First Published May 28, 2013
Originally was an email that was never sent
Bible Enthusiast Blog

Bible Enthusiast is a collection of my research and writings I have composed over the years.

My background as to why I am a Bible Enthusiast is rather interesting. It began even as early as my childhood growing up in the Baptist Church, however it became established in my mid teens when I began gathering questions which no one could answer. It was a genuine quest for the truth, of which was satisfactorily quenched by three basic verses of scripture, of which I have built a foundation of believing upon and use consistently when I research the Bible. Each verse has an interesting story behind it and each verse is just as alive today to me as it was when I was first taught them.

II Timothy 2.15 kjv
"[15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." - 2Ti 2:15 KJV

II Timothy 3.16,17 kjv
"[16] All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." - 2Ti 3:16-17 KJV

II Peter 1.20,21
"[20] Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. [21] For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost. "- 2Pe 1:20-21 KJV

The Bible is the most fascinating field of study I have ever undertaken. I am by no means an expert and will never admit to knowing it all nor will I ever say that I have all of the answers. Furthermore, just like everyone else who has ever lived and has taken an interest in the Bible, I will never admit that I myself am immune to deception. I will say however that I do believe more of God's Word than the average Christian and have an understanding of how the Bible interprets itself.

The Bible really is not that difficult. In fact, if we were to remove all of the religious garbage and denominational influence, even a child would stand a chance of a better spiritual understanding.

Truth and the Truth is what I am always after and pursue it every time I open the book and search for answers. It is always the original Word of God, when it was first given or spoken, before it was adulterated by man's religion is what I am most interested in. I don't care what man has to say about it, I don't care what denominations have to say about it, I don't really care about and have little to no interest in all other religions around the world.

When I first began my quest, somewhere in my mid teens, one of the questions that I had was why are there so many divisions in the Christian religion and which one should I believe. After going around to various friends and such, asking this question, and being left more confused than before, I went straight to God and told Him, without asking, I told Him I wanted to know the truth. It wasn't long, maybe within a year God not only met my demand, but was taught how to research the Bible and separate truth from error.

It pretty much began with this scripture here in II Timothy 2.15 .

The word "Study" is rather a poor translation. Which by the way our modern King James Version of 1611 was translated from what is commonly known as the Textus Receptus, a Greek translation of the new Testament. The Greek word is the word "Spoudazo" (see: BLB gr. spoudazo ) which means to hasten or make haste and also to give diligence or to endeavor. It was translated in other places as "endeavor, do diligence, be diligent, give diligence, labor and of course here in this verse, to study. Spoudazo comes from the word "spoude" which means haste or diligence.

More accurately it would say "Exert effort...", "Diligently with haste...", or even "Diligently endeavor with urgency..."

The word "shew" is old English which is very common in the 1611 King James Version.

The word "workman" is figurative in the sense that a workman or a laborer hired to do a job and being responsible to the employer or contractor to see that the task or tasks would be completed in a timely manner can be compared spiritually to God as our supervisor assigning the responsibility to us, the "workman" to complete the assigned task with respect to the urgency of our times. If we do a poor job for our employer or do not complete the task or tasks within the time agreed upon, it would inadvertently cause the need to be ashamed.

Our approval before God as a Workman relies entirely upon whether we "Rightly Divide" the Word of Truth. The phrase "Word of Truth" is also figurative emphasizing that God's Word is the Word of Truth as opposed to error, and that we will have the true Word only to the extent that it is Rightly Divided.

The phrase "Rightly Divided" is one word in the Greek; "orthotomeoo" (see: orthotomeoo ) literally translated right, correct or straight cutting or dividing. It can be compared to a butcher slicing meat; Each cut must be accurately executed in order to produce a quality product. So it is for the Workman of God, our approval before God depends entirely upon whether we Rightly Divide the Word of Truth, and we will have the true Word only to the extent that it is Rightly Divided.

Man's contribution to the Bible has many times fallen way short in meeting the standards of Rightly or Correctly dividing the Word of Truth. In fact in Genesis, if we read through using the method supplied by the translators when they included Chapters and verses in the 1400's, none of it fits together properly. Had I been the translator, and responsible for making chapter and verse divisions, I would have separated them into sections referring to the phrase "...the generations of..."

