Personal Reflection Question to Module 10

I was encouraged through this weeks reading in a lot. I really enjoyed the section or point number (9). The theological interpreter must keep the practical nature of the Bible in mind. This section talked about how according to 2 Tim. 3:15-17, that the intention of Scripture is to supply us with knowledge of salvation and what is necessary for a godly Christian life. I believe that is crucial and a real premise for our study of the bible. How does this passage relate to God and the salvation He has given us, and how does what I am reading pertained to my life. How does this passage make my life more like that of Christ? I just really enjoyed that part of the reading.

Reflection Question to Module 10

Explain the following Doctrinal perspectives: 1. Scripture interprets Scripture 2. Where Scripture silent, we should be silent. 3. OT is Christ concealed, NT is Christ revealed.

Scripture interprets Scripture was a doctrinal perspective that addressed the context of Scripture. The whole of Scripture was the first context which a Scripture is interpreted. The second is the testament the passage is found it, NT or OT. The third context being the book it is in, who it’s addressing, and the forth being the passages before and after it. This is so that we don’t take single verses, and try to interpret them against the rest of Scripture. This is a safeguard for us!
I love the perspective “where the Scripture is silent we should be silent”. It is so crucial that we stick to this; otherwise we can try to make doctrines based on single verses that aren’t kind of sticky. Under section 9, it says, “The Scriptures are not a handbook on all there is to know.” God hasn’t told us every single thing about every single thing. God has given me specific knowledge concerning the things that He knows are the most important for me to love Him, myself, and those He has placed around me (salvation and Godly living, 2 Tim 3:15-17).
I love seeing OT shadows of the coming Christ. All the pictures, especially the personal experiences Abraham, that show the coming of one who is the perfect sacrifice for all who believe. Christ did indeed come not to do away with the Law, but to fulfill it on our behalf. Wow! To me I love seeing the places in the OT where Christ is concealed, and then how He is so awesomely revealed in the New Testament. It’s so awesome.

Module 10: Doctrinal and Devotional Use of the Bible

The Doctrinal Use of the Bible

The Theologian is the one who gives us the Doctrines of the Bible

* Scriptures are the Word of God and are designed for teaching.

*We can approach scripture intellectually, but not limited to an intellectual approach. We can use some logic to examine scripture, but obviously there are often two or more truths that seem difficult to exist at the same time. This is called an "antinomy" ex. the trinity, Jesus' is all man, and all God, the free choice of man vs. Divine providence

*We believe that Scripture is genuine revelation from God, and therefore, must have a theological interpretation. (i.e. 2Tim3:16-17) God has given Revelation of man, to man:

1. The theologian is a redeemed man standing in the circle of Divine Revelation (we interpret scripture because we have been redeemed by God, which gives us the ability to understand God's Word and receive Revelation from the Holy Spirit that lives within us.)

a. The theologian is motivated by his experience with the Gospel, joy and wonder of salvation.

b. Theology deals with morals, ethics, spiritual values, very personal matters, along with the invisible.

c. We must not mistreat passages of scripture in order not to pigeon-hole them, or force them into our way of thinking or experience. (Macro-Eisegetics).

2. We have to rely on the literal interpretation of the Bible.- You don't throw out the symbolic or typical, but seeing the literal first will protect us from the abuses of the past.

3. The main burden of our theology should rest on the teaching of the New Testament. The New Testament is the capstone of Revelation, and that the Old Testament is in seed and preparation form for the New Testament.

OT is Christ Concealed - NT is Christ Revealed! Remember this!!!

4. Exegesis is prior to any system of theology.

a. We've got to first go to the scriptures, and the scriptures give us the parameters for theological interpretation. This is Systematic Theology.

b. Theology must be grounded in Revelation and not in philosophy.

5. You can't extend your doctrine beyond the evidence in Scripture

a. Where Scripture is silent, we should be silent. Good advice!!

b. Don't ask questions beyond what is in Scripture for which there is no answers. (Ex. Where did Cain's wife come from?) This is not to say that scientists can't ask the questions. They may come up with some scientific solutions, but we can't "hang our hat" on them.

c. Exact truth vs. what we know cannot be true. (We know that the Trinity cannot be certain things). Finding truth by stating what is not. Deductive reasoning.

d. The pursuit of a blessing should never be at the expense of truth. We will discuss this in the part B of this lesson.

