Wednesday in the Word

what the Bible means and how we know

Augustine

Augustine’s principles of interpretation

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Augustine's Principles of Interpretation | WednesdayintheWord.com

Augustine, the Bishop of Hippo, was a theologian and philosopher who lived from 354-430 AD. He is viewed as one of the most important Church Fathers, and his writings influenced the development of Western philosophy.

Theological principles of interpretation from Augustine’s On Christine Doctrine:

  1. The historical background of a passage helps in our understanding of it (even if learned apart from the church).
  2. The literal and historical sense is important.
  3. The interpreter must understand the author’s meaning and not read his own ideas into the text.
  4. A verse must be studied in context.
  5. The Holy Spirit is not a substitute for the hard work of learning the history and languages relevant to a text.
  6. No doctrine should be built on passages which are difficult to understand.
  7. The difficult passages are to be understood in light of clearer passages.
  8. There is a progressive element in revelation.
  9. Study more earnestly the clearer doctrines so that later the more obscure passages can be the more accurately interpreted.

More: Interpretation

Part of the Series: Bible Study 101

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01 Romans 1:1-17 The Power of the Gospel

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Romans 1:1-17 | WednesdayintheWord.com

The book of Romans will change your life.  Many scholars have claimed that Romans is the most important letter you’ll ever read.

  • Martin Luther called Romans “the chief part of the New Testament and the very purest Gospel.”
  • John Calvin wrote in the preface to his commentary on Romans: “If we have gained a true understanding of this Epistle, we have an open door to all the most profound treasures of Scripture.”
  • Samuel Taylor Coleridge called Romans “the most profound book in existence.”
  • William Tyndale believed that every Christian should learn Romans by heart.  He wrote:  “The more Romans is studied, the easier it is; the more it is chewed, the pleasanter it is.”

Unlike other letters which are addressed to a particular situation or problem, the Apostle Paul’s purpose in The Epistle to the Romans was to systematically explain the gospel message.  From the day this letter was received, it has changed history:

Romans was instrumental in Augustine’s conversion to Christian faith.   After reading Romans, Augustine wrote in his journal:  “No further would I read, nor had I any need; instantly at the end of this sentence, a clear light flooded my heart and all the darkness of doubt vanished away.”

Romans became the cornerstone of the Reformation.  Martin Luther read chapters 1-3 and wrote:  “This passage in Paul became to me a gateway to heaven.”

Not that I am in the company of Augustine and Luther, but Romans also changed my life.  I never fully understood the gospel until I heard Romans 5-8 taught at a college retreat.  I still have the notes I took that weekend.

My prayer is that this series on Romans will change you as it has so many others.

For more detail and explanation, please listen to the podcast.

Next: 02 Romans 1:18-32 God’s Wrath and the Pagan

Series: Romans: Justification by Faith

Study: Romans Resources

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