How to Read Sentences 1. To be a good reader involves careful observation a. We want to see as much as possible i.

We want to avoid interpreting or applying until we have a full grasp of the text ii. We are not worried about what the text means; instead we want to know what the text says 1. Deep insights are important, but so are seemingly obvious observationslist them all 2. Think about how your part relates to the whole a. Chapter b. Book c. Bible iii. This takes time! b. Think of yourself as Sherlock Holmes, examining a crime scene i. Or Shawn Spencer! c. You need to read the text over and over noting the details 2. What should I look for? a. Repetition of Words i. Look for words that repeat [50] I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. [51] Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, [52] in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. [53] For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. [54] When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: Death is swallowed up in victory. [55] O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? [56] The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. [57] But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:50-57 ESV) Matthew 5:44-6:32 b. Contrasts i. Look for items, ideas, or individuals that are contrasted with each other ii. Conjunctions such as: not, but [17] Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. [18] And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, [19] addressing one another in psalms and

hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, [20] giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, [21] submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Ephesians 5:17-21 ESV) We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. (1 Corinthians 4:10 ESV) c. Comparison i. Contrast focuses on differences; comparison focuses on similarities 1. Look for ideas, items and individuals that are compared ii. Conjunctions such as: Just as, even as, like, asso But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's *Adams+ trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 5:15-21 ESV) Jesus said to them again, Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you. (John 20:21 ESV) d. Time i. The chronological relationship between two events ii. Conjunctions: after, while, before, now, meanwhile, since, then, until, when

[75] And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times. And he went out and wept bitterly. (Matthew 26:75 ESV)

e. Lists i. Any time you encounter two or more itemized things you can identify them as a list 1. Write down the list and explore the significance ii. Conjunctions such as: and, moreover, furthermore, likewise, neithernor

There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers. (Proverbs 6:16-19 ESV) Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord. To the contrary, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:9-21 ESV) f. Cause and Effect i. Often Biblical writers will state a cause and then the effect of that cause ii. Conjunctions such as: so that, that, with the result that, in order that, with a view to, to that end, lest

And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. (Matthew 8:24 ESV) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 ESV) For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you (Romans 1:11 ESV) And when he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables. And he said to them, To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables, so that they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand, lest they should turn and be forgiven. (Mark 4:10-12 ESV)

g. Figures of Speech i. Words used in a way other than the normal, literal sense Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105 ESV) Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched. For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another. (Mark 9:42-50 ESV)

h. Conjunctions i. Conjunctions can be used in numerous ways such as: 1. Idea-Explanation a. There is a statement that further explains the original idea b. Conjunctions such as: that is, for and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:4 ESV) 2. Ground a. The first statement is the main proposition, the second gives a reason or ground for the statement i. Do not eat the berries because they are poisonous. b. Conjunctions: for, because, since [3] Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3 ESV) [9] But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion. (1 Corinthians 7:9 ESV) 3. Concessive proposition a. A concessive proposition develops an argument with a statement that seems contrary to the premise, but actually makes the result all the more impressive

i. Even though he was only five feet tall, he could dunk a basketball. b. Conjunctions: Althoughyet, although, yet, nevertheless, but [8] Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. (Hebrews 5:8 ESV) [8] For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it(2 Corinthians 7:8a ESV) [8] But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:8 ESV) 4. Alternative a. Each proposition expresses different possibilities arising from the situation b. Conjunctions: Or, but, while, on the one handon the other hand [3] and said to him, Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another? (Matthew 11:3 ESV) [24] And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. (Acts 28:24 ESV) i. Verbs i. Verbs are important because the communicate the action of the sentences 1. Ask, Is the verb past, present or future? a. I went, I go, I will go 2. Does it have a continuing action? a. I was going, I am going, I will be going 3. Is it an imperative? a. Go!

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7 ESV) j. Pronouns i. Identify who are the our, Him, us, we etc..

