Matthew 19 accommodates a pivotal passage regarding the permissibility of marital dissolution. This biblical textual content presents Jesus’s perspective on divorce, particularly addressing the situations underneath which it’s thought-about lawful, contrasting it with prevailing interpretations of Mosaic Legislation. The chapter explores the stress between the permanence of marriage as supposed by God and the realities of human sinfulness and hardship which will necessitate separation.
Understanding the nuances of this scripture is significant for each theological inquiry and sensible software inside religion communities. It shapes views on marriage, covenant constancy, and the position of forgiveness and reconciliation. Traditionally, interpretations have various, influencing authorized and social norms concerning marital breakdown throughout totally different eras and cultures. The passage continues to be a topic of appreciable debate and reflection.
This examination will delve into the precise verses of Matthew 19 that deal with the difficulty of divorce, contemplating their historic context, varied interpretations, and ongoing relevance to modern discussions about marriage and household. Consideration will likely be given to the arguments offered, the rationale behind them, and their implications for understanding Christian teachings on the sanctity of marriage.
1. Jesus’ Instructing
Jesus’s educating inside Matthew 19 varieties the cornerstone of understanding scriptural views on marital dissolution. The narrative presents Jesus being questioned by Pharisees, testing his views on the legality of divorce. His response, referencing Genesis, emphasizes the divine intention for marriage as a everlasting union. This foundational precept immediately challenges the prevailing lax interpretations of Mosaic Legislation, notably Deuteronomy 24:1-4, which supplied grounds for divorce. Thus, the reason of divorce in Matthew 19 hinges on Jesus’s deliberate re-establishment of marriage as a bond supposed for all times, thereby setting the next normal than that generally practiced.
The precise component of “hardness of coronary heart” launched by Jesus acknowledges the fact of human sin and its influence on relationships. Whereas affirming the best of lifelong dedication, he concedes that Mosaic Legislation allowed for divorce as a result of fallen nature of humanity. This concession, nevertheless, doesn’t negate the preliminary divine intent. The complexity arises in deciphering the “exception clause” (usually translated as “apart from sexual immorality” or “apart from adultery”), which is taken by some to be the only permissible floor for divorce. Whatever the interpretation, Jesus’s educating stresses covenant constancy and the intense implications of breaking the marital bond. Instances of spousal abandonment or abuse, although not explicitly detailed, are sometimes thought-about in mild of this educating, with interpretations various throughout denominations and particular person conscience.
Finally, Jesus’s educating in Matthew 19 elevates the significance of marriage as a sacred establishment designed for permanence. Whereas acknowledging human fallibility and the potential for marital breakdown, he redirects the main target in direction of the unique design and intent of marriage. The continuing debate surrounding the passage lies primarily within the interpretation of the exception clause and its software to particular circumstances. Regardless of the complexities, the central message stays: marriage is a covenant to be honored and preserved at any time when doable, reflecting a dedication to God’s authentic intention.
2. Pharisees’ Query
The Pharisees’ query in Matthew 19 immediately precipitates Jesus’s discourse on divorce, rendering it a foundational component of the whole clarification. Their question, “Is it lawful for a person to divorce his spouse for any trigger?” was not a disinterested inquiry. It was a strategic try and lure Jesus, forcing him to take a place that will both contradict Mosaic Legislation or alienate a section of the inhabitants. This adversarial context is essential for understanding the content material; the query served because the catalyst for Jesus to articulate his understanding of marriage and divorce, shifting past the legalistic interpretations prevalent on the time.
The significance of the Pharisees’ query lies in its capacity to elicit a direct response from Jesus regarding a contentious concern. The prevailing interpretation of Deuteronomy 24:1-4 allowed for divorce primarily based on “some uncleanness,” which was usually interpreted very broadly. The Pharisees sought to reveal any divergence between Jesus’s views and people of the Mosaic Legislation, positioning him for potential accusations of heresy or undermining Jewish custom. Due to this fact, Jesus’s clarification of divorce is, in essence, a direct response to their intentionally provocative query.