6. The interpreter has a system, and that is:- Systematic Theology. The reason he has to have a system is because order produces clarity. Ex. Before there was anything, God existed. Everything beyond that was created by God and for His purposes.

7. The theologian must use his proof texts with proper understanding with his procedure.

a. You don't want to misuse a text to prove another text. (It's about upholding the integrity of God and His Word).

b. You have to examine every proof text to know that it honestly and soundly represents the doctrine that you're trying to teach.

8. What is not a matter of Revelation, cannot be made a matter of Creed or Faith

a. Only those teachings that are clearly from Scripture can be binding to us and our lives.

b. We want to avoid the trappings, such as the Catholic Church and the Pharisees, which use tradition as the basis of their faith.

c. Be careful when teaching economics and politics from a biblical standpoint; there is not enough scriptural evidence to support it. God's NOT a Republican or a Democrat; God exists in a Theocracy. He runs everything. No committees or discussions needed.

9. We have to keep the practical nature of the Bible in mind. It speaks to behavior, thinking, attitudes, and actions.

a. The Scriptures don't say or profess to have all the knowledge of God, but only those things necessary for our salvation and Christian growth (2 Tim 3:16-18)

b. The Scriptures don't cover everything because the main purpose of the scriptures is communicate the story of Redemption and God's Love. It is NOT a science book, it is NOT a book of politics, it is NOT a diet book. It is a book of theology, principles and stories to illustrate God's ways.

10. When you interpret, you have to recognize your responsibility to the Church.

a. There are universal beliefs that all believers/teachers should agree upon.

b. Examples:

i. Scriptures are the truth of God

ii. Doctrines of Hell

iii. Doctrines of Heaven

iv. Salvation comes through Jesus Christ (who was the Son of God that came in the flesh, was crucified, and ascended to the right hand of the Father).

11. No doctrine should be constructed from an uncertain textural reading.- This takes great discipline to mignorein. Many ignor this.

The Devotional Use of the Bible (May or may not coorespond with the book.)

Now, we come to what we all have been waiting for. How do we use this book called the Bible for our everyday use in understanding the heart of God for our personal lives.

1. The Bible is designed to be personalized. We can use it, provided we are redeemed. If not, our eyes will be truly blinded to its truths.

2. The Holy Spirit bring to light those truths that are affect us personally. It is the job of the Holy Spirit to sanctify us (to make us like Jesus). He interprets, makes pertinent these truths as we walk and live.

3. The first step to devotional use is, approaching the scriptures with an open heart and mind. We need to be changed. That often is a painful process.

4. The second step is reading with understanding. Make sure you study to the scriptures in such a way as to understand the context that the scriptures are written. Is it OT or NT? Is it prophecy or narrative? Is it general teaching or specific to a group? When we understand the context, we bring with us very important application data.

5. The third step is to ask, "What principles do I see that apply to me?" Most principles do. We shouldn't wait for warm and fuzzies to come in order to apply truth in a preemptive fashion, that is, to begin memorizing and meditating on truths that one day I WILL have to apply. As a young person without marriage and children, you shouldn't have to wait to be married to understand certain relational aspects so that you can prepare. Look at Ps. 119:9-16 - "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."

6. The fourth step is: Ask the Holy Spirit to illumine your mind to truths that you need to see that you currently cannot. This is a good discipline. David prayed this in Ps. 139, "Search me, and try me, and see if there is any wayward way in me." The Lord's prayer is significant as well. Jesus taught us to pray that his Kingdom would come and His will would be done in our lives. The rest of the prayer is significant in that it is preemptive as I described.

7. The fifth step is to respond to the revelation: Engrafting truth is more than just memorizing it. It is not until we apply it, do we truly understand its impact. This is 27 years as a Christian speaking here. What I thought I knew, I really didn't. What I was confident about, I should have been more humble regarding. Look for ways to act out or to incorporate the truths that are revealed.

8. Finally, tell others what you have learned. Find someone to disciple through your life message. Don't be haughty regarding revelation. If you proud, then you will you quickly learn that you never got the point(s) in the first place. Ouch!!!

