Overview of Verse by Verse Study: Approach and Methodology

In this article, I will outline my approach and provide a preview of the content planned for the Bible study section of our website.

Methodology

My journey through the Bible will be methodical and comprehensive, beginning with the New Testament’s Gospel of Matthew. After completing Revelation, I will proceed to Genesis and continue through the Old Testament.

A wealth of esteemed commentaries is at my disposal, which I intend to employ in a verse-by-verse examination of Scripture. This will enable me to address a broad spectrum of apologetic and theological inquiries.

I uphold the belief that the Scriptures are divinely inspired and free from error in their original manuscripts. Any perceived inconsistencies are likely the result of either misinterpretation or mistranslation.

Critics may argue that presupposing the Bible’s inerrancy compromises genuine scholarly inquiry. However, this stance hinges on the Bible’s divine origin. If it is indeed the Word of God, then it stands to reason that it would be error-free, as an omniscient deity would neither introduce nor permit inaccuracies. Conversely, if the text is purely a human product, then errors are to be expected, given human fallibility.

Should the Bible be of divine origin, it warrants diligent efforts to reconcile any seeming contradictions. If human-authored, while reconciliation remains possible, the acknowledgment of potential errors is also necessary.

Consider a hypothetical: upon encountering a seemingly contradictory statement in a college science textbook, would one immediately assume an error on the author’s part, or might there be a misunderstanding? Given the rigorous peer-review process, it seems more plausible that the reader’s interpretation is at fault rather than the author making a blatant oversight.

Accusations abound that Christians resort to contrived explanations to dismiss biblical contradictions. Yet, in my experience, most alleged discrepancies can be resolved by considering the context and precise wording. While some instances do challenge us, and Christians may occasionally propose elaborate theories, reality itself is inherently complex. A Bible devoid of complexity would likely be a work of fiction; its intricacy stems from God’s use of real individuals to document authentic narratives.

C.S. Lewis eloquently captures the essence of reality’s unpredictability:
“Besides being complicated, reality, in my experience, is usually odd. It is not neat, not obvious, not what you expect…. Reality, in fact, is usually something you could not have guessed. That is one of the reasons I believe Christianity. It is a religion you could not have guessed. If it offered us just the kind of universe we had always expected, I should feel we were making it up. But, in fact, it is not the sort of thing anyone would have made up. It has just that queer twist about it that real things have.”
C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (NY: HarperOne, 1952), 41–42


To really bring home this point consider the following story that I heard that happened to a genuine New Testament Scholar: the scholar received a phone call one day saying that his Grandma was hit by a bus and was headed to the hospital in critical condition. He quickly went to the hospital and upon arriving he was told that a bus hit her and she died instantly. Is this a contradiction? No, as it turns out the ambulance was hit by a different bus on the way to the hospital which killed his grandma instantly. The bible scholar said that if he had given an explanation like that to harmonize bible passages that he would have been laughed out of the room by his colleagues. I believe this perfectly illustrates that reality is messy and weird things happen. If the bible is a real book describing reality then we should expect it to be messy and complicated sometimes.

My endeavor is to meticulously analyze the Bible, verse by verse, unraveling its subtleties and rigorously defending its teachings against criticism. While some may perceive bias in this project, I acknowledge my Christian perspective and the purpose of this apologetic website—to advocate for the truth of Christianity. Transparency about one’s viewpoint is preferable to concealing it, and I am committed to guiding others toward what I believe to be the truth.



Why a Verse-by-Verse Study?

The cornerstone of my study is a meticulous verse-by-verse analysis, ensuring that no stone is left unturned in the exploration of God’s Word. This approach is born out of a desire to address every verse, particularly those that are often overlooked or deemed challenging by conventional commentaries. By engaging with Scripture at this granular level, we not only honor the full counsel of God but also uncover deeper insights that might otherwise remain hidden. This methodical pace prevents us from glossing over the rich context that each passage and verse offers.

