BIBLE STUDY AND INTERPRETATION SKILLS

BIBLE STUDYAND

INTERPRETATION SKILLSSTUDENT MANUAL

BY TERRY KING

Leadership Development Resources PO Box 667 - Hagerstown, MD 21741 – USA

“EQUIPPING THE EQUIPPERS OF THE LAST DAYS ADVANCE OF JESUS’ KINGDOM”

Copyright © 1994, 2003 by Terry King

All rights reserved. This book is protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America and may not becopied or reprinted without the written permission of author, except for brief quotations.

Permission for copying will be granted providing distribution is not for profit (a nominal charge for actual cost ofmaterials is allowed), no changes are made in the material as presented, proper credit is given for sources of material.(Copying any of this material and presenting falsely as one's own will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.)

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, King James Version.

Published by Leadership Development ResourcesPO Box 667Hagerstown, Maryland 21741-0667 USA

Phone: 301-733-8473Fax: 301-733-6485Email: [email protected]: www.LDROnline.org

v

Table of Contents

Course Syllabus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix

Study Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiMajor Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii

Introduction to Course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15The Six Biblical Sciences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Part One: The Bible and the Believer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Why this Course? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16The Need for Bible Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Three Levels of Personal Bible Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Steps for Bible Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17We Need the Illumination of the Holy Spirit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Methods of Bible Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Part Two: Bible Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Canonology: How did we get the Bible? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

The Old Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22The New Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Beginnings of collections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23The tests of canonicity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24History of the Canon: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Bible Translations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Part Three: Hermeneutics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Why Study Hermeneutics? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Foundations for Interpretation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Kinds of Interpreters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Methods of Interpreting Scripture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Basic Hermeneutic Principles Drawn From Luther . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Principles of Interpretation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Basic Insights for Interpretation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Culture and Interpretation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40When Is the Bible Normative? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Part Four: Interpreting Different Types of Literature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44The Epistles - Learning to Think Contextually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44The Epistles - The Hermeneutical Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

vi

The Old Testament Narratives - Their Proper Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Acts - The Problem of Historical Precedent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51The Gospels - One Story, Many Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54The Parables - Do You Get the Point? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57The Law(s) - Covenant Stipulations for Israel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59The Prophets - Enforcing the Covenant in Israel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62The Psalms - Israel's Prayers and Ours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64Wisdom - Then and Now . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67The Revelation - Images of Judgement and Hope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

ix

AIM InstituteCourse Syllabus

Course: Bible Study and Interpretation Skills

Instructor:

Term:

Class Dates:

Course Description: This course is designed to motivate and equip servant leaders to effectivelystudy, interpret and apply the Scriptures in personal and ministry situations.

Objectives:

1. To emphasize the strategic importance of the Word of God in life and ministry.

2. To provide basic background on the Bible to assist student in understanding the Word of God.

3. To provide insight and tools for Bible interpretation.

4. To encourage the personal faith of the student through careful study.

5. To provide the student with Biblical answers to key questions that the Christian worker will faceconcerning the subjects covered.

6. To stimulate the students thinking by exposing him to new areas of Biblical teaching.

Requirements:

1. Attend and participate in all class periods.2. Complete all reading assignments3. Complete all written assignments. Assignments must be prepared before class and be ready forturning in, typed on a full sheet of paper. Grammar and spelling are important! Late assignmentswill receive an automatic deduction in grade.4. Satisfactory pass all quizzes and exam

x

Texts:

1. The Holy Bible, any English version2. Fee, Gordon D. and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth. Grand Rapids:Zondervan Publishing House, 1993. (Note the publishing date, there are several reprints of this book.The text is much the same but the page numbers may not agree with those used in these notes.)

3. Sproul, R. C. Knowing Scripture. Downers Grove, Il.: InterVarsity Press, 1977.

Grading:

1. Daily Work: 33% (Includes class participation, written assignments and quiz)

2. Complete reading asssignments

3. Final Exam: 33%

xi

Bible Study and Interpretation SkillsSample Study Guide

Assignment One:1. Read Sproul, chapters 1-22. Read Fee and Stuart, preface and chapter 13. Define the following words:

ExegesisHermeneutics

Assignment Two:1. Read Sproul, chapters 32. Read Fee and Stuart, chapter 23. Define the following words:

Historical ContextLiterary ContextVariantsTranslationThree theories of translation

4. Part one of Project Due

Assignment Three:1. Study introductory class material for quiz2. Read Sproul, chapter 4-63. Part one of project due4. Quiz one (Introductory class material)

Assignment Four:1. Read and outline Fee and Douglas, chapters 3-5 (Include your outline in this manual to bechecked by the instructor at the last class during the final exam)2. Part 2 of Project Due

Assignment Five:Read and outline Fee and Douglas, chapters 6-8

Assignment Six:1. Read and outline Fee and Douglas, chapters 9-112. Part 3 of Project Due

Assignment Seven:

xii

1. Read and outline Fee and Douglas, chapters 12-132. Final Exam

Final Project Due

xiii

Major ProjectBook Study Using the Tools

Provided in This Course

1. Choose book you wish to study.-Consider this a challenge, an opportunity to discover new truths in a book that you areinterested in or have never really considered carefully.-You may choose an Old Testament or New Testament book-It is suggested you choose a major book. The amount of time and work spent on the projectwill be reflected in your grade.-Read and consider the requirements of the project before choosing the book.-Each student in the class must choose a different book.-You must choose the book you wish to study and hand in a written suggestion for teacherapproval on March 25. (One page with name of book)

2. Read the book carefully through at least twice.-Read the book through in one sitting. No stopping!-Read the book through slowly and carefully considering key passages, especially those that aredifficult to understand.-A one to two page survey of the book recording your observations on the book will be due onApril 1. (One page)

3. Outline the book-Outline each chapter of the book noting the important points-Be certain to note the flow of paragraphs when outlining. Beware that chapter and verse breaksdo not always reflect paragraphs.-Outline is due April 15. (As many pages as need for a basic outline)

4. The final step of the project has several parts-Identify the author and purpose for writing-Identify the kind of literature-Identify a key difficult passages-Identify the principles of interpretation that you will use to explain these passage.-Identify the proper interpretation of the passage you have chosen.-Note the most important truth that you have learned from this book study.-This final portion of the project is due on April 30. (three pages)

Bible Study and Interpretation Skills

Introduction to Course

1. What do I expect to learn in this class?

2. List several passages of Scripture that you find troubling that you would like to better understandbefore the end of the course:

How does this course interface with other Biblical sciences?

