12 PRINCIPLES OF BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION

As mentioned in the last chapter, one of the main reasons that there are so many differing teachings is because the scriptures are not properly interpreted. Scholars from major theological seminaries agree upon using certain principles to interpret scriptures. These principles include following grammatical laws, recognizing the culture and history behind the writing, and considering the context within which the scripture is written. If we used these principles (along with others often agreed upon) we would not have as many variations in our teachings.
The following is a list of 12 principles compiled from Bob Reid, teacher at Faith Tech Ministries.
1. God's word contains no contradictions in word(s) or principle.
Many times there are two or more accounts of the same incident in the Bible. Sometimes people think there are contradictions because two different things are said. For example, Matthew and Acts give two different statements regarding how Judas killed himself. Matthew 27:5 KJV says Judas "went and hanged himself" and Acts 1:18 says "and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails (intestines) gushed out." This might appear to be a contradiction until we realize that you can fall headlong to hang yourself. After some days you could explode.
Another example that might appear contradictory is the appearance of angels at the resurrection. Two accounts say there were two angels (Luke 24, John 20) and another says one angel (Matthew 28) was at the tomb. The differences here are a result of timing and perspective. One angel is outside and one angel is inside the tomb.
The Old Testament also sometimes appears to have contradictions. There is a time when David counted the people of Israel. 2 Samuel 24:1 says, "Again the anger of the Lord was aroused against Israel, and He moved David against them to say, 'Go, number Israel and Judah.'" Here God is moving David to do this. However, I Chronicles 21:1 states, "Now Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel." So which is it? Did God or Satan move David to count Israel? As we can see in Job 1-2, God tells or allows Satan to do things.
2. Any interpretation derived should be fair and honest (to God).
Some of us want to hang on to our ideas about God, so we refuse to see clearly what the scriptures say. Ask yourself honestly, "Have there been times when I thought that God was giving me what I wanted...that His will was my will? Have I even found scriptures to support my belief?" Most of us, if not all, would say yes. Later we realized that other scriptures (and sometimes circumstances) contradicted what we believed.
For example some of us believe that the spiritual gifts of prophecy and tongues do not exist for today. We base this belief on the following scripture: "But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away." (I Cor. 13:8b) But are we being fair and honest in saying that tongues don't exist based on this scripture when the preceding and following chapters give instructions on how to use tongues and their benefits? It is improper to use I Corinthians 13:8b to disprove the existence of these spiritual gifts since the perfect in verse 10 is referring to when we see face to face and know fully as we are fully known. Do we now know fully? Of course not! This will not happen until Christ returns. Besides, the beginning of the next chapter says to earnestly desire spiritual gifts. Where in the scripture has this been rescinded? I think if the people who held this viewpoint were honest with themselves, many of them would find that they are afraid...afraid that some odd experience would overtake them, or that their church services would get out of control, etc.
Another example concerns going to church weekly. Many believe that this is God's command based on Hebrews 10:25a which says, "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some." If other scriptures were studied (such as Acts 2:42-46), then they would see this verse has a much fuller meaning.
3. Any interpretation should be consistent with grammatical principles.
Many Christians violate this principle in the following passage:
Daniel 9:24:
'Seventy weeks are determined for your people and for your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sins, to make reconciliation for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy.'

Daniel 9:25:
'Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the command to restore and build Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince, there shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublesome times.'
Daniel 9:26:
'And after the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself; and the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall be with a flood, and till the end of the war desolations are determined.'

Daniel 9:27:
'Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; but in the middle of the week He shall bring and end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, even until the consummation, which is determined, is poured out on the desolate.'

Christians agree that verses 24 and 25 in this passage talk about Jesus, the Messiah. However, many Christians believe and teach that the prince mentioned in the middle of verse 26 is the antichrist. Notice that I have highlighted the two times that the word prince appears in this passage. The first prince clearly refers to the Messiah ("Messiah, the Prince"). However, those people who believe that the next prince is another prince lack proof, as the passage does not indicate that. If this passage were interpreted with this principle in mind, it would give us an altogether different teaching on end times doctrine.
