ask how to do something, you naturally respond with a "by". How can I do this? "BY" doing this. . . Note how "by" is used in the following example:

1. (V.) By seeking to find out who Christ is (Who are you Lord?)

2.(V6)By finding out what Christ would have us do, by asking,(What will you have me do?)

3. (V8) By being obedient. (Paul went unto the city as Christ told him)

4.(V20)By testifying publicly (witnessing). (Paul straightaway preached in the synagogues)

This procedure becomes simple with a little practice.!

! Now read the example again and note the answers to your questions in verses 5, 6-8, and 20. Sometimes your answers will be taken from several verses as shown here. Record your findings on the Word Sheet.

STEP 8: WHY?

             In asking WHY, we are seeking a reason or benefit to obeying the proposition.

             Repeat the same procedure as you followed in Step 7, but now ask WHY instead HOW. Rephrase your proposition and ask "Why should I serve the Lord?" Your answer could be stated "Because: Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and is our Lord." As you study each verse or passage of Scripture you look for answers to your question "WHY."

An example of WHY? It asks the question: "Why should we serve the Lord?"

! Acts 9:1-32. The proposition is "We must serve Christ!"

Ask, "Why, must I serve Christ? Your answer can begin with, "Because . . . "

1. (V.) Because Jesus is the Christ, the son of God.

2. (V6-8, 20f) Because Christ has work for us to do.

3. (V32) Because service brings edification of the churches and men walk in fear of God.

STEP 9. YOUR OUTLINE:

             This is the final step in your preparation. Now you place all your information into a usable form.

ON THE WORK SHEET YOU MAY NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT SPACE TO PLACE YOUR OUTLINE. IT MAY BE BEST TO PLACE IT ON ANOTHER SHEET OF PAPER.

Your outline should contain the following:

Title: Make your title interesting and let it say what your lesson is about.

! "God's Call - Man's Response"

Scripture: Read the passage. (Note any words which may need explaining)

! Acts 9:1-20

Proposition: State your proposition or application.

! "In Acts 9, we find from the account of the apostle Paul's conversion, the principle taught that once a man is saved, he is called into a life of service to Christ. This means you and I must serve Christ!"

I. Introduction: In the introduction you prepare your hearers for the main lesson. You give them information they will need to know to better understand the context or local situation at that time in history when the Scripture was written.

             Also, very effective are current illustrations or situations today that are relevant to your hearers which this passage addresses.


II. State your first "How" or "Why" and then support it. Support it first from the passage itself and then from other Scriptures. Reinforce your principle by using illustrations. II. "We must serve Christ because He is our Savior.

A. Jesus Christ is God. (John 1:1)

1. He died on the Cross for our sins. (I John 2:2)

2. Paul saw the Resurrected Lord Jesus. (Phil. 3:10)

B. Christ seeks the lost sinner and offers us mercy and forgiveness of our sins. (Rom. 5:8)

1. Even while Paul persecuted the believers Christ still loved him, and sought after Paul.

2. He seeks us today. (Rev. 3:20)

             Quoting other Scripture references to support your thought greatly helps in presenting the truths found in our passage. Note these Scripture passages in the outline support the statement being made.

            Illustrations are important to any good message or lesson! It helps clarify the truths you are presenting and also gives variety to your presentation. It makes it more palatable to your hearers.

             There are many places to get illustrations. In fact you can get them almost anywhere. Current world conditions, and news are good sources. Personal experiences you or someone you know has had are excellent choices. Many illustrations can be found in books of illustrations which you can purchase. One is the Encyclopedia of .7700 Illustrations, by Paul Lee Tan⁽⁷⁾. This book has many illustrations which are cataloged and indexed by subject.

             One note of caution. Books of illustrations are available to everyone and it is possible to find the same illustration used by many preachers or teachers. This is also possible if you get your illustration from another's message or lesson. Illustrations which become well known and often used are not very effective when used.

             Be honest if you use an illustration which you "made up" or borrowed. It is dishonest to infer that a made up illustration is a true event or one you borrowed happened to you.

III. State your next "How" or "Why" and support it same as II.

! "We must serve Christ because He has a purpose for our lives.

IV. Next Point.

Continue on until you have 3 or 4 major points.

V. Conclusion: Restate the major points of your outline and lead the people to make the proper response.

Sample Outline

Following is an example of what your outline might look like:

             The information found in the outline comes from your work sheet. There will often be more information on the work sheet than you can use. Choose the information that best supports your application.

Title: "God's call - Man's response"

Scripture: Acts 9:1-20

Proposition: "We must serve Christ"

I. Introduction:

A. Paul's background.

l. Education - Studied under Gamaliel. (Acts 22:3, 26:4-5)

2. Position - Pharisee of Pharisees, devoted Jew. (Gal. 1:4, Phil. 3:5)

3. Name "Saul" (Acts 13:9)

4. He was a Roman Citizen (Acts 22:28)

5. Birth place - Tarsus, busy Roman-Greek trade city in the north east corner of the Mediterranean Sea. Popular for manufacture of goat hair used in tent making. Paul was a tent maker.(Acts 18:3)

B. Paul's religious activities.

l. Acts 7:58 - At Stephens stoning.

2. 8:3 As persecutor of the Church.

