The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved

Appendix

The “Other Disciple” Believed First

   “Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulcher, and he saw, and believed” (Fourth gospel 20:8). Prior editions of this book focused on why he believed. This led to a key piece of evidence being missed, the significance of when he believed.

   This is the record of what happened to Peter and the “other disciple” on resurrection morning:

“The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulcher, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulcher. Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulcher, and we know not where they have laid him. Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulcher. So, they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulcher. And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulcher, and seeth the linen clothes lie, And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulcher, and he saw, and believed. For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. Then the disciples went away again unto their own home” (Fourth gospel 20:1-10).

   The fourth gospel is the only book that reports the reaction of this “other disciple.” It says he out ran Peter “and came first to the sepulcher” and “he saw, and believed.” Then it tells us, “as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead” (Fourth gospel 20:9).

   Neither he nor Peter were aware scripture had foretold the resurrection, and yet he believed. This is the first time after the resurrection the Bible refers to anyone believing. Thus, he believed before the rest of the disciples.

   This proves he was not one of the twelve, because he believed early on resurrection morning, but they did not believe until later that day, after they saw Jesus.

   This point of contrast with the apostles is seen in verses like, “Afterward he [Jesus] appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen” (Mk 16:14).

   Despite hearing from those who saw the risen Jesus, the unbelief of the eleven persisted until late on that day. They could not even be convinced by the two who were taught by Jesus earlier that day on the road to Emmaus, when Jesus “expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself” (Lk 24:13-27). They went and told these things to the eleven (Lk 24:33-34), but the apostles did not believe until they personally saw the resurrected Jesus.

   The evidence presented in this study proved whoever the “other disciple” was, he was not John. Now, we have proof he was not one of the apostles. This disciple believed before he saw the risen Jesus, yet the eleven were in unbelief until they saw Jesus. He believed early on resurrection morning, and this sets the author of the fourth gospel in contrast to the unbelief of the apostles later on that same day.

The Bible Versus Non-Bible Sources

   Those who stick with the John idea in spite of the biblical evidence to the contrary will surely go on citing non-Bible sources as if that justifies promoting the John tradition. But now they will have to ignore, or explain away, yet one more contrast between the “other disciple” and the twelve. Either way, it is never wise to dismiss what the Bible says. When people quote non-Bible sources to defend an idea because they cannot cite scripture that would justify teaching what they believe, then this should tell us something. It should be a big red flag!

   When we let our beliefs or the beliefs of others serve as the standard by which truth is judged, then what is our authority? The scholars of Jesus’ day cited experts as the measure of truth when they said, “Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?” (Fourth gospel 7:48) Here they relied on a non-scripture source (the beliefs of experts), rather than citing the evidence of scripture. The same thing occurs when non-Bible sources are used to sell people on the John idea.

   What no one can do is cite even a single verse of scripture that would justify telling people the one whom “Jesus loved” was John. This was true of those who originated this unbiblical idea and it remains true of those who parrot their error unto this day! Therefore, this issue ultimately comes down to the Bible versus tradition (i.e., non-Bible sources). Those who ignore the testimony of scripture on this issue are granting themselves ‘artistic license’ to trust non-Bible sources over God’s word whenever they choose to do so.

A Better Bible Study Method

   Instead of relying on men who cite other men who cite yet other men, ask yourself, why they are not citing scripture if it truly teaches what they say it does?

   As this study showed, honoring God’s word as the standard for proving what is true is a better Bible study method, for it produces better results. So, what method should the followers of Jesus use when they seek to determine whether something is true or not?

   We must resist appeals to man’s wisdom, or we may be lured into believing things simply because others believe them. People often cite ‘the commonly accepted interpretation’ or ‘the consensus’ to sell an idea. The problem is, such appeals falsely imply agreement among men is a reliable measure of truth, even though one does not have to look far in scripture to disprove this notion.

   Do not get stampeded into following the crowd. We ought to fear God rather than men, and it makes sense that this should apply to our Bible study also. Consider the source. If an idea is taught in scripture, then it is biblical. But if it is not taught in scripture, then we should not pretend that it is! The Lord said, “he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully” (Jer 23:28). So, ideas from non-Bible sources should not be substituted for, or added to, the word of God.

