If someone were to ask you to summarize the apostle Paul’s teaching found in his letters in the New Testament, what would you say?Chances are, like most of us who know and love Paul’s epistles, you would take a deep breath and launch into a somewhat complicated explanation of the nature of salvation, faith, law, grace, and a number of other core Christian doctrines.
But was Paul really just a “theologian’s theologian,” a “super-scholar” who concentrated on doctrine and the theory of Christianity above all else? The answer, of course, is not at all. There are plenty of life experiences behind a great deal of what Paul tells us. We only have to look, for example, at his first letter to the Corinthian church. Paul has a great deal of practical guidance for Christians dealing with some of the problems and challenges of life. But we can go further than that. There is actually a practical side to most of what Paul wrote – we just don’t always see it.
When we look at Paul’s epistles closely, we find that he frequently divides his material so that the first half of his letter stresses theological issues and the second half of the letter stresses their practical application. We can see this quite clearly in Romans, Galatians, Ephesians and Colossians, but the principle applies to most of his epistles. In Ephesians, for example, the doctrinal portion of the letter (chapters 1-3) is followed by an ethical or Christian living section (chapters 4-6), and the whole epistle is structured around this balance.
But that’s not all. When we focus in on almost any section of the apostle’s writings, we find that he utilizes this balanced form of teaching continually. We just have to learn to see the pattern. In one half of his statements Paul often presents a theological fact, and in the other half we are given the application of that fact. Usually, it is first the doctrine, then the practice. In fact, at a technical level, Paul actually often balances two different forms of the same verb – first the “indicative” form stressing a fact, then the “imperative” form telling us what we must do about that fact. But the overall pattern of fact plus application of the fact is very clear when we look for it. Consider a few examples where the indicative factual statement is italicized and the imperative command is bolded:
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love” (Galatians 5:13).
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1).
Sometimes we have to continue reading for several verses to get to the practical application of a point, as in this example:
“For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature… ” (Colossians 3:3-5).
And sometimes Paul reverses the order – placing the practical application before the doctrinal fact – but if we keep the pattern in mind, we will see the balance is still there:
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:12-13).
Whatever order he uses, once we see this pattern in Paul, every epistle becomes a clearly linked series of thoughts about what God has done and what we must do as a result. But it is not just a way of teaching what we must do. The “indicative-imperative dynamic,” as theologians call it, is just as much about helping us understand why we should do the things we need to do.
The balanced structure of teaching we see in these verses is certainly not something that was new to Paul – we find it occasionally in formally structured sections of instruction throughout the Bible. To take only two examples:
“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me …” (Exodus 20:2-3).
“… Our Father in heaven, Your name be honored as holy” (Matthew 6:9 HSB).
But Paul uses this structure more consistently than any other biblical writer. If we look for it, we will find there is invariably a connection between what he tells us about what we should believe and the way we should live – between theology and morality, orthodoxy and orthopraxy, belief and practice, doctrine and living.
As we study his epistles, we should continually ask “What is the fact Paul is stating?” and “What is he saying we should do as a result of that fact?” If we do this consistently, we will often see the point he is making far more clearly – and not miss the guidance he gives us. Keeping this simple principle in mind can help us to navigate through Paul’s sometimes dense and even difficult writing (2 Peter 3:16) by better keeping up with his arguments and the significance of what he is telling us.
Paul wasn’t just about theology, and focusing on the practical side of his letters can often help us to better understand much of what he wrote. After all, it was Paul himself who said “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice” (Philippians 4:9).
The Bible’s book of Proverbs is often said to represent a collection of “human wisdom” and is frequently regarded as a book of practical rather than spiritual insights expressed in short, catchy sayings. Yet this viewpoint vastly underestimates the book.
The value of Proverbs can be seen in the degree to which Jesus and the apostles quote and echo this remarkable book – some thirty-five times. Jesus not only quoted the book directly, but it appears to have connections to even some of his most profound teaching.
At times Jesus built his teaching directly around Proverbs – as we find in Luke 14:7–11 where, at the dinner in the Pharisee’s house, he reminded those present of Proverbs 25:6–7 which shows it is better to take the lower places of honor, and then to be invited to the head of the table. We even find important examples of Jesus’ use of Proverbs in one of the most spiritual of his teachings – the Sermon on the Mount.
