ROLFTHIELEN

Bibliology the Bible and the Holy Scriptures

Episode Notes

Bibliography RT Grok

What is the Bible and How Does it Relate to the Word of God?

The Certainty of God’s Witness

6 This is He who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. 7 For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one.

” (1 John 5:6–8, NKJV)

 

In the Beginning was the Word

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shined in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ ” 16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him. ” (John 1:1–18, NKJV)

The Word of God

11 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:

KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS

” (Revelation 19:11–16, NKJV)

The Law and the Prophets

17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

” (Matthew 5:17–20, NKJV)

The Holy Scriptures

14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
” (2 Timothy 3:14–17, NKJV)

20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
” (2 Peter 1:20–21, NKJV)

The Bible & The Holy Scriptures

The Bible does not talk about the Bible. There is a concept in scripture called The Holy Scriptures and this is referred to more that 700 times.

What is the Bible? The Bible is a collection of religious texts sacred to Christians, consisting of the Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures) and the New Testament. It includes various genres—history, poetry, prophecy, law, letters, and apocalyptic literature—written by multiple authors over centuries. For Christians, it is typically divided into:

Relation to the Word of God In Christian theology, the phrase "Word of God" has multiple meanings, and the Bible’s relationship to it depends on context and interpretation:

  1. The Bible as the Word of God: 
  2. Jesus as the Word of God: 
  3. Broader Meanings: 

Key Connections:

Example: A Christian might read Psalm 119:105 (“Your word is a lamp to my feet”) as referring to the Bible’s guidance in life, but also recognize Jesus as the ultimate "light of the world" (John 8:12), seeing the written Word as pointing to the living Word.

If you want a deeper dive into specific passages, a denominational perspective, or how these concepts are discussed on platforms like X, let me know!

 

The Sufficiency of Scripture

The doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture, asserts that the Bible, as God’s inspired Word, is complete and sufficient for all matters of salvation, faith, and Christian living. Outlined here is the concept with key passages that adress its theological implications.

Definition: 

The sufficiency of Scripture means the Bible contains all necessary divine revelation for knowing God, understanding His will, and living a godly life, without requiring additional sources like human traditions or extra-biblical revelations.

Biblical Basis: 

Implications: 

Historical Context: 

Practical Application: 

Challenges: 

Nuances: 

Summary:

The sufficiency of Scripture,  teaches that the Bible is complete, authoritative, and clear enough to guide believers in salvation and godly living. Passages like 2 Timothy 3:16–17 and Psalm 19:7–9 affirm that Scripture fully equips Christians, making additional revelations or traditions unnecessary for core matters of faith. This doctrine encourages reliance on the Bible while allowing biblical principles to inform areas not explicitly addressed.

 

Canonicity for the Christian Bible

Canonicity, in the context of the modern Christian Bible, refers to the process and criteria by which certain books were recognized as divinely inspired and authoritative, forming the official canon of Scripture accepted by Christian communities. The canon is the collection of texts considered normative for faith and practice. Below, I’ll explain the concept, its historical development, criteria for inclusion, and its significance for the modern Christian Bible, keeping it concise and clear.

Definition of Canonicity

Canonicity describes the quality of a text being acknowledged as part of the sacred, authoritative Scriptures. The term derives from the Greek kanon ("rule" or "standard"). For Christians, the canon is a closed collection of books believed to be inspired by God, serving as the foundation for doctrine, worship, and ethics.

The Modern Christian Bible Canon

The modern Christian Bible typically consists of:

Historical Development

Old Testament Canon: 

New Testament Canon: 

Criteria for Canonicity

Books were included in the canon based on several criteria, though these were applied organically rather than as a strict checklist:

Apostolic Origin: 

Orthodoxy: 

Widespread Use: 

Inspiration: 

Antiquity: 

Differences Across Traditions

Significance for Modern Christians

Why the Canon is Closed

The canon is considered closed because:

Example: Canon Debate

The Book of Revelation faced debate due to its apocalyptic style and questions about authorship. Its eventual inclusion rested on its apostolic link (John), widespread use, and theological consistency with Christ’s victory.