   Moreover, we do not get to pick-and-choose when truth is important and when it does not matter. To do so is to act as if turning a blind eye to the facts in scripture is justified by declaring that truth matters only when we, or those we are following, say it does. Yet, if we grant ourselves or others the right to say when a truth in scripture can be ignored, then we are declaring that a non-Bible source is to be esteemed more highly than the word of God itself (despite the biblical warnings against doing so). We will either fall into the trap of repeating the ideas of men, or we will get in the habit of proving all things with scripture.

   God’s inspired writers upheld scripture as the standard of truth with their repeated use of terms like “as it is written.” The word of God is always reliable. So, whenever God’s word and the words of men are in conflict, we would be wise to consider the advice of Psalm 118:8, “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.”

“The Lord Trieth the Hearts”

   Was the John idea “from heaven, or of men?” This is answered by the biblical evidence. If a belief contradicts scripture, that idea is not from heaven. Once we realize the John idea contradicts scripture, what should we say to people who point us to non-Bible sources or urge us not to share this truth with others? At that point, it may be best to respond as Peter and John did when they were told not to tell others about Jesus – “Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20).

   In scripture, a test is often used to prove what is in one’s heart (Ex 16:4, Du 8:16, et al.), and the choice between tradition and truth that confronts us on this issue is, no doubt, also a test. God’s will is for all men “to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1Ti 2:4). Yet, the Bible tells of many who did not do so, like those who “turn away their ears from the truth” (2Ti 4:4) or those who believed on Jesus but did not stand on that truth because “they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (Fourth gospel 12:42-43). Did their response matter? If God’s word challenges us on an issue, does it make a difference how we respond? One thing is sure. God’s children listen when he speaks, for Jesus said, “He that is of God heareth God’s words” (Fourth gospel 8:47). So, if we seek the truth on biblical issues, let us keep in mind the words of Proverbs 17:3, “the Lord trieth the hearts.”

Postscript

Jesus said, “To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth” (Fourth gospel 18:37).

“The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth” (Ps 145:18).

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding” (Prv 3:5).

“Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge” (Prv 19:27).

“The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe” (Prv 29:25).

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Prv 1:7).

“He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding” (Prv 15:32).

“Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not” (Prv 8:33).

“… reproofs of instruction are the way of life” (Prv 6:23).

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2Ti 3:16).

“He that is of God heareth God’s words…” (Fourth gospel 8:47).

“… the word of our God shall stand for ever” (Is 40:8).

“… thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name” (Ps 138:2).

“… thy word is truth” (Fourth gospel 17:17).

“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (Fourth gospel 4:24).

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true… think on these things” (Php 4:8).

Addendum

   This was added to encourage readers of this study to resist the efforts of those who may urge them to keep quiet about evidence in scripture that challenges the traditions of men.

“Whatsoever Doth Make Manifest Is Light”

   The Bible says, “whatsoever doth make manifest is light” (Eph 5:13). Therefore, it is a good thing if the evidence presented herein helps to make the truth manifest. So, why would anyone try to turn Bible students away from the light of scripture? Truly, only those who give a fair hearing to the evidence are in a position to say if truth was made manifest by this exercise in searching the scriptures.

   Some who refuse to look at the evidence think they are qualified to render a verdict on it. Yet scripture says, “He that answers a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him” (Prv 8:13). No jury would be allowed to render a verdict if they refused to hear the evidence and only showed up for the jury summation. Likewise, true critical thinking on any biblical issue is not possible without first hearing the testimony of God’s word on the matter.

   Readers who share the truth on this issue with others will find the truth is not always welcome. But if people are offered evidence that can expose truth on a topic and their response is equivalent to saying, ‘turn off that light,’ then how can they grow? Dodging the issue, defensive anger, mocking, or lukewarm indifference are not responses that exhibit a love of the truth.

   What should be the response when biblical correction is being shared between members of the body of Christ? How about this for starters, “Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth” (Ps 86:11).

When urging believers to “walk as children of light” (Eph 5:8), Paul’s advice included this step, “proving what is acceptable unto the Lord” (Eph 5:10). Testing our beliefs by the word of God is a great way to put this into practice. Moreover, a few verses earlier he offered this warning, “let no man deceive you with vain words” (Eph 5:6), and this is good counsel for every student of God’s word.

   Vain words would surely include promoting ideas as if they are biblical when they are not justified by scripture or, worse yet, they are actually in contradiction to God’s word. A way to avoid being deceived by vain words is to get into the “prove all things” habit, and test the things we read or hear (along with ideas we have picked up in the past), by subjecting them to biblical scrutiny.