Modern Day Devotional Use and Early Devotional Use:

1. There is nothing new under the sun, and likely there is no new revelation either. If it is new, it is because it is new to YOU! If you hear someone teaching something that "no one has ever heard" then, likely it is because God has never heard of it either. :-)

2. The early seekers desired an experience with God. Dry reading and revelation was creating a desire for life. God desires this too. That is why it is important that we pray and seek to hear his voice. God can take these verses and cause them to be spoken into our inner ear. This makes us feel very special, very chosen like. This is God's heart. But, we must be very careful that what is spoken agrees with the word of God or it is likely just your own heart speaking or worse, the enemy.

3. Jesus said, my sheep know my voice. It has taken me many years to instinctively recognize the Lord's voice. Even after so many years, I still seek counsel from my elders, my wife, and my pastor for major decisions. Did I doubt God? No, I doubt my own heart. It can deceive me. The word is the only thing that can cut and divide between that which is flesh and that which is Spirit. Heb. 4:12

4. Again, the point of the devotional approach is to be inspired, emotionally charged, to be encouraged or enthusiastic which means to be filled with God. Jerry Daley used to describe this as "getting your soul happy in God". I like this.

5. To avoid error however, we should be careful to focus on the truths that are clear that the Holy Spirit causes to be alive and fresh and encouraging.

6. Don't not use the Bible like a divining rod. That is, the you open it and point to a verse and expect God to speak to you that way. The lot is in the hand of the Lord, but God need not speak to us in that fashion any more with the plain truths and wisdom with find in the whole counsel of God called the Bible.

7. Finally, enjoy the living attribute of the Bible. It will come alive if your heart is hungry and needy. Be careful to stay to what is plain and clear. These truths are plenty to give you the goose bumps you are looking for. :-)

Lecture Question:

Explain the following Doctrinal perspectives: 1. Scripture interprets Scripture 2. Where Scripture silent, we should be silent. 3. OT is Christ concealed, NT is Christ revealed.

Student Response #2 to Justin Crowther

Awesome post on the difference in language. That is pretty major in how things are related, and I liked how you mentioned the detailing of the old testament temple as a picture of heavenly things. I really liked that.

Student Response #1 to Angie

Thank you for the encouragement. I also stuggled with connecting the book and lecture so it was a stretch. I like the point you made with Jesus being a major difference. I was not as clear on communitcating that principle. That was really great. Great job.

Personal Reflection for Module #9 Joseph Workman

I really enjoyed this reading. It has encouraged me to research some History behind books that I study in the Bible. I want to study Romans thoroughly, so to do this I need to know about the Romans, especially as Paul is addressing them. So I was encouraged to study. If anyone has done some study on Romans before and you know some good books I would appreciate a toss my way. Thanks.

Lecture Question Module #9 Joseph Workman

There is so much in this Module. As you look at the different genres of the Bible, it becomes clear that you have to be careful how you interpret each. I am most interested in your thoughts on the difference between the OT and the NT. Take the time to outline the major differences between them as it concerns interpretation. Give examples.

One of the differences I see in between the OT and the NT would be the fact that those living in the OT didn’t have the revelation of Christ as their Savior and what this secured for them. Christ hadn’t died yet. They were dependant on God being faithful to forgive them based on their animal sacrifices. Some of the prophets prophesied of the coming of Christ, but none had the full revelation of what Christ dying for us would mean. I think we have to take this into account when interpreting OT Scripture. When interpreting a passage about Abraham, and how the Lord counted Him as righteous, I have to realize that because Abraham upheld the Law and made the correct sacrifices that God declared Him righteous. As for me, when I read that I am the righteousness of Christ I must understand that I can do nothing to get this righteousness or even keep it. It’s God-given. I hope that is a good example.
Another difference I see between OT and NT Scriptures would be the difference in how they portray God’s character. The OT shows God’s character, through different biblical characters, through His prophets, and through the Law. You see a Holiness of God and God seems so huge to me when I read OT Scripture. You feel a real fear of God when you read the OT. In the NT God relates to His People mainly through Jesus Christ and His apostles. I mean in Paul’s epistles, how many times does it say the phrase “in Christ”? I see God relating to us so much through Jesus Christ His son. I am not trying to make God different parts, but through the person Jesus Christ we see so much more of His Character and what His fulfilling the Law really means. I hope these where correct in answering the question.