Another passage that many Christians misinterpret is Matthew 24 where Jesus is answering three questions. This passage begins with
Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings.
'Do you see all these things?' he asked. 'I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.' As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. 'Tell us,' they said, 'when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?' (Matt 24:1-3 NIV)
These questions (in verse 3) are:
1. Tell us, when will this happen? (referring to Jesus' statement in verse 2 about the temple being destroyed)
2 & 3. And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?
Jesus basically answers these questions in order. Question 1 is answered in verses 4-34:
Jesus answered: 'Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.
Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation,' spoken of through the prophet Daniel - let the reader understand - then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the roof of his house go down to take anything out of the house. Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now - and never to be equaled again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect - if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time.
So if anyone tells you, 'There he is, out in the desert,' do not go out; or, 'Here he is, in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather.
Immediately after the distress of those days 'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.'
Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.' (Matthew 24:4-26,28,29,32-34 NIV)

Notice that Jesus explains what happens before the temple and Jerusalem is destroyed. A timeline is being given. First, there will be those who claim to be Christ and there will be wars, famine and earthquakes. But this is only the beginning of the timeline. Next, there is persecution, false prophets, and increased wickedness as well as the gospel will be preached to the whole world. These things can be read about in the New Testament. (Famine and persecution is mentioned in Acts. False prophets are addressed in different New Testament books - 2 Peter and Jude for example. The gospel was preached to the whole world during the life of Paul - Romans 1:8, 10:18.) When they see the "abomination of desolation" defined as seeing "Jerusalem surrounded by armies" in Luke 21:20 they are to flee and hide themselves in the mountains. The phrase 'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken' is used here and elsewhere in the Bible to describe judgment on Israel. The first time sun, moon and stars appears is in Joseph's dream in Genesis 37:9-11 where the sun and moon refers to Joseph's father and mother (Jacob and Rachel) and the stars refer to his brothers (the heads of the other tribes of Israel.) Finally, they are told it will happen in this generation - a Jewish generation is 40 years. Jesus pronounced this near the end of His ministry time on earth (around 33 A.D.)
This is the last judgment pronounced on the nation of Israel until we are all judged on the final day. This judgment occurred in 70 A.D. when Roman armies led by Titus destroyed Jerusalem and the temple. (By the way, having Gentiles in the Holy Place was an abomination to the Jews.) The Christians left the city as they were warned to do in this passage and as a result were spared this assault. [For further descriptions of this event, read Josephus (pp. 547-590), translated by William Whiston.]
The second question ("And what will be the sign of Your coming?") is beginning to be answered in the following verses:

For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. (Matt. 24:27,30,31 NIV)
This is pretty self-explanatory. We will all see Him. No one is going to miss His glorious return!
Jesus continues to answer questions 2 and 3 ("What will be the sign of the end of the age?") in Matthew 24:35 through the end of chapter 25. But, many of us pick and choose the scriptures that fit our end times theology and tend to completely ignore the first question that Jesus is answering. We say that he is answering the last two questions starting at Matthew 24:4. However, if we were honest and allowed the passage to speak for itself and look at other scriptures that help us clarify what things mean (such as Luke 21), we would see more clearly the correct interpretation.
Continuing with the passage we read about conditions, times and warnings to us about His second coming and the end of the age:
"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." (Matt. 24:35,36 NIV)
Here we are told that no one, not even Jesus, knows the day He will be returning. How many of us have read (and even believed) those who claimed Jesus was returning at a particular date? No one knows…not even Jesus!
As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. (Matt. 24:37-44 NIV)
I think it is interesting to note that Jesus' return will be like it was in Noah's day before the flood came. They were eating, drinking, and getting married. It looks as if everything was normal. However, we are told to be ever on alert because we don't know when He is coming back.
Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. But suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, 'My master is staying away a long time,' and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matt. 24:45-51 NIV)
Here we are given a warning that we should remain a faithful and wise servant.
At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'
Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.'
'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.'