The Six Biblical Sciences

A. Canonology: The Word "canon" simply means "a rod, rule, or measuring stick." This sciencehas to do with determining which sacred books measure up to the standard of Divine Inspiration.Which books belong in the Bible? (Apocrypha?)

B. Textual Criticism (studies): The word textual refers to the actual wording of the book. Thisscience seeks to determine as accurately as possible the original wording of the inspired text.(Actual words) Fee and Stuart page 31

C. Historical Criticism (studies): This science deals with the authorship, date, historical details,authenticity of contents and unity of the books of the Bible. Scholars research the backgroundfor writing, culture of the time, geography, political factors, etc.

D. Exegesis: Means "to guide or lead out." This science involves the application of the rules ofHermeneutics. It is the process of Hermeneutics. This science involves the careful study ofScripture seeking the author's original intended meaning using the insights of historical criticism.The Bible student seeks to understand the author's occasion and purpose for writing.

E. Hermeneutics: This science deals with principles of interpreting the Scriptures and applyingthem to today's situations. Often this includes Exegesis, but we are noting a distinction toemphasize the order of the process.

F. Theology: Means "the study and discourse of God." Theology involves the comparison,complying, categorizing and conclusions of Biblical doctrines. It is the result of the properapplication of 1-5.


Biblical Sciences Progression

Theology

Exegesis

Hermeneutics

Textual Criticism

Historical Criticism

Canonology

Part One: The Bible and the Believer

I. Why this Course?

A. This course is designed to motivate and equip servant leaders to effectively study, interpret(understand), and apply the Scriptures in ministry situations.

B. This is actually accomplished in two stages:

1. Personal devotion and systematic Bible study

2. Specific study for ministry opportunities

II. The Need for Bible Study

A. Psalms 119:11

B. II Timothy 2:15

1.

by Terry King

2.

3.

C. I Timothy 4:12-16

D. II Timothy 2:6

Principle: "You cannot feed others if you do not first feed yourself."

III. Three Levels of Personal Bible Study

A. Daily study: The best time is in the morning

Psalms 5:3; 57:8; 59:16; 88:13, Mark 1:35, Luke 6:12

B. A special day every week: The principle of the Sabbath

1. The Sabbath is a special day set apart each week for seeking God and rest.

The principle of the sabbath: The Christian leader must take time to seek God and refillhis cup or he will become exhausted spiritually and fail in ministry.

2. Isaiah 58:13-14

C. A spiritual holiday: Several days set aside one a year

IV. Steps for Bible Study

A. The first step of study is to read:

1. Isaiah 34:16

2. Read the Bible as a novel, as a short story, read slowly verse by verse, read a whole bookin one sitting. Put your self into the action when reading, imagining what is happening andwhat it would be like to be there. Compare passages that are similar allowing Scripture toexplain and expand upon itself.


B. The next step for the serious student is to memorize

1. Psalms 119:11

2. Colossians 3:16

3. John 14:26

C. The next step is meditate on the Scriptures

1. Psalms 119:99

2. Proverbs 4:23

3. Joshua 1:8

D. We must obey Scripture!

1. I Samuel 15:22

2. James 1:22

Beware of the "Pharisee Syndrome," knowing the word but not the Word!

V. We Need the Illumination of the Holy Spirit to Make Bible Study Profitable.

A. The human condition limits understanding a Spiritual book:

1. Man is not able to understand what he hears:

Matthew 13:13

2. This is the result of the sinful condition:

Romans 1:21

B. God communicates at a different level than man understands:

I Corinthians 2:14; Isaiah 55:8-9; I Corinthians 1:25

C. This condition is overcome when the Holy Spirit does his work within man:

by Terry King

Ephesians 1:18; I John 5:20; I Corinthians 2:14-16; John 16:13

VI. Methods of Bible Study

A. Book study

1. Illustration of archaeologist who digs carefully to find precious clues of past civilizations.

2. Kinds of Literature:

a. Discourse: Sets forth truth in a logical reasoned way; similar to a speech. (Example:Pauline epistles, especially Romans)

b. Prose-narrative: A biography, history or story. Events are given in a chronologicalorder. (Example: Genesis, the Gospels)

c. Poetry: Identified by parallelism, every other line relates to the last. (Example: Psalms,Proverbs)

d. Parables: Short story with a spiritual meaning.

e. Drama: Similar to poetry but reacts like a play (Song of Solomon)

f. Apocalypse: Prophetic literature that is written in visions and symbols. Meansuncovering or revelation. (Example: Revelation and parts of the Old Testamentprophets.)

3. Steps in Bible study

a. Read, observe, make notes as you go, repeat.

b. Look for 6 things:

1) What kind of literature2) Outline book3) Main theme (Best way to fine is to read in one setting)4) Development of that theme (Watch for the author's announcements and changes)5) Identify terms or statements which are not easily understood.6) Summarize the message that you feel God is communicating in the book.

B. Biography study

1. Study the lives of Bible people.


2. Three kinds:

a. Simple applications: Lists facts as a matter of record; most common kind.

b. Narration expositions: Author uses story of man's life to teach a historical lesson.(How did this life effect a nation? Example: David, Abraham, Paul)

c. Character Exposition: Author's purpose is to teach the aspects of character. (Example:Kings of Israel and Judah.)

3. Procedure for biography study

a. Collect Data: Read, take notes

1) Names (relatives)2) Places3) Accomplishments4) Personality Traits

b. Interpretation of Data: (What kind of biography is it?)

4. Organization of data: Follow this simple outline

a. Birth & Early Lifeb. Conversion to Ministryc. Relationship with othersd. Character evaluatione. Final life experiences and deathf. Author's purpose for writing

5. Ways to organize data

a. Narrative: Organize around major time periods. (Example: Moses' three life periodsof 40 years.)

b. Character evaluation: Organize around major life decisions and results.

