Scripture interprets Scripture

It has been said that Jesus, the Word of God, gave us the best interpretation of Scripture available. I would agree, and add that the Scriptures as the Word of God do a pretty good job of it too. For example, this week we have Jesus saying to Thomas a phrase that is well known, but probably not well understood, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe."

For starters there is that interesting verb tense. "Blessed are those who HAVE not seen and yet HAVE come to believe." Only a week after the tomb has been found empty there are believers known to Jesus that have not seen him and yet have believed. Still there are members of his inner circle, part of the 12 (now 11 soon to be 12 again) who have not seen and do not yet believe. I find it very interesting to ponder how the news traveled.

Anyway, none of that is my point today. Instead, I want to look at 1 Peter and how it elaborates on the blessings of those who "have not seen and yet have come to believe." Verses 8 and 9 read, "Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls." In the midst of persecution, of great testing like gold in a fire, these disciples of Christ are receiving the blessing that comes from belief without seeing, "the salvation of [their] souls."

While I hate to get all academic on this blog (though I've been told I do it anyway) I'd like to share with you the various meanings of this word translated "salvation." Its layers and nuance give us much to chew on.

Strongs #4991 soteria {so-tay-ree'-ah}
Meaning: 1) deliverance, preservation, safety, salvation 1a) deliverance from the molestation of enemies 1b) in an ethical sense, that which concludes to the souls safety or salvation 1b1) of Messianic salvation 2) salvation as the present possession of all true Christians 3) future salvation, the sum of benefits and blessings which the Christians, redeemed from all earthly ills, will enjoy after the visible return of Christ from heaven in the consummated and eternal kingdom of God.

Notice that it is not until definition 3 that any future promise is named. It seems as though Peter is talking not about "suffering for the future" but rather a freedom from fear in the here and now. These disciples though they are in the midst of much suffering have already been delivered. Compare that with the 11 hole up in a room locked down "for fear of the Jews." Though they have seen, they have not taken on the peace of Christ that within 30ish years is clearly evident in Peter's church.

All that to say, the Bible interprets and expands on itself wonderfully, if we have the patience to look.