But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!'
But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you.'
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. (Matt. 25:1-13 NIV)
Again, we are warned to keep watch.
Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. So also, the one with the two talents gained two more. But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money.
After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.'
His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
The man with the two talents also came. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.'
His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
Then the man who had received the one talent came. 'Master,' he said, 'I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.'
His master replied, 'You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.
'Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' (Matt. 25:14-30 NIV)
We are told here to be productive with the gifts and talents we are given. While we are waiting for the Lord's return we are to invest our lives into the lives of others. We are not to go hide in a cave or on a mountain somewhere awaiting His return. We are to occupy until He comes for us.
When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with Him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.' (Matt. 25:31-46 NIV)
When He does return, He will be a Righteous Judge.
4. Any meaning derived should be consistent with historical background and customs.
It is very helpful and in some cases essential to understand the history within a book. The Old Testament is full of information that with this in mind will provide a proper interpretation. Some examples include the prophetic books of Isaiah, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, and Daniel. Understanding the history will help to properly interpret the prophecies, judgments and messages in these books.
The New Testament also has cases that are commonly misinterpreted because this principle is ignored. I Corinthians 11 talks about women keeping their hair covered when they pray (commonly interpreted by some that she should wear a scarf or a hat). A comparison is made to a woman having short or shaved hair. Understanding that the prostitutes in Corinth kept their hair short may bring insight as to why this was an issue. But whether or not this is understood is not essential because Paul clearly states that a woman's hair is her covering. (I Corinthians 11:15) (So no hat is needed!) I Corinthians is laden with traditions upheld by this church that are not the traditions given by Paul. Understanding that the Corinthians kept their women silent in their meetings will help us properly interpret Paul's explanations. Women keeping silent in the church is not found anywhere in the Old Testament. It’s not in the Law (the Torah) or the writings of the prophets. I Corinthians 14:34-35 states:
Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.
I believe this previous statement was what the Corinthians were doing. Paul responded to this errant practice by saying:
Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that it reached? If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord." (I Corinthians 14:36-37)
Paul continues and tells the Corinthians to earnestly desire to prophesy, not to forbid speaking with tongues and do everything decently and in order. It requires speaking to use these gifts and women are not exempt. This is just one of many areas where Paul was correcting an anti-Biblical cultural practice that the Corinthians were following.
Another misconception is the statement, "Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for the dead?" (I Cor. 15:29) Paul was referring to a cultural practice. He was simply using this to help explain the resurrection of our bodies. Nowhere in the Bible is this "baptism for the dead" mentioned as a practice for us to do today.

5. Christian experience should be founded on the Bible and not the reverse.
I have often encountered Christians who say, "The Holy Spirit told me this" or "I know this was God because such and such happened." I often respond and say, "How do you know that was the Holy Spirit?" Unless they refer to the Bible in their answer, it is often at best "flaky" and at worst demonic.
Too often people base their Christianity on their emotions. We need to realize the Word of God will discern between spirit and soul. The soul part includes our emotions.
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
Unless what the "Holy Spirit" said lines up with scripture, it ain't the Holy Spirit.
Many Christians have been led away in error by experiences. Because they had a positive feeling or result (goose bumps, a wave of peace, even a miracle) they believe that they have experienced God. They believe that God ordained the meeting they attended and that the minister was from God. But sometimes these experiences are based on "Bod"…our fleshly bodies rather than "God". We desire to feel good so we listen and believe anything that we think helps us. But some of these people "will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables." (2 Tim. 4:3,4) If we allow our experiences to be our faith, instead of trusting God and basing our experiences on His Word, we can head down a dangerous path.
I have known and heard of people who have made major and devastating mistakes because "God told them." I know of a woman who married a man based on this. She had just met him. Others who knew her and were acquainted with this man suggested that she wait. Circumstances and common wisdom strongly suggested that "God may not have told her" to marry him but that her own emotions and desire to be married affected her judgment. Shortly after the marriage they were divorced. The man had a girlfriend that he was living with (apparently from before the marriage). The woman lost many of her possessions, including her home and went through much suffering as a result of this.
