Hi Bobby,
The way I see it, is that scripture can be both spiritual and literal.
Some things are only spiritual and some things are only literal,
but a lot of scripture has the physical first and by that you understand the spiritual.
It is not cut and dry one way or the other.
God made the scripture a mystery, so He could reveal it to those He so desires by His Spirit.
Eph 6:19 And pray for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,
Eph 1:9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself,
Mar 4:11 And He said to them, To you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God. But to those outside, all these things are given in parables
The Bible is like a gaint parable to the whole church, seeing they do not see (Matt. 13:13), that is the way God wants it. It is complicated and a mystery, so God can reveal it to just the few He wants to. And even among the elect there has to be someone to teach.
Rom 16:25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages
The apostles were teaching the believers, so they all did not have understanding just because they were a believer. It was given for some to be teachers.
Eph 4:11 And truly He gave some to be apostles, and some to be prophets, and some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,
Eph 4:12 for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.
Well I hope this is of some help.
mercy, peace, and love
Kat