Understanding the Pharisees’ intent is indispensable for deciphering Matthew 19. With out recognizing the adversarial context of their query, the depth and significance of Jesus’s reply is likely to be missed. He addresses not solely the legality of divorce but additionally the underlying precept of marriage’s supposed permanence, providing a extra nuanced perspective than the prevailing legalistic interpretations. Due to this fact, the connection between the Pharisees’ query and the following clarification is one among trigger and impact; the query provokes the reason, which in flip challenges the prevailing norms and presents a extra profound understanding of the marital covenant.
3. Mosaic Legislation
Mosaic Legislation, particularly Deuteronomy 24:1-4, offers the foundational authorized context that Jesus addresses in Matthew 19. This passage permitted a person to divorce his spouse if he discovered “some uncleanness” in her, a phrase that was topic to broad interpretation. The legislation required a certificates of divorce to be issued, offering some authorized safety for the lady. This allowance for divorce contrasts sharply with Jesus’s emphasis on the permanence of marriage as supposed from creation. Due to this fact, Mosaic Legislation serves as the purpose of reference and the prevailing normal that Jesus’s educating both affirms, modifies, or transcends.
The sensible significance of understanding Mosaic Legislation in relation to Matthew 19 lies in recognizing the shift in emphasis from authorized permissibility to covenant constancy. Whereas Mosaic Legislation supplied a framework for regulating divorce in a society characterised by human fallibility, Jesus redirects the main target towards the unique divine intention for marriage as a lifelong dedication. The Pharisees invoked Mosaic Legislation to justify their questions concerning the legality of divorce, whereas Jesus countered by emphasizing the inherent nature of marriage as a sacred union established by God. Examples of differing interpretations of “uncleanness” inside Jewish society throughout Jesus’s time spotlight the anomaly and potential for abuse that Jesus sought to deal with.
In abstract, Mosaic Legislation’s allowance for divorce constitutes a crucial element for deciphering Matthew 19. Jesus acknowledges the supply whereas concurrently asserting the next normal for marriage primarily based on its authentic design. This juxtaposition highlights the stress between legalistic interpretation and the deeper moral and theological implications of the marital covenant. Understanding this relationship permits for a extra nuanced comprehension of Jesus’s teachings and their ongoing relevance in discussions surrounding marriage and divorce.
4. Adultery Exception
The “adultery exception” inside Matthew 19 is intrinsically linked to any complete clarification of divorce as offered in that chapter. Particularly, the phrase “apart from sexual immorality” (or variations thereof in several translations) has been interpreted as offering a possible justification for divorce that aligns with Jesus’s teachings. Its presence immediately impacts the interpretation of the whole passage, influencing views on the permissibility of divorce and the situations underneath which it is likely to be thought-about morally or theologically justifiable. With out contemplating the adultery exception, any clarification of Matthew 19’s educating on divorce could be incomplete and doubtlessly deceptive. The exception acts as a big modifier to the final precept of marriage’s permanence.
The sensible significance of understanding the adultery exception lies in its software to real-life conditions. As an illustration, in circumstances of documented and repeated infidelity, people usually flip to Matthew 19 for steering. The interpretation of the exception then turns into essential in figuring out whether or not divorce is a permissible plan of action inside their religion framework. Totally different denominations and theologians maintain various viewpoints, some strictly adhering to adultery because the solely acceptable floor for divorce, whereas others interpret the exception extra broadly to incorporate different types of marital unfaithfulness or abuse that essentially violate the marital covenant. Authorized techniques in varied nations have additionally been influenced by interpretations of this exception, impacting divorce legal guidelines and procedures in jurisdictions the place non secular beliefs maintain vital weight. Instances involving abandonment, abuse, or power dependancy are sometimes analyzed in mild of their potential alignment with the underlying ideas related to the adultery exception, even when they do not immediately contain sexual infidelity.
Finally, the adultery exception stands as a crucial level of rivalry and interpretation inside discussions surrounding Matthew 19 and divorce. Its ambiguity necessitates cautious consideration of historic context, theological viewpoints, and particular person circumstances. The problem lies in balancing the precept of marriage’s permanence with the realities of human sin and the potential for irreparable injury inside a conjugal relationship. Whereas interpretations could differ, the presence of the exception clause ensures that discussions surrounding Matthew 19 and divorce stay advanced and nuanced, reflecting the multifaceted nature of marriage itself.
