Principles of Biblical InterpretationPrinciples of Biblical Interpretation

• Since the Bible is a propositional revelation, then these Since the Bible is a propositional revelation, then these hermeneutical principles are hermeneutical principles are expectedexpected::– DIRECT STATEMENTSDIRECT STATEMENTS

• Would God veil Himself in totally symbolic ways? No, not totally.Would God veil Himself in totally symbolic ways? No, not totally.• Without direct statements, no objective exegesis is possible.Without direct statements, no objective exegesis is possible.

– IMPLICATIONIMPLICATION• Non-trivial statements imply something.Non-trivial statements imply something.• To say “no” begs the question.To say “no” begs the question.

– ACCOUNTS OF ACTION IN HISTORYACCOUNTS OF ACTION IN HISTORY• God’s revelation is to real people in various circumstances.God’s revelation is to real people in various circumstances.• God expects us to decide what applies; thus, some methodology.God expects us to decide what applies; thus, some methodology.

– EXPEDIENCYEXPEDIENCY• No propositional revelation can be exhaustive.No propositional revelation can be exhaustive.• Expediency increases the practicality and endurance of the revelation.Expediency increases the practicality and endurance of the revelation.

The Bible Authorizes By The Bible Authorizes By ExpediencyExpediency• In order to carry out the Christian’s obligation from In order to carry out the Christian’s obligation from

direct statements, implications and accounts of direct statements, implications and accounts of approved action, there is the area of expediency.approved action, there is the area of expediency.

• An expedient is that which:An expedient is that which:– ExpeditesExpedites– AidsAids– AssistsAssists– HelpsHelps– BenefitsBenefits– Is inherently advantageous in carrying out obligations Is inherently advantageous in carrying out obligations

or options (not forbidden)or options (not forbidden)– Is in harmony with the ScripturesIs in harmony with the Scriptures

The Bible Authorizes By The Bible Authorizes By ExpediencyExpediency• Some criteria in choosing expedients:Some criteria in choosing expedients:– Expedients benefit authorized actions (Col. 3:17).Expedients benefit authorized actions (Col. 3:17).

• What we do must be authorized. Ex: baptize in waterWhat we do must be authorized. Ex: baptize in water– Expedients must not add to authorized actions.Expedients must not add to authorized actions.

• There’s a difference between “benefitting” & “adding.”There’s a difference between “benefitting” & “adding.”– Expedients are essential to carry out authorized actions. Expedients are essential to carry out authorized actions.

• Ex: Command to assemble makes a place & time essential.Ex: Command to assemble makes a place & time essential.– The type of expedient is optional.The type of expedient is optional.

• Assembly in a tent, on beach, in building. Rent, buy, in a home.Assembly in a tent, on beach, in building. Rent, buy, in a home.– Expedients must truly be beneficial (1 Cor. 6:12; 10:23).Expedients must truly be beneficial (1 Cor. 6:12; 10:23).

• May not be helpful even if lawfulMay not be helpful even if lawful– Expedients must not be enslaving (1 Cor. 6:12).Expedients must not be enslaving (1 Cor. 6:12).

• Some traditions fall into this area.Some traditions fall into this area.– Expedients must be edifying (1 Cor. 10:23).Expedients must be edifying (1 Cor. 10:23).

• The order of worship is an expedient but should not be confusing.The order of worship is an expedient but should not be confusing.– Expedients must be done in love (1 Cor. 16:14).Expedients must be done in love (1 Cor. 16:14).

The Bible Authorizes By The Bible Authorizes By ExpediencyExpediency• There is a difference between an “expedient” (an aid) There is a difference between an “expedient” (an aid)

and an “addition.”and an “addition.”– Anything which is not authorized by Scripture, but which Anything which is not authorized by Scripture, but which

is nonetheless employed, is an addition.is nonetheless employed, is an addition.– A true aid, an expedient, is authorized by the Scriptures.A true aid, an expedient, is authorized by the Scriptures.

The Bible Authorizes By The Bible Authorizes By ExpediencyExpediency• Examples to illustrate diff between an aid & an addition:Examples to illustrate diff between an aid & an addition:– Command: “Go into all the world and preach…”Command: “Go into all the world and preach…”

• We could go by WALKING; we can go by RIDING (2 diff options).We could go by WALKING; we can go by RIDING (2 diff options).• These 2 options have a direct relationship to the obligation (“Go”) These 2 options have a direct relationship to the obligation (“Go”)

but no particular relationship to each other. Walking is not an aid but no particular relationship to each other. Walking is not an aid (expedient) to riding, and riding is not an expedient to walking.(expedient) to riding, and riding is not an expedient to walking.

• A walking stick, used while walking, would be an expedient/aid.A walking stick, used while walking, would be an expedient/aid.– Simple illustration – the area of perceptionSimple illustration – the area of perception

• We perceive by HEARING; we perceive by SEEING (2 diff ways).We perceive by HEARING; we perceive by SEEING (2 diff ways).• Hearing is not an expedient to seeing, nor seeing to hearing.Hearing is not an expedient to seeing, nor seeing to hearing.• These are definite, distinct ways of perceiving = co-ordinatesThese are definite, distinct ways of perceiving = co-ordinates• Either one can be done without the other.Either one can be done without the other.• Eyeglasses would be an expedient/aid to seeing.Eyeglasses would be an expedient/aid to seeing.• A hearing aid would be an expedient/aid to hearing.A hearing aid would be an expedient/aid to hearing.

