13 Bible Verses about Scripture, Understanding

that the patience of our Lord is for your advantage: as our dear brother Paul, according to the information he receiv'd, has writ to you, as it were in all his epistles, where he takes notice of these things: in which there are some passages that are difficult to understand, which the illiterate, and unstable wrest, as they do the rest of the scriptures, to their own ruin.

On this head we have many things to say, not easily to be comprehended, because of your prejudices.

while I am absent apply yourself to reading, to exhortation, and instruction.

endeavour to approve yourself to God, as an artist that is not afraid of reproach, by rightly explaining the word of truth.

the Jews there were of a more generous temper than those of Thessalonica: for they very readily embrac'd their doctrine, and daily examin'd, whether it was conformable to the scriptures.

but, as it is written, "eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entred into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." this is what God has revealed to us by his spirit: for the spirit penetrates into all things, even the profound counsels of God. for who knows the thoughts of a man, but the spirit of man which is in him? even so the thoughts of God no one can know, but the spirit of God.read more.
now the spirit which we have received, is not the spirit of this world, but that which comes from God; that we might know what he has graciously bestowed upon us.

then he open'd their minds to make them understand the scriptures, and said to them,

but the advocate, the holy spirit, whom the father will send for my sake, he will explain every thing to you, and make you remember, all that I have told you.

but when he, the spirit of truth shall come, he will inform you of all those truths: for he will not speak from himself; but the information he shall receive will he communicate: and acquaint you with what is to come.

but as the unction which ye have received from him, abides in you, you don't need any instruction: being then fully instructed by his unction, which is true and not fallacious, adhere to what that has taught you.

It is he then that made some, apostles: some, prophets: some, evangelists: and others, pastors, and teachers: thus fitly qualifying his servants for their respective offices, in order to build up the body of Christ: till being united in a perfect belief, and acknowledgment of the son of God, we grow up to that full state of maturity required by Christ:read more.
that we should be no longer children, fluctuating, and carried about with every empty doctrine, by men vers'd in sleight and the crafty arts of deceit:

These things recommend and teach. don't give occasion to any to despise your youth: but be a pattern to believers in your discourse, in your behaviour, by your charity, faith and chastity. while I am absent apply yourself to reading, to exhortation, and instruction.read more.
don't neglect the gift you have, which was given you with the ministerial charge, when you receiv'd imposition of hands from the presbytery. meditate upon these things, be wholly employ'd about them, that your proficiency may appear to all. take care how you behave, and what you teach. persevere in these duties: for by the practice of them, you will save both yourself, and those who hear you.

I conjure you in the name of God, and of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is to judge the living and the dead, at his appearance in his kingdom, to preach the word with assiduity upon all occasions: reprove, censure, exhort, with the most tender persuasions. for the time will come, when they will not endure sound doctrine, but get teachers of their own corrupt taste, to sooth their ears that itch for flattery:read more.
which, while they are deaf to the truth, attentively listen to fables. be you then entirely upon the watch: be insensible to toil: perform the work of an evangelist, and discharge your ministerial function.