The Bible is clear, but not shallow
The Bible tells one sweeping story of God’s creation, human sin, God’s covenant faithfulness, and salvation through Jesus. At its centre, Paul points to Christ’s death for sins, burial, resurrection, and appearances to witnesses (1 Corinthians 15:3-5). Christians across many churches recognise these truths as foundational.
Yet not every passage is equally simple to interpret. Peter says that some things in Paul’s letters are hard to understand, and he warns that people can distort them (2 Peter 3:16). That is an honest admission from within Scripture itself. A difficult verse may need its surrounding paragraph, its place in the whole book, and the rest of the Bible to be read carefully.
As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
We all come with limits
No reader approaches the Bible as a blank slate. Language, family experience, culture, suffering, favourite teachers, and past church experiences can all shape what stands out to us. Paul describes our present knowledge as partial, like seeing an unclear reflection, rather than seeing face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12). That should make every Christian humble.
Sometimes people also allow inherited customs to carry more weight than God’s word. Jesus challenged religious leaders who held tightly to human tradition while setting aside God’s commandment (Mark 7:8-9). Tradition can be helpful, but it is not a substitute for listening to Scripture.
Not every disagreement has the same weight
Christians have long disagreed about questions such as baptism, church leadership, spiritual gifts, the timing of Christ’s return, and how to practise certain commands. Some of these matters are significant and deserve serious study. Still, Paul gave instructions for believers who differed over disputed matters, calling them not to despise or judge one another (Romans 14:1-3).
That does not mean truth is unimportant or that every interpretation is equally faithful. It means believers should distinguish between the heart of the gospel and issues where sincere Christians, seeking to honour Christ, have reached different conclusions. Unity is not pretending differences do not exist. It is belonging to one Lord while learning to love one another (Ephesians 4:4-6).
There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
How can you read wisely?
Start by asking what a passage says in its own setting. Who is speaking? Who is being addressed? What comes before and after? Read whole chapters, not isolated lines. The Bereans were commended because they received Paul’s message eagerly and searched the Scriptures to see whether it was so (Acts 17:11).
Pray for wisdom too. James says God gives wisdom generously to those who ask him (James 1:5). Read with other mature Christians, especially people who may see things differently from you. Above all, keep returning to Jesus and the gospel. The goal is not to win every argument. It is to know God truly, obey him faithfully, and grow in love.
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.