Protestant System of Hermeneutics Part 3

Interpreting Various Biblical Genres: General Interpretation Rules and Guidelines

The Old Testaments Narratives

1) The Pentateuch – The first 5 books of the Bible (Genesis – Duet)
- Moses was given this revelation and was passed on by Oral Tradition and Revelation combined.

2) The Nature of the Narratives

a. It’s telling a story from their (Moses, Joshua) perspective as led by the Holy Spirit. Moses comes on the scene and tells his own story. He’s giving us what God wants us to know.
b. It’s not necessarily complete history. It’s giving us the important information, that we might get the overall redemptive point. Important to know in the light of archeological studies.
c. Oral Tradition was told in a very poetic manner which made it easy to remember and useful for story telling.

3) Principles for Interpreting the Narratives:
a. Remember their purpose – to tell a story which records from a writer's perspective the specifically important events.
b. Interpret literally unless otherwise noted through figurative or symbolic language.
c. We learn from the Bible characters mistakes and successes.
i. Don't forget that there may be symbolic and typology within the story. Ex. Abraham's near sacrifice of Isaac, Moses' lifting up of the bronze snake

ii. Avoid allegory. Don’t put symbolism where it doesn’t belong. We will discuss the rules regarding symbolism and typology latter.


The Prophets

1) The prophets are looking toward Christ (Jer 29:10; 31:30; 33:14) - They were pointing to the coming Christ. There are different levels of interpretation: Current application (historical), Messianic application (fulfilled hundreds even thousands of years later). See book for more detail.

2) We have built within the prophets the history of Israel in relation to Jehovah.

3) Ram says “The prophets are hard to interpret because…”
a. Ambiguity is built in (it’s purposefully written vaguely)
b. Prophecy is found from Genesis to Revelation – Prophetic language IS biblical language.

4) How to interpret the prophets
a. Give careful attention to the language of the prophetic passage. (here, now, then, a time will come, etc….)
b. Determining the historical background of the prophet and prophecy
c. Pay attention to the context and the flow of the discussion of the prophecy (Who’s he talking to?)
d. Pay attention to the “non-systematic” character of prophetic writings.
e. Find out which prophetic scriptures parallel others (the use of the symbolic language)
f. Determine if the prophecy is predictive or didactic, moral/ethical, or theological (i.e. book of Job tells a lot about God’s character).
g. Determine if the prophecy is conditional or unconditional (i.e. If you obey.., or if you don’t obey…, etc.)
h. Determine if prophecy is fulfilled, unfulfilled, or partially fulfilled.
i. If unfulfilled, proceed with caution.
i. Is it expected to be fulfilled?
ii. Are there any historical markers?
iii. There may be multiple fulfillments (Hab 5:1-6)

j. Take a literal view first. Let that be your controlling guide.
k. The New Testament does interpret Old Testament prophecy (Matt 24.)

The Gospels

1) Overall are considered Kerygmatic writings: They are stories with powerful lessons to be learned. It’s a living testimony. This means that they are dynamic (witnessing, preaching, teaching materials).
2) The nature of the gospels. They are written from four different perspectives with four different themes.
- They are testimonies of Christ.

3) The Historical content of the gospels is:
a. Overlapping (similar recorded stories in all)
b. Perspective (a particular man’s perspective, yet influenced by the Holy Spirit)
c. Thematic
d. History is not always complete

4) The Literary content was:
a. written to Gentiles, Jews, Educated, and non-Educated
b. written to a general as well as specific groups of peoples
c. There is style and focus in the Gospels.
d. The time period in which it was written (The first three were written between 50-60 A.D., but John was written as late as 90 A.D.

5) Hermeneutical Observation concerning the Gospels:
a. They are used to major on the majors. The focus is on what Christ did while he was here (specifically his birth, ministry, death, and resurrection)
b. They are to be treated literal unless otherwise noted.
c. They are theologically important
d. The context of the gospels is Redemption
e. Christ did speak in parables, and he used a lot of figures of speech

The New Testament Epistles

1) Letters written for a specific reason, for a specific group, during a specific time

2) Historical placement and cultural background (i.e. the city of Corinth had many evil religious activities [i.e. the temple prostitutes]). I would to share more on this particular subject but time does not allow. If you study the history of the church during this periods, you find much more background for the issues that Paul, Peter, James, and John were addressing.

