Read Acts 19:8 as you begin reading today. Paul went into the Jewish synagogue, and spoke boldly, reasoning, and persuading concerning the kingdom of God.
Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom (Mark 1:14). The kingdom of the gospel is the church Christ promised to build (Matthew 16:18, 19). Acts 8:34-39 shows that preaching the gospel of the kingdom includes preaching Jesus and baptism.
The gospel of salvation, giving the terms of entrance into the kingdom, shows the purpose of baptism is for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:36-38).
The Scriptures, properly understood, are reasonable. They are understood when they are properly reasoned on, as Paul did. When they are added to, taken from, changed, and contradicted that they are presented unreasonably. There is no way the Scriptures can be reasonable when that is done. By that, they are perverted--corrupted.
Paul had something to say about that in Galatians 1:6-9. Anything added to, taken from, changed or that contradicts, perverts the gospel. But, it takes a proper understanding of that to be able to recognize that it is done when it is heard or read.
2 Timothy 2:15 shows that we must have a proper understanding of the Scriptures in order for our understanding to be approved by God. We must rightly (correctly) divide (handle) the word of truth (New King James). As the American Bible Society’s Contemporary English Version puts it, that is the only way one can teach the true message of God. McCord’s translation reads, “interpreting correctly.” Littrell puts it, “setting forth accurately the word of truth.”
To rightly divide, correctly handle, interpret correctly or set forth accurately the word of truth, one must not add to, take from, change or corrupt what the Scriptures say. AMEN.
Did you know – you can study the Bible by e-mail? A free Home Bible Study is being e-mailed to all interested individuals. Study at home and learn at your own pace. We have a Bible Foundations course, which when completed, will give you a foundation for understanding the Scriptures, and more. The very first lesson gives you the five basic steps that enable you to understand what you must know in order to know you have the truth. Churches or individuals may receive this free.
Questions to aid your understanding and spiritual growth.
1. According to Matthew 16, 19, is the kingdom of the gospel the church Christ promised to build?
2. Can Scripture be properly understood when things are added or taken from them, changed, or made to contradict other Scriptures?
3. To rightly divide or correctly handle the word of truth, must one change what the Scriptures say?