The Bible Authorizes By The Bible Authorizes By ExpediencyExpediency• Examples to illustrate diff between an aid & an addition:Examples to illustrate diff between an aid & an addition:– What about “making music” in worship to God?What about “making music” in worship to God?

• We make music by SINGING; we make music by PLAYING.We make music by SINGING; we make music by PLAYING.• Singing & mechanical instruments are two different ways of Singing & mechanical instruments are two different ways of

making music = co-ordinates.making music = co-ordinates.• Either one can be done without the other.Either one can be done without the other.• Singing is not an expedient/aid to playing.Singing is not an expedient/aid to playing.• Playing is not an expedient/aid to singing.Playing is not an expedient/aid to singing.• The songbook is an expedient/aid to singing.The songbook is an expedient/aid to singing.• Having someone lead the congregation is an expedient/aid to Having someone lead the congregation is an expedient/aid to

singing.singing.• When we use the songbook in our singing, we are JUST SINGING. When we use the songbook in our singing, we are JUST SINGING.

We are NOT SINGING AND DOING SOMETHING ELSE.We are NOT SINGING AND DOING SOMETHING ELSE.• When God commands us in the NT to sing in worship to Him, to When God commands us in the NT to sing in worship to Him, to

play an instrument is to ADD to His Word.play an instrument is to ADD to His Word.

The Bible Authorizes By The Bible Authorizes By ExpediencyExpediency• Expediency increases the practicality, endurance & far-Expediency increases the practicality, endurance & far-

reaching application of God’s revelation.reaching application of God’s revelation.• It is through expediency that we have and can defend:It is through expediency that we have and can defend:– Our church buildingsOur church buildings– Our baptistriesOur baptistries– Our teaching in simultaneous Bible classes, adults & childrenOur teaching in simultaneous Bible classes, adults & children– Our song booksOur song books– Our song leadersOur song leaders– Our invitation songsOur invitation songs– Our individual communion cupsOur individual communion cups– Our contribution basketsOur contribution baskets– Our prayer leaders in the assemblyOur prayer leaders in the assembly– Our chalkboards, white boards, PowerPoint projectors, etc.Our chalkboards, white boards, PowerPoint projectors, etc.– Our public address systems, video recording, etc.Our public address systems, video recording, etc.

Two Ways to Look at the Two Ways to Look at the Question of AuthorityQuestion of Authority• The Bible is a document to be praised and held The Bible is a document to be praised and held

on to, but one to be amended on occasion.on to, but one to be amended on occasion.– We are not limited by what Scripture teaches, affirms We are not limited by what Scripture teaches, affirms

or commands.or commands.• The Bible is a document to be praised and held The Bible is a document to be praised and held

on to.on to.– What the Bible affirms, the church believes.What the Bible affirms, the church believes.– What the Bible commands, the church obeys.What the Bible commands, the church obeys.– What the Bible prohibits, the church avoids.What the Bible prohibits, the church avoids.– What the Bible authorizes, the church goes not What the Bible authorizes, the church goes not

beyond.beyond.

Generic & Specific AuthorityGeneric & Specific Authority

Generic Authority Specific Authority“SHOES”

Includes all authorized“NIKE”

Excludes all not authorizedReebok, Adidas, K-Swiss, etc.

“JEWISH MAN” Includes all authorized

Tribes of Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, etc.

“JEWISH MAN OF THE TRIBE OF LEVI”

Excludes all not authorizedTribes of Reuben, Simeon, Judah, etc.

“MUSIC”Includes all authorized

Sing, Play

“SING”Excludes all not authorized

Play

Hebrews 7:13-14

Ephesians 5:19

Common Sense & the Relation of Common Sense & the Relation of Generic/Specific Authority and Generic/Specific Authority and Inclusive/ExclusiveInclusive/Exclusive• Physician to Pharmacist – “Give the patient whatever Physician to Pharmacist – “Give the patient whatever

antibiotic you have.”antibiotic you have.”– GENERIC (ANY antibiotic) and INCLUSIVE (penicillin, etc.)GENERIC (ANY antibiotic) and INCLUSIVE (penicillin, etc.)– GENERIC (ANY antibiotic) and EXCLUSIVE (antacids, etc.)GENERIC (ANY antibiotic) and EXCLUSIVE (antacids, etc.)