Another man that my husband was acquainted with jumped off a mountain and committed suicide because "God told him to".
I have known many people who have been led into the health/wealth/prosperity message error because they based their Christianity on experiences. They saw miracles, healings, heard prophecies, and many other things that they thought were God. What may or may not have been God helped influence them to receive the teachings that they were hearing as true and to apply them. It wasn't long before many of them were following another Jesus. I know. I was one of them. Our Christian experience should not be based on anything else other than what the Bible says.
6. To discern a fair interpretation of Scripture, it is wise to know the theme of the book from which it is taken.
Many people read parts of the Bible but don't look at the whole book that they are reading (Corinthians, Romans, John, etc.) They grab hold of a verse or a section and make applications to their own life. We can prevent ourselves from misapplying scripture if we understand the theme of the book that we are reading. For example, some people take various scriptures from Corinthians and apply them as doctrinal commands for today. One example is I Corinthians 14:34. It says, "Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says." Some do not allow women to speak or teach in church services based on this. But if they realized that Paul was correcting the Corinthians on this point (as mentioned earlier) this would not be misinterpreted. In fact, the main theme of Corinthians is that Paul is correcting various problems, sins, and errors in the church, specifically regarding factions, lawsuits, immorality, questionable practices, and spiritual gifts.
Another example is in I Corinthians 14:26-33. Paul quoted the Corinthian rule, "Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation”. And then stated his own: "Let all things be done for edification." Paul goes on to quote their practice,
If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God. Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent.
He corrects them by saying, "For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged." The Corinthians apparently only allowed 2 or 3 tongues or prophesies in the church service. Paul is correcting this practice saying we all can prophesy one by one. If we are not aware that Paul is correcting the Corinthians, we can pull a verse or two of our choice and believe and practice the same error that the Corinthians did.

7. Get all scriptures on a given subject before attempting to interpret. A partial omission in a text does not prove anything.
A common error in the Church regards receiving the baptism of (or being filled by) the Holy Spirit. Many believe that you do not have to speak in tongues or prophesy (or have any spiritual gift mentioned in I Corinthians 12:8-10) as a result of this in-filling or baptism. They quote scriptures such as Acts 8:14-18 where people received the Holy Spirit and no gifts were manifested. However, other similar passages show that when people received the Holy Spirit they spoke in tongues. (Acts 2:4, 10:46 and 19:6). Because one scripture omitted saying that they spoke in tongues, does not mean they did not speak with tongues, especially since other scriptures said they did. (If you notice verse Acts 8:18 carefully, you will see that Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given...there must have been something obvious happening for him to want to buy the Holy Spirit!)
8. The Old Testament does not contain any requirements for us except for those that have been clearly carried over into the New Testament.
Could you imagine trying to keep every ordinance mentioned in the Old Testament?! If you think you could, try reading a little bit of Leviticus and you will be thankful that we are under God’s grace rather than Jewish Law.
Unfortunately for the Church, man has carried a few select principles into the New Testament Church. These principles are not commanded for us to keep by Jesus or any of the New Testament writers. For example, the rules about eating certain foods and worshipping on certain holy days were not clearly carried over into the New Testament so we are not obligated to follow these laws that were taught in the Old Testament. In the same manner, the principle of tithing taught in the Old Testament is not clearly taught in the New Testament, so we are not obligated to follow that law either. Sabbath keeping is not a requirement for Christians either. Tithing, Sabbath keeping and avoiding eating certain meats have greatly influenced today's Church. All of these laws keep people in bondage. Tithing promotes a greedy, self-seeking, pseudo-church structure.
Some of you are very angry at the last sentence or two. Before you shut this book, please keep in mind the principle I am trying to address. If I can prove to you that these things have not been clearly carried over to the New Testament, would you give up your long-held theology on these issues? Biblical scholars around the world hold onto this principle #8. Please don't ignore it because I stepped on your toes with my examples.
