Understanding Scripture - An Adventist Approach

192 Pages·2006·4.36 MB·English

by  W. Reid (Editor)

.biblical,
Understanding
Scripture
An Adventist Approach
George W. Reid, Editor
Biblical Research Institute Studies, vol. 1
Biblical Research Institute Studies, vol. 1
BS 520. R45 U53 eng 2006
v.1 c.3
Reid, George W.
Understanding Scripture /
George W. Reid
Understanding
Scripture
An Adventist Approach
George W. Reid, Editor
Biblical Research Institute
General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Silver Spring, MD 20904
2005
Copyright © 2006, by the Biblical Research Institute
General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Silver Spring, MD 20904
Scriptures credited to CJB are from the Complete Jewish Bible, copyright ©
Editor
1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc.
George W. Reid
P.O. Box 615, Clarksville, Maryland 21029, USA. Used by permission.
Scripture quotations credited to ESV are from The Holy Bible, English Stan¬
dard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News
Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Associate Editor
Scripture texts credited to NAB are from The New American Bible, copyright Gerhard Pfandl
© 1970, by the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C., and are
used by permission of copyright owner. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked NASB are from the New American Standard BRICOM Members 2000-2005
Bible®, © Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977,
1995 by the Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
Niels-Erik Andreasen George R. Knight
Scriptures credited to NCV are from The Holy Bible, New Century Version,
John T. Baldwin Robert E. Lemon
copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Word Publishing, Dallas, Texas 75039. Used
Matthew A. Bediako John K. McVay
by permission.
Texts credited to NEB are from The New English Bible, copyright © The Ivan T. Blazen Ekkehardt Miiller
Delegates of the Oxford University Press and the Syndics of the Cambridge Uni¬ Keith Burton Daegeuk Nam
versity Press 1961, 1970. Reprinted by permission. Lael O. Caesar James R. Nix
Quotations designated NET are from the Holy Bible: The NET Bible ® {New Jaime Castrejon Brempong Owusu-Antwi
English Translation ™). Copyright © 2001 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. Gordon E. Christo Jon K. Paulien
www.netbible.com. All rights reserved. Quoted by permission. JoAnn M. Davidson Jan Paulsen
Texts credited to NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version,
Richard M. Davidson Paul B. Petersen
copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, International Bible Society. Used by permission
Ganoune Diop Roberto Pereyra
of Zondervan Bible Publishers.
Ron duPreez Gerhard Pfandl
Texts credited to NKJV are from The New King James Version, copyright
Larry R. Evans George W. Reid
© 1979, 1980, 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers. Used by permission. All
rights reserved. Francisco Gayoba Ângel M. Rodriguez
Scriptures quoted from NLV are from The New Life Version, copyright © Daniel Heinz ArturA. Stele
1969, 1976, 1978, 1983, 1986. Used by permission. Eugene Hsu Ted N. C. Wilson
Texts credited to REB are from The Revised English Bible, copyright © Ox¬ Greg A. King Randall W. Younker
ford University Press and Cambridge University Press, 1989. Reprinted by per¬ Miroslav M. Kis E. Edward Zinke
mission.
Printed in the U.S.A. by the
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ISBN 978-0-925675-17-0
Contributors Dedication
John Τ. Baldwin, Ph.D. Professor of Theology, Theological
Seminary, Andrews University
Lael O. Caesar, Ph.D. Professor of Old Testament, Andrews
University
Fernando L. Canale, Ph.D. Professor of Theology and Philosophy.
Theological Seminary, Andrews
University
Richard M. Davidson, Ph.D. Professor of Old Testament, Theological
Seminary, Andrews University
Ganoune Diop, Ph.D. Professor of Old and New Testament,
Oakwood College
Ron du Preez, D.Min. Th.D. Pastor, Michigan Conference, North
American Division
Frank M. Hasel, Ph.D. Professor of Theology, Bogenhofen
Seminary
Greg A. King, Ph.D. Professor of Old Testament, Southern
Adventist University
Gerald A. Klingbeil, D.Litt. Professor of Old Testament and Ancient
Near Eastern Studies, River Plate
Adventist University It is an honor and a pleasure to dedicate this book to
Ekkehardt Muller, D.Min. Th.D. Associate Director, Biblical Research
Institute RAOULDEDEREN
Jon K. Paulien, Ph.D. Professor of New Testament,
Theological Seminary, Andrews In appreciation for his many years of superior service as a member of
University
the Biblical Research Institute Committee.