“Judge Righteous Judgment”

   “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (Fourth gospel 7:24). If we incorporate this principle into our Bible study method, we will be much less likely to become ensnared by superficial arguments. While vain words might appear reasonable at first glance, the light of God’s word can show us if they do not line up with the truth. Therefore, we have to be diligent to judge the words of men by the word of God or we may end up doing the opposite. As this study has shown, it can seem wise to follow the crowd with their age-old hand-me-down teachings, but the air of truth which comes with the claim of ‘consensus’ is a deceptive lure. Even intellectual elites can be wrong. So, the followers of Jesus should not simply believe what a teacher or scholar says.

   We need to be critical thinkers regarding everything we believe and are taught. If we want to honor the authority of God’s word, then no matter who is teaching or what the issue is, we need to judge the truth by the standard of scripture

   Psalm 138:2, in talking about the Lord, says, “thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.” Many other verses also make it clear the word of God ought to be held in the highest esteem. The will of God is, therefore, for us to respect what scripture says.

   Men who insist on promoting the John idea even after they learn of biblical evidence to the contrary, will act as if saying, ‘it doesn’t matter’ is a proper response. Excuses like, ‘it is not a salvation issue,’ ‘what really matters is the gospel,’ etc. can make it sound like one is showing respect for God’s word even as they trample on its authority and its offer of correction. Truly, those who say such things reveal something about themselves. They show they do not know how to properly weigh an issue, for such words undermine respect for the word of God. They do so by suggesting that certain issues mentioned in scripture are more important than the authority of God’s word itself.

“Whether Is Greater”

   “Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?” (Mt 23:19) This rebuke was addressed to members of the religious elite who were misleading the people. Jesus proved their opinion of what was important was not justified by scripture or logic. They usurped the authority to declare what was important, and as a result, their false teachings debased the authority of God’s word and turned people away from the truth.

   As was noted earlier, it can be tempting to follow the words of men who appear to be wise. But Jesus reserved many harsh sayings for scholars and religious leaders. So, we should not think it is safe to adopt the teachings of men who hold positions of honor. If we drop our guard because we respect the person who is teaching, then we will be more susceptible to any errors they may present.

   When Paul wrote about those who were “measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves” he said this was “not wise” (2Cor 10:12). Thus, following men who engage in this practice would not be wise either. But does this not describe those who think a consensus among men is a good measure of truth? If it does, then people should be wary when someone cites a consensus on any issue (as if that was an appropriate or reliable measure of truth).

   In posing this question, “How can ye believe, which receive honor one of another, and seek not the honor that cometh from God only?” (Fourth gospel 5:44), Jesus clearly implied “the honor that cometh from God only” is better. He also said, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much” (Lk 16:10). Moreover, we read, “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump” (Gal 5:9). So, if people cannot honor God by intentionally misrepresenting the word of God, then this would be true on every issue. Thus, it is wrong to think ‘it doesn’t matter,’ ‘that is a secondary issue,’ or any such excuse can justify the act of shutting one’s eyes and intentionally ignoring the authority of God’s word (no matter what the issue is).

   The “unjust in the least” principal lets us know those who turn a blind eye to biblical evidence on one issue, will be willing to do likewise on other issues. Conversely, those who are faithful to God’s word and change their belief to align with the facts in scripture in “that which is least,” will also be faithful when it comes to more important matters.

   The ability to come up with high-sounding excuses for refusing biblical correction is not the mark of one who is seeking the honor that comes “from God only.” Read Matthew 23:13-24. In that passage, Jesus’ repudiation of the religious leaders (who taught a false assessment of what is greater) was part of an overall rebuke of their teachings and methods. Rather than pointing people to God’s word and teaching them to rely on it as the standard of truth, they taught others to believe as they believed.

   Jesus proved they were wrong by pointing out it is self-refuting to argue the gift could be more important than the altar, since the altar is what made the gift noteworthy. Likewise, to imply salvation or any other issue could be more important than God’s word is just as self-refuting as thinking the gift matters more than the altar, because scripture is what establishes the truth regarding salvation or any other issue.

   “All scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2Ti 3:16). This is why the authority of scripture cannot be overcome by any non-Bible source – no matter what the issue is. It is also why those who seek the honor that comes “from God only” will respond to the evidence in scripture that proves the one “whom Jesus loved” was not John.

“The Fear of the Lord

   “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Prv 1:7).

