Interpreting the Bible-Step Seven: The Unity of Scripture

This next step in biblical interpretation challenges us to see the Bible as a whole, in addition to being familiar with its individual parts. There are certain assumptions that one can question in this principle. However, there are certain things that cannot be denied when one reads the Bible in its entirety.

This principle states that "The Bible comes from God and possesses unity of design and purpose (Northeast Bible Institute, Biblical Hermeneutics.  Greenlane, P.A.: n.p., n.d.,p.1) By this affirmation, I am saying that the Bible is not the mere product of the human mind.  The interaction of the divine and the human spirits produced the writing of the Scriptures.  In spite of the diversity which exists, there is an underlying unity which becomes apparent to the reader of Scripture.  Unless one is dismissing the Bible merely as a literary document, one should approach the Scriptures with the assumption that they are inspired by God, and that the writers were expressing the mind of God in their writings.  If one can accept this assumption, then there is very little difficulty in accepting the basic unity of this body of writing (Carmona, p. 34).

I invite you, the reader to challenge the assumptions of the inspiration and underlying unity of Scripture. If you can provide reasons for not working with those set of assumptions, then we have grounds for a great dialogue.  Please contribute your "two cents."

Grace and peace,

Dr. Juan A. Ayala-Carmona

Interpreting the Bible-Step Six: The Thrust of the Book

This next step in biblical interpretation calls for the reader to become thoroughly acquainted with the particular book being read in order to determine its main thrust.  Simply stated, this principle states that "One should attempt to discern the purpose of the book or passage in which words or expressions occur (Lund, p.32).  This rule is really an amplification of the previous ones.  It is to be applied when the conjunction of the phrase and the context do not provide a clear light on the meaning of the words.

One can best determine the purpose of the writing of the book or passage when they are read in their entirety. One should study the particular book attentively and repeatedly, taking into account the people that the writer was addressing. This rule enables the reader of Scripture to have a better understanding of those passages which appear to be contradictory.  It also enables one to attain a broader understanding of passages which in themselves, are clear (Carmona, p.34).

You the reader are invited to share your opinion about this particular approach to interpreting and understanding the Bible.  Tell us if you think that this method helps or is detrimental to our attaining a deeper understanding of the Scriptures.  Your comments will be appreciated and highly valued.

Grace and peace,

Dr. Juan A. Ayala-Carmona

Interpreting the Bible-Step Five-Internal Context

This next step in biblical interpretation is basic and simple enough, but like the previous ones, calls for the reader to play close attention.  The principle, basically stated, is that "words should be understood according to the context (Lund, p. 32).  This is made possible when one takes into consideration the verses that precede and follow each text.  Many times the conjunction of the phrase does not provide clarity as to the meaning of a particular word.  In such instances, one should examine preceding and following verses so that obscure phrases can be properly understood (Carmona, p. 33).

In general, this step entails examining biblical passages in the light of their broader context.  The beginning and ending of each passage shed a lot of light on the meaning of the text.

Please comment on you experience or lack thereof with this particular approach to biblical understanding.
Your input will be greatly appreciated.

Grace and peace,
Dr. Juan A. Ayala-Carmona

Interpreting the Bible-Step Four: The Conjunction of the Phrase

We now move on to another simple, but yet challenging principle of biblical interpretation. This principle states that words should be understood according to the conjunction of the phrase (E. Lund, Hermeneutics. Springfield: Gospel Publishing House, n.d. p. 10).  The meaning of some words varies according to the phrase, text, or verse.

An example of this would be the use of the word "flesh."  In Romans 3:20 it states "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in God's sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin."  In this passage the word "flesh" refers to persons.

In Ephesians 2:3 it states "All of us also lived lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of the flesh, and following its desires and thoughts."  In this passage, the word "flesh" means sensual desires.

In 1 Timothy 3:16 we are told that "Without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, and received up into glory."  The word "flesh" is used here to refer to the incarnation of Jesus Christ.

This rule calls for the reader to pay very close attention to the use of certain words in Scripture (Juan A. Carmona, The Liberation of Puerto Rico: A Theological Perspective. Rochester: Colgate Rochester Divinity School, 1982, p. 33).  A particular word in a given passage of Scripture may very well take on a different meaning in another passage.

I now invite and challenge you, the reader to share with us your thoughts on this particular principle of biblical interpretation. Is it helpful or more confusing? Your input is appreciated.

Grace and peace,

Dr. Juan A. Ayala-Carmona

Interpreting the Bible- Step Three: The Usual and Ordinary Sense

The third step in attempting to achieve an accurate interpretation of "what the Bible says" is basic and simple, but at the same time challenging in that it calls for us to pay attention to the intended audience of the writer. This dual element of complexity and simplicity make the quest for biblical understanding an exciting one.

The words of Scripture should be interpreted in their usual and ordinary sense (E. Lund, Hermeneutics. Springfield: Gospel Publishing House, n.d. p.25).  What this means is that one should examine and seek to determine how the writers of Scripture made use of familiar words.  The writers of Scripture were not addressing a certain caste of privileged people.  Therefore, they did not seek to use language or terminology which was far and above the comprehension of ordinary people. They wrote in a way that was very intelligible to their audience.  It is for that reason that we find freedom and variety in the writings of the Bible (Juan A. Carmona, The Liberation of Puerto Rico: A Theological Perspective, Rochester, New York. Colgate Rochester Divinity School, 1982. p. 33).

Please share with us your opinion as to the need to identify the intended audience and recipients of the biblical message.  Does it make any difference as to whom the writings are for and being directed to?
Will or will not identifying the audience affect the way we understand the biblical message? Your input is very important in this discussion.

Grace and peace,

Dr. Juan A. Ayala-Carmona