1 Peter 2:1 - Proof-texting

1 Peter 2:1

“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.”

As I’m sure you recall from our discussion in the spring, “therefore” is a word that connects what has been discussed with what is about to be discussed. When you see “therefore” it will help your understanding to go back and read the previous paragraph to fully understand what is coming up next.

Which brings up an important hermeneutical concept (“hermeneutics” is the $10 word for the study and interpretation of the Bible). You should always read the bible in context of the surrounding verses, chapters, book, and the bible as a whole. If you simply read a verse by itself, it is easy to misunderstand or misinterpret its meaning. It is often an innocent mistake, but it can cause serious problems in your biblical understanding.

On the not so innocent side, people will use out-of-context verses to support their particular argument. This is called proof-texting, which is a common and insidious practice. If you are not familiar with the passage of scripture being used, it is a simple thing to be fooled by this kind of argument. The proof-texter is using scripture, so it sounds right, but just because scripture is attached to an argument doesn’t make the argument scriptural.

The way to combat this type of false teaching is to take responsibility for what you hear. Don’t just swallow everything you are taught. Test the teaching of others – your pastor, your favorite author, your ministry leader – go to the scripture and check it out for yourself. No one, no matter how educated or Godly, is perfect – all teachers make mistakes. Be discerning as you listen and read, you are responsible for what you believe. As 1 Thessalonians 5:21 says, “Test everything. Hold on to the good.”

I think that is enough for today – I’ll get to the actual verse next time. But this topic is important for your general bible study knowledge. Until next time…