WRONG APPROACH TO THE INTERPRETATION OF THE SCRIPTURES. EISEGESIS

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Good -Life Devotional: 

WRONG APPROACH TO THE INTERPRETATION OF THE SCRIPTURES. EISEGESIS 

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

"Eisegesis" is the process of interpreting a text, especially scripture, by injecting one's own ideas, biases, or interpretations into it rather than understanding its intended meaning. This approach often leads to misunderstandings or misinterpretations. Here are some common erroneous ways of reading the Bible through eisegesis:

1. Personal Bias Over Context

Description: Bringing personal preferences or cultural views to shape the Bible’s message, rather than letting the text speak for itself.

Example: Justifying certain behaviors or ideologies by picking out verses without considering the larger biblical narrative.

A common example is women having to cover their hair while in church meetings and not putting on trousers . Imagine a female soldier going to battle in a blouse or skirt . Most teachings are based on cultural biases not the context of the scripture.

2. Cherry-Picking Verses

Description: Isolating specific verses to fit a particular agenda, ignoring the surrounding text and its broader meaning.

Example: Using Philippians 4:13 ("I can do all things through Christ...") to suggest guaranteed success in all endeavors, disregarding Paul’s context of enduring hardships. Another is picking scriptures on giving money to preachers and neglecting that which has to do with catering for the poor .

3. Ignoring Literary Genre

Description: Overlooking the different genres in the Bible—like poetry, prophecy, history, and parable—each with unique interpretative needs.

Example: Reading a poetic passage literally or expecting historical books to always convey moral teachings rather than just events. Another is the prophetic texts being read literally. That was the problem the Ethiopian Eunuch had with Isaiah's teaching in Acts 8;31-35 

In our daily prayers we should seek for wisdom and understanding of the word of God and boldness to preach the gospel.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to discern between right and wrong .

+2348035536911, +2348098536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com