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have. (Philippians 1:27-30 ESV)

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2 ESV)

Paragraphs 1. Things to look for in paragraphs a. General and Specific i. Sometimes an author will introduce a general idea or statement followed by supporting details that show the general idea to be true If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal... Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant (1 Corinthians 13:1,4 ESV) b. Question-Answers i. The question is stated, and the answer to the question is given. [6:1] What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? [2] By no means! (Romans 6:1-2a ESV) c. Progression i. Each proposition is a step closer to the high point ii. Conjunctions such as: then, and, moreover, furthermore And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. (Romans 8:28-30 ESV) Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee

should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5-11 ESV)

d.

Continuation i. The extension of a relationship between two thoughts or events ii. Conjunctions: and, also, besides, bothand, furthermore, moreover, likewise

[5] So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! (James 3:5 ESV) e. Conditional propositions i. The causing action is only a potential possibility 1. If you score 95%, you will get an A. 2. It is important to note that the many of the conditions qualified in NT are assumed to already be a reality for the reader ii. Conjunctions: ifthen, if, provided that, except [18] But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. (Galatians 5:18 ESV) [8] Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. (Romans 6:8 ESV) f. Action-Manner i. The statement of an action, followed by a more precise explanation of how the action was carried out (A causes B, B causes A) 1. The order can also be reversed (Manner-Action) a. See Gal. 2:13 ii. Conjunctions such as: by, in that but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. (Philippians 2:7 ESV) As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. (Acts 16:16 ESV) [12] Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, [13] for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:12-13 ESV) [13] And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. (Galatians 2:13 ESV) g. Actions/Role of People/God i. Identify what actions are of God or of man 1. Carefully identify which person (Were Trinitarian!) of God is being mentioned [11] Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. [12] We are not commending ourselves to you again but

giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. [13] For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. [14] For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; [15] and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. [16] From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. [17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. [18] All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; [19] that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. [20] Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. [21] For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:11-21 ESV) h. Emotional Terms i. As you carefully read, look for words that convey feeling or emotion 1. Look for relationships (parent-children etc) [3] We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. [4] Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring. (2 Thessalonians 1:3-4 ESV) Tone i. Is the author sorrowful? Angry? Scolding? Encouraging? Pleading? Compare Col. 3:1-4 with Gal. 3:1-3 Read Psalm 73:1-15, then Psalm 73:16-28 i.

Practice on I Timothy 6:1-2 Practice on Romans 4:1-8

Discourses (full thoughts) 1. Connections between Paragraphs and Episodes a. [9] In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. [10] And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. [11] And a voice came from heaven, You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased. (Mark 1:9-11 ESV) b. [6] For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified. [7] And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, This is my beloved Son; listen to him. *8+ And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only. (Mark 9:6-8 ESV) c. [37] And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. [38] And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. [39] And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God! (Mark 15:37-39 ESV) Part of Mark Ch. 6:31-44 Ch. 6:45-56 Ch. 7:1-23 Ch. 7:24-30 Ch. 7:31-36 Ch. 7:37 Event Feeding of the Multitude Crossing the Sea and Landing Conflict with Pharisees Conversation about Bread Healing Confession of Faith Part of Mark Ch. 8:1-9 Ch. 8:10 Ch. 8:11-13 Ch. 8:14-21 Ch. 8:22-26 Ch. 8:27-30

2. Story Shifts: Major Breaks and Pivots a. Ephesians i. Ephesians 1-3 consistently speaks of what God has done ii. Ephesians 4-6 begins to speak about the life of a Christian looks like in response to that 1. Imperatives or commands only appear after the first 3 chapters b. Romans i. Romans 1-11 is Pauls clear exposition of the Gospel ii. Romans 12-16 1. Therefore. Live this way 3. Interchange a. Comparing two stories at the same time as part of the overall story i. Mark 5:21-43 1. Mark tells the story of Jairus daughter getting healed 2. In the middle he puts the story of the bleeding woman getting healed 4. Chiasm a. Ideas, events, or items are structured in a manner that shows parallel

b. The below comes from Gal. 4.