Some people believe that they should not eat pork because God commanded the Jews not to eat pork in the Old Testament. (Lev. 11:7,8) Nowhere are we told not to eat a certain type of meat in the New Testament. Paul addresses this issue in Romans 14. He says, "I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself" (v. 14a) But he goes on to say, that if a brother is weak in faith and eats only vegetables that the others should not despise him (and vice-versa). He gives other details related to this. But in a nutshell, we should "pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another." (v. 19)
Regarding tithing: Paul and Jesus teach about giving in different places in the New Testament. What I believe is the clearest and most detailed explanation is in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9. I believe as Paul stated, "So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver."(2 Corinthians 9:7) There is no mention of giving a tithe or any particular amount in this verse or anywhere in these two chapters. The purpose behind giving seems to be (as stated by Paul),
For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have. For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack - that there may be equality. As it is written, 'He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack.' (2 Corinthians 8:12-15)
Supporters of tithing try to use the following scriptures to support their position:
1. Matthew 23:23 - "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay the tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone."
2. Hebrews 7 - Melchizedek, who was before the law, received tithes from Abraham.
When Jesus was addressing the Pharisees and scribes in the first example, he told them they were to tithe. They were under the Old Testament Law at that time and so they were required to tithe. Jesus told the Pharisees and scribes to tithe, not us. In fact, if you read Galatians, you will see that the law was a tutor to bring us to Christ. We are no longer under a tutor. (Gal. 3:24,25)
Regarding Hebrews 7, just because somebody did something, it does not mean that we are supposed to. (See principle #11)
Those who believe tithing is for today should study the Old Testament regarding tithing. The Old Testament Law describes and commands practices that we don't do today. Such as, every third year a tenth of the firstfruits should be gathered for a party (in essence). We should eat these firstfruits and share them with our neighbors, strangers and the poor. Yet, we believe a tithe is to give 10 percent of our financial income at a church service to support the salary of our pastor(s), music minister (in some churches), and the upkeep of the building. If we are going to bring the tithe into our New Testament practices, then we better do it the way God taught us in the Old Testament…that is if you choose to ignore the principle I am addressing.
Regarding the Sabbath: Many people believe we should take Sunday as a day of rest. Yet Jesus Himself addressed this issue in Matthew 12:1-14.
At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, ‘Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.’
He answered, ‘Haven't you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread - which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests.
Or haven't you read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple desecrate the day and yet are innocent? I tell you that one greater than the temple is here. If you had known what these words mean, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the innocent. For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.’
Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, they asked him, ‘Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?’
He said to them, ‘If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.’
Then he said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other. But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus. (NIV)
Jesus claimed in this passage that He is Lord of the Sabbath. So what does our Lord say about the Sabbath in the New Testament?
I had my eyes opened years ago when I read Hebrews 3 and 4. I was amazed at the subject matter…belief and unbelief were discussed in the context of rest and the Sabbath. Hebrews 4:3 sums up the Sabbath rest for us when it says, "For we who have believed do enter that rest”. When we believe, we have ceased from our works, just as God did from his. We are at eternal rest with Jesus. A complete rest in Jesus has replaced a literal day of rest. Those who believe in Him have entered that rest. We no longer do our fleshly works, but God's works. And as Jesus explained in Matthew 12, He did God's works every day.
Now some may think we can throw out all Old Testament commands and principles. But we need to remember that the New Testament says the Old Testament has examples and admonitions for us today. (I Corinthians 10:6,11) “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” (Rom. 15:4) Others may use the principle I have explained to support a lifestyle or sin and explain that it is okay today because it was only forbidden in the Jewish Law (Old Testament). However, they must make certain it is not condemned in the New Testament as well. For example, homosexuality is condemned in the Old Testament. It is also clearly condemned in the New Testament. (See Romans 1:26,27,32). Let us be careful to properly interpret the Bible.