5. Marriage’s Permanence
The idea of marriage’s permanence is central to understanding the teachings inside Matthew 19 regarding divorce. It serves because the foundational precept towards which the permissibility of divorce is evaluated and debated. Jesus, in responding to the Pharisees’ query, immediately invokes the creation narrative, emphasizing that God made them female and male and that the 2 shall turn into one flesh, thus establishing marriage as an inherently everlasting union. This assertion varieties the bedrock of his argument, establishing that divorce, in its superb state, contradicts the divine intention for marital unity. The passage explicitly hyperlinks the origin of marriage to its supposed period, demonstrating a direct cause-and-effect relationship between divine creation and lifelong dedication. As an illustration, in cultures closely influenced by Christian theology, marriage vows usually explicitly reference the dedication to stay collectively “till dying do us half,” reflecting the enduring influence of this emphasis on permanence. The significance of marriage’s permanence as a element of understanding Matthew 19 stems from the very fact that it’s the baseline towards which any exceptions or allowances for divorce are thought-about. It establishes the best state and underscores the gravity of marital dissolution.
Regardless of the emphasis on permanence, Matthew 19 additionally acknowledges the fact of human fallibility and the potential for marital breakdown. The “exception clause” concerning sexual immorality, nevertheless interpreted, represents a concession to the realities of sin and its damaging influence on marriage. It acknowledges that sure actions could so essentially violate the marital covenant as to doubtlessly justify its dissolution. Inspecting historic interpretations of this passage reveals numerous purposes of the permanence precept. Some traditions keep an absolute prohibition towards divorce, no matter circumstances, whereas others permit for divorce in circumstances of adultery, abuse, or abandonment, arguing that such actions successfully nullify the wedding covenant. Authorized techniques in lots of Western nations, even these with secular authorized frameworks, usually replicate a stress between upholding the best of marital stability and offering avenues for divorce in conditions the place the wedding has irretrievably damaged down. The sensible purposes require balancing competing issues: the dedication to upholding the sanctity of marriage and addressing conditions the place its elementary ideas have been violated.
In conclusion, marriage’s permanence is the cornerstone of Matthew 19’s dialogue of divorce. Jesus’s teachings set up the best of lifelong dedication because the divine intention for marriage, whereas acknowledging the potential for exceptions as a result of human sinfulness. The enduring problem lies in navigating the stress between these two facets, deciphering the exception clause, and making use of the teachings of Matthew 19 to the complexities of real-life conditions. Finally, the passage serves as a name to uphold the sanctity of marriage at any time when doable whereas recognizing the realities of brokenness and the necessity for compassion and understanding in circumstances of marital breakdown. The various interpretations spotlight the inherent complexities of reconciling theological beliefs with the sensible realities of human relationships, guaranteeing that the talk surrounding marriage and divorce continues to evolve.
6. Celibacy Choice
The “celibacy possibility,” offered close to the conclusion of Matthew 19, offers a crucial lens by which to know Jesus’s teachings on marriage and divorce. Following his discourse on the permanence of marriage and the restricted grounds for divorce, Jesus introduces the potential for selecting to not marry for the sake of the dominion of heaven. This selection offers another framework for understanding human relationships and devotion to God, and its inclusion impacts the interpretation of the previous statements about divorce. It means that whereas marriage is a sacred establishment, it’s not the one path to religious achievement.
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Different Vocation
The celibacy possibility presents singleness as a viable and even fascinating vocation for sure people. It challenges the societal norm of common marriage and positions celibacy as a acutely aware selection, made for particular religious functions. Examples embody people who dedicate their lives to non secular service, missionary work, or different types of ministry which may be higher facilitated by remaining single. Its implication inside the context of Matthew 19 is that not everybody known as to marriage, and for many who are usually not, celibacy offers another path to holiness and repair. This lessens the perceived strain to stay in or search marriage if one shouldn’t be divinely referred to as to it, providing a level of liberation from societal expectations, even when a wedding ends.
