Question: How can you interpret the Bible for yourself? I must warn you that the Bible cautions against that: "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation" - 2 Peter 1:20 (KJV).

Answer: You probably don't realize the inconsistency of your argument. You try to persuade me not to interpret the Bible for myself by showing me a Bible verse that supposedly proves your point. But if I cannot interpret the Bible for myself, how can I understand the meaning of the verse you quoted? Moreover you don't even abide by your own rule. For you read the Scriptures and use your mind to understand the meaning of the text.

What you really want to say is this: Read the Bible as much as you like, as long as you don't question any doctrine taught by the Roman Catholic magisterium. And if you find any variation between the teaching of the Bible and the teaching of the Vatican, then surely you must be misunderstanding the Bible. The Roman magisterium refuses to be held accountable and to be examined in the light of God's Word!