Gerhard Pfandl, Ph.D. Associate Director, Biblical Research
In recognition of his exemplary Christian character and the depth of
Institute
his thought that have made him one of the most important and influential
George W. Reid, Th.D. FormerDirector,BiblicalResearchInstitute
theologians in Seventh-day Adventist history.
George E. Rice, Ph.D. Pastor, Chesapeake Conference, North
In gratitude for his theological contributions in the classroom and in his
American Division
Ângel Μ. Rodriguez, Th.D. Director, Biblical Research Institute writings in the area of the biblical doctrine of revelation and inspiration.
Tom Shepherd, Dr.Ph.H., Ph.D. Professor of Religion, Union College
Alberto R. Timm, Ph.D. Professor of Church History and The members of the Biblical
Historical Theology, Brazil Adventist Research Institute Committee
University
Peter M. van Bemmelen, Th.D. Emeritus Professor of Theology,
Theological Seminary, Andrews
University
IV
Contents
Contributors
Dedication
Foreword
Preface
Abbreviations
Chapter I
Historical Background of Adventist Biblical Interpretation
—Alberto R. Timm
Chapter II
Faith, Reason, and the Holy Spirit in Hermeneutics
—John T. Baldwin
Chapter III
Presuppositions in the Interpretation of Scripture
—Frank M. Hasel
Chapter IV
Revelation and Inspiration
—Fernando Canale
Chapter V
The Authority of Scripture
—Peter M. van Bemmelen
Chapter VI
The Text and Canon of Scripture
—Gerald A. Klingbeil
Chapter VII
Guidelines for the Interpretation of Scripture
—Ekkehardt Muller
Chapter VIII
Innerbiblical Interpretation:
Reading the Scriptures Intertextually
—Ganoune Diop
Vll
Chapter IX 1 53
Interpreting Old Testament Historical Narrative
—Greg A. King
Chapter X 1 63
Foreword
Reading Psalms and the Wisdom Literature
—Gerhard Pfandl and Ângel M. Rodriguez
Seventh-day Adventists are a community of believers shaped by the
Chapter XI 1 83
Scriptures in their doctrinal convictions and practices, as well as in their
Interpreting Old Testament Prophecy
daily interaction with others. The reading and the study of the Bible, ac¬
—Richard M. Davidson
companied by prayer, is a central spiritual discipline in the life of the
Chapter XII 2 05 church. This spiritual discipline should be exemplified and promoted by
Interpretation of the Gospels and Epistles church leaders, teachers, pastors, and church elders throughout the world.
—George E. Rice
The Biblical Research Institute of the General Conference has always
Chapter XIII 2 23 been very interested in the vital role of the Bible in nurturing the commu¬
Interpretation of Biblical Types, Parables, and Allegories nity of believers. Consequently, it has sought to provide materials for study
—Tom Shepherd that will deepen the church members' understanding of the Bible and will
train them in how to study it by themselves. This new volume, produced
Chapter XIV 2 45
under the auspices of the Biblical Research Institute and the scholars of the
The Hermeneutics of Biblical Apocalyptic
—Jon K. Paulien Biblical Research Institute Committee, addresses the question of how to
interpret the Scriptures. Its fundamental purpose is to stimulate the study of
Chapter XV 2 71
the Scriptures, using basic principles of interpretation that will minimize,
Hermeneutics and Culture
and, if possible, eliminate, arbitrary interpretations of the Word of God.
—Lael O. Caesar
This volume introduces the readers to a series of principles of biblical
Chapter XVI 2 85
interpretation that is compatible with the Adventist high view of the Bible
Interpreting and Applying Biblical Ethics
as the Word of God. By including chapters dealing with the nature of rev¬
—Ron du Preez
elation, inspiration, and the authority of the Bible, it reveals the scriptural
Chapter XVII 3 09 presuppositions that Seventh-day Adventists bring to the text as they seek to
Ellen G. White and Hermeneutics obtain a better understanding of the Bible and of their own presuppositions.
—Gerhard Pfandl The Biblical Research Institute is particularly grateful to George W.
Reid for accepting the task as editor of this volume. His 18 years as Di¬
Appendix A 3 29
rector of the Institute qualified him in a special way to edit this impor¬
Methods of Bible Study
tant book. We are also grateful to Gerhard Pfandl, associate editor, and to
Appendix Β 3 39
Marlene Bacchus, desktop publishing specialist, for the many hours they
The Use of the Modified Version of the spent with George Reid in preparing this book for publication. The church
Historical-Critical Approach by Adventist Scholars at large, and in particular the community of Adventist Bible teachers, will
—Ângel M. Rodriguez always remain indebted to them for the excellent job done. May the church
be continually blessed through the pages of this book.
