It’s Time to Learn the Basics

Great preachers and teachers may inspire you, but the deep truths of Scripture are discovered through personal Bible study.

Is the Bible Too Spiritual to Understand?

Since the Bible is a spiritual book you may say, “What will I learn from a book that is so spiritually complex?” You will learn more than you may imagine if you are the following:

1. A born again believer (John 3:3). Whether a person is a scholar or member of the laity, he/she must have experienced the new birth in order to fully comprehend the message of the Bible.
2. A disciplined believer (2 Tim. 2: 1-4). A believer is commanded to be diligent and faithful in his/her study to become a good solider. Discipline and training prepares him/her to teach others once progress is made toward Christian maturity.
3. A willing believer (Psa. 119:30). A believer must have a desire to be trustworthy, and to please the Lord. Psalm 119:30 highlights faithfulness in keeping the ordinances of God as self-imposed criteria.

Proper Tools are Needed to Guarantee Accuracy

Image: Hannah Busing

Learn from a Study Bible. Use one having a place to jot down you own handwritten notes. Take time to ponder and reflect on what you have written in your notes. Most Study Bibles contain numerous commentary notes; but be sure to compare the Study Bible commentary with other commentaries. If you use only one Study Bible and trust only its commentary for biblical accuracy, you will never develop a deep understanding of scripture.

Learn by studying different versions to gain deeper insight. Most Bibles agree on the essentials of scripture, although caution should be exercised when using a paraphrase. Although paraphrases may help the reader to better understand the Word of God, it is wise to consult a dynamic equivalent or literal version to achieve biblical accuracy.

Learn from a Bible dictionary. No tool is more important than a Bible dictionary. It explains archaeology, customs, climates, people, dates, doctrines, herbs, politics, empires, animals, and much more.

Learn from a concordance. Some Bibles have concordances, but in most instances they are not exhaustive. However, the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance is considered one of the best. Time-tested and inexpensive, it lists every word in both the Old and New Testaments.

Learn from a commentary. Commentaries often explain the Bible verse-by-verse. Evangelical commentaries rarely disagree on major points of scripture, and these are helpful to an interpreter for gaining more knowledge.

Learn from an English dictionary. Some words used today in various English Bibles are archaic. Use a dictionary to look up the definition of hard-to-understand words.

Learn from a word dictionary of the Bible. Difficult words are strewn throughout the Bible; and in many cases the original word in an English Bible may not mean what you think it does. A popular word dictionary helpful to interpreters is Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old & New Testament Words.

Basic Principles of Interpretation

Pray. Ask the Lord to enlighten you and give you insight.

Search for Insight. Bible reading alone will not give you insight. Insight is acquired only by studying and reflecting on various subjects, themes, people, verses, words, events, etc.

Consider the type of passage. Ask yourself: What kind of Scripture (or passage) am I studying? Is it prophetic (apocalyptic), law, parabolic, simile, psalm, instructional, wisdom (poetical), discourses, or narrative? Various types of passages will mandate different methods of interpretation. Also, the books of the Bible should be studied in context, or in light of proper interpretation. Begin by considering the background and author of each book, and to whom it is addressed, before you draw conclusions. For example, interpreting the book of Revelation requires different guidelines than those required for studying Genesis.

Examine unique words and phrases used by biblical writers. God is the author of all scripture, but men “wrote” (or recorded) as God inspired them. For example, in the Gospels we find that Mark wrote to the Roman people. Romans were fond of power and action; thus Mark’s repeated use of “straightaway” (i.e., immediately) gains the attention of a Roman audience. On the other hand, Matthew desired to appeal to Jews. In doing so, he was careful to use terms with which Jewish people were familiar; such as “Messiah,” and the “Kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew avoided the term “Kingdom of God” as often as possible so as not to inflame the passion of Jews since they were forbidden to say or write the name of God. John focuses on the universal appeal of Christ and is concerned that people everywhere “believe” in Jesus, the Son of God. John uses the term “believe” over 50 times in the Gospel he penned.

Take time to research maps and locations of certain events. Most Bible students know who Moses is, but are unable to pinpoint the locations where certain events occurred in his life. Furthermore, most Bible students do not know the places where Jesus traveled during His 3 ½ years of ministry. Nor do they know where He performed miracles and healings, gave discourses, or talked to the religious, royal, or common people.

