Shepherds College: Biblical Interpretation #3

Introduction to Biblical Interpretation Lecture 3 Shepherds College Scott Jacobsen, Instructor 15 October 2024 How translation works Communication 2 Translation is Communication Source: Speaker Encode: by Speaking or writing, results in Message: Content of what is spoken or written Decode: hearing and understanding Respondent: the target of the message 3 The Bible as God’s Communication Source: God Encode: Speaking, visions, dreams, writing Message: Meaning of what is spoken or written Decode: hearing and understanding Respondent: the target of the message 4 Should Translations be Literal (Word-for-Word)? So for loved the God the world that the son the only he gave in order that whoever the one believing in him not should perish but should have life eternal. 5 Part 2: Knowing the Text What is this “Bible”? 6 Important Terms Canon: A measuring rod, rule, etc., that is the catalogue of Biblical Books. In the English Bible, there are 39 OT books and 27 NT books in the Canon Septuagint (LXX): A Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament, completed between 200 and 150 BC. Apocrypha: Ancient books that appear in the LXX, but not in the Hebrew OT. These are not considered authoritative for the Christian today. Apocalypse: The Book of Revelation (not Revelations) Version: a translation or copy of an original, for example, King James Version, New International 7 Three Languages Hebrew (& Aramaic) Genesis 1:1 (BHS/WHM 4.2) Daniel 2:4 8 Greek John 3:16 (NA28) 16 οὕτως γὰρ ἠγάπησεν ὁ θεὸς τὸν κόσμον, ὥστε τὸν υἱὸν τὸν μονογενῆ ἔδωκεν, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν μὴ ἀπόληται ἀλλʼ ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον. 9 Hebrew Canon 10 Matthew 23:34–36 (ESV) 34 Therefore I send you prophets and wise men and scribes, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town, 35 so that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah the son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar. 36 Truly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation. Abel killed: Genesis 4:8 Zechariah killed: 2 Chronicles 24:20-22 11 New Testament Canon Gospels History Epistles General Epistles Apocalypse Matthew Acts Romans Hebrews Revelation Mark 1&2 Corinthians James Luke Galatians 1 & 2 Peter John Ephesians 1, 2, & 3 John Philippians Jude Colossians 1&2 Thessalonia n 12 Apocrypha 13 Part 3: Outlining the Text First Tools for Understanding 14 1. a. b. 2. First level, First point Second level, first sub-point Second level, second sub-point i. Third level, first sub-sub-point ii. Third level second sub-sub-point First level, Second point 15 2 Timothy 2:14-19 Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 16 But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. 19 But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.” 14 16 2 Timothy 2:14-19 Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 16 But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. 19 But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.” 14 17 Sample Outline 1. Remind (vs 14) 1.1. “these things” refer to 2:8-13 1.2. And charge them before God: 1.2.1.Not to quarrel about words 1.2.1.1. Which does no good 1.2.1.2. But only ruins the hearers. 2. Do your best (vs 15) 2.1. To present yourself to God as one approved 2.1.1.A worker who has no need to be ashamed 2.1.2.Rightly handling the Word of Truth 3. Avoid irreverent babble (16) 3.1. Leads to ungodliness 3.2. Spreads like gangrene 3.3. Hymenaeus and Philetus as examples 4. Depart from iniquity: God’s firm foundation 4.1. The Lord knows those who are his: salvation 4.2. Depart from iniquity: sanctification 18 19 THE INTERPRETATIVE JOURNEY 20 Introduction Three Methods of Biblical Interpretation • Intuitive or Feels-right Approach • Spiritualizing Approach • Shrug Your Shoulders Approach 21 Basics of the Journey 22 Basics of the Journey Step 1: Grasping the Text in Their Town Question: What did the text mean to the biblical audience? 23 Basics of the Journey Completing Step 1 • Read the text carefully and make observations. • Study the historical and literary context. • Synthesize the meaning of the passage for the biblical audience. 24 Basics of the Journey Step 2: Measuring the Width of the River to Cross Question: What are the differences between the biblical audience and us? 25 Basics of the Journey Completing Step 2 • Account for common differences: culture, language situation, time and covenant. • Focus on the unique differences found in a specific text. • If you are studying an Old Testament passage, you must account for the life and work of Jesus Christ. 26 Examples of Cultural Differences • Parable of the Wayward Son (Luke 15) • Unforgiving servant: Matthew 18:24 • What is a “talent” • What was the amount? 27 Basics of the Journey Step 3: Crossing the Principlizing Bridge Question: What is the theological principle in this text? 28 Basics of the Journey Completing Step 3 • Recall the differences identified in Step 2. • Identify any similarities between the biblical audience and contemporary life. • Holding the differences and similarities together, identify a broad theological principle. • Write out the theological principle, using present tense verbs. 