Resources

 

Hermeneutics

Christian hermeneutics is the study and practice of interpreting the Bible to understand its meaning and apply it to faith and life. It involves principles and methods to ensure accurate understanding of biblical texts, considering their historical, cultural, and literary contexts. Below, I’ll outline the key aspects, approaches, and principles of Christian hermeneutics, aiming for clarity and depth while keeping it concise.

Key Principles of Christian Hermeneutics

Context is King: 

Genre Awareness: 

Authorial Intent: 

Scripture Interprets Scripture: 

Christ-Centered Interpretation: 

Role of the Holy Spirit: 

Major Approaches

  1. Historical-Grammatical Method: Focuses on the text’s original language, grammar, and historical context. Used widely in evangelical scholarship to ground interpretation in objective analysis.
  2. Allegorical Method: Seeks deeper, symbolic meanings beyond the literal text. Common in early church fathers (e.g., Origen) and still used cautiously in some traditions to find spiritual truths.
  3. Typological Approach: Views Old Testament events, people, or institutions (e.g., the Passover lamb) as prefiguring Christ or New Testament realities. This is distinct from allegory, as it’s rooted in historical patterns.
  4. Redemptive-Historical Approach: Emphasizes the Bible as a single story of God’s redemptive plan, culminating in Christ. Popular in Reformed theology, it connects all texts to this overarching narrative.
  5. Literary Criticism: Analyzes the Bible’s literary structure, themes, and rhetoric (e.g., chiasms in Hebrew poetry). This complements other methods by highlighting narrative artistry.

Practical Steps for Interpretation

  1. Observation: Read the text carefully, noting key words, structure, and context. Who wrote it? To whom? Why?
  2. Interpretation: Analyze meaning using tools like lexicons, commentaries, or historical sources. Consider grammar, cultural background, and cross-references.
  3. Application: Apply the text’s timeless principles to modern life, avoiding anachronistic readings. For example, Leviticus’ dietary laws may not bind Christians today (Acts 10), but the principle of holiness remains relevant.
  4. Use Reliable Tools: Study Bibles, concordances, and scholarly commentaries (e.g., NICNT, NICOT series) help clarify complex passages. For example, understanding Greek terms like agape (love) in 1 Corinthians 13 enriches interpretation.

Challenges and Considerations

Theological Perspectives

Example Application

Take John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son…”

Resources for Further Study

Exegesis Kevin Connor

METHODS OF INTERPRETATION by Kevin J Connor

The Allegorical Method

The Mystical Method

The Devotional Method

The Rationalistic Method

The Literal Method

The Literal Method Includes

Evaluation: In conclusion, this method stands out as the only sound, safe and sensible approach to the interpretation of Scripture. Each of the other methods has been proven inadequate in that they lack God-given and well-defined boundaries.

Conclusion

Many say that the facts speak for themselves, but that is not true. All facts must be interpreted. Likewise, the truths in Scripture also need to be interpreted, and wrong interpretation leads to false doctrine and deception (Matthew 22:23-33).

Anyone can interpret Scripture – you don’t need a degree in theology and you don’t have to be an ordained minister.

It is important, though, to be an effective interpreter and develop the desired skills and characteristics (2 Timothy 2:15).

Some of the Jews in Thessalonica refused to receive the Word of God and persecuted Paul and his companions (Acts 17:1-8), but the Bereans “were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” They took responsibility for correctly interpreting the Scriptures to see whether the things Paul had preached about Christ were so. It is our responsibility to “eat the meat and spit out the bones.” The result of them diligently searching the Scriptures is that “many of them believed” (Acts

17:12). We must not only discern the doctrine, but also the spirit in which it is ministered. The principles of hermeneutics will be discussed in more detail in other places The most important principle of all, which is sometimes called the first principle of hermeneutics, is the context principle.

Words have meaning within context, so Scripture must not be interpreted out of context.

The first and most important context is Scripture itself, in other words, “Scripture interprets Scripture.” That is why it is so important to know the Scriptures (Matthew 22:29).

