How can we ensure we don't misinterpret Jesus' teachings like in John 21:23? Staying in Context with John 21:23 “So the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but only, ‘If I want him to remain until I return, what is that to you?’” (John 21:23) Recognize What Actually Happened • A misunderstanding arose because people repeated what they thought Jesus meant, not what He truly said. • John himself clarifies the quote, showing how quickly speculation can distort truth. Keep These Six Guards in Place 1. Read the Whole Conversation • Notice John 21:18-22. Jesus was speaking personally to Peter about Peter’s future martyrdom. • The statement about “the disciple whom Jesus loved” was illustrative, not predictive. • Isolate a sentence from its setting and meaning blurs. 2. Honor Plain Meaning First • Scripture speaks plainly unless context demands symbolism (e.g., John 10:9; Revelation 1:20). • Here, the plain sense is a hypothetical: “If I want him to remain…”—not a promise. 3. Compare Scripture with Scripture • Hebrews 9:27 affirms every person’s appointment with death. • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 highlights the sufficiency of all Scripture, encouraging balance. • When one verse seems to contradict the broader teaching, the wider canon clarifies it. 4. Note the Speaker and Audience • Jesus addressed Peter directly; the crowd was overhearing. • Applying a private directive to a public audience breeds error (cf. Matthew 16:23). 5. Reject Rumors; Seek Eyewitness Testimony • John, an eyewitness, corrects the rumor on the spot. • Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans for examining “the Scriptures daily to see if these teachings were true”. 6. Submit to the Spirit’s Illumination • John 16:13: “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” • Prayerful reading, humble hearts, and a willingness to be corrected safeguard accuracy. Practical Habits for Daily Study • Read before and after each verse—aim for paragraphs, not single lines. • Jot down what the text plainly states before adding interpretation. • Check cross-references in study Bibles or concordances. • Discuss insights with mature believers who are grounded in the Word. • Re-read passages over time; familiarity often exposes earlier misreadings. The Core Takeaway Misinterpretation is avoided by patient, context-rich, Spirit-guided study. As with John 21:23, listening carefully to what Jesus actually says—nothing more, nothing less—keeps our understanding clear and our obedience faithful. |
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