A reason we must approach the interpretation of the Bible with great care and respect is because the interpreter is seeking to realize the meaning(s) intended by God, who is the chief author of the Holy Bible. The sacred texts were written centuries ago and in languages that are often difficult to understand. The ideas in the Bible are frequently challenging. For example, consider what St. Peter said about the writing of St. Paul:"And regard the patience of our Lord as salvation. Just as our most dear brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given him, has written to you, as indeed he did in all his Epistles, speaking in them of these things. In these Epistles there are certain things difficult to understand, which the unlearned and the unstable distort, just as they do the rest of the Scriptures also, to their own distruction. You therefore, brethern, since you know this before hand, be on your guard lest, carried away from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." 2 Pet 3:15-18.This is one example of how Scripture itself admitts that there are "certain things difficult to understand, which the unlearned and the unstable distort, just as they do the rest of the Scriptures also, to their own distruction." 2 Pet 3:16
Therefore, the Bible is a gift of Revelation given to us by God Himself. We should always treat the Bible with great reverence. The Bible was given to the Church to be guarded and explained. The Bible must be interpreted by the Church from the "heart of the Church."