3. V26:l0-1 Paul describes how he persecuted the church, by beatings, imprisonment, murder.

4. Acts 9:1-3 Paul was on his way to persecute the Christians at Damascus.

II. To serve God we must accept Jesus Christ. Acts 9:4-5

A. It was Christ who sought Paul, Christ now seeks us.

l. Through preaching, teaching, and study of the Bible.

2. Christ came to seek and to save the lost.

B. Paul knew the authority of the One calling Him.

l. Paul's response was "Lord."

2. He fell on his face.

3.Holy Spirit's work is to illuminate the Word of God and convict us.

4. Paul knew the O. T. Scriptures concerning the coming Messiah.

5. Paul was very religious as evidenced by the way he persecuted those he thought were heretics.

C. Paul now accepted Jesus Christ is the Messiah the Son of God.

l. Everything now changed.

2. Paul began a new life of service.

III. We must willingly seek God's Will for our lives. Acts 9:6

A. Paul's response was "Lord what wilt thou have me to do?"

B. The call to salvation is a call to service.

1. Isaiah had a similar experience. Isa. 6:1-13

2. When the Lord asked, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?", he responded "Here am I, send me."

C. The Lord had a plan for Paul's life. Acts 9:15-16

1. The Lord has a plan for every believer.

2. It is seen the Great Commission. Matt. 28:19-20

3. It is seen in the gifts every Christian receives. I Cor. 12:4-11, 18, 27-28.

IV. We must be obedient to God's plan for our lives. Acts 9:6-8

A. Jesus told Paul to go into the city and there he would receive instructions.

B. Paul arose and immediately did as Christ said.

C. God's plan for Paul was revealed through another believer Ananias.

1. God told Ananias what was His plan for Paul.

2. To receive the instruction Paul first had to obey.

3. Obeying Christ's instruction he met Ananias and Paul received his sight again.

D. Paul then obeyed the first commandment to a new believer and was baptized.

V. We must share the Gospel with others. Acts 9:20-22

A. Paul was saved and immediately became a testimony for the Lord.

B. He boldly proclaimed that Jesus was the Messiah. Verse 22 Continue on with your outline until all your points are exhausted. Generally three major points (Hows or Whys) are enough. Include more if your study needs them.

After you make your first outline you should go back and read it again. You may see changes you can make which will make the outline clearer. You may make several revisions of an outline before it is ready to present.

CONCLUDING REMARKS:

             Once you have completed your work sheet and outline, you should have a thorough knowledge of the passage. The truths you learned will help you in growing spiritually in the Lord. Further, you can now confidently address this passage with understanding and be able to explain it to others. You can also witness to someone, or stand before a class or congregation and correctly teach God's Word with confidence.

             It will be well to realize that you probably have more information and material to teach or preach than can be taught in your allotted time. You will learn in time from experience how to consolidate your message or lesson and present it within your time period.

            After you become familiar with this study method you will probably drop the use of the Work Sheet. It is only intended to be a crutch and a learning aid. As you learn the method it will become automatic for you to search the Scriptures and research the information the Work Sheet asks for. You will probably adapt it to your personal needs and study habits.

             You will also soon be aware that as you use this study method your knowledge of the Word of God will grow. You will be becoming a useful tool that the Lord will use in bringing others to Christ and helping fellow believers to grow also.

!              Now that you have gone through the Study Guide for the first time choose another passage of Scripture. Begin a new work sheet. Research the passage of Scripture as you have learned. Select passages of Scripture you are familiar with. Later as you grow more proficient, work on more difficult passages.

"Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy Law" Psalms 119:18

I. FOLLOW THE CUSTOMARY USAGES OF THE LANGUAGE.

             We have dictionaries that are lists of words with their definitions. A word can have several meanings. But a word does have a limited meaning. As an example take the word "boat." It could be referring to many types of water craft, but it would NOT be referring to a chariot pulled by horses. The customary, and grammatical meaning of the word "boat" is a water craft. It would be improper to imply that when the writer used the word "boat" that he was referring to chariot.

             Often, Bible interpreters incorrectly give Scripture an allegorical or so called "spiritual" meaning. Tan, uses the following examples of an allegorical interpretation of Scripture. One interpreter allegorically interpreted the journey of Abraham this way. He interpreted it as an imaginary trip of a Stoic philosopher who left his sensual understanding and after a time arrived back at his senses. Another example of misusing allegory would be to teach that the two pence given to the inn keeper in the parable of Good Samaritan, represented Baptism and Lord's Supper.⁽⁹⁾

             Accepting what the words literally mean is a vital part of this first rule. Unless the passage says otherwise, give Scripture a literal meaning. It is a well stated rule, "that if the literal sense makes sense, seek no other sense."

A. The example of Revelation 20:6.

1. For example, Revelation 20:6, states that Christ will reign for one thousand years after the Great Tribulation. This thousand years is called the "Millennium." This verse "literally" states that the time period is one thousand years. Amillennialists falsely assert that this thousand years is only figurative to support their belief that there will not be a thousand year reign of Christ on earth. They teach that although the Bible says it will be a thousand years it really means some indefinite period of time.

2. Here is the problem. If it does not mean a literal one thousand years then how do we go about finding out its "real" meaning? Their answer is simple. Let the Bible commentator or scholar tell you, because he has the education and insights that the ordinary Christian does not have. The problem with this answer is, which Bible commentator should you go to whom you can trust has the correct answer? With what criteria do you test each commentator to see who is correct. Do you see the problem? When you leave the literal method of interpreting Scripture you have no means to determine what the passage says! It is left up to each person to determine for himself what it means without any standard or system of rules to follow. Clearly, this is leads to great confusion and makes it impossible to know what God intend to tell us!

