Bible Study Methods, Part 1 - Scriptural Witnesses

The Importance of Two or Three Scriptural Witnesses

Hi everyone!

I thought I’d share some insights about how I study the Bible to help those of you who are looking to grow in your relationship with God. 

Deception and distortion is at an all-time high. As disciples of Christ, we all need to be well equipped with HOW to study the Bible for ourselves so that we can understand and correctly apply God’s truth to our lives.

Today I’m going to cover the importance of scriptural “witnesses” for establishing biblical truths.

So, the rule of thumb to apply when studying the Bible is this: is the same principle or truth as you understand it found in more than one verse? 

A biblical fact (evidence) is established by AT LEAST two or three witnesses. You’ll also often find a symbol or type of that truth in the Old Testament and its spiritual reality unfolded or explained more fully in the New Testament. 

This is why whenever I write posts, I back up what I’m sharing with multiple Bible verses. It’s a way of making an airtight case about what the Bible says. 

Just like with a legal case tried in our judicial system, the more evidence that is presented the stronger the case becomes.

For example, what I’ve just stated as a rule of thumb is itself established in at least six different places, in both Testaments. Don’t take my word for anything! Prove these things out for yourself. But, just to save you a bit of effort, I’ve done the work for you this time.

• Deuteronomy 17:6 On the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses the one who is to die shall be put to death; a person shall not be put to death on the evidence of one witness.

• Deuteronomy 19:15 “A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established.

• Matthew 18:16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.

• 2 Corinthians 13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.

• 1 Timothy 5:19 Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses.

• Hebrews 10:28 Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses.

The Bible is its one key code, and will interpret itself. We only need to invest the time to mine the truths for ourselves through meditation and study. It’s the Holy Spirit’s job to tutor us in biblical truth. If you do your part, He’ll do His!

If you have based your current theology on a single verse in the Bible, and you can’t find any other place where that same principle is revealed or explained, then there is a VERY good chance that you have misunderstood what the text says.

Applying the method of establishing a truth by the evidence of at least two or three scriptures will ensure that you don’t misinterpret God’s Word.

Happy Studying!