Question 33: How should Holy Scripture be understood?

Answer:

Holy Scripture should be understood with reverence, faith, and humility, guided by the Holy Spirit and interpreted within the Church’s historic teaching. Its central message points to Jesus Christ, and it must be read in light of its overall unity, using reason, tradition, and the Church’s creeds as faithful guides. (Luke 24:27, 2 Timothy 3:15–17, 1 Corinthians 2:12–13, Acts 17:11, 2 Peter 1:20–21)

Full Scripture References

“And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was written in all the Scriptures about Himself.” — Luke 24:27 (BSB)

“From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.” — 2 Timothy 3:15–17 (BSB)

“Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. And this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.” — 1 Corinthians 2:12–13 (BSB)

“Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true.” — Acts 17:11 (BSB)

“Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever brought about by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” — 2 Peter 1:20–21 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

Holy Scripture is to be approached with reverence and faith, not as a man-made document, but as the very Word of God. Understanding it rightly requires the illumination of the Holy Spirit, who inspired the biblical authors and who continues to guide the faithful in its interpretation. As Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 2, true understanding of Scripture does not come from mere intellect or scholarship, but through the Spirit who reveals spiritual truths to those who are in Christ.

The Scriptures are unified in purpose and message, centered on Jesus Christ. As Jesus Himself demonstrated on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:27), all Scripture points to Him—from the Law and the Prophets to the Psalms and the Gospels. Therefore, to understand the Bible rightly is to read it Christologically, seeing how the entire story of redemption unfolds in Him. It must also be interpreted as a whole, with Scripture interpreting Scripture, and not isolated in fragments out of context.

Anglicans hold that Scripture must be read within the life of the Church, under the guidance of historic doctrine and the creeds. Article XX of the Thirty-Nine Articles affirms that “the Church hath power to decree rites or ceremonies, and authority in controversies of faith,” but it also says that the Church “may not ordain anything that is contrary to God’s Word written.” Tradition and reason are valuable tools in interpreting Scripture, but Scripture remains the final authority and must always be interpreted faithfully.

The Book of Common Prayer encourages believers to read the Bible “with all diligence, humility, and prayer.” This means not twisting the text to fit personal preferences, but submitting to its plain meaning as understood by the universal Church. The example of the Bereans in Acts 17 reminds us to test all things by Scripture and to study it daily with eagerness and discernment. Sound interpretation involves historical, grammatical, and theological understanding—but it also requires a transformed heart.

Bishop J.C. Ryle cautioned, “There is no surer way to bring darkness upon the mind than to wrest Scripture from its plain meaning.” Therefore, the Scriptures must be interpreted with care, reverence, and in community. As the Holy Spirit opens our eyes, we are drawn into deeper communion with Christ, built up in truth, and equipped for every good work. The goal of all Scripture is to know God, trust His promises, obey His commands, and proclaim His Gospel.

Early Church Fathers on Catechism Question

St. Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130–202 AD) wrote: “The Scriptures are indeed perfect, since they were spoken by the Word of God and His Spirit… and must be interpreted according to the rule of faith.” — Against Heresies, 2.28.2

Irenaeus emphasized that Scripture is to be understood in light of apostolic teaching and the unity of the faith. St. Clement of Alexandria (c. 150–215 AD) taught: “It is necessary to pursue understanding of the Scriptures with piety and reverence, drawing on the Church’s teaching to interpret rightly.” — Stromata, 7.16

Clement believed Scripture must be studied within the Church and with spiritual humility. St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD) said: “Whoever, therefore, thinks that he understands the Holy Scriptures, or any part of them, in such a way that it does not build up this double love of God and neighbor, does not yet understand them as he ought.” — On Christian Doctrine, 1.36

Augustine taught that true understanding of Scripture always leads to love and holiness. St. Athanasius (c. 296–373 AD) urged: “We must not interpret Scripture by our own ideas, but we must understand it as the Fathers and the Church have always taught.” — Letter to Serapion

Athanasius pointed to the continuity of Church teaching as the safeguard of biblical interpretation. St. Gregory the Great (c. 540–604 AD) wrote: “Scripture is like a river… shallow enough for the lamb to wade, but deep enough for the elephant to swim. Let us come to it with both simplicity and depth.” — Homilies on Ezekiel

Gregory beautifully illustrated that Scripture offers truth accessible to all, yet endlessly profound for the mature.