3. It is obvious from reading Revelations 20, that the thousand years is literal and not figurative. There is nothing in the passage that would suggest that the period of time is figurative. Thus if we accept literally what the Bible says we are letting the Bible interpret itself. The correct interpretation of the passage is that Christ will literally reign for one thousand years on earth! The literal meaning of the words tell us what God said. There is no confusion or misunderstanding. The question the "spiritualizers" of the Bible should ask themselves is, why did God say literally that this period of time would be a thousand years, when if He had some other period in mind. Why did not just state it plainly if meant something else?

B. Often the Bible does use figurative speech. The art or skill of an interpreter, using the proper rules of interpretation combined with good sense can easily understand the meaning. In 2 Peter 3:8, Peter says that one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day. Here the time period is clearly figurative. Note that the verse says one day "is as" a thousand years. It does not say one day is exactly one thousand years. It would be wrong to take this figurative statement as meaning absolutely that a day in heaven is one thousand years. It would also be wrong to use this verse to say that a when the word day is used in Scripture it means one thousand years. Note that here the Bible is interpreting the Bible.

1. In the Bible, when a verse is not to be interpreted literally it is clearly indicated. By examining the passage we know that Peter in 2 Peter 3:8, used a simile. A simile is figure of speech in which one thing is liken to another. Also, the context of this verse presents further evidence that supports this view. Peter is addressing scoffers who rejected the truth that Christ would return to earth.

2. Many have tried to use this verse to fix the long ages of evolution into the Genesis account of Creation. They believe that this verse allows for great latitude in interpreting the word "day" in Genesis 1 and 2. But if we apply sound rules of interpreting Scripture to the passages in Genesis it too shows that this is a erroneous interpretation.

3. The word for "Day" is the Hebrew word, "yom." It can mean: ⁽¹⁰⁾

(1) The period of light (contrasted from the period of darkness).
(2) A twenty four hour period.
(3) A general vague "time".
(4) A point in time.
(5) A year.

4. Some want to believe the "days of creation" were long periods of time, which would support evolution. They would suggest the meaning of the word "yom" is "long ages." They point to verses such as Psalm 102:2, which use the word in a general sense. "Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble..." This could mean the day was one twenty hour period or any length of time of trouble. However, to understand what the word means you must look at the word in all the contexts it is used. Look at verses such as Gen. 7:11, 27:45; Ex. 20:10; Lev. 22:277; Num. 7:24, 30, 36, 40, 48, 54, 60, 66, 72, 77-78; Psa. 88:1, 139:12, Eccl. 8:16. These verses illustrate an unfailing principle found in every use of the word, "yom." Whenever "yom" is modified by a number, or whenever "yom" is used in conjunction with the idea of day and night, or light and darkness, it ALWAYS means a normal twenty four hour day.⁽¹¹⁾

5. The use of a number with the word "yom" is conclusive evidence that the "Days of Creation" were twenty four hour periods of time. The Bible says, ". . .the evening and the morning were the first day." The use of the words, evening, morning and first, limit the meaning of the word "day" to a twenty four hour period of time. That is exactly what it says. To interpret the time period which is stated here as meaning anything but a twenty four hour period is a gross error in interpreting what the writer meant.

6. Further evidence is found in Exodus 20:11, which supports this conclusion that these days in Genesis 1, are twenty four hour period of time. Note the statement of Moses, "For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day: therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy." This is as clear a statement of the time frame of Creation as can be had. Moses in connecting the six day Creation with instructions concerning the Sabbath day is conclusive evidence that the Creation was accomplished in six literal twenty four hours periods.

7. Peter, in 2 Peter 3:8, is assuring believers that God will keep his promises to us. It is pointing out that God is not confined to time as we know it. The use of the phrase "a thousand years is as but a day with the Lord" is understood as being a metaphorical reference to the fact that God is not limited by time. What we might perceive as a delay in time is within the structure of God's plan for the world.

8. If you interpret 2 Peter 3:8, literally, then you would still have only seven thousand years for God to complete the Creation. You would still not have the billions of years the evolutionist insists it took to create the world and life as we know it. In any case you can not honestly use this passage as a precedent to interpret the "days" of Genesis 1, as being anything other than a twenty four hour period of time.

C. The rule is this: "Always accept the literal meaning of the words of the passage unless there is strong evidence to do otherwise." As stated earlier, "If the literal sense makes, sense, seek no other sense."

             We are very fortunate to live in this age. Excellent Bible helps are available to help us find the original meaning of a word. Word study books such as Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, enables anyone to research a word without knowing the language and find its original meaning.

D. Syntax. Important to arriving at the correct meaning of a word is the study of syntax. Syntax is the study of the word in is grammatical setting. It deals with understanding the word's grammatical use as a verb, noun, adjective, adverb or part of speech. It also seeks to decide the tense, mood, voice, and case of a word.

E. When God used a particular word He did so to convey a particular meaning. You cannot ignore the customary and grammatical meaning of a word, in its historical setting and honestly claim to arrive at an interpretation of the passage that God intended. To ignore this principle of sound Biblical interpretation is to destroy the very Word of God itself. God did not give us a subjective and confusing method of understanding His Word. God chose each and every word for its precise meaning and recorded it and reserved it so there would be no confusion. Any other method of examining Scripture other than the literal method is illogical and unacceptable.