There are fourteen total in the Bible and eleven of them are right there in Genesis.(Gen 2.4, Gen 5.1, Gen 6.9, Gen 10.1, Gen 11.10, Gen 11.27, Gen 25.12, Gen 25.19, Gen 36.1, Gen 36.9, Gen 37.1, Num 3.1, Ruth 4.18 and Matt 1.1)

The entire Bible will fit together perfectly as a whole when and only when it is correctly divided. Since chapters and verses were man's contribution they are useless as a tool for Rightly Dividing. Great for reference, and I'm glad they are there, but I do not use them as a guide for Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth.

It is absolutely vital for any student of the Bible to recognize that God, our supervisor, has assigned the task to His Workmen to Rightly Divide the Word of Truth. We as Workmen are responsible only to God, our contractor, to carry out the assigned task with respect to the urgency of our times, so that we may stand approved by Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth.

The next verse of scripture hit home for me like no other and settled in my mind just where I should go to search for answers.

II Timothy 3.16 kjv
"[16] All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" - 2Ti 3:16 KJV

Here is another poor translation of the text. The phrase "given by inspiration of God" is one word in the Greek, "theopneustos" (see: theopneustos)

It is unique in the Bible, in that it was only used here. It is a compound word made up of two words: "theos" which translates as God and "pneo" which translates as to breathe or to blow. Quite literally translates as "God-breathed".

This is significant because it is a figure of speech which applies human characteristics to God. The figure is called "Anthropopathea" or "Condesension".

(see: https://archive.org/details/figuresofspeechu00bull)

I do recommend reading the book "Figures Of Speech" by E.W. Bullinger. I use it regularly when studying the Bible.

Figures of speech were common during Biblical times, much more common than they are for us in our modern culture. When the Word of God was originally given, the figures of speech were designed to capture our attention. Figures of speech are a legitimate use of grammar designed to give emphasis to a certain word, words or subject.

The verse would literally translate as "All scripture God-breathed". It can be compared to Acts 9:

[1] "And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest," - Act 9:1 KJV

It says "Saul ... breathing out threatenings" paints a vivid picture in our minds of Saul's intentions. It is a figure of speech where he is not literally breathing out but we see in our minds the vivid picture.

The Bible is so loaded with figures of speech that I could spend pages and pages of examples which would make anyone stand in awe. Without an understanding of figures of speech, the Bible would never really be understood much less interpreted properly.

It says "All Scripture God-breathed". If God breathed all scripture then all of it is from God, not just bits and pieces of which areas I would agree on, nor sections I would avoid that contradicts my denominational or religious beliefs. It is in the effect where I do not go to the Bible to find those scriptures which would agree with my belief, I go to the scriptures and allow it to speak to me because all of it is God-breathed.

Furthermore, the God-breathed Word is profitable. It is profitable for doctrine, reproof and correction. It in itself is profitable to receive correct instruction, to catch me when in error and how to get back to correct instruction (doctrine, reproof and correction) which by the way is the best way to teach children the basics of life. In man's struggle to become righteous this is the ultimate lesson in life. So that the man of God may be perfect throughly perfected (furnished) unto all good works.

The third scripture completed my foundation upon which opened a whole new perspective on how I would be able to handle the Bible. When the foundation was complete seemingly dark and difficult scriptures began to unfold to me in ways I would never have imagined.

II Peter 1.20, 21
"[20] Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. [21] For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost." - 2Pe 1:20-21 KJV

First three words are "knowing this first". If it had said anything else it probably would not have mattered too much, but if we are to know something first, then should it not grab our attention and treat this matter as a priority?

Now it says "prophecy" of the scripture. Again this is figurative however I do want to point out that prophecy is not entirely nor exclusively reserved for things of the future. Prophets do prophecy about things of the future, however prophets do make statements of truth. Abraham was a prophet, however he never prophesied about things of the future. (see: Gen 20.7)

Knowing this first that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private [Gr. idios- one's own] interpretation.

