“Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me.” John 5:39
2. For what were the Bereans commended?
“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:11.
Note.—“If God's Word were studied as it should be,” says a modern Bible student, “men would have a breadth of mind, a nobility of character, and a stability of purpose that are rarely seen in these times. But there is little benefit derived from a hasty reading of the Scriptures. One may read the whole Bible through, and yet fail to see its beauty or comprehend its deep and hidden meaning. One passage studied until its significance is clear to the mind and its relation to the plan of salvation is evident, is of more value than the perusal of many chapters with no definite purpose in view, and no positive instruction gained.”
3. By what comparison is it indicated that some portions of God's Word are more difficult to understand than others?
“For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of [pg 029] the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.” Heb. 5:12.
4. In what way is this comparison further explained?
“For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Verses 13, 14.
5. What writings are specifically mentioned as containing some things difficult to understand?
“And account that the long-suffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” 2 Peter 3:15, 16.