by James C. Whitman, CJCS President
Years ago a Pastor friend of mine confided his uneasiness with my insistence that if the primary rule of sound biblical interpretation is the Bible can never mean what it never meant then knowing the language and culture of Jesus is a necessary discipline to aid in our understanding of Scripture. “Do you realize the implications of what you’re saying?” he asked as we parted. To this day I still appreciate the value of the question, not only because it represents intellectual honesty and pastoral concern, but because it is the right one.
The word implication points us to possible consequences inherent in an idea, usually ones that might not be clear initially (keep in mind the results can be good, bad or neutral). So when my daughter says she’s going to spend some time laying out in the sun a reasonable implication is she’s going to add some color to her fair skin, either brown or red! Interestingly, the final outcome will be based in part on how well she understood, prepared for and acted on her initial thought.
Jesus uses word pictures to help his maturing disciples identify the need to continuously reassess the radical implications of his call on their life, For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?and again, What king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able? (Luke 14:28-31). To my mind, a convincing case can be made that much of what we have in the New Testament letters are the apostles wrestling with the implications of the Master’s words and works; addressing how to live in the light of his life, death, and resurrection.
In an audio seminar entitled Jewish Roots 101, Dwight Pryor proposes an analogy that is extremely helpful when considering why Jewish roots (a shorthand expression for proper research into the Hebrew language and the culture associated with Israel during the Second Temple period and how that relates to Jesus, his apostles, and ultimately the Church) is an essential dimension of New Testament biblical studies for every disciple. His picture can also help identify the implications within the ideas.
The analogy Dwight uses comes from the sporting world (he really enjoyed the annual Texas vs. Oklahoma college football rivalry) and is that of the reverse camera viewpoint. Each play can be viewed from the main camera angle and carefully reviewed from the reverse or opposite camera angle, often with startling results.
He highlighted three possible benefits when you look at the same event from a different camera angle: the main view may be confirmed as correct, the main view may be missing such a key piece of information that wrong conclusions can be drawn if used by itself, and most often, the main view is expanded and enhanced (he also cautioned that the reverse camera angle by itself could be misleading).
Dwight’s ministry, now continuing under the auspices of JC Studies, is providing a reverse camera angle for the Church. Our reason for being is to sharpen the focus of the King’s call on your life while exploring the impact of his life and work for all of humanity.
Am I aware of the implications inherent in a Hebraic hermeneutic? Yes. What are they? That is a question for you to ponder and a subject I look forward to exploring in future articles. I do believe credible Jewish roots research that helps provide a clearer understanding of Scripture can unleash visionary implications that make life worth living. Embedded in truth is a powerful force for liberation and transformation based on the grace of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the faithfulness of Messiah Jesus and the animating presence of the Holy Spirit.
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Want to study this subject in-depth? We recommend Our Father Abraham.
Take me back to the library. Or if you prefer, back to the topic Hebraic Perspective.