BOOK REVIEW – How To Read The Bible

Book: How To Read The Bible For All Its Worth by Gordon D. Fee & Douglas Stuart. Zondervan, 2003.

INTRODUCTION
Gordon Fee, professor of New Testament at Regent College, and Douglas Stuart, professor of Old Testament at Gordon-Conwell, have tried hard to not write “just another book” on the issue of hermeneutics (a method of interpreting scripture for personal or corporate application) and exegesis (the principles of studying scripture to arrive at its original meaning). This newly revised book (my pastor Doug Clark used it in seminary over 25 years ago) is meant to help all audiences grasp the intended meaning of scripture for the original audience as well as its meaning for today. This resource will help all who desire to grasp more of the significance of God’s Word as they mine the depths of scripture for both personal & corporate uses. I highly recommend this book. If it is good enough for seminary studies then it is good enough for you!

INTERESTING QUESTIONS REGARDING THE BOOK
My review of this book led me to ask questions, a few of which can be found below:

1. Why can’t you flippantly read any version of the Bible and understand its full meaning?

Rationale for Question: I have often wondered why there are soo many versions of the Bible and if one is better or more accurate than another.

Fee and Stuart provide a theory for choosing translations; choose translations that remain “as faithful as possible to both the original and receptor languages, but that when something has to give it should be in favor of the receptor language.” Different translations have different purposes, some more literal, others more functional. Depending on your preferences or on your intended uses, one or more translations may assist in helping you arrive at a relevant conclusion. An interesting side note is that the King James Version is still one of the most literal translations of the Bible. And the Amplified version of the Bible, while great with adjectives that for some could help drive home a point, is not a highly recommended version for serious study.

2. Does the context in which scripture is written matter?

Rationale for Question: As I have grown in understanding, I have wondered if the meaning of scripture might change when we consider for whom scripture was first written.

Fee and Stuart dive into helping us think contextually by first approaching the Epistles. Many would be prone to think that the meanings of these letters are obvious. But after carefully taking a look at a few “problem” areas, we easily see the complexity. A good rule of thumb for understanding context in order to arrive at understanding is to first consult a commentary. Next, read, and reread the scriptures you are examining. Look for clues as to whom the scripture was written, attitudes, and why the scripture may have been written (Note: I would read and reread the scriptures first and then consult a commentary). This will help you arrive at a more intellectually honest understanding.

3. Why are there different accounts of similar stories within scripture?

Rationale for Question: Some people have used the fact that there are multiple accounts of stories within the Gospels to rationalize the fallibility of the Bible but maybe there is a reason for this multiplicity.

One theory for the multiplicity for of Gospels written is that varied communities (different contexts) needed their own book about the ministry of Jesus. Scholars believe Mark was written first, then Matthew and Luke followed due to some reason, and finally John was written; each unique book serving a different need. There is wisdom in penning varied accounts. They force us to think through different contexts to grasp a fuller view of Jesus.

SUMMARY OR SYNTHESIS
How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth divides scripture into simple sections for the purpose of applying “rules” to best understand the context in which Bible books are written, as well as provide a construct for developing a meaning for use today. This resource, and others like it for specific books of the Bible, is a must for anyone interested in clarifying what some may consider problem areas in scripture (or just plainly understanding scripture).

The appendix section provides an evangelically-friendly list of commentaries that would especially benefit anyone who wishes to teach scripture or wants to dive into the deep end of the pool.