Preface: Let the Bible Interpret Itself

Text: Acts 17:10–11; 2 Peter 1:20–21

BIG IDEA

The best commentary on the Bible is the Bible itself, and the Christians who read it most carefully are the ones who let Scripture explain Scripture.

INTRODUCTION

Opening Question

Has anyone ever read a Bible verse and felt like you were missing something, like everyone else understood a joke you did not?

That feeling is not failure. That is the Bible inviting you deeper. Tonight we will see what was missing and how the Bible itself shows it.

THE STORY OF THE BEREANS

Acts 17:10–11 KJV

10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Who Were the Bereans

A. A city in Macedonia B. Smaller and stable C. Established Jewish synagogue D. People familiar with the Old Testament E. Tested Paul’s message by Scripture

Two Things the Bereans Did

A. They were noble / Fair minded Willing to receive truth

B. They searched / Examined carefully Cross examined claims Compared with Scripture

THE FOUNDATION

2 Peter 1:20–21 KJV

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.

A. Scripture has one Author B. The Spirit carried the writers C. The Bible is internally consistent D. Therefore Scripture explains Scripture

I. The Bereans Searched the Scriptures

A. Readiness of Mind

Did not assume right or wrong

Followed evidence

Started with questions, not conclusions

B. They Searched the Scriptures, Not the Teacher

Paul was highly trained

Paul saw the risen Christ

Still tested by Scripture

The text is the authority

C. The Berean Test

Is this so

Not emotional reaction

Not personal preference

Biblical accuracy

D. What This Is Not

Not a hidden code

Not expert only knowledge

Requires whole

Bible reading

Connections are visible

E. The Beauty of Scripture Interpreting Scripture

Example: Shepherd

Psalm 23 understood through:

John 10 Ezekiel 34 Isaiah 40:11

Example: Leprosy

Leviticus 13–14 builds the category Matthew 8 shows the miracle

Example: Kinsman Redeemer

Law establishes role Ruth illustrates it Christ fulfills it

II. The Scriptures Interpret Each Other

A. Example 1: Image Explained

John 3:14–15 → Numbers 21

WITHOUT BACKGROUND

Strange comparison

Unclear meaning

WITH BACKGROUND

Look and live

Serpent lifted up

Christ lifted up

Faith brings life

B. Example 2: History Explained

Romans 9:13 → Malachi 1 → Genesis

WITHOUT BACKGROUND

Appears arbitrary

Seems unjust

WITH BACKGROUND

Nations, not individuals

Covenant roles

God’s faithfulness emphasized

C. Example 3: Prophecy Explained

Acts 2:25–28 → Psalm 16

WITHOUT BACKGROUND

Quoted sermon text

Unclear connection

WITH BACKGROUND

David died

Not about David

Points to Christ’s resurrection

D. Example 4: Vision Explained

Revelation 20 → Daniel 7

WITHOUT BACKGROUND

Seems isolated

Appears symbolic

WITH BACKGROUND

Daniel saw the kingdom

Revelation gives detail

One unified message

III. The Scriptures Point to One Thing

A. Why This Works

One Author

Internal consistency

Canonical context

B. Emmaus Road

Luke 24:27 KJV

27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

C. Warning from Jesus

John 5:39 KJV

39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

They searched

They missed Christ

D. Five Questions for Study

What OT passage is referenced

What was happening originally

What did they understand

What theme is completed

What does this reveal about God

APPLICATION

A. Read John 10:1–18 B. Identify OT background C. Note what you would have missed

CONCLUSION

The Pattern

A. John 3 → Numbers 21 B. Romans 9 → Malachi → Genesis C. Acts 2 → Psalm 16 D. Revelation 20 → Daniel 7

In every case the Bible explains itself.

The Isaiah 53 Close

Acts 8:32–33 (KJV)

A. A man reading but not understanding B. A guide who knew Scripture C. Christ revealed through Scripture

Final Truth

The Bereans searched the Scriptures daily. That is the standard. That is the habit.

The best commentary on any verse is another verse God wrote.