Reading Scripture is one thing.
Understanding Scripture is another. It is interesting how, despite scripture
being the basis of Christianity it has varied exegeses. Additionally, both the
Jews and the Christians share the Old Testament, yet they both understand and
read it very differently. Can we see Christ in scripture? Has the prophecy or
prophecies been realised? St Irenaeus of Lyon gives an interesting explanation,
whereby he brings together the unearthing of Christ in and through Holy
Scripture, claiming that:
‘If anyone, therefore, reads the
scriptures this way, he will find in them the Word concerning Christ, and a
foreshadowing of the new calling. For Christ is the “treasure which was hidden
in the field” [Mt 13.44], that is, in this world – for “the field is the world”
[Mt13.38] – [a treasure] hidden in the scriptures, for he was indicated by
means of type and parables, which could not be understood by human being prior
to the consummation of those things which had been predicted, that is the
advent of the Lord. And therefore it was said to Daniel the prophet, “Shut up
the words and seal the book, until the time of the consummation, until many
learn and knowledge abounds. For, when the dispersion shall be accomplished,
they shall know all these things” [Dan.12.4, 7]. And Jeremiah also says, “In
the last days they shall understand these things” [Jer. 23.20]. For every
prophecy, before its fulfilment, is nothing but an enigma and ambiguity to
human being; but when the time has arrived, and the prediction has come to
pass, then it has an exact exposition [exegesis].
And for this reason, when at this present time the Law is read by the Jews, it
is like a myth, for they do not possess the explanation [exegesis] of all
things which pertain to the human advent of the Son of God; but when it is read
by Christians, it is a treasure, hid in a field, but brought to light by the
Cross of Christ, and explained, both enriching the understanding of humans, and
showing forth the wisdom of God, and making known his dispensation with regard
to human beings, and prefiguring the kingdom of Christ, and preaching in
anticipation the good news of the inheritance of the holy Jerusalem, and
proclaiming beforehand that the one who loves God shall advance so far as even
to see God, and hear his Word, and be glorified, from hearing his speech, to
such an extent, that others will not be able to behold his glorious countenance
[cf. 2 Cor. 3.7.], aw was said by Daniel, “Those who understand shall shine as
the brightness of the firmament, and many of the righteous as the stars for
ever and ever” [Dan.12.3]. In this manner, then, I have shown it to be, if
anyone read the scriptures.’[1]
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