…who correctly handles the word of truth
Devotional and theological readers of the Bible bring to it their own experiences and cultures. They are also starting from a point where someone else got to in interpreting and then translating the text and language of the original manuscripts. Whilst translation deals with semantics and linguistic, two aspects play a role in interpreting biblical text. One is the philosophy and science of interpretation (i.e. hermeneutics) and the other is the critically interpretation to draw the meaning out of the text (i.e. exegesis).
All this seems to indicate that ‘correctly’ understanding God’s word hinges on human ability to translate and interpret. This perhaps explains why there is no universal consensus to theological views and why differing doctrine divides and causes discord amongst Christians.
The greatest danger in all this is the mishandling and distortion of biblical truth when errors are made in translation and interpretation. Paul’s note to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:15 is hitting this nail on its head.
We too are interpreting biblical text as we read them. How can we be sure we are “correctly handling” the word of truth?
“so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power”
Human Wisdom and God’s Wisdom
Human wisdom is a seminal thread in hermeneutics and exegesis. But the Bible tells us that our faith should not rest on human wisdom but on Gods power (1 Corinthians 2:5). God’s power comes to man through the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). Man, without God’s Spirit will not correctly understand God’s Word. He is incapable of appreciating the spiritual implications of biblical truth. Though he comprehends the raw concepts, man cannot truly “see” it (Jeremiah 5:21).
It is the Holy Spirit who provides man with insight, intelligence and wisdom (Daniel 5:14) and only the Holy Spirit knows the thoughts of God (1 Corinthians 2:11). It is the Holy Spirit whom teaches us ALL things (John 14:26 and 1 John 2:27) and the person with the Holy Spirit makes judgments about ALL things (1 Corinthians 2:15).
Yes, ALL things! Including wisdom to correctly handle the word of truth.
