[fortheDeclaration]

and as lost as the eunuch attempting to read Scripture on his own.

And that is why God gave us Pastors and teachers to guide us through the scriptures, not to be a substitute for them.(Eph.4:11)

Once Philip showed by the scriptures that Isaiah was speaking about the coming Christ, he then understood.

The Bereans searched the scriptures to see if what Paul was teaching was correct.

They didn't take his word on anything.(Acts.17)

It was the scriptures that were the final authority, not any man's word.

Even Christ told the Jews to search the scriptures!(Jn.5)

[Manfred the Wonder Dawg]

God gave His children the Holy Spirit to guide us with wisdom and understanding. Pastors and teachers are no better than any saint (which, of course, describes everyone who is in Christ), though we must admit individuals yield to the Lord and gain understanding in proportion to that yielding.

Yes, Scripture and not any man, is the authority on what God has said and means. No pope nor Baptist preacher - none but the Lord.