If it is of no private interpretation, then is there an interpretation? If I am restricted from giving my own interpretation then neither does anyone else. However, this is the reason why there are so many divisions and denominations in the Christian religion. Everyone seems to have their own interpretation or they follow someone's interpretation which seems to fit what they believe, yet it say's "... no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation..." furthermore it is something we are supposed to know first. If I am going to stake my approval before God by Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth, I will certainly not trust someone else with their own interpretation. I also will not trust someone else and their own interpretation regarding my eternal destiny. Now then, if no one is allowed to privately interpret the Bible, we either have no interpretation, or it will interpret itself, and that is exactly what it does.

Just as an attorney has the ability and experience to interpret a legal document, so it is with the Bible. With only a few principles and guidelines anyone with a little sense will be able to allow the Bible to interpret itself.

The majority of the Bible will interpret itself, simply by just reading it. The most well known and famous verse of scripture, which most people already know by heart is John 3.16.

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

It interprets itself without a commentary, or anyone's opinion right there in the verse right in the sentence. You do not need a dictionary or a concordance it will explain itself right where it is written. The vast majority of the Bible will likewise interpret itself in this same manner. The greatest problem within Christianity, most people do not read what is written. They will read into it, or read it with religious or denominational influence.

Now I know that the King James Version has some difficult words such as needeth, begat, thee, thou and such, but that is old English and easily dealt with. Some words must be understood in light of the English language during the time of its translation and cultural idioms which usually do not make sense to us today in our modern English. However they are not difficult to identify nor are they without proper understanding to us in our modern culture.

Many times just by reading along, we will run across an apparent contradiction or a discrepancy. The answer will lie either in our own understanding or in the translation. If we do not have an answer within our own understanding, always check the translation. By checking each individual word and comparing them with how they are translated elsewhere will most of the time give us the answer.

Also there is what is called scripture build up where all scripture relating to the same subject must be taken into consideration. I can prove to you scripturally where Jesus was actually tempted by the devil on two completely different occasions. I can prove to you scripturally that there were actually four crucified with Jesus rather than the traditional two. I can prove to you scripturally that Jesus was crucified on Wednesday and was raised from the dead Saturday evening. I can prove to you scripturally that Judas was present and witnessed Jesus ascension rather than the traditional teaching that he immediately went out and hanged himself after he betrayed him. Now this may not mean much to the average Bible reader, but I am interested primarily in the accuracy of God's Word. It will either fit perfectly together or it is just another book in the library of man's own intellect. If God is perfect, then His Word must be perfect. There can be no contradictions or discrepancies.

[6] The words of the LORD [are] pure words: [as] silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. [7] Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever. - Psa 12:6-7 KJV

It is interesting that God, when He had His Word written that He also would "keep" (guard, watch, have charge) and "preserve" (guard from danger). Every time man has attempted to corrupt the Word, somewhere somehow God protected His Word so that even the most cunning would be unable to penetrate its integrity.

The Bible will also interpret itself in context. So it is in a legal document or a contract, an experienced attorney will interpret it by first understanding the individual word and its definition and how it fits within the context or subject matter. The greatest context of the Bible is from Genesis 3.15 all the way through to the end of Revelation; that is Jesus Christ. Even in the stars the prophecy was well documented when it was first revealed to Adam and passed down for many generations, of which today of course has been grossly corrupted. Then God made available His written Word.

It has been so easy to take any verse of scripture remove it from its context and make it say ... well, fill in the blank.

Finally the Bible will interpret itself somewhere previously. I remember this easier by just saying, verse, context and used before. Just as any legal document or contract where an attorney is required to properly interpret it, they will use the same basic principle.

With this foundation, I have built a rather large inventory of believing of which I am not willing to relinquish. More specifically that which is addressed personally to me. Things that I can say with all confidence, it is mine, it is me and this is my destiny and will not budge from it. Things that I can show you that gives me privileges, great power and ability. Things that are written just a plain and clear that even stupid would spill off. This is why one of the keys to having a clear understanding of that which is written in the Bible, the God-breathed Word, the Rightly Divided Word without any private or any one's own interpretation; it is important to know that which is specifically addressed to me as if I could put my name in the address field. These are what is known and what I refer to as the "Church Epistles" and they are Romans through Thessalonians.

Here are a few statements of belief:

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