Philip Arthur Bence PhD Thesis - Research@StAndrews:FullText

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To discover the "sense" of a text, the interpreter "will
allow the text to say what, controlled by its object, it
does actually say in its historical contingence."'31
The word "reflection" summarizes the second step.
(This internalizing of the text and its message occurs
simultaneously to the "explanation" step noted above;
Barth separated them for the purpose of analysis.) Every
interpreter, Barth wrote, reflects on Scripture within
the context of his own experience and philosophy. This
is inevitable but need not unduly bias .exesesis, if tive
interpreter consciously subordinates his own frame of
reference to Scripture.:'11
To complete an appropriate study of Scripture,
explanation and reflection will lead to "assimilation."
In assimilating Scripture, the interpreter by no means
controls it. On the contrary, Scripture (and its object
Jesus Christ) masters the reader's thoughts and
actions--his entire person."
In this manner, the preacher must intently listen to
Scripture's message to offer his own witness to the
recorded witness. The preacher should also understand
Church doctrinal statements (which find their basis in
Scripture) and conform his message to them. While
doctrine can never rule proclamation, but only serve
doctrine performs its service by reminding the
preacher to reject anything which would come between the
Word and the individual hearer.
As preaching looks back to revelation, it also looks