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Kingdom Focus
The justification for the celibacy possibility is explicitly linked to the “kingdom of heaven.” Jesus states that some are eunuchs “who’ve made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the dominion of heaven.” This means that the choice to stay celibate ought to be motivated by a want to serve God extra totally and advance His kingdom. People may select celibacy to keep away from the distractions and obligations related to marriage and household life, permitting them to commit their time and power to religious pursuits. Inside the context of Matthew 19 divorce dialogue, this focus implies that selections concerning marriage and divorce ought to finally be guided by a dedication to God’s will and the development of His kingdom. The liberty to decide on singleness for the Kingdom’s sake reframes the perceived necessity of marriage, notably if a wedding has turn into a hindrance somewhat than a assist in religious progress.
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Private Capability
Jesus acknowledges that not everybody is ready to settle for the celibacy possibility, stating, “Not everybody can settle for this phrase, however solely these to whom it has been given.” This highlights the significance of particular person discernment and divine calling in making such a choice. Celibacy shouldn’t be offered as a common requirement or a superior path for all Christians, however somewhat as a selected vocation for many who are uniquely geared up and referred to as to it. This nuanced understanding reinforces the precept that selections concerning marriage and singleness ought to be made prayerfully and in accordance with one’s private capability and calling. For these struggling in a wedding, the contemplation of celibacy post-divorce, with out searching for one other marriage, turns into a legitimate consideration inside this framework.
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Re-evaluation of Societal Norms
The inclusion of the celibacy possibility challenges conventional societal norms that prioritize marriage and procreation. It means that singleness generally is a fulfilling and significant lifestyle, providing distinctive alternatives for service and religious progress. Traditionally, this educating has influenced the event of monastic traditions and different types of non secular life characterised by celibacy. Inside the context of Matthew 19 divorce defined, this re-evaluation invitations reflection on the needs and expectations surrounding marriage. It means that people mustn’t really feel pressured to stay in or pursue marriage if it’s not conducive to their religious well-being or calling. The affirmation of the celibate life offers a counter-narrative to the idea that marriage is universally crucial for happiness and achievement, offering an alternate path after divorce.
In conclusion, the “celibacy possibility” in Matthew 19 enriches the understanding of divorce by providing a contrasting perspective on human relationships and devotion to God. It means that whereas marriage is a sacred establishment supposed for permanence, it’s not the one path to religious achievement. This selection encourages particular person discernment, a kingdom focus, and a re-evaluation of societal norms surrounding marriage, finally offering a extra nuanced and balanced perspective on the complexities of marital and relational decisions. It presents a framework by which celibacy, particularly after divorce, is not considered as a state of lack, however a deliberate selection aligned with religious aspirations, underscoring that the conclusion of a wedding doesn’t necessitate one other, and a satisfying life is feasible no matter marital standing.
7. Kingdom Relevance
The connection between “kingdom relevance” and the discourse on divorce in Matthew 19 lies in framing marital selections inside the broader context of God’s kingdom. Jesus constantly prioritizes the values and priorities of the dominion of heaven, and his teachings on marriage and divorce are not any exception. Choices about marriage, separation, and singleness are usually not merely private decisions however have implications for one’s participation in and contribution to the dominion of God. The query of divorce is subsequently not merely a authorized or social concern, however a matter of religious significance, immediately affecting one’s relationship with God and one’s witness to the world. As an illustration, if a person stays in an abusive marriage as a result of a legalistic interpretation of marital permanence, that call, whereas showing devoted on the floor, may very well hinder their capacity to serve God and manifest His like to others, thereby diminishing kingdom relevance.
Contemplating kingdom relevance when deciphering Matthew 19 necessitates a cautious analysis of motives and penalties. A concentrate on legalistic adherence to guidelines with out contemplating the underlying ideas of affection, mercy, and justice can distort the that means of Jesus’s teachings. If divorce is pursued out of selfishness or a want for private gratification, it clearly contradicts kingdom values. Conversely, if remaining in a wedding actively hinders one’s religious progress or endangers one’s bodily or emotional well-being, searching for separation or divorce could, in some circumstances, be extra aligned with the ideas of the dominion. Examples embody conditions involving power infidelity, abuse, or abandonment, the place the marital covenant has been so essentially violated that remaining within the relationship actively undermines one’s capacity to dwell a life that honors God. The understanding of kingdom relevance then offers a framework for evaluating the long-term influence of marital selections on one’s religious life and witness. It asks not solely “Is that this authorized?” but additionally “Does this determination replicate the values of God’s kingdom?”.
