The Interpreter of Scripture

The first thing we need to realize is that the interpreter of Scripture is the author (the Holy Spirit). The common saying is, "The Bible is the only book whose author is always present when one reads it." There are plenty of interpreters that have the author present, in the room (Psalm 139:8), and inside them (Romans 8:9) but do not ask for guidance from the author. We are to let the author of the Scripture Himself interpret the text. So instead of going to men first, go to God first and see what He will reveal to you. The greatest tools to interpret the Bible are not a seminary education or a P.H.D. The best tools to interpret the Bible is to have a humble mind and believing heart. Peter writes, "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation" (2 Peter 1:20). This means that if you want the correct interpretation you do not go to any scholar or Church to acquire it. You are to go straight to the author. The Bible says, "And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God?" (Genesis 40:8) It is a rhetorical question, the implied answer is, of course interpretations belong to God, "But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days" (Daniel 2:28), "Then opened he (referring to the Lord Jesus Christ) their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures" (Luke 24:45 parenthesis added). These verses plainly state that God is the interpreter, not man. When man tries to interpret the Bible without the Holy Ghost's guidance, it turns into a "private interpretation" (2 Peter 1:20). Not everything in the Bible is in plain sight or is going to be easy to understand (Proverbs 25:2; 2 Peter 3:16) that is why you have to "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). Not many people want to put in the time and effort to study the Bible, it is a shame. We are to work at it even though at times "much study is a weariness of the flesh" (Ecclesiastes 12:12). It is a weariness of the flesh because it is a job, like most jobs, there is going to be exertion and sweat (Genesis 3:19) your flesh is going to war against the spirit (Galatians 5:17) at times you are going to say, "the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26:41). The Lord Jesus promised us that, "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13). The Bible also says that the word of God will work inside of us if we believe it  (1 Thessalonians 2:13). That is conditional, you have to believe it. When the Holy Spirit gives us understanding (frequently referred to as illumination by "scholars", Psalm 119:105, 130) it is an act of inspiration. Contrary to popular belief, the Biblical enumerators were not the only ones that were inspired one way or another (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21). Do not misinterpret (no pun intended) what I mean in saying that. What I am not saying is that every Christian who has the Holy Ghost dwelling in them is inspired in the same exact manner in which the Biblical enumerators were. What I am saying is that what many call "illumination," is actually called "inspiration" in the Bible. The book of Job says, "But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding" (Job 32:8). So when the Holy Spirit guides us into truth, it is an act of "inspiration."