Karpophoreo

Understanding is Foundational

The ‘parable of parables’ is that of the Sower (Matt 13:3-23; Mark 4:3-20; Luke 8:5-15). As well as being one of the most well known delivered by Jesus, it is in a very real sense the key to all His parables. Mark the Evangelist includes a small detail omitted from both Matthew and Luke’s accounts; ‘And he said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?”’ (Mark 4:13 ESV). This parable contains the key to a very important principle in the scriptures; that of understanding.

Rare in the delivery of the parables, Jesus illuminates its meaning for them – He gives them understanding. Should they pay attention they will bear fruit later with further understanding of His subsequent teaching. Within the parable of the Sower itself, the aim of the teaching is that the audience would ‘bear fruit,’ or ‘produce a crop’ (Matt 13:23; Mark 4:20; Luke 8:15); fruit that is thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times what was sown by the Sower.

 

Karpophoreo

The Greek word karpophoreó (καρποφορέω), pronounced kar-pof-or-eh’-o, is used here. It means to bring forth, or to bear, fruit. We all have a choice in this life – Romans 7:4-5 tells us that we can karpophoreo ‘to death’, or we can karpophoreo ‘to God’. The wise person will want to bring forth fruit to God.

The aim of interpretation is good understanding, and the goal of good understanding is to bear good fruit – hence the name Karpophoreo.

 

Interpretational Keys

During His ministry, Jesus confronted many problems and enemies. Chief among them were the religious leaders of the day. He chastised them because they had ‘taken away the key of knowledge… and… hindered those who were entering’ (Luke 11:52 ESV). They were supposed to give the keys to knowledge to the ordinary people. This meant teaching them how to interpret God’s Word, so resulting in them possessing both knowledge and understanding. Yet they kept the interpretational keys to themselves, leaving God’s people in the dark. In contrast, Jesus gave the keys to those who would listen, and He instructed His disciples to do the same.

There are many in our churches who want to know and understand more about God and His ways, yet are in effect being fed baby milk. The interpretational keys have been withheld from them. The purpose of Karpophoreo is to offer some of those keys, and to provide a platform to promote the improved understanding of Scripture regardless of background, confidence, or previous level of knowledge. Many simply do not know where to start, or believe the door to understanding must for some reason always remain shut.

 

Our goal here at Karpophoreo is to equip people to become more aware interpreters. As followers of Christ we all need to grow in our understanding of Scripture. However, interpretation does not stop there. In the same way, the ability to rightly interpret (or not!) is also key to our personal relationships and our everyday lives.

Good interpretation leads to the entrance of His light. The hoped for result is that we will put His kingdom first, live more Christ-centred lives, and bear good fruit For Him. We are grateful that with the Lord’s help this is being achieved through this ministry.

George R. R. Martin is known for saying, “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies… The man who never reads lives only one.” For those who are learners by nature, reading opens the door to an exciting journey of experiencing previously unknown lives, new worlds and expanded horizons. This is especially the case in the worlds of hermeneutics (the art of biblical interpretation) and theology. It is a privilege to be able to obey Christ by passing on what we have learned to others.

There is no higher or more satisfying knowledge in life than knowing Christ. Karpophoreo is primarily dedicated to furthering the knowledge of Him. The Bible is a literary treasure trove consisting of the most fascinating, compelling collection of writings known to mankind; the very words of life itself. You are most welcome to join us on this adventure.