II. COMMIT NO HISTORICAL OR CULTURAL BLUNDERS.

A. The Bible was written over a period of about 1400 years. During that time many historical and cultural changes have taken place. To arrive at the correct meaning of a passage you must consider when was the statement made. Next, you must consider the historical and cultural situation surrounding the passage.

B. The example of God's command to stone false prophets. Deuteronomy 13:5, deals with false prophets in Israel. It states that in Israel false prophets were to be put to death. That is clearly what the passage says and what God commanded Israel to do. Does this mean that Christians today are to put false prophets to death? Obviously, we would not because we live in a different time in history and have a different culture. We live in the Church Age, and dispensationally are not in the Age of the Law as was Israel. God gave the Law to the "nation" of Israel, He did not give it to the local churches. It was Israel's Constitution, Bill of Rights and system of judicial laws. We today are in the age of the local churches and we are not the nation of Israel. God was not addressing us in these passages. However, Christians can apply the principle behind the commandment. The basis of this law was that God wanted Israel to be separated from false teachings. The churches today must keep its self from false teachers. We can apply this principle today by denouncing false prophets and remaining separate from them. It would be a wrong application of the passage for Christians today to practice putting false prophets to death. That would be a grave historical blunder.

C. The historical setting of the Book of Daniel. In interpreting the Book of Daniel, one would have to consider that Daniel was a captive in Babylon. All the events of his life take place there. This historical information would be essential in understanding the Book of Daniel.

D. Another example that could be confusing is the use of the names "Judah" and "Israel." Historically, the twelve tribes of Israel divided after the death of King Solomon. It is necessary to understand who the names "Israel" and "Judah" identify. The ten tribes, that occupied the northern area of Palestine, were called Israel. Most times the name "Israel" is referring to the nation as a whole or the twelve tribes. Other times it refers only to the ten northern tribes after the tribes separated after Solomon's death. The Bible addresses the tribes of Judah and Benjamin in the south a "Judah." The name "Judah" can refer to the Southern Kingdom (the two tribes of Judah and Benjamin). Or it may be referring to Judah alone, as the name of the tribe of David. You must consider the historical setting of the word's use to know what it refers to.

III. MAKE CHRIST CENTRAL IN ALL INTERPRETATIONS.

             In John 5:38, Jesus said, "Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they that speak of me."The whole Bible is about the Lord Jesus Christ, and Christ is central in all Scripture. An example of not taking this principle into consideration would be to say that God had a plan of salvation in the Old Testament, but in the New Testament Christ came with a new plan. It would be saying the Old Testament saints were saved by the Law and the New Testament by Grace. The Book of Hebrews clearly says that the Law and all the sacrifices did not atone for sin. Hebrews 11, states that all the Old Testament saints through faith received the promises of God. Their faith was in the future coming of the Messiah and Savior who would atone for sin. Thus, Christ was central in salvation in the Old Testament as He is in the New Testament. It was Christ's death on the Cross that saved the Old Testament saints. They trusted in Him as their Messiah, before the fact of His birth, death, burial and resurrection.

IV. BE CONSCIOUS OF CONTEXT

A. The context of a text or verse refers to its setting within a larger portion of Scripture. It refers to the verses that occur before and after the text. This would include the paragraph, chapter and book. The situation surrounding the text is relevant in understanding its meaning. The writers of Scripture wanted to convey to their readers certain information. They wrote in the environment in which they lived. This is why knowing the background and current situation of the a Scripture passage is so important.

B. For an example look at 1 Corinthians 15:32: The verse ends with the words, "let us eat, drink; for tomorrow we die." Without considering the context of this phrase it would appear Paul was teaching a person is to live a carefree life, getting all the "gusto" they can. A look at the context of the statement shows that Paul was teaching quite the opposite. He was instructing the Corinthians that there is life after death. Man will be judged and held accountable for his deeds. The point Paul made was that if there was no resurrection of the dead there was no reason to live a righteous life. In verse 34, Paul is rebuking the Corinthians for the way they were living. They were living as if there was not going to be a resurrection and this was to their shame! So we see that the context of a verse is very important and absolutely necessary for understanding or interpreting the verse.

C. Many false teachings and beliefs, that are so prevalent today, can be traced to ignoring of the context of a passage. Mistakes can be made by sincere men. Other times false teachers, who have no fear of God, deliberately deceive their followers.

D. The Mormons quote 1 Corinthians 15:29, as their text verse in establishing their practice of baptizing the living for the dead. Paul in making this statement was not teaching a doctrine. He was using the practice of some pagan religions of baptizing for the dead as an illustration of the universal belief in life after death. How do we know that this is what he meant? Look at the context of the statement. From the context of the statement we can see that the subject of the passage is the resurrection of the dead. Verse 12, establishes the theme Paul is addressing, "Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead." Contextually, verse 29 is a part of Paul's answer to this question. You cannot honestly say what this verse means without considering the context and everything said in conjunction to this statement. The Bible nowhere teaches that baptisms for the dead are a Christian practice or Biblical doctrine. This is the only reference to such a practice in the Bible.

1. Consider the following statement:

"If the Egyptians did not believe in life after death why did they go to such great lengths in preparing their dead for the hereafter?"