29 Basics of the Journey A theological principle should… • be reflected in the text. • be timeless and not tied to a specific situation. • not be culturally bound. • correspond to the teaching of the rest of Scripture. • be relevant to both the biblical and contemporary audience. 30 Basics of the Journey Step 4: Consult the Biblical Map Question: How does our theological principle fit with the rest of the Bible? 31 Basics of the Journey Completing Step 4 • Does this principle correlate with the rest of the Bible? • If in the Old Testament, run your theological principle through the grid of the New Testament. 32 Basics of the Journey Step 5: Grasping the Text in Our Town Question: How should individual Christians today live out the theological principles? 33 Basics of the Journey 34 Basics of the Journey Completing Step 5 • Apply the theological principle to the specific situation of a contemporary Christian. • There are numerous applicational possibilities, because Christians today find themselves in a variety of situations. 35 The Interpretative Journey AN EXAMPLE JOSHUA 1:1-9 36 The Interpretative Journey Step 1: Grasping the Text in Their Town • “after the death of Moses” –Time of Transition • Moses & Joshua—divinely sanctioned leaders • “the Lord said to Joshua” –Divine Speech • Jordan River, Promised Land—Geographic Locations • Series of Exhortations (vs. 6-9) 37 The Interpretative Journey Step 1: Grasping the Text in Their Town • Presence –vs. 5, 9 • Strength & Courage –vs. 6, 7, 9 • Law –vs. 7, 8 • Success –vs. 7, 8 38 The Interpretative Journey Step 1: Grasping the Text in Their Town The Lord commanded Joshua, the new leader of Israel, to draw strength and courage from God’s empowering presence, to be obedient to the law of Moses, and to mediate on the law so that he would be successful in the conquest of the Promised Land. 39 The Interpretative Journey Step 2: Measuring the Width of the River to Cross • We are not leaders of the nation of Israel. • We are not setting out on the conquest of the Promised Land. • We are not under the old covenant of law. 40 The Interpretative Journey Step 3: Crossing the Principlizing Bridge • Similarities: 1. God has a calling on the life of each person. 2. God is present with us. 3. God’s Word requires obedience. 41 The Interpretative Journey Step 3: Crossing the Principlizing Bridge • Differences 1. We are not leaders of Israel 2. We are not on a journey to conquer the Promised Land 3. We are not living under the Old Covenant. 42 The Interpretative Journey Step 3: Crossing the Principlizing Bridge To be effective in serving God and successful in the task to which he has called us, we must draw strength and courage from his presence. We must also be obedient to God’s Word, meditating on it constantly. 43 The Interpretative Journey Step 4: Consult the Biblical Map The whole of Scripture affirms that God’s people can draw strength and courage from his presence. In the New Testament the Holy Spirit mediates God’s presence to his People. Also, in both the Old and New Testament God’s people are exhorted to mediate on Scripture. 44 The Interpretive Journey Step 5: Grasping the Text in Our Town • Spend more time meditating on God’s Word by listening to Christian music in your car. • If God calls you to a new, scary ministry be strengthened and encouraged by his presence. 45 46 Bible Study for Elders, Preachers, & Teachers Ontario Christian Assembly Men’s Advance 2021 47 INEBRIATED PREACHING 48 49 How we look at the Bible: God Inspired All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 2 Timothy 3:16–4:4 (ESV) 16 50 How we look at the Bible: Whole Bible is for Our Instruction For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4 (ESV) 4 51 How we look at the Bible: It is about Jesus You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. John 5:39–40 (ESV) 39 52 Omitting Jesus 53 Diagram 8: The invalid method of proceeding from text (T) to hearer (H) directly or intuitively (A) avoids the structure of revelation. The valid procedure is to trace the biblical path (B) from text to Christ and to link this with the biblical path (C) from Christ to hearer. Graeme Goldsworthy, (Grand Rapids, MI; Cambridge: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2000), 117. Graeme Goldsworthy, Preaching the Whole Bible as Christian Scripture: The Application of Biblical Theology to Expository Preaching (Grand Rapids, MI; Cambridge: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2000), 117. 54 Getting the Work Done 55 Exegesis • Why is it important to keep the “first things first?” • Helm, page 40 • Gives the Biblical context rather than one’s own. • Listens intently until he knows how the text fits within the overall message of the book. • Sees the structure and emphasis of the text. 56 1. Bible Text First temptation is to Read Ourselves into the Story and go straight to application. “What does this mean to me?” 4. Application: Us/Here/Now “What did it mean, and how does that meaning affect me?” 57 n: he t T ad / s re fir r re e e o h /T th r m d id h e a e Th ow ers H ad re ? it Exegesis 2. Bible Context 1. Bible Text First temptation is to Read Ourselves into the Story and go straight to application. “What does this mean to me?” 4. Application: Us/Here/Now “What did it mean, and how does that meaning affect me?” 58 n: he t T ad / s re fir r re e e o h /T th r m d id h e a e Th ow ers H ad re ? it Exegesis 2. Bible Context Dis cov ery Ch ann el 4. Application: First temptation is to Read Us/Here/Now Ourselves into the Story and “What did it mean, and go straight to application. how does that meaning “What does this mean to affect me?” me?” 1. Discovery Channel: Interesting facts from the context but lacks application in Christ. 