Hermeneutics

"The science of interpretation". This is the "framework/world view/"rules"/etc., that are determined by historic Christianity for how to read and understand the Bible. There have been different branches/thoughts of how to read the Bible in various sects of Christianity (i.e. allegorical, literal, hyperbolic, etc.). There are even sub categories related to this topic (i.e. how the disciples used the Old Testament in the New Testament, etc.).

Well on to the point: The disciples had a hermeneutic that kept them on the rails of Orthodoxy (historically accepted Christian theology). They did not just willy-nilly pick a verse that inspired them to offer some modern "truth" for daily living, or quote a verse that had the same key word in it to prove their point. There was a meaning to the text and how it could and could not be used. There was an argument--a presentation of logical, didactic, truths--that is being made throughout most of Scripture. Yes, there are the narratives. However, even these are included by the author (both human and divine) to advance a point--most often to reveal the nature and work of God.

I say all of this to continue to pound away at the same stubborn nail that sticks its ugly head up on a very regular basis - modern usage of the Bible by contemporary preachers, teachers, Christian personalities, etc., is generally so mishandled it becomes almost worthless. The disciples may have been "uneducated" as their contemporaries claimed, but what they had was a framework for understanding the Bible and how to interpret it. They had a hermeneutic!

So what is your hermeneutic? If you don't have one (or know what it is), watch your Sunday preacher for his example and you will probably find one. Whether it's a good one or not is an issue all its own.

But I would encourage you to find a good one if you want to read the Bible for all its worth, and understand it! This doesn't require a seminary degree or an online course, although those are available. But a basic "rules for the road" for your Bible study is a must if you want to get to the ultimate destination - having a more accurate and intimate image of your God.