Learn to recognize frequently used figures of speech. It’s important that you learn what is literal and what is figurative. During the time the Bible was penned by human beings, various figures of speech were used. Even in modern times we use many of figures of speech. A popular contemporary American term is “Get out of my face.” We understand this to mean “Depart,” “Go away,” or “Leave me alone.” However, it is doubtful that two thousand years from today people would understand this term. The Bible contains many such figures of speech and it’s important not to develop a literal (or systematic) theology based on these terms.

In His Grip,
Dr. Harbuck

From the February 2010 edition of The Grapevine. Used with permission.

In Mark 13 (and Matt. 24 1-51 and Luke 21:5-36) Jesus spoke of all these issues which left a very deep impression on His followers. In this story the disciples made comments on the strength of the stones the buildings were made of and Jesus replied that not one stone shall be left upon another. The Lord was teaching them how temporary such structures actually are. Then some time later He went into more detail with them how things would be in the end times. He spoke of: deception, wars, earthquakes, famines and other signs. In Mark 13:32-37, He stressed to them that no one would know the day or the hour of the end [of the age], but to be watchful and faithful in serving God.

As believers we must stand firm in our faith and look for His coming. The term “Doomsday” should not make us afraid, but instead bring us hope. We are not to put our trust in the things of this world for they are temporary. When we see these things (Mk. 13: 32-37), we are to look up for our redemption draws nigh!

Image: Jared Murray

Are you waiting for Jesus, the Uptaker or for the Mortician, the Undertaker? Regardless of whether we live to see our Lord return in the sky with glory [and take us up with Him], or whether we go down by way of the grave, we shall be victorious so long as we have put our trust in Him, Jesus [the] Christ.

From September 2023 edition of The Grapevine. Used with permission.

They Recognized Their Experience As Foretold In Scripture – Peter said in Acts 2:16, “But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh’ (Acts 2:16; King James Version [KJV])” Everyone present at the Pentecost Festival had no doubt this was real because it had been predicted by Joel the prophet (Joel 2:28-32).

When the Day of Pentecost Came…

They Knew It Was An Answer to Prayer – All of the 120 people assembled on this special day had waited patiently for the descent of the Spirit while they prayed. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was present, along with Jesus’ brothers (Acts 1:14), and they were all together in one accord, in one mind, and in one place (Acts 2:1). When people are in one accord, having the same mind and spirit, and are assembled in one place in Jesus’ Name, marvelous things will always happen.

When the Day of Pentecost Came…

They Knew Beyond Doubt The Holy Spirit Had Come – All those who had assembled on this day to experience the descent and infilling of the Holy Spirit, recognized the reason for His descent. But some of the unregenerate people who witnessed the event said, “They must be drunk.” This is the way it is with those who are not spiritually minded—they will always criticize what they don’t understand. But Peter understood what was happening, and responded by saying, These men are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only 9 a.m. [in the morning]; this is the outpouring of the Spirit of God as promised in the prophecies of Joel; ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, ‘That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh—that is, mankind; And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams (Acts 2:15-17; New Millennia In-Depth Bible [NMIB]). When people are full of intoxicating wine, they act crazy and babble, but the incoherent language was God’s way of infusing [and binding] people together through languages, since the Tower of Babel experience (Gen. 11:9) had confused and diffused people through languages. At this outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the assembled believers were not sure of what would happen, but without doubt they had the assurance in their hearts that the Holy Spirit was in their midst. The “Baptism of the Holy Spirit” is the consuming fire and a real Biblical empowerment available for all Christians to experience today, just as it was for the 120 in the upper room. Further, this “baptism” is for every period of time, every generation, and for every person until Jesus returns. This means it’s for you and me. It comes to us [and to all believers] according to fervent faith and prayer.

Pray today that God will give you a fresh “baptism of fire” from above, because Jesus said, “If you then [who hear My words], being evil— [that is, incomplete and immature], know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him” (Luke 11:13; New Millennia In-Depth Bible – [NMIB]).

PR

Adapted from the May 2022 issue of Grapevine from the Association of Evangelical Gospel Assemblies. Used with permission.

A biblical definition of headship, submission, and wisely using authority. In this brief encouragement for church leaders, Dr. Harbuck points to Jesus as our example for servant-leadership.

A good leader guards against the human tendency to abuse and control others for selfish gain. The average person would rather be the head and not the tail. However, the Bible teaches us something different. The husband was never meant to “lord” over his wife, nor a pastor to “lord” over the congregation. The church is not an institution, but a living organism. Therefore, it’s important that the shepherd-leader be in tune with the Head of the church, Jesus Christ. In today’s church the image of “headship” too often tends to reflect someone who is in control of the people.