In conclusion, kingdom relevance offers a significant perspective when deciphering Matthew 19 and its teachings on divorce. It shifts the main target from a slim legalistic interpretation to a broader consideration of the influence of marital selections on one’s religious life and witness to the world. It emphasizes that selections about marriage and divorce ought to be guided by a dedication to God’s kingdom and its values of affection, mercy, and justice. Navigating this advanced terrain requires discernment, prayerful reflection, and a willingness to prioritize the dominion of God above private needs or societal pressures. It’s a name to strategy marital selections with a kingdom mindset, searching for to honor God and advance His functions in all facets of life, even within the midst of relational brokenness and tough decisions.
8. Ongoing Debate
The “ongoing debate” regarding Matthew 19 and divorce stems immediately from the complexities inside the textual content itself. The passage’s juxtaposition of marriage’s supposed permanence with the allowance for divorce underneath sure circumstances, notably the “adultery exception,” generates numerous interpretations and purposes. This intrinsic ambiguity fuels continued theological dialogue and sensible challenges. The “ongoing debate” is subsequently not an extraneous component, however a direct consequence of the textual content’s inherent complexities and its implications for human relationships. The precise wording of the passage, coupled with its far-reaching social and private implications, makes sustained dialogue inevitable. Traditionally, totally different denominations and theological traditions have provided conflicting interpretations, every influencing authorized and social norms associated to marriage and divorce.
The significance of recognizing the “ongoing debate” lies in avoiding simplistic or dogmatic interpretations of Matthew 19. Acknowledging the spectrum of viewpoints encourages crucial engagement with the textual content and consideration of numerous views. For instance, some interpretations restrict the “adultery exception” strictly to circumstances of confirmed sexual infidelity, whereas others prolong it to embody broader types of marital unfaithfulness, similar to emotional abuse or abandonment. These differing viewpoints immediately influence pastoral counseling, authorized selections, and particular person decisions. Moreover, the evolving social panorama and altering understandings of marriage and household proceed to form the dialogue. The rise of no-fault divorce, as an illustration, challenges conventional interpretations of Matthew 19, prompting renewed examination of the passage’s relevance in modern society. Instances involving home violence or extreme dependancy usually set off advanced moral and theological dilemmas, underscoring the continued want for nuanced interpretation and compassionate software of biblical ideas.
In conclusion, the “ongoing debate” shouldn’t be merely a peripheral side of Matthew 19 however an integral a part of its interpretation and software. The inherent complexities of the passage, mixed with its profound implications for human relationships, be sure that discussions about marriage and divorce will proceed. Acknowledging the variety of viewpoints, participating with the textual content critically, and making use of biblical ideas with discernment and compassion are important for navigating this difficult terrain. The continuing nature of the talk serves as a continuing reminder of the necessity for humility, empathy, and a willingness to grapple with the tough questions surrounding marriage and divorce in mild of each scripture and lived expertise. The complexities inside Matthew 19 be sure that the passage will stay a topic of intense scrutiny and debate for the foreseeable future.
Incessantly Requested Questions
This part addresses frequent inquiries surrounding the interpretation and software of Matthew 19 regarding divorce. The next questions purpose to make clear prevalent uncertainties and misconceptions.
Query 1: What’s the central message of Matthew 19 concerning divorce?
The central message emphasizes the permanence of marriage as supposed by God from creation. Whereas acknowledging the fact of human sin and the potential for marital breakdown, the passage upholds the best of lifelong dedication.
Query 2: Does Matthew 19 allow divorce underneath any circumstances?
The passage accommodates an “exception clause,” usually interpreted as permitting divorce in circumstances of “sexual immorality” (or adultery). Nonetheless, the precise scope and software of this exception stay topics of ongoing theological debate.
Query 3: How does Mosaic Legislation relate to Jesus’s teachings on divorce in Matthew 19?
Jesus addresses the allowance for divorce in Mosaic Legislation (Deuteronomy 24:1-4), acknowledging its provision as a result of human hardness of coronary heart. He then elevates the usual, emphasizing marriage’s authentic intent as a everlasting union.
Query 4: What’s the significance of the “celibacy possibility” offered in Matthew 19?
The inclusion of the celibacy possibility means that marriage shouldn’t be the one path to religious achievement. It offers another framework for understanding human relationships and devotion to God, notably for these referred to as to serve the dominion of heaven in singleness.