2. In making this statement, one would not be establishing the validity of their practice. Its validity is not being addressed. Only the fact of the practice is addressed. There is no hint in the statement that the person condoned the practices of the Egyptians. The point the writer is making is that they must have believed in an after-life because of how they prepared their dead. Paul was not establishing a doctrine and telling the Corinthians to do this. He does not say that they were doing this. He was using this practice of pagans as an illustration of the universal belief in life after death even among non-believers.

3. Let's look at another example of the importance of the context of a statement in the following:

"Police today arrested Bill Smith for the murder of his wife Jane Smith. The Police reported that Bill Smith had now changed his earlier story. In an earlier statement he claimed that John Doe had murdered his wife. He now has made a full confession."

4. Suppose in reading this statement to you I only read this partial statement: "John Doe murdered his wife." This statement by itself would lead you to believe John Doe had murdered his wife. However, if you read the whole article you would see that this was not what the article meant at all. You can see in this illustration the importance of the context of a statement. Context helps determine what happened, and what is the correct interpretation of the written statement.

5. A good rule is: "A text without a context is only a pretext." It is impossible to understand any statement without considering its context.

E. We must consider the following aspects of context in researching a passage.

Immediate Context
Broad Context
Parallel Context
Historical Context
Analogical Context

1. The Immediate Context of the verse means the verses just before and after the verse.

2. The Broad Context of a verse addresses the verse's place within the chapter and the entire book.

3. The Parallel Context of the verse refers to other places the word or text is found. It may be in the same book or a different place in Scripture.

F. An example of studying a parallel context would be consulting a Harmony of the Gospels to find other Scriptures where accounts of an event in the life of Christ are found.⁽¹²⁾

             In studying the parallel context, if the New Testament quotes the Old Testament, you would study the context of the Old Testament passage. This would help you decide why the New Testament writer quoted it and what it means.

1. For an example you will find three accounts of the Temptation of Christ. Matt. 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, and Luke 4:1-13. Seeking a parallel context could give a greater understanding of a statement or event, as one writer may give information another would omit.

2. Seeking the Historical Context would lead to consulting history to find the setting of the statement. The Historical Context can be found from several places. First, would be from the Book that the passage of Scripture is found. Next, you could consult one or several of your Study Helps. Book on archaeological discoveries made in the Bible lands have shed light on many Biblical events. All these findings together would show the current traditions or political situations of the passage. In language studies how a word was used in the past helps reveal what was original meaning.

3. The Analogical Context is vital to arriving at the proper interpretation of a passage of Scripture. The analogy of a passage of Scripture deals with its resemblance or similarity with the rest of the Bible. This is discussed in detail in the next section. Briefly it means that Scripture does not contradict itself. If the passage you read seems to contradict some other Scripture, then you must study further to understand the passage.

4. The great error today of the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements of today that they ignore the context of what the New Testament says about speaking in unlearned languages (tongues). They fail to see the historical setting of who in the New Testament spoke in unlearned languages and when they did so. The also ignore 1 Corinthians 13:8-10, which emphatically states that when the Bible was complete "tongues ."

5. Every Scripture is interconnected to all other Scriptures. You cannot take a verse or passage out of its context, a way from the other Scripture and interpret it correctly. This leads us to the next principle of interpretation.

V. INTERPRET BY THE ANALOGY OF THE FAITH.

A. The Bible does not contradict itself. God did not intend the Bible to be contradictory. If a passage of Scripture seems to contradict other Scriptures the problem is not in the Bible.

B. Some may object to the premise that the Bible does not contradict itself. However, at the heart of understanding the Bible is understanding what the Bible says about itself. The Bible claims to be the Very Word of God!

C. The term "Inspiration" is the theological term taken from the Bible which expresses the truth that the Bible is God's Very Word. To understand inspiration we must look at two classic Scripture verses:

1. The first passage is II Tim. 3:16."All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"

2. The word "inspiration" can be literally interpreted "God-breathed." The Greek word is "theopneutos", which means "theo" = God, and "pneutos" = breathed. The Hebrew word is "Nehemiah" and is used only once in the Old Testament in Job 32:8. The verse is saying God breathed on the writers of the Bible and the wrote His Very Word.

3. The next passage is II Peter 1:21, "For prophecy came not in old times by the will of man; but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit."

4. Literally the verse is saying that inspiration is the process by which the Holy Spirit moved on the writers of Scripture and what they wrote was not their words, but the word of God. Heb. 1:1, "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spoke in time past unto our fathers." God has at different times in the past, and in many ways has spoken to man. Paul and Peter add that what these men wrote was God's word.

D. Examples of how God spoke to man or revealed Himself and His will. Hosea 12:10 "I have also spoken by the prophets, and have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets." A literal translation of the verse says, "I spoke to the prophets, gave them many visions.

1. God spoke by angels to Abraham and Lot in Genesis 18-19. To Daniel, in Dan 10:10-21.

2. In visions. Isa. 1:1, Ezek. 1:1, 8:3, 11:24, 43:3, Dan. 7:1, 8:1, 10:1.

3. By miracles. Ex. 3:2, Moses and the burning bush. Judges 6:37-39, Gideon's wool fleece.

4. By voice directly. Ex. 19, to Moses; I Sam. 3, to young Samuel.

5. Through an inner voice. Jer. 46:1

6. By chasing lots. Jonah 1:7, Prov. 16:33

E. David said, "The spirit of the Lord spake by me and his word was in my tongue" 2 Sam. 23:2. God used men to speak to other men. When the prophets spoke what God had revealed to them, they used phrases such as "thus saith the Lord", or "the Word of God cam to me saying." They made it clear that what they were saying was from God.