• Physician to Pharmacist – “Give the patient 250mg of Physician to Pharmacist – “Give the patient 250mg of tetracycline 3 times a day.”tetracycline 3 times a day.”– SPECIFIC (tetracycline) and INCLUSIVE (various drug companies SPECIFIC (tetracycline) and INCLUSIVE (various drug companies

manufacture specific brands)manufacture specific brands)– SPECIFIC (tetracycline) and EXCLUSIVE (all other drugs/dosages)SPECIFIC (tetracycline) and EXCLUSIVE (all other drugs/dosages)

• God to Man – “Sing and make melody in your heart to God to Man – “Sing and make melody in your heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16).the Lord” (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16).– SPECIFIC (sing) and INCLUSIVE (songbook, tuning fork, etc.)SPECIFIC (sing) and INCLUSIVE (songbook, tuning fork, etc.)– SPECIFIC (sing) and EXCLUSIVE (playing)SPECIFIC (sing) and EXCLUSIVE (playing)

The Bible Teaches (Authorizes) The Bible Teaches (Authorizes) Explicitly & ImplicitlyExplicitly & Implicitly

EXPLICIT TEACHINGEXPLICITLY AUTHORIZED(OBLIGATION)

EXPLICITLY UNAUTHORIZED(FORBIDDEN)

Sing GiveAssemble Lord’s SupperPreach Pray

Adultery StealingMurder GossipLying Bitterness

IMPLICIT TEACHING

IMPLICITLY AUTHORIZED(OPTIONAL EXPEDIENTS)

IMPLICITLYUNAUTHORIZED(FORBIDDEN)

Song BooksClass LiteratureContribution BasketCommunion TrayChurch Building

Burning IncenseCounting BeadsSprinklingInfant BaptismInstrumental Music

Obligatory & Optional Matters Obligatory & Optional Matters

• In obligatory matters, there must be In obligatory matters, there must be unityunity..• In optional matters, there must be In optional matters, there must be libertyliberty..• In all matters, there must be In all matters, there must be lovelove..• We must not treat obligatory matters as if they We must not treat obligatory matters as if they

were optional (Rom. 10:17).were optional (Rom. 10:17).• We must not treat optional matters as if they We must not treat optional matters as if they

were obligatory (Gal. 2:3-5; 1 Tim. 4:1-5).were obligatory (Gal. 2:3-5; 1 Tim. 4:1-5).

A Review:A Review:The Bible Can Be Understood Alike:The Bible Can Be Understood Alike:• By Affirming that the Bible is the Word of GodBy Affirming that the Bible is the Word of God– The Bible (The Bible (everyevery word of it) is the result of the verbal, word of it) is the result of the verbal,

plenary inspiration of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17)plenary inspiration of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17)

• By Acknowledging It Can Be Understood AlikeBy Acknowledging It Can Be Understood Alike– Understanding the Bible is not only possible, Understanding the Bible is not only possible,

understanding the Bible understanding the Bible IS EXPECTEDIS EXPECTED!!– Understanding it at all Understanding it at all IS TO UNDERSTAND IT ALIKE!IS TO UNDERSTAND IT ALIKE!

• That’s the only way to understand it.That’s the only way to understand it.• There’s no such thing as understanding differently.There’s no such thing as understanding differently.

– We understand it ALIKE UNTIL we get in the way!We understand it ALIKE UNTIL we get in the way!

A Review:A Review:The Bible Can Be Understood Alike:The Bible Can Be Understood Alike:• By Distinguishing Between the Old & the NewBy Distinguishing Between the Old & the New• By Accepting That the Bible Is All-Authoritative, All-By Accepting That the Bible Is All-Authoritative, All-

Sufficient & All-DeliveredSufficient & All-Delivered• By Making Proper & Necessary DistinctionsBy Making Proper & Necessary Distinctions– The Merely Reported & the AuthorizedThe Merely Reported & the Authorized– Circumstance & ConditionCircumstance & Condition– The Temporary & the PermanentThe Temporary & the Permanent– Faith & OpinionFaith & Opinion– Custom & LawCustom & Law

A Review:A Review:The Bible Can Be Understood Alike:The Bible Can Be Understood Alike:• By Properly Interpreting the BibleBy Properly Interpreting the Bible– First – Gather All the Relevant Evidence on a Biblical First – Gather All the Relevant Evidence on a Biblical

Question or SubjectQuestion or Subject– Second – Handle the Evidence CorrectlySecond – Handle the Evidence Correctly– Third – Draw Only (and All) Such Conclusions As Are Third – Draw Only (and All) Such Conclusions As Are

Justified (i.e., Warranted, Demanded) By the Evidence.Justified (i.e., Warranted, Demanded) By the Evidence.• By Knowing How the Bible AuthorizesBy Knowing How the Bible Authorizes– The Necessity for Authority in Religious MattersThe Necessity for Authority in Religious Matters– God Demands Biblical Authority for All That We DoGod Demands Biblical Authority for All That We Do– God Will Not Tolerate That Which Is Not AuthorizedGod Will Not Tolerate That Which Is Not Authorized– We Must Know How God Does Not AuthorizeWe Must Know How God Does Not Authorize

A Review:A Review:The Bible Can Be Understood Alike:The Bible Can Be Understood Alike:• By Knowing the Bible Authorizes By:By Knowing the Bible Authorizes By:– Direct StatementDirect Statement– ImplicationImplication– Accounts of Approved ActionAccounts of Approved Action– ExpediencyExpediency

• By Understanding Generic & Specific AuthorityBy Understanding Generic & Specific Authority