Thank you for the interpretation question, “Two well-known theologians study the exact same Bible passage and come to opposite conclusions on what it means. How do you decide which one is accurate?”
The decision on the interpretation of a biblical text is not based on theological statements, commentaries, or even theologians and teachers. Believers are called to study the Scriptures themselves to rightly divide the Word of Truth.
II Timothy 2:15 says this, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (NIV).
In the Council of Jerusalem in Acts 15, there was a debate whether Gentile believers had to follow the Mosaic Law or not. The Church came to a decision by listening to the presentations by various men and coming to a conclusion.
As one reads the Book of Acts, the Jewish people listened, debated with some agreeing and others disagreeing with Paul’s understanding of the Scriptures. The Church of Berea read and discuss their understanding of the Scriptures with Paul.
Every believer and every theologians have their “biases” or theological leaning. It may be a seminary that they attend that teaches a certain theological stance or a pastor who preaches on a certain view. Believes may or may not agree with the speaker or what is written. One ought to be aware of one’s theological tendencies, seek to be open in reading/hearing the arguments for each perspective, attempt to evaluate the speaker’s interpretation based on the context, text, and topic on the subject, discussing with other Christians on the subject, and coming to one’s own conclusion on a topic.
The Scripture teaches that the Holy Spirit is the believer’s teacher and that what has been taught by the Apostles at least on the fundamentals of the Faith can’t be compromised. One can’t accept a theologian’s interpretation that Jesus is NOT the way, the truth, nor the life or teaches that one can earn salvation by one’s own good work. The Scriptures, in my view, doesn’t support such a interpretation.
SUMMARY: It is not what the theologians says that matters but what the Scriptures say that matters. Study the Scriptures and come to one’s conviction, knowing that one day every believer will give an account of their words and actions.
For further perspectives: