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Discerning What Scripture Means

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable. (v. 16)

How do we make sense of the Bible passages we read? Yesterday we learned to “delight” (Ps. 1:2) in God’s Word. Today we discover how to discern what a text means. We begin with an understanding that “all Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable” (2 Tim. 3:16). When Paul wrote to Timothy, “Scripture” referred to the thirty-nine books of the Hebrew Bible we call the Old Testament. By AD 400, church councils recognized the twenty-seven books we call the New Testament to be Scripture as well.

With that in mind, here is a small guide to interpreting Scripture. First, look at the immediate context. What is the author’s message, and how did the first readers understand it? Second, how does the text fit with the rest of Scripture? Since all sixty-six books are God’s revealed will, the text is woven into the tapestry of Scripture. Third, look for Jesus. Martin Luther said, “The Bible is the manger in which Christ is laid.” Scholars observe more than 350 Old Testament prophecies fulfilled in Christ. It all points to Jesus.

Next, consider what the church through the ages has taught about the text. Paul reminds Timothy that he had good teaching from others (v. 14). We learn much from those who have gone before. A study Bible with notes is a good starting point. Finally, ask the Holy Spirit to help make sense of the text in our own setting. Jesus promised the Spirit would guide us “into all the truth” (John 16:13).

As you pray, ask God to help you discern his Word.