When something is written, it means it is meant to be read. But when something that is written cannot be read, it means the reader doesn't know the language in which it is written.
For instance, I can read anything written in English but cannot read Chinese or Arabic, or Hindu. This is because I learned the English language but I have never learned these other languages.
Similarly, I can try to read French or Spanish, or any other language that has English alphabets but I wouldn't pronounce the words correctly, nor would I understand what I'm reading. This goes to show that there’s more to reading than just interpreting letters and words. Comprehension matters as well.
That is why it requires a certain skill to comprehend poetry, parables, proverbs, idioms and so on. Language is beautiful and some things are not written (or spoken) for lay readers. It might be difficult to comprehend.
I can say the same for the Bible. The Bible is a book, as we have it nowadays. The words are written in human language. All the men who wrote the different books of the Bible wrote in the language of their time. Whether Aramaic, Hebrew or Greek, they were all human languages use in both written and verbal communication of their respective eras.
We are so grateful for those men who risked comfort and their lives in translating old scriptures into more readable and accessible language. History has their names. Today, the Bible is in almost every known language of the world. There are over a hundred versions in the English language alone! Because,
This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations.. (Matthew 24:14)
The caveat however, is that some of these translations may have shortcomings due to the linguistic barriers of translating one language into another. This might tamper with the original meaning, functions or intent of words, punctuations, ideas, or concept which may lead to misinterpretation and misinformation.
How then do we know which Translation is Accurate?
Really, I cannot recommend it. I am no authority in that field. But one thing I know is this, we cannot be narrow-minded in our quest for the Truth. Having many translations is advisable. But if it is true, and it is, that “all scriptures are given by inspiration of God”, suffice to say that we would require that same “inspiration” for guidance. After all, the scriptures are “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and instruction in righteousness”(2 Timothy 3:16). In this light, the Holy Spirit is our Inspiration. The one who guides us into “all truth”.
The Ethiopian eunuch had gone to Jerusalem to worship (this means the Gospel had reached Africa by that time). On his way back, he had to read some more of the scriptures. Probably, it had been read in the “church service” that morning.
The Holy Spirit, the one who guides into all truth, informed Philip about the man, shared his location and asked Philip to pursue after his chariot and get close.
Philip payed attention to what the eunuch was reading, and then asked the important question, “Do you understand what you are reading?”
He was reading Isaiah 63:7-8.
Good for the eunuch, he was a humble fellow. He admitted his lack of understanding by replying to Philip, “How can I, unless someone guides me? He called on Philip to join him in the chariot, and a thorough Bible study ensued. Philip, “beginning at this scripture” preached Jesus to him”(Acts 8:35)
It is important to note that the New Testament may not have been written yet. So Philip must have read other Old Testament scriptures, but he began with the scripture the eunuch was reading. What does this show? That Jesus Christ is the focus of the entire scriptures —he is the Word of God.
Jesus quoted a lot of scriptures in many of his teachings. So did Paul. Many times they were interpreting the meaning and application of those scriptures. Paul even admonished believers in ministry, especially those who teach to
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)
It is important we understand what we read. So as to avoid the error of misinterpretation or reading our own meaning into the scriptures. This would make us say things the Bible did not say, and put its integrity in question, especially in the ears of the unsaved.
For instance, The Gospel is the message of the love of God to the unsaved and His offer of redemption through faith in the finished work(death, burial, and ressurrection) of Christ Jesus. This is the message that leads sinners to repentance. Any addition or subtraction renders The Gospel powerless.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. Romans 1:16-17 (KJV)
Preaching heaven or hell to the unsaved will not get them saved. It is the Gospel that gets them saved.
Preaching tithing as a prerequisite to entering the Kingdom of God or attaining financial freedom or material wealth or spiritual blessing is a misinterpretation of scriptures, and fraud even..
Even the word of truth has to be rightly divided
God has given Teaching gifts and ministry to certain people. Just as Philip expounded scriptures to the Ethiopian eunuch, we need people to also expound scriptures to us. But we need to ask the right questions. Only the right questions get the right answers.
So, What scripture did you read today? Did you understand what you read?
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