Scripture Index 353
Index of Authors 3^7 Ângel Μ. Rodriguez
Director
Subject Index 3 59
Biblical Research Institute
viii IX
Preface
Seventh-day Adventist faith and praxis rest on the Scriptures as final
authority, evidenced by the fact that a statement on the Bible heads the
official statement of church beliefs. We are a people of the Book in which
God has spoken to humanity in terms intelligible to all, yet transmitted
within our language and experience.
The Scriptures unveil an astonishing panorama of insights that address¬
es every element of the human need to know. There God reveals Himself,
His character, purposes, historic acts, and will. He traces the elements of the
cosmos, including humanity's origins, redemption in Christ, and the prom¬
ise of an ultimate destiny in His kingdom. This sweeping world view stands
absolutely without peer, flooding our intellect and emotions with ultimate
meaning. Without the Word of God, our understanding would be reduced to
conjectural guesswork, built on a shifting analysis of our environment.
Given the Word's supreme manifestation in Christ Jesus, in whom "the
word was made flesh and dwelt among us," we see His person expressed in
human terms. But its written form must be, and will be, interpreted anew
by each generation. This is the task of hermeneutics and the prime reason
this book was written.
The first Biblical Research Institute book on hermeneutics appeared in
1974. Since then, however, great changes have taken place in our world,
exerting a heavy impact on biblical studies and on interpretation. Instant
communication has erased the former isolation found in many parts of
the world. In such a setting this new publication comes to aid pastors and
laypersons who seek a sound approach to God's Word.
Today we face issues that demand attention and simply must be ad¬
dressed. Postmodern trends reach beyond historically based studies to the
way in which religious meaning arises within the person to become the
controlling force in interpretation. Contemporary thinking largely aban¬
dons the idea that the central purpose of the Scriptures is to communicate
messages objectively from the sovereign God. As far as possible, this book
seeks to uncover modes of interpretation that arise from the Scriptures
themselves, which requires affirmation of the universality of final truth,
with God as its ultimate source.
Why is all this important? The very work of the church in fulfilling
the work that Jesus gave it rests for both message and mission on what
xi
χ
we conceive His commission to include. How we interpret Scripture is
of huge importance. Will the Scriptures speak with authority in the sense
of providing a model, transcendent and applicable to all cultures and to
all people, or are they simply a pool of ideas from which the religiously
inclined may draw to craft their personal conceptions of what really mat¬ Abbreviations
ters? Sound interpretation leads to understanding, and that which we un¬
derstand controls our actions. So this book addresses the very foundation
stones from which the Bible in the Christian life holds a commanding Ellen G. White Works
position.
AA The Acts of the Apostles
As a reader you will find here a series of specialized chapters, each
CD Counsels on Diet and Foods
written with a prayerful concern open to the guidance of the Spirit. All the CH Counsels on Health
authors are highly qualified Adventist scholars, committed in stewardship COL Christ's Object Lessons
to the Lord Jesus, writing for the purpose of helping every reader of the CSW Counsels on Sabbath School Work
Scriptures recover the intent incorporated in God's Word. While its giving CT Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
was couched in human settings, beyond them we seek the eternal truths CW Counsels to Writers and Editors
DA The Desire of Ages
that reveal God's character and purposes.
Ed Education
The writers of these chapters come originally from many countries
EGW'88 Ellen G. White 1888 General Conference Materials
and cultures yet share a common commitment to Christ and to the written
Ev Evangelism
Word. They constitute a living example of how the Scriptures reach out to
EW Early Writings
express the universal message of God.
FE Fundamentals of Christian Education
We extend our gratitude to the authors for their work and for their GC The Great Controversy
patience with an editorial process that often abridged their work by as LDE Last Day Events
much as fifty percent to keep the final product within a reasonable length. LS Life Sketches of Ellen G. White
Especially, we are obliged to the staff of the Biblical Research Institute, MB Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
under whose auspices we present this book to all who sincerely seek to MCP Mind, Character, and Personality (2 vols.)
understand God and to put into living practice the treasures of His Word. MH The Ministry of Healing
MR Manuscript Release
MYP Messages to Young People
George W. Reid
PC Paulson Collection
Director
PP Patriarchs and Prophets
Biblical Research Institute
SC Steps to Christ
1984-2001 SG Spiritual Gifts (4 vols.)
PM Publishing Ministry
SM Selected Messages (3 vols.)