Image: Jessica Delp

F.F. Bruce, the great British scholar has said that “head” probably is meant to reflect the “source” or “origin.” For example, the Father (God) is the source of life in the Son, as the Son is the source of life in the believer. The “headship” that is given to Christ (Colossians 1:18) must be applied and interpreted by seeing Christ as One who is loving, sacrificing, compassionate, delivering, and transforming those whom He loves. Shouldn’t a shepherd-leader have the same attitude (or mind) that is in Christ Jesus? A pastor who sees their leadership role as one commissioned to love, nurture, and build up the saints will not require blind obedience to their every command. A husband who understands accurately biblical directives will consider his wife’s feelings and ideas. Likewise, a loving and understanding pastor will not become an authoritarian, but one who understands power and authority and one who encourages the saints to reach their full potential in Christ.

Originally appeared in the April 2019 issue of Grapevine, the monthly newsletter of the Association of Evangelical Gospel Assemblies. Used with permission.

Probably “criticism” is the greatest power in the hands of an enemy. Because human beings become conditioned by a constant pattern of enforcement through repetition, frequent criticism tends to be a popular way for “control freaks” to control a good leader. A smart leader must be careful by evaluating what they hear. It’s probably a good idea to consider all criticism as a tool that can be turned into something good. For example, a person may criticize you for driving a Mercedes. However, it might be smart to examine the reasons why this person is criticizing you before you trade in your Mercedes for a Volkswagen. On the other hand, if several people have made similar comments about your car, it would be unwise to altogether ignore these negative remarks.

Image: Dylan Gillis

You may be totally destroyed if you consider every critical remark as the Gospel truth, but ignoring them is equally dangerous. It’s a good idea to have an accountability group with whom you can discuss such matters. Make sure the people in the group are objective, loving, godly, wise, and above all, have your best interest at heart. This kind of group can help you evaluate the ideas, comments, and criticisms of others within your sphere of influence.

This article originally appeared in the March 2019 issue of The Grapevine, a publication of AEGA Ministries. Used with permission.

Editor’s Note: This letter is part of a conversation that started with Henry Harbuck’s article, “What Bible Did Jesus Use?”

Greetings from AEGA,

I have read the notes you sent me as well as those from Kevin Williams. Though Mr. Williams made some excellent points, much of which I agree with, the majority of scholars who aren’t Messianic Jews don’t entirely agree. Many of them say that more than 250 quotations in the New Testament are from the LXX (septuaginta). But in what language Jesus quoted some of these Scriptures is another story.

As you said, Mr. Williams has a very conversational style, which I like. Notwithstanding, he is very balanced in his thinking and examines theological topics from many perspectives. He’s a man after my own heart.

Torah exhibit at Big Synagogue Museum, Wlodawa, Poland. Image: Wikimedia Commons.

Concerning a similar matter, I am puzzled by a statement made by Craig S. Keener in his Bible Background Commentary (NT – p. 102) at Matthew 21:15-17. He says: “Because the high priests spoke Greek as their first language, Jesus quotes to them from the Greek translation of Psalm 8:2, which reads ‘praise,’ rather than the Hebrew, which has ‘strength’ (slightly less appropriate).” If Keener is correct, I must be wrong to have assumed for many years that the high priests spoke Aramaic. Concerning synagogue worship, I know that in the Jewish synagogues after the Jews returned from Babylonian Captivity, the presider or director read the scrolls (Scriptures) in Hebrew and the Targum paraphrased what was said in Aramaic. So I don’t know what to make of what Dr. Keener has said. Would you ask Mr. Williams to comment on this for me?

Lastly, I am confused by a statement made by Mr. Williams in his fifth paragraph: “In the synagogues, the Hebrew would have been the preferred text. As I’ve written elsewhere, there were offices such as the Overseer (Bishop) who made certain the text was read verbatim and the Targumim (translator), whose job it was to repeat the text in the local language for the sake of the non-Hebrew speaking Jewish population as well as the God-fearing gentiles.”

Question: Is Mr. Williams saying that the Overseer (Bishop) presided in the synagogue? Though it seems he is saying this, based on the sentence construction, surely he is saying otherwise. The title Overseer (Bishop) is an office of the New Testament Church, but I’ve never heard it used in relation to the synagogue.

Good-bye for now. Keep up the good work that you’re doing for the sake of the Kingdom of God.

Sincerely, HIS servant,

Bro. Harbuck

Henry Harbuck speaking in 2010.

