Considering Scripture Together

As Peter, James and John descended Mt. Hermon after witnessing the transfiguration of Jesus, He gave an order to them. Jesus instructed told them to keep secret what they had seen. They could only share it after, “the Son of Man rose from the dead” (Mark 9:9). The disciples were confused because had never been taught that the Messiah was to suffer, die and be resurrected.

“They kept to themselves that statement, discussing with one another what rising from the dead meant” (Mark 9:10). Over time, Jesus explained to all the disciple about His need to die and be resurrected for the sins of the world.

While waiting for Jesus’ explanation, the disciples discussed amongst themselves what He may have meant. The Greek word translated as “discuss’ is syzēteō. It is a compound word (like “bookmark”) made from the Greek words “sun” and

“zéteó.”

Sun means “to closely identify with.” Zēteō means “to seek by inquiring.” So, this closely identifying group of disciples (Peter, James and John) was diligently inquiring together, to seek understanding (what it meant that Jesus would rise from the dead). The disciples were modeling what Christians should do regularly.

Churches have Sunday school classes or small group fellowships where they meet to study the scriptures. They are a closely identifying group: brothers and sister in Christ. Their purpose for assembling is to diligently inquire the truth contained in the scriptures.

We are encouraged to assemble for this purpose, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). We are living out in community our obedience to the individual command to, “present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). The scriptures are like a gem with many beautiful facets. As we gather, we share the understanding each has received from the Holy Spirit through their study. All that is shared must be affirmed, “examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.” (Acts 17:11). All grow from the truth that is shared.

The Book of Revelation chapters 2 and 3 contain seven letters to seven churches in Asia Minor. Each letter was for a specific church, but all seven churches were instructed to read all the letters. While God had a specific message for each church, He knew the truths being shared with the others would also find application in all the churches. In the same way we learn from the instruction to others.

I pray that you assemble regularly with your fellow believers to diligently study the word of God, to practice it in your lives and to teach it to all you encounter (Ezra 7:10). I pray “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him” (Ephesians 1:17).