The Proverbs on the Mount
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus quotes from or alludes to Proverbs numerous times. For example, we can see the reflection of the proverb “… those who seek me find me” (Proverbs 8:17) in his words “seek and you will find” and “…the one who seeks finds” (Matthew 7:7–8). But the connections are more than incidental. When we look at many of the Beatitudes themselves, we find a remarkable inverse similarity to what Proverbs 6 tells us about the seven things God hates:
What God Hates – Proverbs 6:16-19
The Beatitudes – Matthew 5:3-12
A proud look
The meek
A lying tongue
Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
Hands that shed innocent blood
Those who mourn
A heart that devises wicked schemes
The pure in heart
Feet that are quick to rush into evil
The poor in spirit
A false witness
The merciful
A person who stirs up conflict
The peacemakers
This comparison does not include the final, eighth, beatitude “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness …” (vs. 10) because only the first seven beatitudes, like the seven evils mentioned in Proverbs 6, are actual characteristics of the person. And although the Beatitudes cover many of the same ideas found in Proverbs 6:16-19 in a positive manner, we should remember that it was often typical of Jesus’ teaching to recast “negatively” worded concepts in a positive manner (Matthew 22:35–40, etc.). We should also not forget that Jesus compared himself to Solomon and stressed that his own God-given wisdom was greater than that of the ancient king (Matthew 12:42).
Wisdom certainly figures frequently in Jesus’ mountainside sermon, and he ends it by telling his hearers that: “… everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man …” (Matthew 7:24). In the minds of Jesus’ listeners, such a “wise man” would have been no different from the individual held up as an example of right and godly living throughout the book of Proverbs.
This comparison is not to lower the Sermon on the Mount to the level of “human wisdom” or to elevate Proverbs to the level of Jesus’ highest teaching. It simply stresses that Proverbs contains ideas that were clearly part of the scriptural background and thinking of Jesus – ideas that are certainly worthy of our attention and that are often deeper than we may realize.
* For much more information on the book of Proverbs, download our free e-book – Spotlight on the Proverbs – here.
Anyone who has read more than a few chapters of the Bible soon comes to realize that the Scriptures contain some things that are meant to be understood figuratively or symbolically rather than literally – as when Jesus said that he was a door (John 10:9). But sometimes it is not quite so easy to tell if the intended meaning of a word or passage is literal or figurative – how are we to know in such cases?
It is always an error to think that everything the Bible says is meant literally – or that it is all meant figuratively. The best underlying principle of interpretation is to take every word or passage in its normal literal sense unless we have an indication not to do so. Here are six simple rules to follow in applying this principle:
1. Genre: Words should be interpreted literally unless the literary type of the text suggests otherwise. When David wrote that “The Lord God is a sun and shield” (Psalm 84:11) or that the sun was like: “a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy” (Psalm 19:4-5) he was clearly speaking poetically and we interpret the words not literally but for the concepts they suggest. Prophecy must also often be interpreted symbolically as in the vision recorded in Daniel 5, where we find “a goat with a prominent horn between his eyes” who “came from the west” (Daniel 8:5), which clearly equates with ancient Macedonian Greece (vs. 21) and its king, Alexander the Great.
2. Context: Words or passages should be interpreted literally unless the immediate or wider context suggests otherwise. When Jesus spoke in parables he described himself in symbolic form, as a Cornerstone, a Door, a Vine, Bread, Light, and Water. The immediate context clearly shows these were parables, and we do not interpret them literally. In the same way, when we consider everything the Bible says, that larger context shows us, for example, that we should not think he meant it literally when Jesus said that we should “cut off our hand” if it offends us (Matthew 5:29–30).
3. Expression: The biblical writers used expressions and figures of speech in their ancient languages just as we do today. We may sometimes need the help of Bible translators to explain those expressions – as when Genesis 30:2 tells us “his nose burned,” meaning the man was angry. But often biblical expressions are similar or identical to ones we might use today – as when Revelation 7:1 speaks of “the four corners of the earth” and it would be foolish to think this was meant literally.
4. Impossibility: Words or passages should be interpreted literally unless such a meaning would imply an impossibility. For example, in the Old Testament we read “The cities are great, and walled up to heaven” (Deuteronomy 1:28), and in the New Testament “You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel” (Matthew 23:24). In such cases what is said would obviously be literally impossible and must be figurative.
5. Absurdity: Words or passages must be interpreted literally unless the result would imply an absurdity. When Jesus said “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up,” (John 11:11) this would not be an impossible situation, but it would be absurd to think Lazarus – who had been buried for days – was simply asleep.
6. Contradiction: Words or passages must be interpreted literally unless the sense would lead to a contradiction. This is often seen when someone says something sarcastically, while actually meaning the opposite – as when Job told his friends “Doubtless you are the only people who matter, and wisdom will die with you!” (Job 12:2).