In view of this principle and what I have said I want to expand upon an important point made in the last paragraph: Do not think that we can throw out, ignore or devalue the Old Testament. The Old Testament (all of it) is relevant, authoritative, and important. Both the Old and New Testament are invaluable to us. We learn about God and His plan for us in both testaments. One is not less important than the other. The Old Testament is useful and necessary for our own admonition and for our understanding of God today. (I Cor. 10:1-11)
9. The Bible contains both natural and spiritual passages. That which is clearly spirit must not be taken natural and vice versa.
There are many scriptures that have a spiritual meaning rather that a natural one. For example, Matthew 5:29,30 says,
If your right eye cause you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.
These scriptures are in the context of lust and adultery. They have a spiritual meaning rather than a natural, literal interpretation. I believe that they refer to removing yourself from situations or actions that will cause you to lust or commit adultery. Or, it may mean to cut off someone in the Church who is doing these things, because they will infect the rest of the Body with their sin practice.
John 3 is a more dramatic example of natural verses spiritual interpretation. Jesus tells Nicodemus, "Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (v. 3) Nicodemus takes this naturally and says in response, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" (v. 4) Jesus goes on to explain that one needs to be born of the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God. He is referring to a spiritual birth. Jesus says, "You must be born again." (v. 7) This can be explained, "for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable be imperishable, that is, through the living and abiding word of God." (I Pet 1:23 NASB)
Another example is Jesus saying He will destroy the temple and raise it up in three days. (See Matthew 26:61 and John 2:19-22.) He was referring to his physical body when He said this.
10. Scriptures must not be taken out of context.
When reading and interpreting Bible verses and passages, we must keep in mind the passages before and after our particular verse or passage. Many errors in interpretation are as a result of not doing this. We cannot read one verse and take it literally for what we think it is saying. We need to read the verses before and after it. This will involve reading the entire passage it is contained in so as to understand how that verse relates to all the other verses. This is called it’s context. This sometimes involves reading paragraphs or chapters. In doing this, we will be able to understand the subject matter and define words or phrases used.
For example, I Cor. 11:5a says, "Every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head". I could read that and think that I need to have my head covered with a hat or scarf when I pray. In doing this, I would be taking that scripture out of context. If I read the rest of the passage (I Cor. 11:1-16), I would read God's definition of covering… which in this case is different than my own interpretation based on a single verse. Verse 15 states, "If a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her for a covering." This tells me what a covering is - her hair - and I wouldn't go off on my tangents thinking (and doing) what I think covering means. In order to get the full scope of women praying and prophesying, the context involves chapters 11 through 14.
As mentioned earlier, there is a scripture which states that women are to be silent in the church. It says, "Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says." (I Cor. 14:34) If that were the case then why is there instruction about how women are to pray or prophesy? This seems like a contradiction. But a study of these chapters by rightly dividing the word of truth would solve that "out of context" problem. We need to read the whole section and what the whole section says.
Some people have the belief that spiritual gifts, such as tongues, are not important. They think, "Why is there so much controversy on this subject? Why is there so much emphasis on I Corinthians chapters 11, 12, and 14 when chapter 13 is the main issue? Love is all that really matters!" Although other scriptures state that loving God and your neighbor fulfills all other commandments, the context in this part of I Corinthians is spiritual gifts and how to use them. Love is the way to use them. (See I Corinthians 12:31) Love does not nullify spiritual gifts. We are to use these gifts in love!
Another example involves the phrase, "Do all speak with tongues?" (I Cor. 12:30) which Paul wrote. Some might say, "Oh, well, even Paul is implying here that not everybody speaks in tongues." This is used as a justification to think, "Well, I don't speak in tongues. That's okay. Some do but some don't." However, if the whole context were read, we would find Paul's statement, "I would like everyone of you to speak in tongues". (I Cor. 14:5a NIV) From this scripture, speaking in tongues is being encouraged for everyone.
As just mentioned, some of the people that have "out-of-context" perspective use I Corinthians 12:30 to support the belief that not everybody is supposed to speak in tongues. This verse says, "Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?" Many people think this implies that not all are to have this particular spiritual gift. But, the verses immediately preceding this are talking about ministries, not spiritual gifts. To get this understanding, we need to read all of chapter 12. I have highlighted certain parts of this chapter to show my point.