F. To look at the matter in a practical way, what was happening was that as the writer sat down and wrote, God "breathed" on him by the ministry of the Holy Spirit. As he wrote the Spirit guided his thoughts so that what he produced was from God without error or omission. It was literally, word for word, what God wanted written.

G. In theological terms the doctrine that God wrote the Scriptures and that every word of Scripture is inspired of God is called, "verbal plenary inspiration." This is the view of Scripture which the Bible itself teaches.

1. Definitions of the words are: VERBAL = "WORDS" and PLENARY = "FULL".It means that God-breathed the very word of God in full expression of His thoughts in what the writer of Scripture wrote. This means that every word that was written was the mind of God without error. In other words, although the Bible was penned by men, it was really from God.

2. God guided them in the choice of every word and expression. This does not mean God did not allow for personality and cultural background of the writer to be used in expressing God's Words. God allowed the writers to express His thoughts in their own way.

3. This is why we must conclude the Bible is without error. God wrote it and preserves it and not man. It is the product of God, and His very Word to man. It then is without error or contradiction.

4. When there seems to be an error or contradiction the problem is in the interpretation of the verse or passage not the Scriptures. If your passages appears to be a contradiction then your course of action is to continue studying until you arrive at the correct interpretation. Many times arriving at the correct interpretation of a passage of Scripture will take a great deal of study.

5. For example lets look at one "so called" problem passage. 1 Peter 3:19 says, "By which also "He" (referring to Christ) went and preached unto the spirits in prison." At first, reading the verse appears to say that Christ after His crucifixion went into Hell and preached salvation to the lost pre-flood peoples giving them a second chance for salvation. This presents the interpreter of Scripture with a serious problem because other Scriptures clearly state man does not have a second chance to be saved. After death comes a man's judgment.

Job 21:30, states the "The wicked is "reserved" to the day of destruction."

Hebrews 9:27 "it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment."

Luke 16:22, the rich man in Hell, begs for mercy, but was denied even a drop of water.

H. If you consider the verse in the analogy of the faith, saying that this verse teaches that Jesus gave those before the flood a second chance, is a contradiction of other Scriptures. This alerts you to the problem! In considering what the verse means you must consider the analogy of the faith. In other words, does this interpretation contradict other Scripture? Clearly this interpretation does, so you would be alerted to look for another possible meaning.

I. The next step would be to take in to consideration the other principles of interpretation. Using these principles you attempt to arrive at an interpretation that is not contradictory. Principle #4, "Context," would lead to you to read the verses before and after this one. The context of the verse would show you that Peter is writing about Christ's suffering and death for the sins of the world. This is the subject of these verses. (See verse 18) Verse 20, gives us the time of the preaching to the pre-flood people. It says, "When once the long-suffering of God, waited in the days of Noah." So the preaching was done in the days of Noah, not at the death of the Lord Jesus.

J. From the passage the explanation becomes clear. The pre-flood people were offered salvation, by Noah, who preached to them before the flood. The Principle, that we are to make Christ central to the Scriptures, points us to understand Christ made possible the salvation that God offered to the pre-flood people. Noah, in preaching salvation was preaching Christ! The "spirits" or the pre-Flood people who rejected Noah's warning and offer of redemption are in "prison" or hell awaiting judgment. This interpretation does not violate any doctrine of Scripture and is not contradictory. It then is the better, and correct interpretation. You see then that we are letting the Scriptures interpret the Scriptures.

K. The rule is a simple one: In interpreting Scripture you must always consider the fact that the Bible does not contradict itself. If a proposed interpretation conflicts with other Scripture then your interpretation is not correct. You then must continue your study and arrive at an interpretation that is not contradictory.

VI. RECOGNIZE THE PROGRESS OF REVELATION.

A. In the proper interpretation of Scripture it must be understood that God gave His revelation, the Bible, to man over a long period of years. This is the doctrine of "Progressive Revelation."

B. For and example, when God gave the first prophecy of the coming of Christ, He revealed very few of the details. God only revealed that, "I will put enmity between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." All Adam and Eve knew was that God was promising them a Redeemer, who would overcome Satan and bring and end to the curse that sin had brought to the earth. God revealed His Plan of Salvation over the whole period of the Old Testament progressively. Over time, as God worked with man, He revealed more about the Messiah and gave more details. This process took place over hundreds of years. Four hundred years before Christ's coming, the Old Testament was completed and God had revealed, the Saviors name, place of birth, year of birth, that His death would atone for sins, the virgin birth and a total of over 300 prophecies concerning Christ's coming.

C. Another example is the giving of the Law. Abraham, the Father of the Nation of Israel, died having never heard of the Law. When Israel became a nation and needed laws to govern them, God use Moses and gave them the Law at Mt. Sinai. The Law given at Mt. Sinai was the "Constitution" of the Nation of Israel. It set forth principle and specific instruction as to what was right and wrong in all spiritual and civil matters. It set penalties for crimes against God and individual Israelites. It addressed everything from cleanliness to relations with other nations.