The ministerial test, administered as a prerequisite for ministerial credentials with our Fellowship, has alerted us that many ministers possess limited knowledge of Bible translations. For example, in the multiple choice section of the test, ministerial applicants are asked to select “From which version of the Bible did Jesus quote?” Believe it or not, eighty-five percent answer that Jesus quoted from the King James Version. And while many jokes have been made about this issue among American ministers, our test results prove this error to be a reality – among both laity and clergy.

As a response to this trend, I will address an issue seldom discussed or understood – English Bible Versions. My purpose is not to find fault, should you prefer a favorite version, but rather to enlighten you regarding the different kinds of translations and versions currently available.

For example, while more than fifty Bible versions were produced during the twentieth century, only the more outstanding ones shall be discussed. And although numerous versions have been produced in the past four hundred years, the KJV remains popular in the U.S., while the NIV enjoys more popularity worldwide.

The word for book in the Greek is biblos. However, in theological thought today, biblos usually refers to the Bible, not to the Septuagint (LXX), the version from which Jesus likely quoted. There is no question that the Septuagint was the most important early Greek translation of the Old Testament, there being no New Testament at that time. The Septuagint was developed at Alexandria, Egypt in 200 B.C. It was the preferred translation of the early Church and was responsible for the acceptance of the Apocrypha (considered spurious or false books by Protestants), which was later used by the Roman Catholic Church in their church dogma.

Omega Bible Institute and Seminary

Most of the following information comes directly from a textbook used by Omega Seminary entitled, A Brief History of English Bible Translations by Laurence M. Vance, copyrighted in 1993, and published by Vance Publications, Pensacola, Florida.

►Latin Vulgate - The first English Bibles were translated from this Latin version – not from the Hebrew and Greek. The word Vulgate is from the root word vulgar, which refers to the common language of the people. The Latin Vulgate was developed by the Catholic Saint, Jerome (A. D. 346-420), and remains the official version of the Roman Catholic Church today.

►The Wycliffe Bible - Produced by John Wycliffe (1320-1384), it was the first English translation of the entire Bible.

►The Greek New Testament - Although this version underwent many revisions, Desiderius Erasmus (1469-1536) is credited for this popular translation. The first edition appeared in 1516. The second edition, published in 1519, was the edition used by Martin Luther (1483-1546) for his German translation.

►The Tyndale Bible - This Bible was translated by William Tyndale (1494-1536) of England. He was the first person to translate the New Testament from Greek into English.

►The Coverdale Bible - Myles Coverdale (1488-1569) is credited with translating from the original languages the first complete English Bible (1535). Like Tyndale, he was forced to flee England to preserve his life.

►The Great Bible - The “Great Bible” was the first “authorized” Bible. The work was done by Myles Coverdale and released in 1538, at the direction of Thomas Cromwell. Because of Cromwell’s influence concerning this Bible, it has often been called the Cromwell Bible.

►The Geneva Bible - Published at Geneva, this version was produced by several great scholars using the editions of Stephanus and Beza. Stephanus was the first translator to show the present verse divisions in both the Bishops Bible, and not a new translation, as some believe.

►The King James Bible - Meeting together at the Hampton Court, fifty-four men were nominated to produce this Bible, although only forty-seven were actually known to have taken part in the translation. Even up to the current time, no other Bible version in history has paralleled the popularity and celebrated eminent position of the KJV (King James Version).

Dr. Henry Harbuck of the Association of Evangelical Gospel Assemblies.

It may be time to evaluate what you plan to do in ministry in 2015. At the beginning of each New Year, this is what I do: I sit down and reflect on my successes and defeats during the former year and then make a plan.

Consider the Following Ten Points:

