Direct Answer
Bercot’s principle confronts that mindset by making original apostolic-era practice a major interpretive control when Scripture is ambiguous. The transcript does not specifically mention contemporary evangelical churches, but it does challenge purely individual interpretation detached from the Corinthians’ understanding and practice.
Support from Transcript
- Bercot says Paul’s letter involved "the meeting of the minds" between "Paul's and the Corinthians," not first between Paul and modern readers. - He emphasizes that Paul "was not purposefully communicating to you and me" in the same direct sense. - The Corinthians had received "numerous oral traditions directly from Paul" and had seen him live out Christianity. - Bercot argues that "the Corinthians accurately understood what Paul was saying in his letter." - His principle is: "when Scripture is ambiguous, look at the course of performance of the disciples of the apostles." - He says the actions of the original parties are "the best evidence of the meaning they gave to the contract."
Discussion Follow-ups
The transcript does not address individual conscience directly. Still, it implies that personal interpretation should be corrected by the original audience’s understanding where that understanding can be known.