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There are several references that would be good to have as we approach Biblical interpretation.  They are Interpreting the Bible by A. Berkeley Mickelsen, New Testament Exegesis by Gordon D. Fee and How to Study Your Bible by Kay Arthur.  The first two are seminary text books, while the third is more of a workbook designed to introduce the inductive Bible study method.      

Biblical literacy is founded on the principle of authorial intent.  What I mean by this is that the true meaning of any document is what the author intended it to mean.  According to Mickelsen "Simply stated, the task of interpreters of the Bible is to find out the meaning of a statement (command, question) for the author and for the first hearers or readers, and thereupon to transmit that meaning to modern readers."  

How do we do this?  Mickelsen goes on to say "Principles of hermeneutics are precepts which express or desribe the various ways followed by interpreters to get at meaning. They are statements of procedure ... These principles of hermeneutics are valid or invalid depending on whether or not they really unfold the meaning of a statement had for the author and the first hearers or readers."

The process or hermeneutic that we will employ is called the Historical, Grammatical approach to Biblical interpretation.  This means that we try to understand the historical and cultural context in which the text was written, as well as the grammar and meaning of the words themselves.  This is a life long process.  But, before we get too wrapped up in the process, we need to make sure that we understand that this is a spiritual process first and foremost.

What do I mean by this?  It simply means that God Spirit is driving the process.  From the desire to seek the Lord through His Word, to the ability to read and study His Word, to the understanding and the embracing of His truth, to the love and obedience, God is to get the glory.  It is God Who is working through His Spirit and His Word to grow our understanding of Him through His Word.  Thus this effort is not an academic exercise, but a relational one.  It is to be founded on prayer.

Next time we will take a look at some examples using the Historical/Grammatical approach to Biblical interpretation.

God Bless,

Pastor Steve