Exegesis General

Christian exegesis is the critical explanation or interpretation of biblical texts, aiming to uncover their meaning in context and apply them accurately. It’s closely tied to hermeneutics (the broader theory of interpretation) but focuses more on the practical, detailed analysis of specific passages. Below, I’ll explain the core aspects of Christian exegesis, its methods, and how it’s applied, keeping it concise yet comprehensive.

What is Christian Exegesis?

Exegesis (from Greek, “to lead out”) involves drawing out the meaning of a biblical text based on its original context, language, and intent, rather than imposing external ideas. It seeks to answer: What did the text mean to its original audience, and how does it apply today? Christian exegesis assumes the Bible is divinely inspired but requires careful study to understand its human and historical dimensions.

Key Components of Exegesis

Textual Criticism: 

Establishes the most accurate text by comparing ancient manuscripts (e.g., Masoretic Text, Septuagint, Dead Sea Scrolls). For example, resolving minor variations in John 1:18 (“only Son” vs. “only God” in some Greek manuscripts).

Historical-Cultural Context: 

Examines the social, political, and cultural setting. For instance, understanding Roman occupation in Jesus’ time clarifies parables like the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).

Literary Context: 

Analyzes the passage’s role within its book, genre, and the Bible’s broader narrative. For example, Romans 8:28 must be read in light of Paul’s argument about suffering and salvation in Romans.

Grammatical and Lexical Analysis: 

Studies original languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek) to unpack word meanings and syntax. For example, the Greek word logos in John 1:1 carries philosophical and theological weight.

Theological Synthesis: 

Connects the passage to broader biblical themes, often with a Christ-centered focus (e.g., seeing Isaiah 53 as a messianic prophecy).

Steps in Exegesis

  1. Select the Passage: Choose a manageable unit (e.g., a pericope like Matthew 5:3-12, the Beatitudes).
  2. Establish the Text: Check for textual variants using tools like Nestle-Aland Greek New Testament.
  3. Analyze Context: Study the historical (e.g., Second Temple Judaism for Matthew) and literary context (e.g., Sermon on the Mount’s structure).
  4. Break Down the Text: Examine grammar, key words, and structure. For example, in Matthew 5:3, “blessed” (makarioi) implies divine favor, not just happiness.
  5. Consult Secondary Sources: Use commentaries (e.g., ICC, Word Biblical Commentary) or lexicons (e.g., BDAG for Greek) for scholarly insights.
  6. Synthesize Meaning: Determine the passage’s theological point and original intent.
  7. Apply: Identify timeless principles for today, avoiding misapplication. For example, the Beatitudes call for humility and mercy, relevant across cultures.

Example: Exegesis of Philippians 2:5-11

Challenges

Denominational Nuances

Tools and Resources

 

 

Eisegesis and Proof-Texting

Eisegesis 

Eisegesis refers to the practice of reading one's own ideas, biases, or preconceived notions into a biblical text, rather than drawing meaning from the text itself (which is known as exegesis). In Christian contexts, eisegesis often involves interpreting Scripture to fit a personal or theological agenda, ignoring the original context, intent, or historical background of the passage. For example, someone might take a verse like Jeremiah 29:11 ("For I know the plans I have for you...") and apply it directly to their personal life, disregarding its original context of God’s promise to the Israelites in exile.

Proof-texting 

Proof-texting is a related practice where specific Bible verses are selectively cited to support a particular doctrine, argument, or belief, often without considering the broader context of the passage. It’s a form of cherry-picking that can distort the original meaning. For instance, using Matthew 7:1 ("Judge not, lest ye be judged") to argue against any form of moral discernment ignores the surrounding verses, which clarify that Jesus is addressing hypocritical judgment, not all judgment.

Key Characteristics and Issues:

Eisegesis: 

Proof-Texting: 

Critiques and Dangers:

Corrective Approaches:

Example from Practice: A preacher might proof-text John 10:10 ("I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly") to promote a prosperity gospel, implying material wealth. An exegetical approach would note that “abundant life” in context refers to spiritual fulfillment through Christ, not necessarily financial gain.

If you’d like, I can analyze specific examples of eisegesis or proof-texting from texts, sermons, or posts on X, or dive deeper into a particular passage to illustrate these concepts. Let me know!