   At the very least, the fear of the Lord will move one to be as accurate as possible when representing scripture, for the Lord said, “he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully” (Jer 23:28).

   Is refusing biblical correction or suppressing the truth motivated by a fear of the Lord? No, it is not.

   Those who act as if loyalty to their prior beliefs is a virtue that trumps respect for the authority of God’s word are not doing so out of a fear of the Lord.

   Many benefits follow from the fear of the Lord and a willingness to hear God’s word, be faithful to it, and humbly accept the rebuke and correction that it offers. The benefit of having scripture tear down a false tradition is not, first and foremost, discovering the truth on a particular issue. Rather, it is waking-up to the fact that something is wrong with our method of assessing truth!

   Learning we were mistaken is not a bad thing; it is an opportunity to profit from biblical correction. Not only the opportunity to grow in knowledge on that particular issue but, more importantly, if we can figure out what led us to be misled on that issue, then we can improve our method of determining truth on biblical issues.

   Non-Bible sources can make an untrue idea seem to be ‘pre-approved’ truth. But when we realize it is not safe to assume an idea is true merely because a lot of people have believed that idea, we will be less susceptible when non-Bible sources are used to sell an idea.

   In this book, the case of the beloved disciple revealed the need for a better Bible study method. The next book in this series presents a collection of biblical case studies on a variety of topics. The results set forth in that book prove better results come from a Bible study method that more consistently honors the counsel of God that is presented in scripture. [Find it at ABetterBibleStudyMethod.com]

   Wrong methods cause our views on God’s word to be conformed to this world, and this leads to many errors. However, we should not focus just on correcting errors on various issues; we should also identify what caused them.

   A Better Bible Study Method – Book Two shows how blind spots can cause people to misunderstand scripture. It also gives the reader the opportunity to evaluate their current approach to scripture and lets them see the profit that comes from biblical correction.

   For example, one of the case studies in the next book will touch on several errors that are taught about this key verse: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (Fourth gospel 3:16). When this is quoted, it is common to hear added comments like, ‘This verse expresses God’s unconditional love for you.’ Unfortunately, such assertions typically go unchallenged. Thus, many people hold this view of the verse even though that idea is contrary to the plain text of God’s word.

   It is false to imply the verse was written to tell people about an unconditional love for them because the verse is conditional. “Whosoever believeth in him” is a condition! This condition is explicit in the verse and this requirement is critical, it is not an option.

   Should people conclude the benefit of “not perish, but have everlasting life” applies to those who do not believe in him? Not according to the verse. Why not? Because the necessary condition was not met. Here we are not talking about whatever else scripture may say in other passages. We are talking about being faithful to accurately communicate what this verse says.

   The reason God “gave his only begotten Son” was so “that” those who meet the condition (“believeth in him”) should “not perish…” Thus, the condition is vital! To say ‘this verse teaches God’s unconditional love for everyone’ is untrue, and it goes against the words of the verse itself.

   A case can be made that, in our day, this is the most misunderstood verse in the Bible, and the next book in this series will show this. But again, correcting a mistaken idea on any particular topic or verse is not as important as identifying the flaw in our thinking process that caused us to be misled. All of the books in this series will show how relying on God’s word to “prove all things” can both correct our errors and improve our Bible study method.

   In Acts 24:16, Paul said, “I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.” If we want to follow his example, we should seek to faithfully communicate God’s word and always be striving to improve our understanding of it.

“A Fool Returneth to His Folly”

   “As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly” (Prv 26:11). The biblical evidence herein either proves “the disciple whom Jesus loved” was not John, or it does not do so. There is no third option. When seeking the truth, we can only judge based on the evidence we know about. When the available evidence is able to offer proof beyond a reasonable doubt, then it is unreasonable to refuse to side with that evidence.

   Those who are not convinced by the biblical evidence that was presented in this book are still obliged to answer one question, Why not?

   The standard is reasonable doubt. Therefore, people who choose to go on promoting the John tradition, in spite of the biblical evidence, should be able to explain why they conclude it is reasonable to do so.

   One can disagree with the conclusions of this book. However, if people do so simply because they do not want to admit the John idea is a false teaching, then this is not reasonable doubt, it is sheer prejudice.

   Defenders of the John tradition may choose to believe non-Bible sources are more trustworthy than God’s word on this matter. But if they do, then honesty demands they admit this is the reason for their disagreement.