Fortunately, the Bible often interprets its own symbols and figurative speech – just as in the book of Revelation we are told seven stars are symbols of seven angels (1:20), seven lamp stands represent seven churches (1:20), and bowls of incense represent the prayers of the saints (5:8). But when the Bible does not directly interpret its own language, we can most often figure out whether the intended meaning is a literal or figurative one by following the six simple rules given above.
*For more information on this and other aspects of effective Bible study, download our free e-book: Understanding the Bible: Three Steps to Enrich and Deepen Your Knowledge of the Scriptures, here.
There is an interesting verse in the biblical book of Ezra that every Christian can profit from: “ForEzra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel” (Ezra 7:10). This verse summarizes the attitude of the great leader who guided the Jewish people at the time of their return to Jerusalem from captivity in Babylon. It’s easy to read over the first word of the verse – “For” – but the preceding verse tells us how “the gracious hand of his God was on him” “for,” or because of, Ezra’s dedication to God – not as a reward for it, but because his dedication allowed God to use him fully.
The verse then tells us there were three specific parts to Ezra’s dedication: he devoted himself to studying God’s word, obeying God’s word, and teaching God’s word. This does not mean these were the only things he did, of course. Ezra was undoubtedly kept busy with the many problems and issues involved in relocating a large group of people in dangerous circumstances – but he had devoted himself to do these three things regardless of everything else going on in his life.
First, we are told that Ezra devoted himself to study of God’s law. Of course, “law” meant more than just the Ten Commandments and other actual laws – it included all of the Bible’s instruction. The Hebrew expression used of Ezra is that he devoted himself not just to read, but to “seek” the law of the Lord – to look for its guidance in an intense way. This is interesting because we find the same expression a number of times in the Old Testament where individuals were blessed when they were “seeking” God or his law.
Second, we are told that Ezra devoted himself to observance of the law. It is to the extent that we study the principles of God’s way of life with an intent to follow them that we seek God and follow him. That is why the Old Testament tells us that individuals like the godless king Rehoboam “did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the LORD” (2 Chronicles 12:14), and good kings like Asa “commanded Judah to seek the LORD, the God of their ancestors, and to obey his laws and commands” (2 Chronicles 14:4).
Third, Ezra’s devotion was not to some kind of spiritual self-improvement program where his own righteousness was his ultimate goal. We read that he was equally devoted to making God’s way of life available and understandable to others. Such an approach does not have to center on physical teaching as it may have done in his case, but can include helping others see God’s way through our own lives and actions – the keeping of God’s way – as well as through traditional teaching means where these are appropriate.
While it can be profitable to think about any of these areas of spiritual life individually, the biggest take-away from what we are told about Ezra’s dedication to God is that it involved all three. The lesson there may seem obvious, but we should not ignore it. It is not enough to simply study the Bible occasionally or even frequently. It is not enough to study and also to keep the Bible’s principles in our lives. Ezra’s example shows we only really fulfill God’s purpose in our lives when we do all three. It is only when we continually learn more of God’s way, continually apply it in our lives, and continually share it with others – in whatever way we have opportunity and ability – that God can use us to the full.
Without any one of these activities the others don’t really work. Study without application is meaningless. Application without sharing is limiting and self-centered. Application or sharing without study is limited and often superficial. It is only when all three aspects of learn it, live it, and give it, are present that the cycle of spiritual living operates as it should.
Finally, when we talk about Ezra’s study, application, and sharing of God’s way, we must realize that he by no means intended to do all this by his own power. It is perhaps significant that the book of Ezra shows this great leader – whose name is an abbreviation of the Hebrew Azaryahu “God helps” – contains a good number of instances of Ezra’s recognition of the need of God’s help in many aspects of life (Ezra 8:21; etc.). We too should seek God’s help in study, application, and sharing of the truth. Only then will we be spiritually successful, like Ezra, in learning, living, and giving, God’s way.
If you are looking for a truly worthwhile goal to set for this new year, consider taking one of the many Bible courses that are available online. A good number, such as those available from Cornerstone Bible Courses, are completely free. Cornerstone’s carefully prepared non-denominational and non-commercial courses provide in-depth information on the Bible – without advertisements or other distractions – to those who cannot attend Bible school or seminary, or who simply want to understand the Bible at a deeper level in their own personal study. Significantly, all course materials – including e-textbooks – are provided for free and there are no charges of any kind. If desired, an optional final exam can be taken online and a personalized certificate of completion is provided for all passing grades. You can download a free course and study materials today from the CornerstoneCourses.org site, here.