C. Topical method of Bible study

1. List occurrences of the topic you have chosen. Using Strong's Exhaustive Concordancewill help.

2. Classify into categories:

by Terry King

a. In order of occurrenceb. To the way it is used

3. Examine Context: Examine usages

4. Summarize each category

5. Compare Summary Statements

6. Summarize Entire Outline (Cautions: Avoid over generalizations, do not over report.)

D. Devotional reading

1. To be properly prepared for hermeneutics one must take time to be personally fed by theScriptures.

II Timothy 2:6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.

2. This is the most common type of Bible study

3. Consider key words, verses, paragraphs

4. Adopt goals and a strategy for regular devotional study

5. Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit as you study

6. Ask key questions as you read : Who? What? Where? When? How?


Part Two: Bible Basics

I. Canonology: How did we get the Bible?

A. The Old Testament was accepted by Judaism at an early stage.

1. Jews prefer to call these 39 books the Tanak which is an acronym for the three sections

a. The Law (First five books by Moses also called the Pentateuch)

b. The Prophets

c. The Writings

2. The Old Testament received official recognition from Christ and the Apostles.

a. Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittleshall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

b. II Timothy 3:16 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable fordoctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

B. The New Testament books were written between approximately 50 and 100 AD. They werenot written in the same order that they appear in the New Testament today. Because the earlyChristians believed the return of Christ would come in their life time they saw no need toorganize the New Testament. This occurred later. The chronological order of the writing of theNew Testament books follows:

1. The first are Paul's travel letters. (50-56 AD)

a. These letters were written as responses to problems occurring in churches Paul hadfounded.

b. On his second journey he wrote I and II Thessalonians.

c. On his third journey he wrote I and II Corinthians, Galatians, and Romans.

2. James was written at about the same time as Paul's third journey.

3. Next are the prison epistles, written from Caesarea 59-61.

- Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians, Philippians

by Terry King

4. The pastoral epistles were written from Rome, 67-68 AD.

- I Timothy, Titus, II Timothy

5. The general epistles were written at about the same time.

- I and II Peter, Jude, Hebrews

Study Question: Why do you think the gospels were written last?

6. The synoptic gospels and Acts were written as a result of the declining number ofeyewitnesses to the life of Christ. (around 70 AD)

- Mark, Matthew, Luke, Acts (by Luke)

7. John's Gospel was followed by his epistles and finally by the Revelation which wasoriginally known as the "Apocalypse."

C. Beginnings of collections:

1. The first collections were probably of Paul's letters

2. Next came collections of the Gospels, which could not have been done until John's Gospelwas written around the end of the 1st century.

3. Bound papyrus volumes of these kinds of collections have been discovered dating backto the 3rd century.

D. Reasons needed for a more strictly supervised Canon

1. Marcron's Canon: A heretic who only accepted the books that would adhere to his doctrine

2. Apocryphal books: Being used as equals to inspired books

3. Spreading of forgeries: Which books could be trusted?

4. Edict of Dioletian (330 AD?): All religious literature must be burned. Which books werereally worth giving one's life for?

E. The development of the New Testament canon was a process that was completed by the third


century. (Baker Encyclopedia page 303f)

1. Because there were a number of questionable books in circulation, church councils wereheld to establish a list of authoritative books.

2. Books offered for possible including in the canon were divided into several categories:

a. Accepted booksb. Disputed booksc. Rejected booksd. Heretical books

F. The tests of canonicity: (Eerdmans page 94-95 and 105)

1. Apostolicity:

2. Genuine:

3. Authenticity:

4. Universality:

5. Inspiration:

Study Question: Who made up the tests of the Canon?

by Terry King

G. History of the Canon:

1. Not necessary originally because of the large number of eye witnesses alive and theexpectancy of the Lord's return.

2. Justin Martyr (early church father, 150 AD) accepted 14 of our 27 books

3. Muratorian Canon (200 AD) accepted all but 4 of our 27 books.

4. Council of Carthage (397 AD) Leaders were called from major churches all over theRoman empire. They officially set the Canon of the New Testament at the 27 books that wehave today.

H. The Apocrypha

1. Old Testament

a. Includes books written during the 400 year "Silent Period" between Malachi and Johnthe Baptist.

b. Never included in the Hebrew canon of 39 books. We do not know for sure when theJews closed the canon, but the earliest list containing all 39 books was by Melito ofSardis around AD 170 (Baker Encyclopedia page 301)

c. First included in the Jewish canon in the Septuagint (Greek translation of the OldTestament translated in about the third century BC) This translation was used by earlygentile Christians.

d. Not included by Jerome in the first official Latin translation by the Roman CatholicChurch because they were not part of the Hebrew canon.

e. Apocryphal books were include in the second Roman Catholic Latin translation at theinsistence of Augustine.

f. They were not included by Luther or any of the reformers

2. New Testament

a. Consist primarily of writings gathered together by the false Gnostics of the earlychurch time period.

b. Discovered in 1945 in Upper Egypt and published as the Nag Hammadi Library byJames Robinson.


c. Never accepted into the New Testament canon.

3. None of the Apocryphal books are accepted as meeting the standard of inspired Scripture.While they are useful for gaining historical and cultural background, they are not used formatters of Christian faith or practice.

4. The only serious doctrinal question coming from the Apocrypha concerns the Catholicdoctrine of purgatory.

a. Roman Catholic use II Macabees 12:43 to suggest that the papal doctrine of purgatoryis scriptural.

b. II Macabees was not canonized and there are no other scriptural references to provethis.

Study Questions:

1. Why are there only 27 books in the New Testament?

2. Why is the Apocrypha a separate section in the Catholic Bible?

3. The Catholics say that our Bible is not complete, it is missing some books. What is our answer?

II. Bible Translations

A. An English translation is necessary

1. The Old Testament was written in Hebrew (second half of Daniel and two parts of Ezrain Aramaic)

2. The New Testament was written in ancient Greek

B. Textual Criticism is a necessary first step because many copies in the original languages exist,but no single copy of the actual original writings. (Fee and Stuart page 31, Eerdmans page 89)

by Terry King

1. Old Testament sources include Hebrew copies mostly from the medieval period and aGreek translation called the Septuagint.

