2 Peter 3:16 KJV
As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
Peter refers to the writing of Apostle Paul and admits that there are some things in the Word of God that are "hard to be understood." He is not denigrating the Word of God at all, but he does cite for us a danger. When parts of the Bible are difficult to understand.
Unlearned men may draw erroneous conclusions from them and, worse
They may lead others away in their errors.
Albert Barnes comments,
The evil here adverted to is that which arises in cases where those without competent knowledge undertake to become expounders of the word of God. It is not said that it is not proper for them to attempt to become instructed by the aid of the sacred writings; but the danger is, that without proper views of interpretation, of language, and of ancient customs, they might be in danger of perverting and abusing certain portions of the writings of Paul. Intelligence among the people is everywhere in the Bible presumed to be proper in understanding the sacred Scriptures, and ignorance may produce the same effects in interpreting the Bible which it will produce in interpreting other writings.
I am afraid that we have propagated a whole generation of pastors who, having never been properly trained in the skills of
Language,
Interpretation,
Ancient customs, and
Sound doctrine
Unwittingly abuse the Scriptures to produce the desired influence on their followers. The goal in most churches, it seems to me, is to use preaching to get people to behave a particular way and not to give people the whole truth of God's Word.
I want to know how to properly understand the Bible and then I want to honestly proclaim that Word, regardless of the outcome.
As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
Peter refers to the writing of Apostle Paul and admits that there are some things in the Word of God that are "hard to be understood." He is not denigrating the Word of God at all, but he does cite for us a danger. When parts of the Bible are difficult to understand.
Unlearned men may draw erroneous conclusions from them and, worse
They may lead others away in their errors.
Albert Barnes comments,
The evil here adverted to is that which arises in cases where those without competent knowledge undertake to become expounders of the word of God. It is not said that it is not proper for them to attempt to become instructed by the aid of the sacred writings; but the danger is, that without proper views of interpretation, of language, and of ancient customs, they might be in danger of perverting and abusing certain portions of the writings of Paul. Intelligence among the people is everywhere in the Bible presumed to be proper in understanding the sacred Scriptures, and ignorance may produce the same effects in interpreting the Bible which it will produce in interpreting other writings.
I am afraid that we have propagated a whole generation of pastors who, having never been properly trained in the skills of
Language,
Interpretation,
Ancient customs, and
Sound doctrine
Unwittingly abuse the Scriptures to produce the desired influence on their followers. The goal in most churches, it seems to me, is to use preaching to get people to behave a particular way and not to give people the whole truth of God's Word.
I want to know how to properly understand the Bible and then I want to honestly proclaim that Word, regardless of the outcome.
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