“How can I understand unless someone explains it to me?” (Acts 8:31).

My love of all things medieval intensified in college. I collected (benign) dragons, devoured medieval literature, and joined the fencing club. I had read about fencing and watched movie duels, but it was far different applying that knowledge. Despite my eagerness, my instructor didn’t hand me a foil and mask and leave me alone. He discussed, demonstrated, and guided my hand. Even after I grew more skilled, I continued to need guidance.

We learn and teach best in community. We don’t hand toddlers their first fork and leave them alone. When our preschooler wants to make cookies, we don’t barge in and take over: “let me do it; it’ll be quicker and less messy” (well, I might have been guilty of that last part). When our fifth grader needs help with math, rushing in to do it ourselves isn't ultimately helpful. We ask questions, we guide. And when they start driving? Despite wanting to take the wheel, we don’t. 

The strategies aren’t any different studying scripture. It can be difficult to move from facts on a page to understanding, to insight. We need help. 

So did the Ethiopian in Acts 8, a believer dedicated enough to travel at least five months one way to visit the Temple. As the Ethiopian journeys home, reading scripture, Philip providentially shows up as he is puzzling over a prophetic passage from Isaiah. 

Does Philip barge in to explain the verses? No, he first asks a question. When the Ethiopian says he doesn’t understand, Philip doesn’t say, “you pray, and God will reveal the answer; have a safe trip home.” He enters into a dialogue, not a debate or lecture. Philip quickly turns this opportunity toward preaching the gospel.

Called upon to help someone confused by the Bible, we should - like Philip, like Jesus with the woman at the well - avoid the distractions of different interpretations or philosophical discussions before making clear the central gospel message of the Bible. 

Before winning my fencing matches, I had to learn the basics. Before kids can become chefs, they need to learn how to measure ingredients. Before we excel at anything, we need others’ help to secure a foundation. Jesus, Peter, and Philip explained scripture to those seeking. Teachers, preachers, and commentaries explain scripture today. But basics must come first: do you know Jesus? Then, guided by the Spirit, we move toward deeper understanding.

Do you have a Philip experience, someone who led you to see Jesus in the Scriptures?  Do you have a small group experience when studying in community led to greater insight?  Take time to thank God for those.