   Respect for God’s word and a love of the truth should lead us to be willing to say why we believe scripture does, or does not, teach an idea. If the evidence in this book was sufficient to prove the case, then this should move us to cease and desist promoting the false John tradition.

   Those who stick with a false idea even after they learn about biblical evidence to the contrary can always find an excuse for doing so. “A fool returneth to his folly” (Prv 26:11). But “a wise man will hear, and will increase learning” (Prv 1:5). Hearing the word of God and accepting the correction it offers is, thus, declared to be the wise move. (Even on ‘little’ issues?)

   “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Mt 22:37), said Jesus, leaving no wiggle room for those who might think they can ignore those parts of the Bible they do not like. His words oblige us to also honor God with our words and to be as accurate as we can be when discussing scripture. Therefore, if we know God’s word can prove John was not the author of the fourth gospel, are we not obliged to stop referring to that book by the false title of ‘John?’ Some will say it is okay to continue using that title for convenience sake. But they cannot claim they are doing it for God’s sake, because that title helps to perpetuate the tradition of men that falsely identifies the beloved disciple.

   Jesus said, “To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth” (Fourth gospel 18:37). So, we should always strive to be consistent in our respect for truth. Those who choose to go on promoting an idea after they become aware the idea is not biblical are being inconsistent, as far as respect for the truth is concerned.

   James 4:8 says, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” This is a good reason to change when our beliefs and our ways are opposed to what scripture says. While some argue over the importance of various issues, the fact is, the authority of God’s word is the critical issue.

   The gospel says, “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1Cor 15:3-4). So, the gospel itself depends on God’s word.

   “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him” (Prv 30:5). If God’s word is the foundation of our beliefs, then we have no reason to fear a closer inspection of the biblical evidence on any issue. Psalm 119 says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” The light of scripture is a blessing to the children of light, not a threat. Good data is the key to making a good decision.

   If we want good data, let us look to scripture, “For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding” (Prv 2:6).

   When people point us away from God’s word by citing a non-Bible source (be it one person or a group of people), we should remember the counsel found in Proverbs 29:15: “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.”

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[The excerpt below was added in 2020. Read more at RightLord.com]

A Sample from Book Two

   Right in the Sight of the Lord, A Better Bible Study Method – Book Two includes a look at a passage that involves the “other disciple.” This excerpt from Book Two was added to show how God’s word can continue to teach us, even on this issue.

Check for Blind Spots

   We make assumptions about what we read in the Bible. This can lead to a flawed view of God’s word. For example, consider this report:

“there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home” (Fourth gospel 19:25-28).

   Did Jesus want this disciple to adopt his mother and care for her from then on? No. Her other sons (cf. Mt 13:55) were not going to abandon her because their brother was killed. She would not need a caretaker for the rest of her life, so this is not what Jesus meant. How can we determine what he meant when he spoke those words from the cross?

   Jesus said many things. At times he was misunderstood. This shows what people think Jesus’ words meant may not equate to what he actually meant. The verses above say, “When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother!” Can we know for sure what he meant when he said this? Yes, if we let God’s word teach us how to see those words from Jesus’ point of view.

   Jesus knew he would rise from the dead on the third day. On multiple occasions, he told his disciples he would rise from the dead on “the third day” (Mt 16:21, et al.). They did not take this to heart. Yet this must be considered, because taking account of what he knew lets us see his words from his point of view. Jesus knew his mother’s grief would be turned into joy in less than 72 hours, so he was giving the disciple “whom he loved” a temporary assignment! He was to comfort Mary during her time of grief (and this did not require her to move in with this disciple and live with him).  When Mary, Jesus’ brothers, and Jesus’ disciples learned about his resurrection, everything would change for them. Mary was not going to be left destitute, and Jesus surely knew this. In Acts 1:14 it says, the apostles “continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.” Then Acts 2:44-45 tells us:

“all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.”

Practicing Due Diligence

   This exercise shows how scripture can correct beliefs that come from a rush to judgment. We have blind spots when we are not considering all of the data the Bible has to offer. By taking the time to weigh Jesus’ words, we could understand what he meant. This kind of insight might come from a quick read of the Bible, but it is more likely to occur when we meditate on God’s word. A sermon a week is not the same as consuming daily bread! Reading the Bible and thinking on it helps us to better understand scripture, and Paul’s admonition in 2 Timothy 2:15 indicates diligence is rewarded when it comes to the Bible, for it links diligence to “rightly dividing the word of truth.”

End of A Better Bible Study Method – Book One

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