3) The Epistles are written after the revelation of Christ
- The writers of the Epistles are making commentary on what has already been spoken by Christ, and how the teachings of Christ within Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John were being interpreted by the Apostles. Very important. There has been a suggestion that Paul had a different Gospel when in reality Paul was reacting to the teachings of Jesus. The Epistles have tremendous value in that we see the teachings of Jesus applied to the first churches.

The Book of Acts

1) Luke was recording the acts and history (Paul & Peter in particular) of the Apostles as well as the Holy Spirit's movement within the church.
2) It’s the history of the early church
- As with the principle of “first mention”, we see the blueprint of the first New Testament church as specifically laid out in Acts 2:42-47.
3) Interpret the book of Acts unless otherwise specified.

4) It’s historically linked to the Epistles. (The whole ministry of Paul is in the book of Acts)

5) It’s not allegorical at all. It has no allegory, yet it has been used to describe the "seven ages of the church." Interesting huh? Just because it is in the Bible, does not make it prophetic.

6) It’s a historical narrative with a focused purpose.


Apocalyptic Writings

1) These are the most difficult to interpret because they are purposefully given in an ambiguous fashion. We will see God's wisdom when it unfolds.

2) The Book of Revelation and portions of Daniel, Jeremiah and other prophets are where this genre is found.

3) It is wise to approach these writings carefully. They are a sea of symbology, visions, flashbacks, flash-forwards, and just plain "hard to figure out" language. They are most likely not to be taken literally at all.

4) Many have made mistakes by interpreting Revelation to modern times. During the time of the Reformation, the Catholic Church was viewed as the great harlot and Babylon. Given the abuses during the time, they assumed it was the Pope who was the Anti-Christ.

5) Ronald Reagan was supposed to be the Anti-Christ with his name being 666. Books like 88 reasons why Jesus will come in 1988 and it's sequel, 89 reasons why Jesus will come in 1989 (we calculated wrong!). They sold many copies by the way.

6) My personal conviction is that we should get busy preaching the Gospel, warn people of His coming, and don't worry about the details. God will work them out.

Old Testament Law (sorry, out of place)

1) Two Divisions: Ceremonial Law & Moral Law
2) Moral Laws are transferred, assumed, and built into the New Testament teachings.
3) Ceremonial Laws are completed in Christ, although some still have practical and health benefits. Ex. Hand washing, don't drink blood, mold and mildew, skin diseases.
4) The OT Law contains a picture of Christ and His mission to fulfill the Law.
5) Hebrews is our companion book for OT Law. Hebrews will interpret the OT Law for us.


Question:

There is so much in this Module. As you look at the different genre's of the Bible, it becomes clear that you have to be careful how you interpret each. I am most interested in your thoughts on the difference between the OT and the NT. Take the time to outline the major differences between them as it concerns interpretation. Give examples.

Student Response #2 to Joe Sanders

I like this peice in your writing, "Without understanding Biblical Context we eventually turn towards our biases in interpretation that comes from our previous learning either formally or from preaching and prior Christian experiences." The part I like most was that sometimes our biasts come from our teahers, or preachers. Not to rag on them, but that we must be carful to study and really research what they are feeding to us so that we may steward it. You did a good job.

Student Response #1 to rkirik

Hey I really enjoyed reading your figures of speech response. The examples you used where great. I really liked the metaphor example you used with the blessing of Jacob. Awesome job!

Personal Reflection Question for Module #8

1. In what way has this reading encouraged you in your faith?

I have really enjoyed being able to understand the correct way to interpret scripture. It has been awesome reading about how to study words, and interpret in correct context. A lot of this was new. I have enjoyed learning and this reading has really helped me as I have been reading in Romans 5, in know that chapters 3 and 4 precede it and really bring it into context.

Lecture Question Module #8 Joseph Workman

1. Explain Biblical Context and give and example. We will expand on this later.
2. Explain the 3 different kinds of study of words. Give some examples.
3. Explain the use of "figures of speech" in the Bible. Give examples.