2. The New Testament is translated from over five thousand Greek copies and severalthousand more in Latin from.

a. Many of the oldest and best preserved copies come Egypt, Roman Empire sources areused as well.

b. Most of the oldest copies were most recently discovered.

3. Textual criticism is effectively done by Bible scholars

a. The large number of copies makes it possible to search out differences between them.

b. Where questions about the exact words remain the formation of no doctrine is at risk.

C. Considerations for choosing a translation

1. Which copies of the original language have been used for the translation?

a. Older translations such as the KJV are based on later copies which were the only onesavailable at the time.

b. Generally the newer the translation, the more complete use of the best manuscripts.

2. Was the translation done by an individual or a committee; what was their theologicaldirection?

3. What translation theory or method did the translators follow?

a. Literal:

b. Dynamic equivalent:

c. Free:


4. For balanced study we suggest use of a literal translation for devotional reading such asthe New American Standard or King James Version and a version that follows a dynamicequivalent for study such as the New International Version. Whenever possible use anumber of other versions for comparison.

by Terry King

\Part Three: Hermeneutics

Introduction: What is Hermeneutics?

I. Why Study Hermeneutics?

A. These are perilous times! False doctrine is everywhere.

I Timothy 4:1-7, Titus 1:10-11

B. Need for unity in Interpretation: Every reader is already an interpreter!

II Peter 1:20-21

C. To open the deeper truths of Scripture.

I Corinthians 2:9-10, Philippians 3:13-14

II. Foundations for Interpretation

A. Interpreters of Scripture face three major problems

1. Choosing the Canon (we addressed this problem in the last section)

2. The difficulties changing culture, customs, social and religions situations and languagepresent to understanding.

3. The relative importance of dogma and tradition (note the previous section dealing withthe Pharisees.)


B. Why is there a problem? Gap Chart:

Gap Chart:

Speaker

35 Different Writers

Time Gap: 1600 years in writing 2000 years since writing

Language Gap: Written in Hebrew, Aramaic andGreek

Hearer

C. The Linguistic Gap: (Literary Context)

1. Linguistics is, "the Science of languages, the origin, meaning and application of words."

2. Language includes:

a. Vocabulary: What are the basic meanings of the words being studied, idioms areespecially difficult to translate and interpret.

b. Background: How is the word used

1) Usages in literature2) Uses in Scripture

c. Grammar:

1) How is it used in a sentence2) Greek presents a challenge as it has no punctuation

Study Question: What is the proper interpretation of Ephesians 4:12

by Terry King

Note the difference in the usage of commas in King James Version and New InternationalVersion. How does one comma change the meaning?

Also consider, "Isaiah 59:19 So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and hisglory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of theLORD shall lift up a standard against him." How does the meaning of the verse change if thecomma is moved from after "flood" to after "shall come in"?

d. Kind of Literature: Examples; history, poetry, prophecy

D. Culture Gap: "The ways and means whereby a given people carry on their existence."(Historical Context)

1. Material; housing, cooking, instant food, clothing

2. Social: Family customs, civil laws, legal proceedings etc. (Example: Matthew 25 andJewish Wedding)

E. Geographical Gap:

1. Political Boundaries

2. Geographical formations: How far was Philip translated in Acts 8?

3. Plant types: Illustration: Importance of vine and branches in John 15

4. Climate and seasons

F. The Historical Gap

1. Political situations: What was the background for the question in Acts 1:6?

2. Economic Background: Problems in Jerusalem church.

Acts 11:28

3. Religious Background: Diana of Ephesians Acts 19:24-41

Acts 19:24

III. Kinds of Interpreters:


(No matter how good the tools, they are useless without the artist.)

A. Legalistic Interpreters

1. Scribes, Pharisees who interpret in a legalistic and demanding manner

Matthew 23:23-24

2. What are examples of those who attempt to twist the Scriptures today with legalisticinterpretation?

a. Outside adornment; makeup, hair, jewelry etc.

b. Legalistic tithing

c. Bondage to the "program"

d. Amusements and entertainment choices

e. External "spirituality"

3. The legalistic interpreter places more emphasis on outside appearances than on the heart.He over emphasizes the mundane; "Straining the gnat, swallowing the camel." Oftensimplistic in interpretation while missing the real point of the passage.

B. False Interpreters

1. Those who deliberately twist the Scriptures to fit their purpose.

II Peter 3:16

2. Again the Pharisees are an example, attempting to use the Scriptures to tempt Christ.

Matthew 22:24; 22:29

3. The cults are often guilty of this today, "proof texting," using verses out of context toprove a point they want to make.

4. We should follow Paul's testimony:

II Corinthians 4:2

by Terry King

C. True Interpreters

1. Properly balancing the spiritual and mental aspects of Interpretation under the inspirationof the Holy Ghost.

2. Example: Jesus

Luke 24:27; 32

3. Paul

I Corinthians 2:4, Acts 17:2; 11

4. Apollos

Acts 18:24

IV. Methods of Interpreting Scripture

A. The Allegorical Method

1. Definition: Assumes that beneath the plain and obvious sense of Scripture lies some deepand mysterious and hidden meaning.

2. Evaluation: Basically dangerous because there are no Scriptural boundaries (Example:extreme typology)

B. The Mystical Method

1. Definition: Similar to the Allegorical method but great emphasis is put on the "Spirit's"meaning, also called "Spiritualizing."

2. Evaluation: Basically dangerous in that it assumes the Scriptures may have a number ofmeanings. Treats the Scripture like a riddle and gives the Interpreter an exalted position.

C. Rationalistic Method

1. Definition: Arose in Germany after the Reformation as men attempted to undermine theauthority of the Scripture. Uses natural situations and events to explain away thesupernatural in Scripture.

2. Examples: Lazarus was only in a comma... Red Sea crossing and Christ's walking onwater only myths.


3. Evaluation: Simply stated this is unbelief not interpretation. Man's reason is exalted aboveGod.

D. Literal Method

1. Origin: Ezra is known as the Father of Biblical Hermeneutics.

Nehemiah 8:8 So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense,and caused [them] to understand the reading. (see 1-8)

2. Definition:

a. Assumes that the words of Scripture in their obvious meaning are reliable.

b. God intended all who believe to understand the revelation of Scripture.

c. God based the communication of truth on the regular laws of written communication.

