The Comparative Mention Principle I. What is the Comparative Mention Principle of biblical hermeneutics? The Comparative Mention Principle “is that principle by which a certain verse or group of verses may be interpreted by comparing and/or contrasting it with another verse or group of verses” (Conner/Malmin pg. 59).

Comparing involves examining other like passages to find additional light relating to your passage. Contrasting involves examining other passages which deal with the same subject but from an opposing viewpoint.

A. Within the comparative principle is the idea of using the scripture to interpret Scripture. The Westminster Confession states that ‘The infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself and, therefore, when there is a question about the true and full sense of any Scripture... it must be searched and known by other places that speak more clearly.”

B. Within the comparative principle is the idea of interpreting the unclear from the clear. We want to be sure that whatever doctrinal convictions that we have are based on clear verses that can be supported by other verses. We never want to base a conviction on an obscure passage of Scripture.

There are four places in the New Testament where people received this experience, Acts 2, 8, 10 and 19. In three of these instances we see that those who received this baptism all “spoke in tongues.”

1. The initial outpouring on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:4). “And began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” 2. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon Cornelius and his household (Acts 10:44-48). For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Acts 10:46

3. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the men of Ephesus (Acts 19:1-6). And they spoke with tongues, and prophesied. Acts 19:6

In the fourth instance, it is not clear what supernatural sign was present even though it is clear that something dramatic happened. In this instance, it was the Samaritans who were baptized in the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-21). “And when Simon saw that through the laying on of hands the Holy Spirit was given…” Acts 8:18

There is no specific mention of “speaking in tongues” in this passage There is no specific mention of “speaking in tongues” in this passage. However, one has to wonder what Simon saw. Whatever it was, Simon the magician was so impressed that he offered Peter money for the power to do whatever was done. After Peter rebuked Simon for a wrong heart, he explained to Simon that he had “neither part nor portion in this matter” (Acts 8:21). The word that is used for “matter” here is the Greek word logos which means “utterance or speech.”

By using the comparative mention principle and the guideline of interpreting the unclear by the clear you have to conclude that the thing that Simon saw was the same thing that was present in the other clear passages, that is, the evidence of “speaking in tongues.”

C. Within the comparative principle is the idea of two or three witnesses forming the basis for a doctrine (II Cor. 13:1). Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for the dead? I Corinthians 15:29

Is Paul indeed advocating that people who have died can be helped by a believer standing in for them and being baptized in their place?

1. This cannot be the case because there is only “one witness” or one verse for this teaching (See chart below). Rite Commanded Practiced Unfolded Water Baptism Matthew 28: 19 Acts 2:38, 41 Colossians 2:12 Communion Luke 22:19 Acts 2:42 I Corinthians 11:23 Footwashing John 13 None Baptism for Dead I Cor. 15:29

2. This cannot be the case because this contradicts other clear doctrines of the Bible. a. The Scripture teaches that death is final (Heb. 9:27). b. The Scripture teaches that there are no second chances after death (Luke 16:19-31; Eccl. 11:3; Ezek.18:19-32).

c. The Scripture teaches that our eternal destiny is determined on the basis of what we do in and with this life (I Cor. 3:10-15). d. The Scripture teaches that heaven and hell are eternal states (Rev. 20:10; 22:5).

3. This cannot be the case because a careful reading of the passage will show that Paul is not talking about his own practice or the practice of other people. It is important to watch the pronouns in this passage (See: I Thessalonians 5:1-11).

D. Within the comparative principle is the idea that Scripture does not contradict scripture.

II. What is an example of comparing verses of Scripture? Comparing involves examining other like passages to find additional light relating to your passage. The Brazen Serpent It was made by Moses for the healing of the Israelites (Num. 21:9).

It was later worshiped by Israelites and became idolatry (II Kgs In the New Testament it became a symbol of Christ (John 3:14-15). In the New Testament it became a symbol of Christ on the cross (John 12:32).

III. What is an example of contrasting verses of Scripture? Contrasting involves examining other passages which deal with the same subject but from an opposing viewpoint.

IV. What is an example of comparison and contrast? The Two Builders

A. These passages contain many similarities. 1. Both passages point out the same characteristics of the wise and foolish man. 2. Both passages refer to the floods. 3. Both passages end up with the house of the wise man standing and the house of the foolish man being destroyed.

B. These passages contain some notable differences. Matthew Luke No mention of digging The wise builder “dug deep” Rain, Flood, Winds Flood, Stream The foolish man “built on sand” The foolish man “build on earth” No specific mention of foundation. The foolish man built without a foundation. No mention of intensity of storm. The stream beat vehemently No use of a similar term. Immediately it fell