Musing – Has “Private Interpretation” Become a Problem?

Hebraic Musing – Has “Private Interpretation” Become a Problem?

In the running battle between Catholics and Lutherans, we hear the pros and cons of Martin Luther’s preaching “Sola Scriptura” and the “Right of private interpretation.”  I can assure you from my experiences in multiple denominations, the battle is not just between those two large and respected denominations. 

Scriptural justification for “Private Interpretation” is often claimed by quoting 2 Peter 1:20-21  “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation.  For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” NIV   However, one has to stretch that reference in order to justify one’s own interpretation of Scripture.

The distinction between “Sola Scriptura” and the “Right of private interpretation” has to be reconciled with 2 Tim 3:16-17  “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  I must note that this description of Scripture requires “ALL” Scripture to be considered in order to be “thoroughly equipped.”   

All scripture is “God-breathed” so maybe we should first listen to Him and not ourselves.  How many “interpretations” of Scripture have you heard that were not founded on the whole Word of God?  When someone uses Private Interpretation lazily or conveniently to justify their salvation, I am glad I am not the one presiding at their White Throne Judgement!!!  Scriptural support – 2 Tim 2:15 “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”  Did God actually challenge/command us to become “workmen”?!?!  Caution!  One cannot take a single verse of Scripture and build a doctrinal view while ignoring other Scripture dealing with the subject.

This unknown blogger’s statements are worth considering – “Concerning the definition of “private interpretation” the Greek words simply mean “one’s own interpretation.”  A private interpretation is one that is fallible.  The prophets were not affected by fallibility when they received God’s words.  But all the rest of us today are when it comes to reading Scripture.  So how does the one reading the Bible really know that he is being led by the Holy Spirit?  How does he know that he is arriving at God’s interpretation, as opposed to his own?  Answer:  Your interpretation will be correct if it lines up with the rest of Scripture, with the immediate context and the overall context taken into account.  Yes, and God allows (even demands) common sense be used as well, when interpreting His Word.”  

My concern – How can we know if our Private Interpretation fits the rest of Scripture when –

·         All too often, our human nature tries to out-think our Creator God.  (Adam & Eve’s sin!)

·         We have not fully and diligently studied all scripture thoroughly (Including the OT).

·         A few verses on Sunday once a week cannot be sufficient to understand ALL of God’s Word.

·         We ignore advice and doctrines of established denominations; a form of disrespecting our elders.

But what should we do when we encounter a Private Interpretation that doesn’t fit generally accepted doctrines?  
“If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth…” 1 Tim 6:3-5  And the required action plan is commanded later in vs11-12  “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith….”  Whoops!  Have you ever let it tickle your ears before fleeing?

Points to ponder

Are we over-influenced by Frank Sinatra’s catchy song - “I did it my way”?

Is today’s “liberal” theology being fed by man’s own desires rather than God’s plan?

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful…” (including the OT)

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      July 31, 2018

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”   Weekly “Hebraic Musings”