And the Cornerstone courses are not the only Bible courses available online. The Online Bible College Association is a new and growing association that provides an excellent service by listing worthwhile Bible courses they have personally checked to ensure they are not scams, and provide quality, trustworthy material. A number of the courses they list are free. You can visit their helpful site and check it occasionally for new additions, here.
There are now a good many websites competing for your online Bible study time. Most publishers of individual translations have a dedicated site for their own Bible version, and there are numerous sites which compare multiple translations and offer other study helps. Which site is best? To some extent, the answer depends on your needs and study preferences, and each site has its own strong points – so comparing the options makes sense. In making our own comparison we found that most of the sites we looked at can be helpful and are providing a valuable service, but we did find that some sites are more useful than others. This article compares five sites (all of them free to use) that we consider to be among the best. There are certainly other good sites – such as the fine Blue Letter Bible – which may be perfect for your needs, but the ones we list have the most translations and features. We look at them in reverse order – saving what we consider the best for last …
#5: Bible Study Tools has a limited number of other-than-English language translations available – but it includes most major English versions and allows side by side comparison of verses or chapters in different versions, which not all sites do. It has a type of “interlinear” Hebrew and Greek text with individual words linked to Strong’s concordance entries, but although the English linkage is word by word, those with no knowledge of the biblical languages may find this feature difficult to use. The site has a selection of devotionals, basic commentaries, Bible dictionaries and other resources, and also has a “My Bible” feature which allows users to add and save notes to scriptures and to highlight, bookmark, and categorize verses with tags. Overall, this is a fine, simple to use site.
#4:StudyLight.org has an excellent selection of translations (though not always listed in alphabetical order), including many in foreign languages and with Aramaic, Hebrew, Greek and Latin texts of the Old and New Testaments. StudyLight claims to have more Bible commentaries, encyclopedias, dictionaries, lexicons and original language tools than any other site on the internet, and the selection is extensive. It also includes the complete text of many important background works such as those of Josephus and the writings of the Early Church Fathers. The site’s “interlinear” version is like that of the Bible Study Tools site with word-by-word translations, but is a little clearer. The site is often excellent for deeper study, but is limited by the inability to compare different translations side by side.
#3: Bible.com (the You Version site) claims over three thousand total versions in well over a thousand languages. We didn’t count to check, but the list has every translation we have ever seen and many more. Even seldom heard of translations such as Cook Islands Maori (in addition to New Zealand Maori!) are included, and some versions are available in audio format. You can save highlighted verses, tabs and notes. The site also offers a good number of reading plans and devotionals ranging from 7 days to a year. A mobile app is offered as well as a way to be involved in live discussions of sermons, Bible studies and questions (you can schedule your own discussion event). These are all good features, though the core aspect of the site – the translation interface – is limited in terms of search and commentary features and only allows side-by-side view for comparison of two versions at one time. The “Recently Used” tab is helpful, however, in allowing the user to go back and forth between versions. We did not find any way to work with the Hebrew or Greek texts on this site.
#2: BibleGatewayis a solid pick. It is not only the most visited Bible site in the world (with astronomical usage statistics), but it also has a great many useful features. The site has hundreds of available translations and while it may not have quite as many as Bible.com, it has more than most of us would ever need in all major languages (for example, seventeen Spanish translations alone). At this time it has limited study tools in the biblical languages available only with paid subscription. It also takes a little extra clicking and scrolling to get to commentaries and some other features compared to some other sites, and the advertising can be a little heavy sometimes. But despite these minor points BibleGateway has many useful features. It has audio capability and is available for desktop use and as a smartphone app, and registered users (free) can insert and save highlights, notes, tabs, etc., as they study. BibleGateway’s search capabilities are unparalleled, and its ability to pull up instances of a given word or phrase from any or all parts of the Bible – in as many translations as one wishes – is also tremendous for deeper comparative study.
#1: Bible Hubis our current top pick for fast and effective study. It has as a quick link bar at the top of the screen for selecting major translations, which some may find more convenient than repeatedly scrolling through drop down menus. The range of translations is relatively limited compared to some other sites, but a major plus of Bible Hub is its fine parallel Bible feature which compares any verse in over thirty major translations. It gives the option to instantly click up to the whole chapter when context is needed. A selection of entries from major commentaries is available for each verse, and like StudyLight.org, Bible Hub has true word-for word interlinear versions of the Hebrew and Greek texts as well as a number of other features, but we think one of its best characteristics is the time-saving ability to see multiple translations of the same verse – and commentaries on it – together on the same page without repetitive menu surfing. Overall, this is an excellent site and combining it with the search capabilities of BibleGateway and the enormous number of translations available on Bible.com when needed provides everything one could normally want for effective online Bible study.
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