c. Or a possible Chiasm in Galatians 3:5-14

Verses 5-7 8-9 10 11a 11b 12 13 14a 14b

Chiasm A B C D E D C B A

Scripture Citation Formula Spirit; sons of Abraham; faith Abrahams blessing; Gentiles Under law; curse, citing Deut 27:26 By law no one is justified Citation Hab. 2:4 Law is not of faith Christ delivered from curse, citing Deut. 21:33 Abrahams blessing; Gentiles Gift of Spirit; faith

5. Literary Context a. When we ignore the surrounding literary context, we can make a verse mean whatever we want it to mean i. Ex: I like my secretary more than my wife. 1. The fuller context may beMy wife cant stand my secretary. I like my secretary more than my wife. ii. This especially happens when we lucky dip iii. Context is essential in determining meaning b. Literary Genre i. The type of writing that we encounter determines the rules for interpretation 1. We notice an obvious difference between Romans and Revelation 2. To come to a right interpretation we need to consider the type of writing Historical narrative/epic: Genesis and the first half of Exodus, Numbers, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Jonah Law: the last half of Exodus; also Leviticus, Deuteronomy Wisdom: Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes Psalms: Psalms, Song of Solomon, Lamentations Prophecy: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi

Apocalyptic: Daniel, Revelation Gospel: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and possibly Acts Epistle (letter): Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, Peter, 1, 2, and 3 John, Jude c. Surrounding context i. The texts that surround the passage you are studying

ii. How to identify the surrounding context Questions to ask: a. What is this units role or function in the book? b. What would happen if we removed this section from the books? c. Why did the author include this section as a crucial part of the whole? 1. Divide the book (or identify how it has been divided) into paragraphs a. Otherwise known as chunking- Mr. Freeberg 2. Write out what your immediate context is about in 6-12 words a. If you have time, do that for the entire book (each paragraph) 3. Explain how your part connects to the whole a. This is like reading a sentence but on a bigger scale

Word Study Fallacies 1. English-Only Fallacy a. We cant base our word study on the English translators word choice i. We also shouldnt do a study based on the semantic range of the English translation! b. Word study needs to flow out of the Hebrew or Greek originals 2. Root Fallacy a. When cant determine the meaning of a word based on its etymology (original meaning of its component parts) i. Butterfly- Butter that can fly? ii. Pineapple- Apples from pine trees? iii. Baseball- A Base with a ball on it? iv. Hotdog- A dog that is hot? b. The word means what it does based on the context, not on its perceived parts i. Gk. Agape-love v. Gk. Phileo- love (The overlap is more than the differencewhich is negligible) ii. Gk. Apostello- I send v. Gk. Apostolos- apostles (the sent ones? No!) 3. Time-Fame Fallacy (Semantic anachronism) a. When we read back a current understanding of a word into its context i. Most common example gk dunamis in Rom. 1:16- which the word dynamite comes from ii. The blood of Jesus in regards to modern understandings of the role of blood in cleansing out cellular impurities (I Jn. 1:7) b. This happens when we bring our common understanding of a word backward into the Bible i. Predestination in light of the council of Dordt, Bishop in light of the Roman Catholic Church, etc [2] To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: (1 Corinthians 1:2 ESV) [24] You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. (James 2:24 ESV) c. This can also happen when we treat the words as technical theological terminology as opposed to regular writings i. Justification by Paul is not merely used in as we currently would use it in a systematic theology text book d. Similarly this can be the case in semantic obsolescence (Using a historically obsolete use of a word) i. Words change over time and we want to connect word with a meaning that has not dropped out of use ii. Here is the development of the Gk. Word martys (Eng. Martyr)

