Neal Pollard
A philosopher called the office today and wanted to discuss the function of words in a particular text. He was absolutely fascinated with syntax, structure, literary devices, and the like, but almost seemed to avoid personal application and rational conclusion like it was the plague. He seems to represent in an extreme way what is often seen in too many people who approach scripture. Many seem to come to scripture the way the Athenians approached things, spending “their time in nothing other than telling or hearing some new thing” (Acts 17:21). They seem to prefer esoteric, obscure, multi-layered meanings. The idea that God in His power is able to communicate to all cultures and all times in a way the common man can understand repulses many of those enamored with philosophy, academia, and intelligentsia. It cannot be that simple. Like Gnostics, they believe only an elite few can truly understand the Bible and what is meant overall and in individual Bible books. Sadly, too many do not understand because they do not study the Bible. However, those who make the attempt will be rewarded with knowledge and understanding.
Thankfully, God has not reserved His truth for a small academic caste. In fact, Jesus says how one must become child-like to receive kingdom truth (Mark 10:13). To Corinth, Paul contrasted the Greek’s fascination with (worldly) wisdom with the seeming foolishness of God’s Word in man’s eyes (1 Cor. 1:22-23). But, Paul says, “Consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong” (1 Cor. 1:26-27).
Yes, there are some things hard to understand (2 Pet. 3:16). But, for all of that, whatever ultimately matters for living life here and preparing for eternity there (2 Pet. 1:3) can be understood by the humblest, simplest accountable soul. God is not a snob. He wants “all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:4). Remember that Jesus assures us that “you will know the truth” (John 8:32). Let’s not unnecessarily complicate it!
The Preacher Pollard Blog 
Great read, Neal.