Today's interest in the question of the meaning of Scripture has roots in controversies as old as the Christian Church itself. This book examines the principal methods which Christians have used to interpret the Bible, with attention to their effect on the life and thought of the Church. Its concern is with the times at which significantly new developments took place--beginning with the interpretation of the Old Testament by Jesus and Paul. Special attention is given to the early and formative period of Christian history, followed by consideration of the schools of Alexandria and Antioch, the medieval period, the Reformation, the Enlightenment, the nineteenth century and a final chapter on recent developments.