Biblical Interpretation
Proper interpretation of the Bible is vitally important for every Christ follower. Throughout history, various methods have been employed to gain a better understanding of Scripture. However, many of these interpretative techniques have led to differences among the religious community. These differences range from minor nuances in beliefs to major theological disagreements. Some flawed interpretive models have even led to the propagation of false doctrine. When reflecting on history, a logical question arises: “Is there a time in history or an individual from history that can help us best understand the proper skills to “rightly divide the word of truth” (see 2 Timothy 2:15).
In the book entitled, Intro to Biblical Interpretation, the authors investigate a variety of theologians and interpretive methods used throughout history. One such period, the Patristic period, wrapped up its last phase with what the authors call the time of “Church Councils.”[1] During this time, Augustine introduced a “comprehensive approach to hermeneutics.”[2]
According to the Lexham Bible dictionary, Augustine had a “commitment to a christological unity of the Bible.”[3] His first principle for interpreting Scripture states that a proper understanding and application of Scripture will cultivate and enhance one’s spiritual life. In other words, love for God and neighbor will be natural byproducts of the proper interpretive method. Augustine insisted that to do that, one must interpret the Scriptures literally. Augustine sought what some refer to as a “spiritual” reading of the text, while holding to the importance of using both the historical and literary aspects to come to a proper interpretation.[4] Augustine also suggested that when the literal sense of the text did not make “good sense,” then at that point, one should look for an allegorical meaning.[5]
Augustine was aware of the danger of abusing allegorical interpretation. To prevent this abuse, he proposed three principles to discover the figurative meaning of a passage. The first principle suggested finding what other Scriptures revealed about the subject or passage at hand. The second required considering the apostolic interpretation. If neither of the first two principles brought about clarity, then the reader was to consult the context of the passage and come to the best conclusion possible.[6]
While some scholars criticize Augustine for not always following his own rules of interpretation[7], I do believe many of his suggestions can benefit believers today. For example, I believe the Scriptures are Christological in nature, with God’s Word pointing to the Messiah from Genesis to Revelation. Jesus demonstrated this on several occasions, but maybe most notably when He spoke of Himself from the Old Testament to the disciples traveling on the raod to Emmaus (see Luke 24:27 and surrounding context). I also believe the Scriptures should be taken literally unless the context indicates otherwise. Interpreting the Scriptures allegorically should be a rare exception, not the rule. Allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture and consulting apostolic understanding of Scripture will help guide today’s believers from veering off course and misinterpreting God’s Holy Word. While Augustine’s method offers valuable insights, we must be careful not to put too much hope in any flawed human being.
[1] Klein, William W., Blomberg, Criag L. and Hubbard, Jr., Robert L., Introduction to Biblical Interpretation, Third Edition, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2017), 86.
[2] Ibid.
[3] P. Chase Sears, “Theology, New Testament,” ed. John D. Barry et al., The Lexham Bible Dictionary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016).
[4] Daniel J. Cameron, “Typology,” ed. John D. Barry et al., The Lexham Bible Dictionary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016).
[5] Klein, 87.
[6] Ibid.
[7] Bernard Ramm, Protestant Biblical Interpretation: A Textbook of Hermeneutics, Third Revised Edition. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1970), 37.