Example: how do the cults translate Titus 2:13?

V. Basic Hermeneutic Principles Drawn From Luther and the Reformation (Sproul pages 46-61)

A. Sacra Scriptura sui interpres: Sacred Scripture is to interpret Scripture

1. This is the primary rule: All we need to interpret Scripture is Scripture

2. Also called "the analogy of Faith"

3. Based on the conviction that all Scripture is inspired (II Timothy 3:16-17)

B. Scripture is to be interpreted by its sensus literalis: Literally

1. To interpret the Bible literally we interpret it as literature using normal rules of grammar,speech and context.

2. When interpreting we give careful attention to genre analysis. What kind of literature isbeing studied? (This subject will be looked at more closely in a following section.)

3. The literal method does not exclude figurative language. Examples include poetic style,the use hyperbole, personification and analogy. (Sproul page 49-53)

C. The Reformation rejected the possibility of multiple meanings to Biblical passages

by Terry King

1. Specifically the quadriga method was rejected which allowed for four levels ofunderstanding.

2. The quadriga method became popular during the middle ages and greatly diluted the literalmeaning of passages which could be easily interpreted literally.

3. The literal method does not exclude the spiritual meaning or depth of meaning.

4. The literal method does not exclude the need for application. There is only oneinterpretation but many applications.

For example: The scripture says to not be afraid of enemies, God will fight our battles.This should be interpreted literally, but can be applied to many situations in our lives.

D. The reformers emphasized the need to understand Grammatico-Historical Method

1. Noting that the Scriptures were originally written in Hebrew and Greek, studying thegrammatical structure and actual meanings of words will enhance the understanding ofScripture

2. An genuine effort must be made to understand Scripture in the way the original hearersunderstood it by studying their context.

VI. Principles of Interpretation

A. The context principle

1. Definition comes from root words: Con = together Texus = woven

a. In Scripture this signifies the connection of thought that runs through the whole ofScripture.

b. The Hermeneutic circle:

1) A part cannot be understood without the whole, the whole cannot be understoodwithout each part.

2) SCRIPTURE INTERPRETS SCRIPTURE WHEN ILLUMINATED BY THEHOLY SPIRIT!

2. Kinds of context:

a. Whole of Scripture context


b. Testament context

c. Book context

d. Passage context

3. Rules: Always carefully read all verses that surround the verse in question. Never isolatea verse and interpret its meaning without looking at the obvious meaning brought out by thecontext.

4. An example: Does Jesus teach the doctrine of "hanging oneself quickly?"

a. Matthew 27:5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, andwent and hanged himself.

b. Luke 10:37b. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

c. John 13:27b Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.

B. The comparative mention principle

1. This principle states that a certain verse or group of verses may be interpreted bycomparing or contrasting it with another verse or group of verses dealing with these samesubjects. (I Corinthians 2:13)

2. Rules:

a. This principle should always be used when there is more than one verse or passagedealing with the subject.

b. No doctrine should be built on one verse or passage

c. Passages should only be compared when it is evident that they deal with the samesubject.

d. When comparing verses or passages, start by interpreting the meaning of clearerpassages then proceed to interpret the most obscure ones in meaning.

e. This principle is helpful in solving problems of apparent contradictions in Scripture.Two opposing verses are often made clear by considering a third. Scripture complimentsScripture.

3. Examples:

by Terry King

a. What is the correct meaning of I Corinthians 15:29?

I Corinthians 15:29

b. Are we saved by faith or works?

1) Ephesians 2:8

2) James 2:24

3) Consider James 2:17-18 (also verse 26)

C. The progressive mention principle

1. This principle says that the understanding of any verse is aided by considering theprogression of mentions of its subject in Scripture.

2. Rules:

a. Truth is progressively unfolded in Scripture, hence, no doctrine should be based onone verse.

b. No mention of a subject in one part of Scripture should be used to contradict anyother.

c. Caution should be used to be certain that there is actually the same subject beingreferred to in the verses used before linking together.

3. Example: The nation of IsraelGenesis 12:1-2; 26:2-4; 28:13-14, Psalms 72:17, Romans 11:24, Acts 10:13-15,Revelation 5:9-10

E. The Complete Mention Principle

1. The principle states that the interpretation of a verse needs the consideration of allmentions of its subject in Scripture. In order to understand the subject its parts must begathered together and considered as a whole.

2. Rules:

a. The complete mention principle can be seen as the result of the other four principlescombined.


b. No verse concerning the specific subject should be left out.

VII. Basic Insights for Interpretation (Sproul page 64f)

A. Read the Bible like you would read an ordinary book

1. The Bible is literature; one of the key understandings of the literal method is that the Bibleis written in the normal patterns of literature of its time.

2. One of the most important aspects of this insight is to always read portions of theScriptures within their context.

3. This insight does not undermine the conviction that the Bible is unique in its Divineinspiration and infallibility.

4. This insight does not undermine the need to recognize the necessity of the illuminationof the Holy Spirit.

B. Become personally involved as you read the Bible

1. Attempt to put yourself in the place of the characters involved.

2. Here it is important to learn the history and culture of the times involved.

C. Always interpret the implicit (unclear) with the explicit (clear).

1. Many of the problem passages of the Bible will be easily understood by first focusing onthose which are easy to understand.

2. Major in the Majors, not the Minors!

3. Beware of reading in implications to the obvious

4. Always adjust presumed implications to that which is clearly taught.

5. When dealing with a problem passage first concentrate on what is clear.

D. Determine carefully the meaning of words and the grammatical method in which they areused.

1. Beware of approaching the Bible with doctrinal assumptions (sunglasses!)

2. There are two basic ways to study words

by Terry King

a. Etymology studies the derivations of the word; What parts are the word made up of?

b. Word usage looks at the ways the word is commonly use in secular and religiousliterature.