D. We live now in the age of Grace. The author likes to call this the Age of Principles. Christians are not under the Old Testament law. We live by a higher rule, that being the principles of God. We obey God out of love. The law commanded men to do what is right. You do not have to command people to do right when that is what they want to do. When God gave commandments to the Church, they were given to define correct actions.

E. When the Old Testament Laws were broken by the officials of Israel, namely the priests, administered justice. In the Age of Grace, every believer is indwelled by the Spirit of God who brings conviction. We also have the Word of God to instruct us in righteousness. When we sin the Holy Spirit convicts us. It is God that chastens each believer. No civil authority has that right in this age. Our civil government does not punish us when we disobey God's commandments.

F. When the canon of Scripture was completed, about 90 AD to 95 AD, God had completely revealed all that man needed to know to be saved, and live for God. He even stated in Revelations 22:18, that no man should ever add to or subtract from the Scriptures.

G. Another important principle to understand is that when God revealed a principle in the Old Testament, it was never invalidated by later revelation. Take for example the Law given at Mt. Sinai. Are the principles of the Law given at Mt. Sinai valid today? Surely they are!

1. The Law says we are to "have no other God before thee." (Deut. 5:7) That is a true now as it was then.

2. It is important to understand the Bible's principles do not change in time. Customs, culture, political situations may change and this in turn may change the way the principle is applied, however the principle itself does not change.

3. For an example, in Deut. 7:1f, God instructs Israel to be separated from the wicked peoples of Canaan. In 2 Cor. 6:14, the same principle is being applied to the Christians being unequally yoked with unbelievers. In both passages, God is teaching us the Doctrine of Separation. Time changed the people involved, the manner of separation, and a host of other details. Yet it is the same principle in both the Old and New Testaments. The principle is clear that a passage of Scripture can only have one meaning or interpretation, but in different circumstances can have different applications.

VII. GRANT ONE INTERPRETATION TO EACH PASSAGE.

             When the words of Scripture were penned they had only one meaning. We should search for that one meaning. To accept multiple interpretations for one Scripture causes confusion. Scripture itself does not allow for multiple interpretations of a verse. Note that we are talking about interpretation and not about application. A passage can have several applications, however in its historical and grammatical setting it can have only one interpretation.

             God promised the Nation of Israel would inherit the area of land from river in Egypt in the south to the Euphrates in the north. (Genesis 15:18) In is incorrect to interpret this verse in any other way but to say God promised this land to Abraham's descendants. It does not mean God gave it to the church or anyone else. The Euphrates River does not mean the Persian Gulf or any other body of water. It has only one meaning. That meaning must govern your interpretation.

VIII. CHOOSE THE SIMPLEST ALTERNATIVE

             In a very few instances the correct interpretations is not clear. This is a rare occurrence. There is a classic example of this found in Judges 11:30-40. Jephthah, made a vow that if God would grant him victory in battle, whatever met him coming out of the doors of his house when he returned home, he would sacrifice in a burnt offering to the Lord. When He returned home he was met by his daughter! In verse 39, it states that he honored his vow. Some interpret that verse to mean she was offered up to service for the Lord in the temple; others that she was literally sacrificed as a burnt offering. Both sides of this debate have valid reasons to accept their view. The Bible says the daughter went into the mountains for two months of mourning to "bewail her virginity" with her friends. After the vow was carried out the women in Israel each year went for four days to the lament in honor her loyalty and sacrifice. God would never condone human sacrifice. It is a simpler explanation that Jephthah gave her up to temple service to be a perpetual virgin. She was his only child and now Japhthah would have no descendants. In this example we can see that historically both views cannot be right. She either lived or died, and one or the other is true, not both. We can honesty only allow one interpretation, because it can have only one. The simplest alternative is that she lived. We can not be dogmatic and state either view is absolutely the right one. Thus, when it is not clear would should remain silent or honestly admit the meaning is not clear.

IX. NEVER INVENT EXPLANATIONS TO SILENT AREAS OF SCRIPTURE

A. Simply stated it means do not make up explanations to areas of Scripture that are silent and where God has not given us all the information about some topic of Scripture.

B. For example, the Bible does not say where Heaven is. The Bible only indicates its direction is up. It is foolhardy to speculate that it is in some specific area of Space. Some state they believe Heaven is in the northern area of space where astronomers report there are few stars. This speculation serves no valid purpose. If the Bible is silent we then too are to be silent. To offer one's personal speculation on some subject that the Bible is silent is in a real sense adding to Scripture. Many times, one person's stated speculation becomes another's belief.

C. Jesus said, only the Father knew when He would return. A well known fundamentalist evangelist of national acclaim stated in a Bible conference that when the planets aligned in 1984, the Rapture would occur. Many tracts were printed stating this view. Obviously, he was wrong. In the eyes of many people his testimony was hurt. His predictions served no purpose. If God is silent then we need to be silent!

X. NEVER THEORIZE TO ACCOMMODATE MAN'S VIEWS OR MODERN SCIENCE.

A. This principle is closely aligned with the ninth principle. In interpreting Scripture we should never invent explanations to areas where the Bible appears vague. We may not have the knowledge to understand some teaching or event in the Bible. The limitation is in our knowledge, not in the truth of the Word of God. When a man begins to speculate he is in fact trying to second guess God! Such speculation casts a shadow over the credibility of the Bible and our faith. It does not convince the doubters and only brings confusion. The best approach is not to invent explanations, but honestly say we do not know!