Concerning Biblical Context, I like what the book says on pg. 139: “We can understand a particular passage only if we know what the whole Scripture teachers; but we can only know what the whole Scripture teaches by knowing the meaning of its parts.” We have to know all of Scripture to understand one verse, but the only way I can know all of scripture is to know the parts that make it up. This means that I must always line up the interpretation of one passage with all of Scripture. Scripture is the first context, the Old or New Testament is another context. Each is diverse. I can’t approach the New Testament with the same mindset as the Old. The book is also context for scripture. “The interpreter must understand the “Galatia heresy” was all about to properly interpret passages in Galatians. When interpreting a Scripture in context, I must also observe the scripture preceding and following it. Observe the scripture preceding and following a passage will allow for good framework so that the passage will be understood.
There are three cases in which a word is studied. The first is studying a word to see how it was formed over time. I like this because I like to use a crazy vocabulary. I know that the terms, “sweet” or “sick” or “insane”… haven’t been common ways to say that something is “cool” for to long. And even like the book commented that the term “cool” 100 years ago was just used for temperature.
The second way to study a word is compare it to the same word used in different passages to see if the meaning is the same. Also this way would include using synonyms or words that have the same meaning.
I believe that studying the word culturally can be the most beneficial considering that the Scripture was written in time where culture and life was totally different than what we experience today.
Concerning the use of figures of speech in the Bible, it is where the author expresses himself in and unordinary way. Metaphors, hyperboles, similes are all ways to express oneself in a literary content that adds some spice. I liked the example used for hyperbole, “But there are also many other things which Jesus did were every one of them to be written I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written,” John 21:25.

All,

This module is perhaps the most important of what you will learn in this class. Please read the material and go through the notes to focus on what I want you to get. I will email you a "circles of context" guide. It is very useful. Make note of the process of doing a word study. This will help you with your project.

The Philological Principle

1. Philology means the "technical and comparative study of words." This is the total program in understanding a piece of literature.

2. The true philological spirit is to discover the original meaning and intention of the text. Exegesis and not eisegesis.

3. We must be careful with our set theological assumptions because they tend to govern the interpretation rather that the interpretation corrects the system.

The whole point is that we "try" to approach with a clear mind, but we also have to keep in mind, for example, that the Bible teaches that Jesus is the only way to salvation and interpret other scriptures with this understanding. You see? There must be some place we can begin and then build. God would not contradict himself later and say that maybe you could be saved another way, let's say, through holy living alone. The author would agree with this point. That is why we have Systematic Theology. We need a starting point, so we begin with God (A good place to start) and we gather what God has said about Himself, and then we go from there.

4. The most fundamental presupposition of this method is that all exegesis must be done in the original languages if it is to be accepted and trustworthy exegesis.

If you plan to do serious work in defending or debating theology, better get your Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic classes set up. For the rest of us, basic language study and commentaries are a great help.

5. The Bible is, however, a book for the layman. He can use it devotionally and for teaching. Scripture is able, by the Holy Spirit, to give us the essentials for Christian living in every way.

This is where most Christians live and this is where you will spend the majority of preaching and teaching. If you are a teacher in your gifting, then you might disagree with me. I just came from a conference where Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, and Teachers all gave their perspective on church growth. Wow. What a contrast in perspectives.

The Literal Study of the Scripture

“The natural or usual construction and implication of a writing or expression; following the ordinary and apparent sense of words; not allegorical or metaphorical.”

The use of nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc. when so named is designation. It is also the common stock of the language or the customary, natural, proper, obvious and normal rendering of the Scripture.

The literal method of interpretation is the usual practice in the interpretation of literature. The non-literal is always the secondary meaning or level which presumes an already existing literal understanding.

1. All secondary meaning of documents depends upon the literal stratum of language. Parables, types, allegories, symbols, figures of speech, myths and fables all presume that there is a literal level of language. This is key folks, this is what we contrast allegorical interp. with.

2. Only in the priority of literal exegesis is there control on the exegetical abuse of Scripture.

-Interpreters of the past viewed the literal method as the fleshly or the superficial understanding of scripture. Are those who do that today???

Interesting. We are some danger of drifting into this in these days.

