[malakhi]

The Pharisees were given their authority by God. It was also removed by God via the Messiah. The messiah is now the interpreter and judge of the Law and the Commandments. He is the King of Isreal and of the Congregation. As such, the priesthood answers to Him and derives from Him. And the bible says we all who believe are now priests. The spirit of God is Given us to interpret for us directly. If we get it wrong, it is our fault because God made all the resources directly available to each of us. There is no excuse for failure. And the only reason for failure is disobedience to God. God knew what He was doing. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees and denounced their methods and their traditions; but, you are correct that he did say they should be obeyed at the time because they still held places of authority. Upon the death and resurrection, that authority was revoked. The priesthood of old was now useless. And anyone now claiming a priestly authority has none. Teachers and Preachers are servants to be heeded. We ignore those who teach correctly to our own peril. In heeding false teachers we do that to our own peril as well.

This of course is your interpretation. You assign the messiah roles for which there is no basis in the Hebrew scriptures. You also won't find any support in the Hebrew scriptures for the idea of individual interpretation.

[Havoc]

This of course is your interpretation. You assign the messiah roles for which there is no basis in the Hebrew scriptures. You also won't find any support in the Hebrew scriptures for the idea of individual interpretation.

In the Hebrew scriptures - no. But, individual reading with interpretation Guided of the Spirit of God is there in the Greek NT. Most call it 'sola' to deny the Spirit and bring question upon the person claiming to do this. And the office of the Messiah is pretty well defined in scripture. My words to that effect are a summation of the most obvious. Which as a Jew, I understand you reject.

[hopefulpilgrim]

Hi, angelo! You wrote:

You also won't find any support in the Hebrew scriptures for the idea of individual interpretation.

I don't understand your statement. I immediately thought of my favorite OT chapter---Psalm 119, which include these words addressed to the LORD from the psalmist.

Thy hands made me and fashioned me; Give me understanding, that I may learn Thy commandments.

I have more insight than all my teachers, for Thy testimonies are my meditation.

Deal with The servant according to Thy lovingkindness, And teach me Thy statutes. I am Thy servant; give me understanding that I may know Thy testimonies.

The unfolding of Thy words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple [hopefulpilgrim].

Make Thy face shine upon Thy servant, and teach me Thy statutes.

Thy testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding, that I may live.

Let my cry come before Thee, O LORD; give me understanding according to Thy word.

Let my lips utter praise, for Thou dost teach me Thy statutes.