The importance of authorial intent has caused debate and a variety of opinions in the literary world. And while the Bible does contain beautiful literature, that is not the sole purpose, nor the way into understanding what is written within its pages. Understanding the role of Holy Spirit is critical to being in a healthy relationship as a reader who is seeking the fuller meaning, or sensus plenior, available to us from Holy Spirit through inspired authors in ancient texts. The Holy Spirit inspires the writer to write within his own context and it is a true and appropriate writing at that time. Over time, the Holy Spirit continues to give revelation of the deep things of God which have been written down in His texts. As a Spirit-filled reader encounters the words, the Holy Spirit gives the illumination and revelation necessary for guidance for life and for ministry. In this healthy relationship, the reader goes beyond the author’s awareness of the original intention, yet carefully avoids taking liberties with the text. As Dr. Jack Hayford states, “We cannot say something else than what the text says, but we can say something more.” This brings us to another implication to
The importance of authorial intent has caused debate and a variety of opinions in the literary world. And while the Bible does contain beautiful literature, that is not the sole purpose, nor the way into understanding what is written within its pages. Understanding the role of Holy Spirit is critical to being in a healthy relationship as a reader who is seeking the fuller meaning, or sensus plenior, available to us from Holy Spirit through inspired authors in ancient texts. The Holy Spirit inspires the writer to write within his own context and it is a true and appropriate writing at that time. Over time, the Holy Spirit continues to give revelation of the deep things of God which have been written down in His texts. As a Spirit-filled reader encounters the words, the Holy Spirit gives the illumination and revelation necessary for guidance for life and for ministry. In this healthy relationship, the reader goes beyond the author’s awareness of the original intention, yet carefully avoids taking liberties with the text. As Dr. Jack Hayford states, “We cannot say something else than what the text says, but we can say something more.” This brings us to another implication to