3. Remember many words have several meanings. (There are five ways the word world isused in the New Testament!)

E. One must discern the difference between what is proverb and what is law.

1. Proverbs are catchy sayings designed to emphasize a point, often exaggerated to gainattention.

2. Laws can be identified by their two forms:

a. Apodictic gives us absolutes: "Thou shalt..."

b. Casuistic law gives "If...Then..." statements.

Study Question: Is I Corinthians 7:7 commandment or opinion?

F. There is a difference between the Spirit and the letter of the Law.

1. II Corinthians 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of theletter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

2. Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from thelaw of sin and death.

3. Notice that the Pharisees were often guilty of interpreting legalistically and adding lawto enforce the Law. (How far to travel on the Sabbath, etc.)

4. The purpose of the law was to bring us to Christ!

5. Notice that in the Sermon on the Mount Jesus often strengthens the Law.

a. Matthew 5:21-22 (anger and murder)

b. Matthew 5:27-27 (lust and adultery)

c. Matthew 5:17-19 (Jesus came to fulfill, not destroy)


d. Matthew 19:8 (divorce from beginning?)

G. Always look for the "Bigger Picture"

1. What does the Bible teach versus what does a verse say or mean.

2. Context, Context, Context!

3. How would the original hearers have understood what was said or happening? (It isespecially important to understand cultural situations)

VIII. Culture and Interpretation (Fee and Stuart Chapter 4; Sproul Chapter 5)

A. Key questions:

1. What is the central core of the Gospel? To what degree does it include lifestyle?

2. Is there a divinely ordained culture? Was the culture of the New Testament era the divineculture?

3. What does the New Testament see as being inherently immoral or simply cultural?

4. In which areas does the Bible reflect differences and which are consistent?

5. Which issues would never have been a question to us if we had not encountered them inthe New Testament?

6. Within a particular situation does the author seem to have had any cultural options?

7. Are the cultural conflicts encountered really reflecting cultural differences that are notalways obvious?

8. What areas are "negotiable" and need not be dividing points among believers?

B. The problem of cultural relativity

1. The problem:

a. The Epistles are occasional documents, written to deal with specific questions.

b. Some of the situations they address do not exist today

c. Some texts are "conditioned" by the 1st century situation, yet carry principles that can

by Terry King

be applied to comparable situations today.

2. The problem: Which texts need to be taken into new situations and which simply leftalone?

C. Two Basic Rules: (Fee and Stuart page 60)

1. "The text cannot mean what it never could have meant to its author or his readers."

2. "Whenever we share comparable particulars (similar life situations) with the first-centurysetting, God's Word to us is the same as His Word to them."

D. A two step process is suggested:

1. Carefully apply the process of exegesis and note the principle that comes clear in thepassage.

2. Attempt to apply this principle to comparable life situations.

3. Guidelines for determine the importance of the principle involved: (Fee and Stuart Page64)

a. Does the epistle indicate the issue is of great importance?

b. Is a moral or cultural situation?

c. Do the sin lists given in the Epistles contain the questionable practice?

IX. When Is the Bible Normative? (For example, the book of Acts?)

A. Discuss the principle problem: Is Acts a normative model for the church today? (note theextreme right and left positions)

1. Many believe that God is in the process of restoring his Church to the example set by theearly church, illustrated in the Book of Acts.

2. What about issues such as mode of baptism, church government, times for Lord's supper?Are sufficient details given? Is translation to be considered a normal method oftransportation?

3. What about issues such as selling possessions and the baptism the Holy Spirit? Are theboth for today? Why? What is consistent in Acts? (Page 97)

B. Our resolution:


1. Acts is normative when the events in it are consistent throughout the book. Example:

a. The baptism of the Holy Spirit and speaking in other tongues is expected todaybecause it is repeated several times in Acts (2, 8, 10, 19)

b. Communal ownership of property is not consider normal today as it was only done fora brief time in the Jerusalem church.

2. We seek to distinguish between principle and application.

a. Although there is no further illustration of selling all ones goods outside Jerusalem,in Acts 11:29 the Antioch believers gave to assist those suffering from famine.

b. We conclude that there is an underlying principle of giving from ones abundance toassist those in need, even if it is in different ways.

3. We suggest that events that are repeated in other New Testament books are normativeeven if not repeated in Acts.

a. Acts 6 notes the ministry to widows

b. I Timothy 5:5f confirms that this practice was continued beyond the Acts record.

4. We believe that all of the events of the book of Acts are possible today even if they arenot normative examples.

5. We will attempt to differentiate between what the book of Acts teaches as must and maysituations.

a. The book of Acts clearly states that there is only one name whereby men MUST besaved.

b. The spiritual gift of speaking in tongues is available to all, but not required forsalvation.

C. With these considerations in mind we will attempt to look at the book of Acts holistically.

1. We do not want to separate it and just look at each of the parts.

2. We recognize that the book of Acts is only a partial reading of the early church.

3. We do believe that it was inspired by the Holy Spirit and seeing the bigger picturepresented by the book will enable us to better live and minister more effectively.

by Terry King

4. Throughout the book of Acts we will discover "unity without uniformity."


Part Four: Interpreting Different Types of Literature

This final section deals with interpreting Different Types of Literature (the genres that make up theBible) Material from this section relates directly to the text book by Fee and Stuart, "How to Studythe Bible For All Its Worth"

The Epistles - Learning to Think Contextually(Fee and Stuart, Chapter 3)

Introduction: The Epistles appear to be easy to interpret but offer unique challenges.

I. The Nature of the Epistles (Fee and Stuart, page 46)

II. The Historical Context: Reconstructing the Situation (Fee and Stuart, page 49)

by Terry King

III. Problem Passages (Fee and Stuart, page 58)

The Epistles - The Hermeneutical Questions(Fee and Stuart, Chapter 4)

I. Hermeneutics: What Does the Text Mean to Us? (Fee and Stuart, page 61)


II. The Problem of Extended Application (Fee and Stuart, page 66)

III. The Problem of Cultural Relativity (Fee and Stuart, page 70)

IV. The Problem of Task Theology (Fee and Stuart, page 76)

by Terry King

V. Discussion Points (See pages 70-71; 1982 book pages 65-66)

A. What are the most important points of chapter?

B. Is there a divinely ordained culture?

C. What is the core of the Gospel? What is the essence of the Gospel which cannot be changedor left out?

D. What does the New Testament see as inherently immoral? What is not?

E. What issues are raised today which would not be if they were not in the epistles?


F. Use an area where there is disagreement concerning interpretation to discuss the problem ofculture. I.E.

1. Drinking wine

2. Women in the ministry

The Old Testament Narratives - Their Proper Use(Fee and Stuart, Chapter 5)

Introduction: Narratives make up over 40% of the Old Testament and several New Testament books;more than any other type of literature in the Bible.