Query 5: How ought to kingdom relevance affect one’s understanding of Matthew 19 on divorce?
Kingdom relevance necessitates evaluating marital selections inside the broader context of God’s kingdom and its values. It emphasizes that decisions about marriage, separation, and singleness have religious implications and ought to be guided by a dedication to God’s will.
Query 6: Why is there an ongoing debate surrounding Matthew 19 and divorce?
The continuing debate stems from the complexities inherent within the textual content, notably the juxtaposition of marriage’s permanence with the “adultery exception.” Differing interpretations of those components, mixed with evolving social norms, gasoline continued dialogue.
In abstract, Matthew 19 presents a nuanced perspective on divorce, emphasizing each the best of marital permanence and the fact of human fallibility. Understanding the passage requires cautious consideration of its historic context, theological viewpoints, and sensible implications.
This concludes the part on often requested questions. The next sections will delve deeper into associated matters.
Steerage Factors
This part presents steering for navigating the complexities inherent in Matthew 19 and its teachings on divorce. These factors purpose to facilitate a extra knowledgeable and accountable interpretation of the passage.
Tip 1: Acknowledge the Historic Context: Perceive the socio-cultural context of first-century Palestine, together with prevailing views on marriage, divorce, and the position of ladies. Take into account the precise viewers to whom Jesus was talking and the challenges they confronted. This angle mitigates anachronistic interpretations.
Tip 2: Take into account A number of Interpretations: Acknowledge that various theological viewpoints exist regarding the “adultery exception” and its implications. Seek the advice of numerous commentaries and scholarly assets to achieve a complete understanding of the interpretive panorama. This promotes mental humility.
Tip 3: Emphasize Covenant Constancy: Prioritize the precept of covenant constancy as the muse for marital relationships. Jesus emphasizes the divine intention for marriage as a everlasting union, highlighting the significance of dedication and reconciliation.
Tip 4: Apply Discernment and Compassion: Method discussions about divorce with discernment, recognizing the complexities of human relationships and the potential for brokenness. Lengthen compassion to people dealing with marital difficulties, avoiding judgmental attitudes. This fosters a supportive surroundings.
Tip 5: Prioritize Kingdom Values: Body selections about marriage and divorce inside the broader context of God’s kingdom and its values of affection, mercy, and justice. Take into account the long-term influence of marital selections on one’s religious life and witness.
Tip 6: Acknowledge the Celibacy Choice: Acknowledge the validity of celibacy in its place path for people referred to as to serve God in singleness. This challenges the idea that marriage is universally crucial and offers a special framework for understanding human relationships.
Tip 7: Keep away from Legalistic Interpretations: Chorus from inflexible legalistic interpretations that prioritize guidelines over relationships. Acknowledge the significance of grace, forgiveness, and restoration within the context of marital difficulties.
These steering factors encourage a accountable and nuanced strategy to deciphering Matthew 19 on divorce. They emphasize the significance of historic context, theological range, covenant constancy, compassion, and a kingdom-focused perspective.
The next part will present a concluding abstract of the important thing insights mentioned.
Matthew 19 Divorce Defined
This exploration of Matthew 19 regarding divorce has revealed the inherent complexities and ongoing relevance of this biblical passage. The evaluation has traversed the historic context, contrasting Jesus’s teachings with Mosaic Legislation and acknowledging the multifaceted interpretations of the “adultery exception.” Key issues included the importance of marriage’s supposed permanence, the validity of the celibacy possibility, and the essential lens of kingdom relevance. The continued debate surrounding this passage underscores the necessity for cautious, nuanced, and compassionate engagement with scripture.
The understanding of Matthew 19 and its implications for marriage and divorce stays a crucial endeavor. Cautious research and considerate reflection ought to at all times be prioritized. It’s important to grapple with the complexities of this educating, searching for to uphold the sanctity of marriage whereas extending grace and understanding to these experiencing marital brokenness. The implications of those issues prolong far past particular person relationships, shaping neighborhood views and influencing moral decision-making inside non secular and secular spheres alike. The enduring challenges offered inside this passage necessitate continued research, prayerful deliberation, and a dedication to making use of biblical ideas with knowledge and discernment.