1. Spiritual Warfare: Engaging in spiritual warfare without a plan is outright dangerous. Sometimes my new plan may only be a revision of my former plan. At other times, it’s a new plan altogether. I do this because I’ve learned if I fail to plan; I plan to fail.
2. Defeat Is Not The End: The most difficult task I face is the same as what you face daily. I must follow through on my plan and refuse to permit myself to view setbacks as defeat. Defeat is only a “bump in the road” or a “detour.” Defeat should never be viewed as the “end of the road.”  When I face defeat, I keep telling myself to “keep on racing for the goal line” that is before me (Phil. 3:13), knowing that it’s never easy to complete what God has called me to do.
3. Listen to God: Many of the prophets and saints in ancient times were often surrounded by doubters. Nehemiah had to listen every day to many doubters when God told him to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem (Neh. 5:16). He continued to listen to God though his critics opposed him. The walls were finally built and Nehemiah was appointed governor over Judah by King Artaxerxes of Persia (5:14).
4. Facing Fear: All of us will encounter fear at some point in time, though a “super-spiritual” person may refuse to admit this. There is nothing wrong with being human; God never expects us to be super-human. Try calming your mind when you encounter fear; remember the God whom you serve is all powerful. Everything is possible for him/her who believes (or trusts) in God (Mark 9:23). Begin praising Him for all the wonderful things he did for you in the past. Ask the Father, in Jesus’ Name, to help you with your unbelief (or doubt- Mark 9:24), like the father who came to Jesus, asking that He deliver his son from a demonic spirit.
5. Self-talk Is Real: This is not a New Age concept. More thoughts run through someone’s mind than words that come out of his/her mouth. Therefore, we are talking to ourselves all the time [in our minds]. When you have negative (defeating) thoughts, just replace these with what the Scripture says you should do. This is not easy when your mind is uneasy or filled with anxiety. But with enough practice you’ll eventually get the hang-of-it.
6. Dealing With Failure: When you fail, examine where you went wrong. Ask the Lord to renew your strength and try…try…try again. Evaluate any equivalent benefits you gained and lessons learned from your failure. Don’t be stupid! If your plan is not working after you’ve tested it for a long period of time, develop a plan that does work. Then go in a different direction.
7. Don’t Keep Focusing on your Failures: Focus on your best abilities and gifts and continue to develop them and use them to honor God.
8. Stop Complaining: Try to identify the most difficult problems your ministry faces. Don’t do this by yourself. Have a meeting with your inner-circle of confidants who have your best interests at heart. Don’t try to dominate the meeting or preach to them. Instead, ask them for suggestions and insights. Such a meeting with your trusted friends will greatly help you to evaluate your plans. Remember to pray after the meeting concerning the revised plans.
9. Control Stress: This is easier said than done. Stress (“burn-out”) often destroys a minister’s health, ministry, plan, and family life. There are many things that can be done to relieve stress. You may try using the Internet to find articles that give pointers on how to relieve stress. Be sure that you don’t follow the advice of some weirdo, who has bogus credentials and no experience with stress. There’s been a lot of talk today in the media about stress, but little is said about how to relieve it. Some ideas are: exercise, good nutrition, rest, and time alone with God. Don’t get so stressed-out that you get addicted to prescription drugs. Do something now. Stress is a killer!
10. Decisions: Don’t ever make a major decision when you’re under tremendous pressure or stress. Take your time, though there may be deadlines facing you. Ask the Lord to give you peace of mind concerning your trials, and to help you make the right decision, at the right time.

Originally appearing in The Grapevine 28:1 (January 2015).

When the Day of Pentecost Came… They Recognized Their Experience As Foretold In Scripture

Peter said in Acts 2:16, “But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh’”(Acts 2:16; King James Version [KJV])” Everyone present at the Pentecost Festival had no doubt this was real because it had been predicted by Joel the prophet (Joel 2:28-32).

When the Day of Pentecost Came… They Knew this was an Answer to Prayer

All of the 120 people assembled on this special day had waited patiently for the descent of the Spirit while they prayed. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was present, along with Jesus’ brothers (Acts 1:14), and they were all together in one accord, in one mind, and in one place (Acts 2:1). When people are in one accord, having the same mind and spirit, and are assembled in one place in Jesus’ Name, marvelous things will always happen.

When the Day of Pentecost Came… They Knew Beyond Doubt the Holy Spirit had Come

All those who had assembled on this day to experience the descent and infilling of the Holy Spirit, recognized the reason for His descent. But some of the unregenerate people who witnessed the event said, “They must be drunk.” This is the way it is with those who are not spiritually minded—they will always criticize what they don’t understand. But Peter understood what was happening, and responded by saying, “These men are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only 9 a.m. [in the morning]; this is the outpouring of the Spirit of God as promised in the prophecies of Joel; ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, ‘That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh—that is, mankind; And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams”(Acts 2:15-17 New Millennia In-Depth Bible). When people are full of intoxicating wine, they act crazy and babble, but the incoherent language was God’s way of infusing [and binding] people together through languages, since the Tower of Babel experience (Gen. 11:9) had confused and diffused people through languages.

Pray today that God will give you a fresh “baptism of fire” from above, because Jesus said “If you then [who hear My words], being evil—[that is, incomplete and immature], know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him” (Luke 11:13 New Millennia In-Depth Bible).