SP The Spirit of Prophecy (4 vols.)
SSW Sabbath School Worker
Τ Testimonies for the Church (9 vols.)
TM Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers
UL The Upward Look
Xll xiii
Other References Zeph Zephaniah Phil Philippians
Hag Haggai Col Colossians
AR Adventist Review Zech Zechariah 1-2 Thess 1 -2 Thessalonians
BC The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary Mai Malachi 1-2 Tim 1 -2 Timothy
CJB Complete Jewish Bible Matt Matthew Titus Titus
ESV English Standard Version Mark Mark Phlm Philemon
GCB General Conference Bulletin Luke Luke Heb Hebrew
JATS Journal of Adventist Theology John John Jas James
LCC Library of Christian Classics
Acts Acts 1-2 Pet 1-2 Peter
LW Luther's Works
Rom Romans 1-2-3 John 1-2-3 John
LXX Septuagint
1-2 Cor 1 -2 Corinthians Jude Jude
MS Manuscript
Gal Galatians Rev Revelation
NAB New American Bible
Eph Ephesians
NASB New American Standard Bible
NCV New Century Version
NEB New English Bible
NET New English Translation Hebrew Alphabet Masoretic Vowel Pointings
NIV New International Version
NKJV New King James Version א י ח = h פ = Ρ = a ר = î
NLV New Life Version
ב = b ט = ţ פ = Ε = ă = δ
NT New Testament
OT Old Testament ב = b י = y צ = ş a ο
REB Revised English Bible ג = g כ = k ק = q ו = δ
RH Review and Herald
RI Revelation-Inspiration ג = g כ = k ר = r .. = e = u
ST Signs of the Times ד = d ל = l 'ש = s י... י.. = έ ו = ύ
ד = d מ = m ש = s = i
Biblical Books ה = h נ = η נר = t
Gen Genesis Prov Proverbs ו = w ס = s ת = t
Exod Exodus Eccl Ecclesiastes
Lev Leviticus Song Song of Solomon ז = ζ ע = ׳
Num Numbers Isa Isaiah
Deut Deuteronomy Jer Jeremiah
Josh Joshua Lam Lamentations Greek Alphabet
Judg Judges Ezek Ezekiel
Ruth Ruth Dan Daniel
1-2 Sam 1-2 Samuel Hos Hosea a = a c = ζ λ = / π = Ρ Φ = ph
1-2 Kgs 1-2 Kings Joel Joel β = b η = e μ = m Ρ = r χ = ch
1-2 Chron 1-2 Chronicles Amos Amos
γ = g θ = th ν = η σ,ς= s Ψ = ps
Ezra Ezra Obad Obadiah
Neh Nehemiah Jonah Jonah δ = d ι = i ξ = χ τ = t ω = δ
Esth Esther Mic Micah € = e κ = k 0 = 0 υ = y ׳ = h
Job Job Nah Nahum
Ps(s) Psalms Hab Habakkuk
xiv XV
CHAPTER I
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF
ADVENTIST BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION
Alberto R. Timm
Introduction
The Christian church was originally built upon the hermeneutical plat¬
form of the Bible as its own interpreter. Soon after the apostolic period,
however, the church began to move from that platform by accepting certain
nonbiblical hermeneutical alternatives. The Scriptures came to be reinter¬
preted in many Christian circles from perspectives drawn from surrounding
pagan cultures, cultural traditions, ecclesiastical authority, human reason,
and even personal experiences. Major struggles and tensions arose between
those who subscribed to such hermeneutical alternatives and those who
tried to reorient the church back to its original hermeneutical platform.
In brief, this historical overview highlights some of the major herme-
neutical turning points within the Christian church that provide the larger
background for the development of the Seventh-day Adventist interpreta¬
tion of Scripture.
1. From Judaism to Modern Christianity
Jewish Background
A defining historical landmark of the Jewish religion was the Baby-
Ionian captivity of Judah in the sixth century B.C. Prior to that event, the
Israelites were strongly tempted to forsake the precepts of the law and the
warnings of the prophets and to embrace the pagan components of the sur¬
rounding Canaanite culture. Realizing that they and their forefathers were
taken captive because of their transgressions of the law and of the Sabbath
(Jer 17:19-27; 2 Chron 36:15-21), post-exilic Jews moved increasingly
toward a more rigid obedience of the law and the Sabbath as defined by
tradition. These extra-biblical rules tended to overload and overshadow
some basic teachings of the Scriptures (Matt 15:5-9).
1
XVI