Lecture Notes on Interpretation of Scripture

Introduction

• Common dismissal of interpretations: "That's your interpretation."
• Exploring meanings behind this statement.
• Importance of interpretation in understanding Scripture.

Prayer

• Gratitude for Scripture being available in written form.
• Emphasis on the personal ability to read and understand Scripture.

Dismissal of Interpretations

• Phrase "That's your interpretation" often used as a rebuttal.
• Potential underlying assumptions:
  • Everything interpreted by the speaker is considered wrong.
  • Subjectivism: Different interpretations are personal and all are valid.

Danger of Subjectivism

• Subjectivism can lead to relativism in interpreting the Bible.
• Luther's fear: Scripture becomes malleable to individual's biases.
• Consequences:
  • Loss of authority and truth of the Bible.
  • Relativization of biblical truth.

Protestant Reformation Principles

• Perspicuity: Clarity of the Bible.
• Private Interpretation: Right to interpret Scripture individually.
  • Historical context of translating the Bible into vernacular languages.
  • Opposition from the Roman Catholic Church due to fears of heresy.

Historical Context

• Reformation led to Bible translations, creating access for laypeople.
• Resulted in numerous denominations, each interpreting the Bible differently.
• Roman Catholic concerns about fragmentation and heresy were, to some extent, realized.

Principle of Correct Interpretation

• One Correct Meaning: Each biblical text has only one correct interpretation.
• Many possible applications and significances.
• Importance of consistency and harmony in biblical truths.

Example and Illustration

• A professor's assignment to find numerous learnings from a single Bible verse.
• Emphasizes the richness of Scripture and its meanings.

Cultural Relativism

• Modern culture often embraces relativism, including in biblical interpretation.
• Examples of contradictory beliefs being considered valid by some.
• Contradiction is not a hallmark of truth; the Bible is truth, not contradiction.

Historical Debate

• Martin Luther's stance: Church councils can err; Scripture is the authority.
• Birth of private interpretation as a principle.
• Council of Trent's response to protect against distortion.
  • Private interpretation comes with the responsibility of correctness.

Exegesis vs. Eisegesis

• Exegesis: Drawing out the intended meaning from the text.
• Eisegesis: Imposing one's own meaning onto the text.
• Importance of careful and responsible handling of Scripture.

Conclusion

• The course will explore practical rules for proper interpretation.
• Aim to avoid eisegesis and honor the integrity of the Word of God.