I. The Nature of the Narratives (Fee and Stuart, page 78)

by Terry King

II. Ten Principles for Interpreting Narratives (Fee and Stuart, page 83)

A.

B.

C.

D.

E.

F.

G.

H.

I.

J.

III. Example of Narrative Interpretation (Fee and Stuart, page 85)

A. The Joseph narrative


B. The Ruth narrative

IV. Warning (Fee and Stuart, page 90)

V. Some Final Cautions (Fee and Stuart, page 90)

A. Three mistakes often made

1.

2.

3.

B. Six common errors

1.

2.

by Terry King

3.

4.

5.

6.

VI. Discussion Points

A. Note basic points of outline of chapter, especially principles on page 83-83 (1982 book, page78)

B. What is the importance of seeing the bigger picture in the story?

C. How does the Joseph narrative illustrate these principles; who is the real champion of thestory? God!

D. What does the Ruth story teach us explicitly? Implicitly? (significance of Bethlehem)

Acts - The Problem of Historical Precedent(Fee and Stuart, Chapter 6)

Introduction: Acts is a unique kind of narrative, interpreters have a greater tendency to moralize andallegorize it. Can the book of Acts serve as a normative model for the church today?

I. The Exegesis of Acts (Fee and Stuart, page 94)


II. The Hermeneutics of Acts (Fee and Stuart, page 105)

To what degree can we use Acts for a model for the church today? What is normative in thebook of Acts? We need to be consistent in application; What is consistent in Acts?

III. Discussion Points Is Acts a normative model for the church today?

A. Fee and Stuart, page 95 (1982 book, page 88) say, “By and large, most sectors of evangelicalProtestantism have a “restoration movement” mentality.”

1. What is a “restoration movement” mentality to the authors?

2. Does this statement have special meaning to you?

by Terry King

3. What is the authors’ point? Do you agree with this statement? What are it’s implications?

B. Quote in Stuart and Fee. page 101 (1982 book, page 93), paragraph 1 says,

"Nonetheless, we believe that much of Acts is intended by Luke to serve as a model. But themodel is not so much in the specifics as in the overall picture."

Agree? Disagree? Why?

C. Note Fee and Stuart, the last paragraph on page 103 (1982 book, paragraph 4 on page 95).The authors recognize the influence of one's personal theology on interpretation.

Question: Do you believe the Holy Spirit outpouring in Acts 8 the “to give divine andapostolic approval on the mission,” or to demonstrate the validity of two separateexperiences?

D. What about issues such as selling possession and the baptism the Holy Spirit? Are the bothfor today? Why? What is consistent in Acts? (Fee and Stuart, page 105-106, 1982 book, page97)

E. What about issues such as mode of baptism, church government, times for Lord's supper?Are sufficient details given?

F. Discuss the differences between doctrine, ethics and practices noted Fee and Stuart, page 105(1982 book, page 97).


G. Note three principles Fee and Stuart, page 110 (1982 book, page 101). Do you agree?

The Gospels - One Story, Many Dimensions(Fee and Stuart, Chapter 7)

Introduction: The gospels can be divided into saying and narratives which deal with the life ofChrist. Major hermeneutical difficulties include several "hard sayings" and teaching concerning the"Kingdom of God."

I. The Nature of the Gospels (Fee and Stuart, page 113)

II. The Historical Context (Fee and Stuart, page 116)

by Terry King

III. The Literary Context (Fee and Stuart, page 120)

IV. Some Hermeneutical Observations (Fee and Stuart, page 129)


V. Discussion Points

A. What is the importance of thinking horizontally (parallel passages) and vertically (aware ofhistorical context of Jesus and authors)? (Fee and Stuart, page 121 (1982 book, page 110-111)

B. Discuss the impact on the doctrine of inspiration of the assumption that Mark was used byLuke and Matthew as a resource. (Fee and Stuart, page 123 (1982 book, page 111-112)

C. Discuss problems created by change in culture:

1. Divorce and remarriage: Adulterous individuals were stoned making remarriage possible.Not so today, how do we deal with these issues?

2. Is "turning the other cheek" valid for today? When?

3. Are miracle stories precedents? (Fee and Stuart, page 130 (1982 book, Page 118)

D. Discuss the significance of the Jewish concept of the kingdom of God (Page 118-121)

The Parables - Do You Get the Point?(Fee and Stuart, Chapter 8)

Introduction: Everything said about the teachings of Jesus applies to the parables, but there are somespecial considerations. Only the book of Revelation is more often misinterpreted.

by Terry King

I. The Parables in History (Fee and Stuart, page 135)

II. The Nature of the Parables (Fee and Stuart, page 137)

A. There are several kinds of parables

B. Parables function as a story told to call forth a response.

III. Exegesis of Parables (Fee and Stuart, page 139)


IV. The Hermeneutical Question (Fee and Stuart, page 146)

V. Discussion points

A. Are parables meant to be difficult to understand? To whom? Matthew 13:11-13 and Mark4:10-12) See Fee and Stuart, page 135-137 (1982 book, page 124-125). Did Jesus have aparticular audience in mind for particular parables?

