To check out Quesnall's interpretation we'd need to be sure that he'd followed a legitimate, accepted, method and process of study. This method and process looks like this:
This means that you have to find out:
We don't have access here to Quesnall's source and reference books so we don't know that he didn't dream it all up. However, if we had we could check out his data for ourselves.
To get the data we need access to reputable Commentaries on the books of Scripture. There are many such and it is best to use more than one source. None are unbiased one way or another.
To reach an interpretation of the text we need to be able to make connections between 'then' and 'now'. We are reading the message many generations removed. We need to be able to read the text from our point of view, from the standpoint of our own situation. Again we don't know how Quesnall went about this but a very common process for making connections is this one. It has three parts to it:
Take the story of the healing of the prodigal son for example (Luke 15:11-32). Be yourself and think:
This activity will give you a snapshot of the first connections you make.
Think now of your study of the background of the text and of your own situation.
Firstly, ask yourself two questions about the text itself:
Think now of your working situation and ask:
It is important to note that biblical scholars accept that all interpretation is innovative, more or less arbitrary and always personal. All interpretations, therefore, need to be talked about and through between members of the church community. We need to acknowledge that we are limited human beings. But we can compensate for this by opening our interpretations up to discussion with as wide and varied a community as possible. We are all limited, but fortunately not all in the same way!
In light of my studies and reflections what is God trying to accomplish through me in my working life?
Scripture study is a resource for discipleship, for being the Body of Christ today. You might like to try out this method and process for yourself in the context of your working situation. You could take a scriptural text like a parable, story, psalm or something from the prophets that has puzzled or challenged you, or alternatively been a source of strength for you. Just follow the method and process and see where, in faith and response, it takes you. If it's possible do this with some Christian colleagues at work, or ask a church friend to work with you and support you.
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