"There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all." (I Cor. 12:4-6) These three verses emphasize three differences allotted by different parts of the Godhead. The first mentioned is spiritual gifts, which are given by the Holy Spirit. These are listed in verses 7-11 immediately following verses 4-6.
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. (I Cor. 12:7-11)
The next section of verses (12-27) discusses how we are all members of the Body of Christ and relates this to the different parts of a physical human body.
The last section (verses 28-30) mentions ministries. Verse 5 says, "There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord." This lists various ministries and emphasizes that not all people are all ministries. The statement "Do all speak with tongues?" (v. 30) does not refer to the spiritual gift of tongues but to those who have the ministry of tongues. Not everyone has this ministry. In the same way, not everyone has the ministry of an apostle or the ministry of a teacher. Ministries involve who people are and what they do on a regular basis publicly in the Body of Christ.
As seen above, if context is not taken into account, we can make our own personal interpretation of the Scriptures rather than properly interpreting God's Word to us.
11. Just because certain actions and statements of men appear in the Bible does not mean they meet God's approval.
We need to look at who is speaking in a passage. Just because someone says something, does not mean that it is true, that it is what God says, or that it even meets God's approval.
Now I am not saying that the Bible is flawed, or merely written by men. It is authoritative. All scripture is true. The stories, examples, and lives are real (with the exception of those that are meant to be fictitious). The entire Bible is the Word of God. However, because an actual comment of a person is written in the Bible does not mean that God agrees with what that man says. Consider the following example:
Job was a blameless and upright man who feared God and shunned evil. (Job 1:8) God gave Satan permission to do what he wanted to him (except take his life). Throughout this book that describes Job's suffering, there are many words spoken by Job and his friends. Not everything they said met the Lord's approval. Some of Job's friends were speaking to him things they believed were true of the Lord and his situation. After three older friends of Job had spoken to him, Elihu spoke and contradicted Job and his friends (starting with Job chapter 32). Then the Lord answered Job and said his three friends did not speak correctly of Him. (Job 38:1-2, 40:1-8, 42:7) (This excluded Elihu.)
David was a righteous man after God's heart. Just because David said something or did something does not mean that was always what God said, wanted or believed. For example, David committed adultery with Bathsheba, a married woman. She became pregnant by him. In order to cover it up, he sent for her husband Uriah from the battlefield. Uriah wouldn't sleep with Bathsheba since the others were in battle. In order to hide this situation, David had him killed by having the troops withdraw from him in the heat of a battle. David's sexual immorality and murder were evil and of course did not meet God's approval.
12. Any true interpretation or meaning will be spiritually exciting, will bring you closer to Jesus and challenge you to love Him more.
False teachings fail one or more of these tests. Many of the errors we have today substitute, or are in addition to, true knowledge of and relationship with Jesus.

These Principles Interact
These twelve principles interact with each other often. The topic of “Women Teaching” (which affects half the population) ignores a mixture of these principals. Can you determine which ones?
As stated earlier the Lord wants all of us to be able to teach. God has not said anywhere in the scriptures that women can only teach children or other women. However, some misconstrue various passages, including I Corinthians 14:33-34, because principal #4 is ignored. Although by now you may have read this enough to have it memorized, it says, "As in all the congregations of the saints, women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says." (I Cor. 14:33,34 NIV) This passage continues and says, “if they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.” (I Cor. 14:35 NIV)
As a result of these three sentences, we run ahead in our minds and say, "Women should not talk in the churches." But if we really read verse 34 we notice, "as the Law says." Where in the "Law" does it say that women are to be quiet? Nowhere in the Old Testament will you find that.
Finally, Paul responds in verse 36 "Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached?" (NIV) Paul is questioning these people. Are they the ones, through their rules and regulations, to determine what God says? Then he goes on and says, "If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I [Paul] am writing to you is the Lord's command. Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues." (I Cor. 14:37,39 NIV) Paul is saying that what he says goes, not what the Corinthians so-called “Law” says or anything anybody else says. Paul never even uses the true Old Testament to justify practices we are to observe.