EXAMPLES:

1. Church fathers of the past
2. Roman Catholic theologians
3. The cults such as the Gnostics (Jehovah Witnesses, Mormans)

The ACTUAL METHOD OF PROTESTANT BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION

Words- words are the units of thought in most of our thinking and writing. They are the bricks of our conceptual formulation.

Any serious study of the scriptures requires a study of words. Kittles “Theological Word Study of the NT” is a must for every pastor or serious Bible student.

1. Words may be studied etymologically. Learn how the word was formed over time. What a word means now, is likely NOT what it meant then. The word "cool" is an example. Just temperature 100 years ago, now it is used in many different ways.

2. Words may be studied comparatively. Using a concordance to find how the word is used in other verses. Also the study of synonyms, that is, those words that mean the same things as. By using these methods one will be able to understand a word or expression that is obscure or difficult by making reference to other instances that are used in much the same context.

3. Words may be studied culturally. Studying what words meant during the first century church. This will help us really know the richness of the word in how it was used.

4. Words may be cognate languages and ancient translations. Words may come from other language groups such as the possibility that certain Hebrew words have been influenced by the Aramaic or Arabic. There is also the sacred (among Christians)and the secular (everyday market) use of a word.

Grammar- Sentences are made of words and these words are given designation in order to maintain a unit of thought. This is called grammar.

1. Everything said about word study applies to grammar.

2. Languages are put together in different ways.

-Analytic-stresses word order: English, Hebrew

-Agglutinative or synthetic language; word order partially, but mostly by word or case endings.-Inflection: the use of prefixes and suffixes to begin and end a word

-Declining-When we make changes with nouns and adjectives, from plural to singular or from the nominative to the accusative.

-Conjugate: The inflection of verbs. To run-we run, he ran, Greek is a strong synthetic language and that is one of the reasons it is so difficult for Americans to learn.

3. The interpreter must have a general knowledge of syntax. The more technical word for the study of the structure of a sentence.

4. Grammatical interpretation involves consideration of the context.

a. The context of any verse is the entire Scripture. Catching this?

b. The second context of any passage is the Testament it is in…OT or NT.

c. The third context is the particular book (Genesis, Romans, etc.) in which the passage occurs.

d. The fourth context of any passage are the sentences immediately before it, and immediately after it. Robertson’s remark “the first step in interpretation is to ignore modern chapters and verses.”

e. Grammatical interpretation takes into consideration parallel passages (same sentences in another book) or cross references (same topic used in same or another book)

“The reason for this principle is that what is said in one part of Scripture may illuminate what is said in another part of Scripture."

-Verbal cross reference. Verses that have similar wording. Not always good use.

-A real cross reference is the parallelism of words where the content or the idea is the same.

1. looking up similar concepts like the son of man.
2. looking up all references where a certain word is used.
3. examining all the passages within two different books that teach the same subject.

-Conceptual cross references. When two or more books describe essentially the same events.

f. Literary Mold or Genre.

The literary form or standard pattern. All Scripture is expressed in some form of this.

1. Figures of speech. Author expresses himself beyond ordinary method of assertation.

-Metaphors-expresses something by direct comparisons, direct similarity, or direct parallelism. “Ephraim is a cake” Hos. 7:8-Simile-functions like a metaphor but only uses the words ‘like’ or ‘as’.

-Hyperbole-means that some idea or event is stated in as exaggerated manner to indicate its importance or its quantity. John 21:25

2. There are larger forms of special literary expression ordinarily used within the text of a larger work, parables, allegories, fables, myths, and riddles.

3. Every book in the Bible is placed in some sort of literary Genre.

Historical Acts, dramatic epic, Job, apocalyptic-Revelation, Daniel,-poetry, Psalms, wise sayings-Proverbs.The genre of a passage or book of Holy Scripture sets the mood or the stance from which all the rest of the book is seen.

Lecture Questions: (Choose one of the following. Try to spread out.)

1. Explain Biblical Context and give and example. We will expand on this later.
2. Explain the 3 different kinds of study of words. Give some examples.
3. Explain the use of "figures of speech" in the Bible. Give examples.

Student Response #2 to josh_boo_forgie

I enjoyed reading your section on Revelation is Progressive. I enjoy seeing the types and shadows of the Old Testement in the New. I think it is cool how one can't function without the other. Good Job.