1944 Bible Studies - page 3

BIBLE STUDIES.

"Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they

received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures daily whether these things were so " (Acts 17. II).

VOLUME 12.

JANUARY, 1944.

CONTENTS.

The Parables :

The use and interpretation of parables .. �. �.

T H E PARABLES.

T h e use and interpretation of parables.

From Atherton. -- This introductory aspect of the subject may be divided into three parts : (1) Old Testament parables to Old Testament people ; (2) Old Testament parables to New Testament people ; (3) New Testament parables to New Testament people.

The first of these parts opens up to us the principle that the divinely recorded history of men was to be considered by each succeeding generation and dispensation as emphasized in Psalm 78. 1-6 ; for example this psalm begins at

the deliverence of Israel from Egypt and concludes at the choice of David as

king. �Four distinct uses of Old Testament parables are here set forward : (1) that men might believe in God ; (2) that they might not forget the works of God ;

(3) that they might keep His commandments ; (4) that they might not be stubborn or rebellious (Psalm 78. 7, 8). Thus it will be realised that a large portion of the Old Testament is in parabolic language which includes many of the shadows, figures, types and similitudes.

We next come to the second type of parable, namely, Old Testament parables to New Testament people. �This greater use of Old Testament parables is outlined in the New Testament when Paul says in the Holy Spirit, -- " These things were our examples " (or types), and " these things happened into them by way of example "

and were written for our admonition (1 Corinthians 10. 1-6, and 11, Romans 1 5 . 4). Their interpretation also is revealed by the words of the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 24. 27, 44, 45). So that whether parable, prophecy or whatever we

like to consider, the interpretation of the Old Testament is revealed in Christ.

In addition there are seen many fundamental principles surrounding His person and work (e. g., redemption by blood, the sinfulness of man, separation).

The third part, New Testament parables to New Testament people, is princi-pally before us in this year’s study. �Some of the objects of the Lord’s parables a r e : (1) to reveal heavenly things, truths and principles (i. e., Kingdom of Heaven and Kingdom of God) ; (2) to indicate His divine wisdom and Deity (John 7.

45-46 ; Proverbs 26. 7-9) ; (3) to reach and win willing hearts in the simplest of language (Luke 15. 1) ; (4) to impress His doctrine upon the disciples (Luke 1 1 . 9) ; (5) to veil from deliberately hardened and stubborn hearts the mysteries of the Kingdom (Matthew 13. 11-13).

Some principles of interpretation may be suggested, e. g.: ( 1 ) Each parable has one leading theme throughout and it is intended to convey at least one simple lesson, e. g., the unmerciful steward impresses the simple lesson of forgiveness (Matthew 18. 21-35) ; new wine in new wine skins illustrates that regeneration is

vital, not reformation (Matthew 9. 17) ; the labourers in the vineyard indicate Divine justice and sovereignty (Matthew 20. 1-16). �(2) Some parables have a

two-fold application ; (a) local, temporary and individual ; (b) a wider, collective and future applications --e. g. the unfruitful fig tree applies to those who thought there were greater sinners than themselves in that day ; secondly to Israel as a