Patristic Exegesis of St. Augustine pg 54

• Saint Augustine, as a master deceiver would, articulated 12 principles of sound exegesis, but practiced the hideous 'rule of faith'.

• 1. The interpreter must possess a genuine Christian Faith

• 2. The literal and Historical meaning of Scripture should be held in high regard.

• 3. Scripture has more than one meaning, and therefore the allegorical method is a proper one. (Deceit #1 The lie in the devils tale.)

• 4. Significance inheres in biblical numbers. (Deceit #2 Hidden messages)

• 5. The Old Testament is a Christian document because Christ is pictured throughout it

• 6. The task of the expositor is to understand the meaning of the author; not to bring his own meaning to the text.

• 7. The interpreter must consult the true orthodox creed. (Deceit #3 'Rule of Faith' Apostasy)

• 8. A verse should be studied in its context, not in isolation from the verses around it.

• 9. If the meaning of a text is unclear, nothing in the passage can be made a matter of orthodox faith.

• 10. The Holy Spirit is not a substitute for the necessary learning to understand Scripture. The interpreter should know Hebrew, Greek, geography, and other subjects.

• 11. The obsucre passage must yeld to the clear passage.

• 12. The expositor should take into account that revelation is progressive.