Authorship and Dating

In the introductory section of each biblical book, I will endeavor to establish its authorship and historical context. While the precise dating and identification of the human authors may not always be feasible, I am committed to presenting the most reliable information available. Recognizing the human authors whom God inspired provides invaluable perspective on the text. It is, however, paramount to remember that the ultimate authorship belongs to God, rendering the Bible His divine communication to humanity.

Canonicity: Establishing the Biblical Standard

The term “canon” signifies a rule or a standard. The biblical canon represents the collection of texts recognized as divinely inspired and authoritative. In the introductions to each book, I will articulate the rationale for their inclusion in the canon—a subject that, in my opinion, has not received due attention in apologetic discourse. To robustly defend Scripture, it is essential to validate its foundational components, starting with the canon itself.

Exploring Themes and Structure

Each book’s introduction will also feature a concise literary analysis, delving into its themes, structural composition, and recurring motifs. This examination is crucial for grasping the books’ messages within their proper contexts. It aids in appreciating the literary artistry, the coherence of the narrative, and the theological threads that weave through the tapestry of Scripture.


Historical Background and Cultural Context

Each book’s introduction will delve into its historical and cultural milieu, providing a backdrop that enriches our understanding of Scripture. This context is not merely academic; it breathes life into the text, allowing us to grasp the author’s intent and the audience’s perception. By answering the who, what, when, and where of biblical authorship, we illuminate passages that might otherwise remain obscure, revealing nuances that are often lost without this foundational knowledge.

Archaeology

We live in the Golden age of biblical archeology. “More than 25,000 finds have confirmed the picture of the ancient world given in the Bible” (Geisler, Norman L. 1999. In Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics, 192. Baker Reference Library. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books). I intend to summarize important relevant biblical archeological finds in the introduction to each book as well as go over individual pieces of archeology whenever I come by a corresponding verse or section. Archeology shows the genuine connection the bible has with the ancient world and how the authors accurately described the world they lived in. It gives strong support to the case for scriptures overall reliability by showing that the author were familiar with the the region and time they claim to live in.

Interpreting Scripture Across Time

As Isaac Newton once said “if I have seen further [than others], it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.”. Figures like Augustine, Anselm, Aquinas, Calvin, Molina, Athanasius, and Luther have left an indelible mark on our understanding of the Bible. It is imperative that we engage with their interpretations, recognizing the breadth of perspectives they offer. While a comprehensive summary of every theologian’s views is beyond this study’s scope, I will present an overview of the diverse interpretations that have emerged throughout church history, inviting my fellow Protestants to rediscover the wisdom of these spirit-led scholars.

Constructing a Christian Worldview

A worldview is akin to a lens through which we interpret reality, composed of fundamental beliefs about existence, knowledge, purpose, and values. As we journey through Scripture, I will highlight passages that shape a Christian worldview, defined by the following components:

– Ontology: The exploration of being and the constituents of reality.
– Theology: The inquiry into the divine and the nature of religious belief.
– Epistemology: The examination of knowledge and its legitimacy.
– Anthropology: The study of human behavior, culture, and society.
– Teleology: The contemplation of purpose and design in the universe.
– Cosmology: The understanding of the universe’s origin, structure, and space-time dynamics.
– Eschatology: The consideration of humanity’s ultimate destiny and the afterlife.
– Axiology: The appraisal of values, ethics, and aesthetics.
– Law/Politics: The analysis of societal governance and legal structures.

My commentary aims to foster a robust Christian worldview that not only anchors believers in their faith but also informs their daily decisions and actions.

Discipleship: Living the Teachings of Christ

The pinnacle of this commentary is to nurture growth in discipleship. Understanding the teachings of the Old and New Testaments is foundational for living out the Christian faith and fulfilling the Great Commission. This practical section will focus on what it means to follow Jesus, exploring the behaviors and actions He calls us to embody. Here, we will translate the principles of Christianity into real-world applications, empowering readers to become disciple-makers in their own right.