1. One who gives evidence, in or out of court 2. One who gives solemn witness or affirmation (e.g. ones faith) 3. One who gives solemn witness to personal faith, even in the threat of death 4. One who witnesses to personal faith by the acceptance of death 5. One who dies for a causea martyr iii. By the mid second century Polycarp used martyr in the final sense 1. What about martys in Revelation? [13] I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful [martys], who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. (Revelation 2:13 ESV) [3] And I will grant authority to my two [martys], and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth. *7+ And when they have finished their testimony, the beast that rises from the bottomless pit will make war on them and conquer them and kill them, [8] and their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city that symbolically is called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was crucified. (Revelation 11:3, 7-8 ESV) 4. Careless Appeal to Background Information a. When we use background information to determine our exegesis, plainly ignoring the real meaning of the text i. A camel going through the eye of a needle 1. The eye of a needle- A gate in Jerusalem? 2. Invented in the 12th century [23] And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! *24+ And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! *25+ It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God. *26+ And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, Then who can be saved? *27+ Jesus looked at them and said, With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God. (Mark 10:23-27 ESV) 5. The Overload Fallacy a. As we begin to understand the translation process, we realize that a word has a potential semantic range of meaning i. When we decide to make many or all of this possibilities (instead of the one that best fits the context) we have committed the Overload Fallacy b. The Amplified Bible makes it easy to commit this fallacy i. 25 Jesus said to her, I am [Myself] the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in [adheres to, trusts in, and relies on] Me, although he may die, yet he shall live; 26 And whoever continues to live and believes in [has faith in, cleaves to, and relies on] Me shall never [actually] die at all. Do you believe this?

6. The Word Count Fallacy a. We make this mistake when we assume that because of all the other uses of this particular word, it too must have the same meaning i. Context always determines meaning 7. Word Concept Fallacy a. The idea that if we have looked at all the verses that mention a particular word, we have exhausted all the information on that subject i. There are many synonymous phrases or concepts that may not use your particular word 8. Selective Evidence Fallacy a. We can be tempted to only present verses that support or premise or idea i. This is very dangerous, as we are accommodating the Bible to our beliefs ii. Instead, we should change our beliefs if we cannot account for it Biblically! What Can I look for in a Word Study? 1. Words that are crucial to the passage a. Words that have historical, theological or grammatical significance i. Key nouns, verbs or repeated words 2. Words that are repeated a. Theme words are often repeatedtake time to study these words i. Mark repeats Gk. euthys 42 times (trans. immediately) 1. Mark doesnt write chronologically a. Why Immediately? ii. Ecclesiastes uses Hb. Hebel 38 times 1. Vanity- AV, RSV, NAB, ESV 2. Emptiness- NEB 3. Meaningless- NIV, NLT 4. Futility- REB, NJB 5. Other options: Absurdity, Vapor, Transient, Enigma, Mystery 3. Figures of speech a. Words used as pictures or images i. These often require thoughtful analysis as the figures and images are not always obvious 4. Words that are unclear, puzzling, or difficult a. If you dont understand an English definition of a word you should explore it more in depth b. If translations seem to disagree on word choice, take some time to think deeply about it

What Can a Word Mean? Semantic Range a. All the possible meanings of a word are known as its semantic range i. This is a list of what a word could mean b. Context ultimately determines word meaning i. But as important as word studies are, it is very doubtful if profound understanding of any text or of any theme is really possible with word studies alone- D. A. Carson