1. Bible Text 59 n: he t T ad / s re fir r re e e o h /T th r m d id h e a e Th ow ers H ad re ? it Exegesis 2. Bible Context Theological Reflection Dis cov ery Ch 3. Seeing Christ in all Scripture ann el 4. Application: First temptation is to Read Us/Here/Now Ourselves into the Story and “What did it mean, and go straight to application. how does that meaning “What does this mean to affect me?” me?” 1. Discovery Channel: Interesting facts from the context but lacks application in Christ. 1. Bible Text 60 n: he t T ad / s re fir r re e e o h /T th r m d id h e a e Th ow ers H ad re ? it Exegesis 2. Bible Context Theological Reflection st My icis Dis cov ery 3. Seeing Christ in all Scripture m Ch ann el 4. Application: First temptation is to Read Us/Here/Now Ourselves into the Story and “What did it mean, and go straight to application. how does that meaning “What does this mean to affect me?” me?” 1. Discovery Channel: Interesting facts from the context but lacks application in Christ. 2. Mysticism: allegorical interpretation seeing Christ in ways not present 1. Bible Text 61 Follow in order: 1. Bible Text; 2. Bible Context; 3. Seeing Christ in all Scripture; 4. Application. n: he t T ad / s re fir r re e e o h /T th r m d id h e a e Th ow ers H ad re ? it Theological Reflection st My icis Dis cov ery 3. Seeing Christ in all Scripture m Ch Today Exegesis 2. Bible Context ann el 4. Application: First temptation is to Read Us/Here/Now Ourselves into the Story and “What did it mean, and go straight to application. how does that meaning “What does this mean to affect me?” me?” 1. Discovery Channel: Interesting facts from the context but lacks application in Christ. 2. Mysticism: allegorical interpretation seeing Christ in ways not present 1. Bible Text 62 Follow in order: 1. Bible Text; 2. Bible Context; 3. Seeing Christ in all Scripture; 4. Application. og ol icis m Ch Today Dis cov ery ann 3. Seeing Christ in all Scripture ct fle Re st My l ica Exegesis e Th Theological Reflection n io n: he t T ad / s re fir r re e e o h /T th r m d id h e a e Th ow ers H ad re ? it 2. Bible Context el 4. Application: First temptation is to Read Us/Here/Now Ourselves into the Story and “What did it mean, and go straight to application. how does that meaning “What does this mean to affect me?” me?” 1. Mysticism: allegorical interpretation seeing Christ in ways not present 2. Discovery Channel: Interesting facts from the context but application in Christ. 1. Bible Text 63 The Journey of Bible Study 64 Basics of the Journey Step 1: Grasping the Text in Their Town Question: What did the text mean to the biblical audience? 65 Basics of the Journey Completing Step 1 • Read the text carefully and make observations. • Study the historical and literary context. • Synthesize the meaning of the passage for the biblical audience. 66 Basics of the Journey Step 2: Measuring the Width of the River to Cross Question: What are the differences between the biblical audience and us? 67 Basics of the Journey Completing Step 2 • Account for common differences: culture, language situation, time and covenant. • Focus on the unique differences found in a specific text. • If you are studying an Old Testament passage, you must account for the life and work of Jesus Christ. 68 Basics of the Journey Step 3: Crossing the Principlizing Bridge Question: What is the theological principle in this text? 69 Basics of the Journey Completing Step 3 • Recall the differences identified in Step 2. • Identify any similarities between the biblical audience and contemporary life. • Holding the differences and similarities together, identify a broad theological principle. • Write out the theological principle, using present tense verbs. 70 Basics of the Journey A theological principle should… • be reflected in the text. • be timeless and not tied to a specific situation. • not be culturally bound. • correspond to the teaching of the rest of Scripture. • be relevant to both the biblical and contemporary audience. 71 Basics of the Journey Step 4: Consult the Biblical Map Question: How does our theological principle fit with the rest of the Bible? 72 Basics of the Journey Completing Step 4 • Does this principle correlate with the rest of the Bible? • If in the Old Testament, run your theological principle through the grid of the New Testament. 73 Basics of the Journey Step 5: Grasping the Text in Our Town Question: How should individual Christians today live out the theological principles? 74 Basics of the Journey 75 Basics of the Journey Completing Step 5 • Apply the theological principle to the specific situation of a contemporary Christian. • There are numerous applicational possibilities, because Christians today find themselves in a variety of situations. 76 Conclusion 77 78