B. What is the difference between parables and true allegories? Fee and Stuart, Page bottom ofpage 140 (1982 book, bottom of page 127)

C. Before attempting to self interpret the parable always look for Jesus' own interpretation.

The Law(s) - Covenant Stipulations for Israel(Fee and Stuart, Chapter 9)

I. Christians and the Old Testament Law (Fee and Stuart, page 150)

A. Why did Jesus say, "Heaven and earth.." in Matthew 5:18

by Terry King

B. Six guidelines:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

II. The Role of the Law in Israel and in the Bible (Fee and Stuart, page 154)

III. The Old Testament Law and Other Ancient Law Codes (Fee and Stuart, page 159)

IV. The Old Testament Law as a Benefit to Israel (Fee and Stuart, page 161)


V. Some Do's and Don'ts for Old Testament Law (Fee and Stuart, page 163)

A. Do:

B. Do:

C. Do:

D. Don't:

E. Don't:

F. Do:


A. Discuss Christians and the Old Covenant

1. What aspects are binding for today?

2. What aspects are part of the culture of Israel? (Civil laws? Feasts?)

3. What aspects are fulfilled in Christ? (Sacrifices? Tabernacle furnishings?)

by Terry King

4. What aspects are renewed in the New Covenant? Fee and Stuart, page 151 point point 2(1982 book, page 137 point 2)

5. Noting that the Old Testament was the only scriptures of the early church, do we treat itdifferently today?

B. Discuss summary Do’s and Don’ts: Fee and Stuart, page 163 (1982 book, page 147)


The Prophets - Enforcing the Covenant in Israel(Fee and Stuart, Chapter 10)

Introduction: There are more prophetic books than any other kind of Biblical literature. (Four majorprophets and twelve minor prophets) Prophecy is often misinterpreted because of mistakes inunderstanding its function and form.

I. The Nature of Prophecy (Fee and Stuart, page 165)

II. The Function of Prophecy (Fee and Stuart, page 167)

III. The Exegetical Task (Fee and Stuart, page 172)

by Terry King

III. Some Hermeneutical Suggestions (Fee and Stuart, page 180)

IV. Discussion points

A. Note the division of Israel into two nations. What were their names? What were the capitalcities of each? Which prophets ministered to which nations?

B. Prophets are spokesman for God; forth telling and fore telling

C. Demonstrate the use of Bible resources; Bible Handbook, Bible Dictionary, Bible


Encyclopedia. Fee and Stuart, page 172 (1983 book, page 155-156)

D. Read the first two paragraphs of Fee and Stuart, page 184 (1982 book, last two paragraphs,page 165). Do you agree?

The Psalms - Israel's Prayers and Ours(Fee and Stuart, Chapter 11)

Introduction: The Psalms are the Word of God, not words from God but words spoken to God orabout God. While not being primarily used for teaching, they 1) help us to know how to expressourselves to God and 2) know his ways.

I. Preliminary Exegetical Observations (Fee and Stuart, page 188)

II. The Use of the Psalms in Ancient Israel (Fee and Stuart, page 193)

by Terry King

III. The Seven Types of Psalms (Fee and Stuart, page 195)

A.

B.

C.

D.

E.

F.

G.

IV. An Exegetical Sampling (Fee and Stuart, page 197)


V. Imprecatory Psalms (Fee and Stuart, page 202)

VI. Some concluding Hermeneutical Observations (Fee and Stuart, page 204)

VII. Discussion Points

A. Read the second paragraph Fee and Stuart, page 188 (1982 book, page 170). Discuss eachof the questions that are raised in the paragraph.

B. Practice analyzing Psalms 3 and 138 as demonstrated in Fee and Stuart, page 197 (1982 book,pages 178) and following.

by Terry King

C. Discuss anger and hate as noted in Fee and Stuart, page 203 paragraph 2 (1982 book, page183 paragraph 2) and following. Do you agree?

Wisdom - Then and Now(Fee and Stuart, Chapter 12)

Introduction: Three books make up this type of literature; Ecclesiastes, Proverbs and Job. Parts ofPsalms are included.

I. The nature of Wisdom (Fee and Stuart, page 207)

II. Ecclesiastes: Cynical Wisdom (Fee and Stuart, page 212)


III. Wisdom in Job (Fee and Stuart, page 215)

IV. Wisdom in Proverbs (Fee and Stuart, page 216)

V. Some Hermeneutical Guidelines (Fee and Stuart, page 220)

A.

B.

by Terry King

C.

D.

E.

F. Nine basic rules found on Fee and Stuart, page 225

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.


A. Does Ecclesiastes belong in the Bible? Seems very similar to modern existentialism...

1. Is it the words of God or Word of God?2. What does it mean to you?


B. Job: Is God fair or just?

C. Proverbs: do you agree with the conclusion in Fee and Stuart, page 221, first paragraph (1982book, page 199, first paragraph) discussing debt?

The Revelation - Images of Judgement and Hope(Fee and Stuart, Chapter 13)

Introduction: Particularly difficult because of the many symbols used; not easy regardless of whatother say.

I. The Nature of the Revelation (Fee and Stuart, page 232) This book is a combination of threekinds of literature

II. The Necessity of Exegesis (Fee and Stuart, page 235)

by Terry King

III. The Historical Context (Fee and Stuart, page 238)

IV. The Literary Context (Fee and Stuart, page 240)


V. Hermeneutical Questions (Fee and Stuart, page 242)

A.

B. Five suggestions are given to aid in understanding the pictures of Revelation (Fee and Stuart,page 243)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.


A. Why is this book important? Is this a good book to recommend to new Christians? (theyoften seem eager to read it)

by Terry King

B. What are the major themes of the book of Revelation? Beware of being caught up in thedetails and miss the real message of the book!

Bibliography

Bloesch, Donald G. Essentials of Evangelical Theology. Volume I God, Authority, and Salvation.San Francisco: Harper & Row, Publishers, 1982.

Connor, Kevin J. and Ken Maimin, Interpreting the Scriptures, Portland Oregon: Bible Press, 1976.

Eerdman's Handbook of the History of Christianity. Carmel, New York: Guideposts, 1977.

Erickson, Millard J. Christian Theology. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983.

Fee, Gordon D. and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth (Second Edition).Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1993.

Michelsen, A. Berkeley, Interpreting the Bible. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans PublishingCompany, 1963.

Milne, Bruce. Know the Truth. Downers Grove, Illinois: Inter Varsity Press, 1982.

Sproul, R. C., Knowing Scripture, Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1977

BIBLE STUDY AND INTERPRETATION SKILLS

Documents

Transcript of BIBLE STUDY AND INTERPRETATION SKILLS