Interpreting the New TestamentInterpreting the New Testament

© John Stevenson, 2010

Paul, an Apostle of Christ JesusRoman Prison

To the Saints & Faithful OnesEphesus, Asia Minor

TychicusOnesimus

• SalutationSalutation

• BodyBody

• ConclusionConclusion

Occasioned by specific Occasioned by specific questions, problems, and questions, problems, and

circumstancescircumstances

How does How does Philippians 2:1-4 Philippians 2:1-4

relate to Philippians relate to Philippians 2:5-11?2:5-11?

Page 94Page 94

What is the What is the connection connection between between

Ephesians 5:15-21 Ephesians 5:15-21 and Ephesians and Ephesians

5:22 – 6:9?5:22 – 6:9?Page 94Page 94

What role does What role does 1 Corinthians 13 1 Corinthians 13 play in the larger play in the larger

unit ofunit of1 Corinthians 1 Corinthians

12-14?12-14?Page 94Page 94

MatthewMatthew MarkMark

LukeLuke JohnJohn

MatthewMatthew MarkMark

LukeLuke JohnJohn

What is a parable?What is a parable?

What is the purpose for the What is the purpose for the Parable of the Good Parable of the Good

Samaritan?Samaritan?

Matthew 13:10-11Matthew 13:10-11And the disciples came and said to

Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” 11 Jesus answered them, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted.”

Matthew 13:12-13Matthew 13:12-13“For whoever has, to him more

shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him. 13 Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.”

Illustrate Illustrate TruthTruth

Hide Hide TruthTruth

Characteristics of ParablesCharacteristics of Parables

• A true-to-life story that Communicates a Spiritual Truth

• Characters are usually Fictitious

• Proper names and Specific Geographic Locations usually not mentioned

• Involves a Comparison

• Usually communicates one primary truth

What light does the context What light does the context shed on the Parable of the shed on the Parable of the

Dinner Party?Dinner Party?

What light does the context What light does the context shed on the Parable of the shed on the Parable of the

Prodigal Son?Prodigal Son?

AllegoryAllegoryNot necessarily

bound by realism within the narrative (talking trees, etc).

ParableParableGives a story which, while it may not be true, is presented in such a way that it COULD be true.

The story makes no sense apart from the

truth it presents.

The story makes sense on its own

apart from the truth which it illustrates.

Tends to have several points of truth.

Usually has one major truth.

Identify the following from Identify the following from the allegory of the Good the allegory of the Good

Shepherd in John 10Shepherd in John 10

• Shepherd

• Sheep

• Gatekeeper

• Fold

• Door

• Robbers

• Stranger

• Wolf

• Hireling

Matthew 13:33Matthew 13:33He spoke another parable to them,

“The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three pecks of flour until it was all leavened.”

Matthew 13:44Matthew 13:44The kingdom of heaven is like a

treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

Matthew 13:45-46Matthew 13:45-46Again, the kingdom of heaven is

like a merchant seeking fine pearls, 46 and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

Observe, Interpret, and Observe, Interpret, and Discuss the Parable of Discuss the Parable of the Sower as found in the Sower as found in

Matthew 13:3-23Matthew 13:3-23

GroundGround ResultResult

Beside the RoadEvil one snatches it

away1

Rocky placesPersecution causes

him to fall away2

ThornsWorry of the world &

wealth choke him3

Good soilBears fruit and

multiplies4