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Where the one is gathered with his Bible, his recliner, his pipe, slippers and brandy, what voices does he hear? And what gives that individual complete authority to interpret? Why does that individual wish so hard to interpret?

Perhaps that individual doesn't wish to interpret at all but to share an understanding with others. That understanding should always, of course, be from the Word of God only. That should help to eliminate some other "voices". Those other voices could come from the person themself or from a church but if tested against His Word there is a good chance that any false teachings would be rendered ineffective.

Some people understand some scripture and others other scripture according to where they are in their walk. It seems a good and Christian thing to discuss what certain scriptures say to each of us.

Hebrews 5:13. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
14. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

John 21:15......He saith unto him, "Feed My lambs."
16.......He saith unto him, "Feed My sheep."
17.......He Jesus saith unto him, "Feed My sheep.

There are different appetites and different levels of understanding, depending upon where one is in their walk. Are they a lamb or a sheep? Does their age in His Word require milk or meat? I believe God decides what each of us consumes. He knows what we should be fed and when so all we can do, as His children that love Him, is to share what we know with others. He brings those He wishes to the table to share in that food.

It would be sad, indeed selfish and not Christian, for one to keep an understanding to themself if they thought it could benefit others.

Hebrews 5:13. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Those are good verses to us in any discussion, but they don't really favor one side or the other. How skillful are you? I realize that there is evidence for both sides of this debate, otherwise we would settle it and move on.

Discern for me if you will, the attributes of a firstborn son from examples in scripture. It doesn't take long to notice that certain characteristics keep coming up. Now do the same thing for a second born son. You may be able to see a noticeable difference. If so, can you tell me why you think that Able is a firstborn son?

Seven

Which brings us back to the point that I, and a number of others, keep reiterating.

The Word of God, as kosta put it so succinctly, was largely misunderstood, at least at first, by the Apostles. What makes each individual Protestant more capable than those who were instructed personally by Christ? Or the institution that Jesus created to instruct, admonish and correct us.

The Bible certainly needs to be measured against itself. But it still needs to be put into context by an authority on it. The diversity of interpretation here lends even more credence to the Biblical establishment of that authority. It not only says it in the Bible, it also makes logical sense.

Christ’s instruction to Peter is to feed and tend Christ’s lambs (spiritually). Peter has the authority given to him by Jesus. That authority didn’t go away when Peter was crucified upside down. That doesn’t make any sense and is unBiblical, regardless of the hostility that so many Protestants have towards any sort of doctrinal authority.

That authority is the means that the heresies have been identified and turned aside. The rejection of that authority has led to the resurrection of all of the 1st millennium heresies which are variously put into practice - as most ably demonstrated right here on these boards.