They had not the right aim. They did not seek God in the Word, and therefore did not find Him; they sought the honor that comes from man, and therefore could not believe. They loved the present world; and it is only in proportion as we have died unto the world that we can understand and love God’s truth. They were anxious to be thought masters and expositors; and even when they tried to find out the practical meaning of Scripture, it was to solemnize and edify others, and not themselves. They prepared dainties for others, while they were starving for themselves; they pointed to others the way, and remained only dead and wooden sign-posts. They came to Scripture, as Nicodemus came to Jesus, acknowledging that it was a book come from God, expecting information and improvement, not knowing that they needed to be born again. They quoted commentaries, and stole the Word one from the other, saying the burden of the Lord, this is the text and in the interpretation; and never prayed, Open Thou mine eyes; and never sought a message from the living God: “Open Thou my lips; and my mouth shall show forth Thy praise.” 

   Such was Pharisaism. But when God draws nigh, when it pleases Him to reveal His Son in us, then we count the erudition so eagerly acquired at the feet of Gamaliel but dross; we become God’s children, Christ’s disciples, and the Spirit of God teaches us that wisdom which the world counts foolishness.

   God speaks in and through the Word. It is not that God spake long ago, and that the record of His acts and words, His revelation, was embodied in a perfect manner, and preserved for us in Scripture. This is true. But God gave us the Bible, not to be silent now and let the Bible speak instead of Him, and be a guarantee for Him, but that He Himself may through His word speak, comfort, and confirm the soul, filling it with His light and love. 

The Hidden Life - Adolph Saphir