B. Examples of man trying to harmonize science and the Bible is seen in the theories such as "Theistic Evolution" and once popular "Gap Theory."Theistic evolution is the product of man's trying to fit into the Bible the false teachings of the so called "science of evolution." In truth, evolution contradicts the Biblical account of Creation and there is no possible way to make the two coincide. To suppose that God used evolution to create the world is to deny the literal meaning of Genesis Chapter One. You must understand that God's Word is perfect and without error. It is inerrant, and infallible. When God said He created the earth by speaking it into existence out of nothing, then that is the Word of God on the matter. If science disagrees, then science is wrong! Science is the product of man's wisdom which is often proven faulty. The Bible is the very Word of God who is never wrong!

C. On several occasions I was privileged to hear the late Dr. Charles Stevens, founder of Piedmont Bible College. One principle he stressed was that the only way to know the truth was to examine it using the "looking glass" of the Bible. In other words, we are to take the Bible and examine everything by it. We look at the world through the Bible. It is the ONLY true standard. It is the only pure source of truth on earth. The world's way is the opposite. Man with a sinful and warped mind examines the Bible and declares it invalid. Man starts out with a distorted view and can only come to a distorted conclusion.

D. Such theories, such as the Gap Theory, in no way have any value within themselves. This "theory" states that between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2, there is a gap in time in which the fossil record is placed. Its explanation is that the fossils are the remains of another race of man and a world that was destroyed before the present world was created. This theory is based on man's speculations of over one hundred years ago when evolution became popular. Men such as C. I. Scofield, under attack by so-called modern science, tried to accommodate the popular teachings of the then new science of evolution. He and others theorized a gap in the Biblical record between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2. Dr. Scofield had a limited understanding of geology. Few men in his day understood where the fossils came from. Today, we can easily explain the fossil record. It was created by the Flood when God destroyed all life on earth saving only Noah and his family and the animals in the ark. The fossils are the remains of the pre-flood world, not some world created and destroyed by God before the current Earth. All fossils are found in sedimentary rock deposits. Sedimentary rock is formed by water action such as would be caused by a world wide flood.

E. Today, evolution is fast falling into disfavor and even secular science is questioning the teaching of Darwin. Yet, today the Gap Theory is still being taught by a few proponents as fact, and yet it was never anything more than a man's theory or speculation. Today, few theologians hold or teach the view, but it will probably be many years before it completely disappears.

F. To try an harmonize the teachings of evolution with the Bible, theologians in fact have denied the Word of God. God said He spoke the Universe into existence, it did not evolve over long periods of time as evolution postulates. The gap theory in reality instead of clarifying the matter of Creation caused confusion. It actually supports the false theory of evolution. This author believes it aided in causing Christians to believe in evolution or some form of it. If that is so then the inventors of the Gap Theory caused many people to believe in the lie of evolution.

G. We should never invent supposed solutions areas where the Bible is silent.

XI. NEVER BASE A DOCTRINE ON ONE PASSAGE OF SCRIPTURE.

A. No doctrine should be built on only one passage or verse of Scripture. Any true doctrine of God will be found in many places in the Bible. The Mormons base their doctrine of baptisms for the dead on only one verse in the Bible. (I Cor. 15:29) No where else is the practice even mentioned. If you cannot find other places in the Bible that teach the doctrine this should alert you to a problem. If the supposed doctrine is only found in one place you should seek to find out why. In every case you will discover that what is being taught is not a doctrine. To arrive at the correct understanding of a teaching (doctrine) in Scripture you must study all related texts and then put them together. Until you do this it is difficult to know that you have all the truth revealed on a particular subject.

CONCLUSION: In trying to determine what the Scriptures mean we must have a method or standard of interpretation as a guide. The literal method stands alone as the only real Biblical method. Why? Because the best interpreter is God Himself, and by letting Scripture interpret Scripture we are letting God, the Author of the Bible tell us what He means by what He said. ⁽¹³⁾

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WORKS CITED

1. Halley's Bible Handbook, by Henry H. Halley, Zondervan Publishing House, 1965, Title Page.

2. Ryrie Study Bible, Charles Ryrie, Moody Press, Chicago, page 1677.

3. Unger's Bible Dictionary, Merrill F. Unger, Moody Press, Chicago, Page 701.

4. The Ryrie Study Bible, page 1619.

5. A Harmony of the Gospels For Students of the Life of Christ, A. T. Robertson, Harper & Row, Publishers, New York, Evanston and London, 1950.

6. Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language, The World Publishing Company, Cleveland and New York, 1951, page 1158.

7. Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations, Paul Lee Tan, Assurance Publishers, Rockville, Md., 1979.

8. Literal Interpretation of the Bible, Paul Lee Tan, Assurance Publishers, Rockville, Maryland, 1978.

9. Literal Interpretation of the Bible, Paul Lee Tan, Assurance Publishers, 1978, pg 24-25.

10.

11. Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, Vol.1, p370.

12. Note: A harmony of the Gospels in a listing of the parallel verses of the four Gospels listed according to events in the life of Christ. Many reference Bibles will contain a harmony of the Gospels. A separate one can be purchased such as A Harmony of the Gospels for Students in the Life of Christ, by A. T. Robertson, Harper & Row, Publishers, New York. Robertson includes all the verses in the four Gospels in columns according to the chronology of the life of Christ.

13. "Bible Science Newsletter", Vol.26, Nr. 8, August 1988, p10.

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