In terms of context, chapter 12 discusses women praying and prophesying. But how can women pray and prophesy if they are not allowed to speak in the church? That doesn't even make any sense.
So did you guess the principles that were violated in misinterpreting this passage? They are #1, #4, #7, #10 and #12.
There are many other misunderstandings and false teachings, so it is very important that we follow the correct biblical interpretation as outlined above. These principles are all very reasonable and will help us to understand the Word of God. They will help to keep us from falling into error and to maintain sound doctrine. If we truly apply these principles, we will find much more doctrinal agreement and much more maturity in the Body of Christ.
(For more detailed instruction and examples on these rules of correct biblical interpretation, I refer you to Bob Reid's Faith Tech Ministries teachings on the Word series.)1

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Not all theologians agree upon all of the 12 principles.
For more information and teaching on this topic, contact
Bob & Karen Reid
Faith Tech Ministries
900 Long Blvd. #463, Lansing, MI. 48911
(517) 694-1957
Web page: http://www.faithtech.org
There are other resources I recommend to help understand Biblical Principles of Interpretation. The ones listed below have various strengths that set them apart from each other.
• Roy B. Zuck, Basic Bible Interpretation (Wheaton, IL: SP Publications Inc., 1991) – This is my favorite on this list because it has a vast treasury of examples. It is interesting and informative. It is also interactive with the reader. It reviews grammar in an interesting way. I have some minor disagreements with the end time dispensational views. In this book’s determination of types it is more limiting as to what is a type than in the other books listed below.
• L. Berkhof; Principles of Biblical Interpretation (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1950)
• Bernard Ramm, Protestant Biblical Interpretation (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1970) – This book seems to be appropriate for seminary-type students. About ¼ of his book discusses the history of hermeneutics. I have a minor disagreement with his suggestion that the knowledge of science gives us greater insight into Biblical things regarding Genesis 1. I discuss this further in the chapter “Evolution and Society.”
• Kay Arthur, How to Study Your Bible (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 1994) – This is another excellent source. It is very practical and teaches as the title states, “how to study your Bible.”
The first three books vary in their agreement on what makes a type and what is prophecy.
For more information on contradictions read Josh McDowell, The New Evidence that Demands a Verdict (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1999), 494-515.
Also, keep in mind Romans 14:5 which states we can esteem one day above another or we can esteem them all the same.
My emphasis is in boldface here and elsewhere in this passage.
In the Hebrew, there is no capitalization. All of the words translated "prince" would be written without a capital "P".
For more information on this teaching refer to the following books:
• Ralph Woodrow, Great Prophecies of the Bible. (Palm Springs, CA: Ralph Woodrow Evangelistic Association, Inc., 1971.) This book may be ordered by calling (760) 323-9882 or is available from http://www.ralphwoodrow.org/books/index.html; INTERNET as of 8 July 2006.
• A detailed book about end times by Barry Groves is available. Barry’s e-mail is bsgroves@juno.com. You may also receive a copy through Faith Tech Ministries at
Bob & Karen Reid
Faith Tech Ministries
900 Long Blvd. #463, Lansing, MI. 48911
(517) 694-1957
Web page: faithtech.org
I disagree with the author when he discusses sin but the end times information is detailed, understandable and useful for teaching.
My underline is for emphasis.
The Old Testament does contain examples for our admonition as taught in 1 Corinthians 10:1-11. I have modified this principle from Bob Reid’s original to exclude the words “or promises” because the New Testament says “For all the promises of God in Him (Jesus) are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” (2 Cor. 1:20)
“Hilarious" is the most accurate translation for the word "cheerful."
The word we translate in English as "different" is not in the Greek. The word "kinds" comes from the Greek word genos, which means "kin." This could be abstract, concrete, literal, figurative, individual or collective. I explained this to say that "different kinds of tongues" could be adequately translated in a general sense to mean speaking a different language.
My underline is for emphasis.