3
Author of
The Unfolding purpose of God
On Reading the Bible
The Early Centuries and the Truth
The Kingdom of God in Heaven & on Earth
The Early and Pastoral Epistles of Paul
The Galatian and Roman Epistles of Paul
The Acts of the Apostles and Afterwards
Letters from Prison
ISBN 0 85156 143 8
First Edition
1967
Reset and reprinted
1991
Reprinted
1998
© THE BEREAN PUBLISHING TRUST
52A WILSON STREET, LONDON, EC2A 2ER, ENGLA
PREFACE
The Bible is the most abused book in the world. In the hands of both scholars and laymen it has suffered the
indignity of being used to support all manner of dogmas, beliefs and fancies. Common sense, which has normally
been exercised in the interpretation of other works, seems to have been completely abandoned with respect to the
`Book of books', and liberties have been taken which in other spheres would have been condemned outright. It has
been said that anything may be proved from the Bible, a statement not so very far from the truth if complete liberty
of interpretation be allowed. There is therefore a great need for such a work as this which seeks to put the
interpretation of Scripture on a sound basis.
The rules outlined herein rest on the foundation that `all Scripture is given by inspiration of God' (2 Tim. 3:16)
and that God means what He says. The reader is here put in possession of a guide which, if followed, will make the
Bible a more meaningful Book, will allow it to speak with Divine authority, and deliver from dependence upon man.
Mr. Allen has kept the language simple and straightforward throughout, so that it may be available to all. Also,
what could easily have developed into a large work of many pages has been left as concise as possible, in order that
none may be overwhelmed. These features commend this book as most readable and enlightening, and it should
prove of great help to all who seek the truth of God in His Word. It is sent forth with this end in view.
`Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom' (Col. 3:16).
May 1967
Brian Sherring