Role of the Holy Spirit in Interpretation

Method for the Interpretative Use of the Old in the New I. Seven Questions to Ask 1. What is the NT context of the citation or allusion? Look at the broad and immediate context. Sketch the overall outline and flow of thought. 2. What is the OT context from which the quotation or allusion is drawn? Analyze the OT context both broadly and immediately, with focused exegesis on the paragraph in which the quotation or allusion occurs. Analyze the OT context both broadly and immediately, with focused exegesis on the paragraph in which the quotation or allusion occurs. Broad analysis helps the interpreter to see the overall outline and the occasion of the OT Book. 3. How did early and late Judaism read this text? Sometimes a NT author may have in mind an earlier OT reference but may be interpreting it through the later OT development of that earlier text, and if the lens of that later text is not analyzed, then the NT use may seem strange or may not properly be understood (p. xxiv). How is the OT quotation or source handled in the literature of Second Temple Judaism or (more broadly yet) of early Judaism? 4. What textual factors must be borne in mind as one seeks to understand a particular use of the OT? Compare NT, LXX, MT, Targums (Aramaic translations), early Jewish traditions (e.g. DSS, Pseudepigrapha, Mishna, etc.). Are there textual variants? 5. Analyze the authors textual use of the OT Which text is he relying on or is he rendering his own translation? How does this bear on the interpretation of the OT text? 6. Once this groundwork has been laid, it becomes important to try to understand how the NT is using or appealing to the OT. In other words, what TYPE of connection does the author make to appropriate the OT text? Here one surveys the possible uses 1-10 above to decide which may be applicable and does a through exegesis of the paragraph in which the OT quotation or allusion occurs. Also in this step one surveys the rest of the NT and apostolic fathers for uses of the same OT reference in order to see what light may be shed on the use of the quotation. 7. To what theological use does the NT writer put the OT quotation or allusion? Here one surveys the categories of systematic theology in order to reflect on what part

of theology the use of the quotation under study contributes. E.g., NT authors frequently apply OT passages that refer to Yahweh to Jesus (Christology), based on their theological understanding.

II. Abbreviated Steps: [Do every time you encounter a quotation or allusion] 1. What is the NT context of the citation or allusion? Look at the broad and immediate context. Sketch the overall outline and flow of thought. 2. What is the OT context from which the quotation or allusion is drawn? Analyze the OT context both broadly and immediately, with focused exegesis on the paragraph in which the quotation or allusion occurs. Analyze the OT context both broadly and immediately, with focused exegesis on the paragraph in which the quotation or allusion occurs. Broad analysis helps the interpreter to see the overall outline and the occasion of the OT Book. 3. Once this groundwork has been laid, it becomes important to try to understand how the NT is using or appealing to the OT. In other words, what TYPE of connection does the author make to appropriate the OT text? Here one surveys the possible uses 1-10 above to decide which may be applicable and does a through exegesis of the paragraph in which the OT quotation or allusion occurs. Also in this step one surveys the rest of the NT and apostolic fathers for uses of the same OT reference in order to see what light may be shed on the use of the quotation. 4. To what theological use does the NT writer put the OT quotation or allusion? Here one surveys the categories of systematic theology in order to reflect on what part of theology the use of the quotation under study contributes. E.g., NT authors frequently apply OT passages that refer to Yahweh to Jesus (Christology), based on their theological understanding.

III. Categories of OT use in the NT 1. For the purposes of proof-texting - providing evidence that an OT prophecy has been fulfilled. a. Direct prophetic fulfillment ((Matt. 2:5/Micah 5:2; Matt. 3:2/Isaiah 40:3) b. Indirect prophetic fulfillment (Matt. 2:14/Hos. 11:1) 2. For the purpose of illustrating or drawing an analogy (or perhaps contrast) to emphasize a broad or universal principle. a. 1 Cor. 9:7/Deut. 25:4; 1 Cor. 10:6/wilderness generation 3. The symbolic use of the OT a. Similar to analogical use above, but the focus is narrowed to the contextual use of OT

symbols (common in Revelation) b. Rev. 13/Dan. 7 in Dan 7: 4 beasts rise out of the sea that persecutes the people of God. 4. To indicate an abiding authority a. Introduced typically with as it is written b. One must compare the two contexts to find out what is true about God in both contexts. c. Rom. 3:10/Ps. 51:4 what was true of God in the OT is still true. 5. Stock and Trade use a. An author may use an OT phrase which has become repeated, b. Widely known and applied to different situations in the OT and Judaism, without deep consideration of original context although still based on it. c. raz (Dan. 2:4 and Qumran) musterion (Greek, Paul and Revelation). d. 2 Thess. 2:3-4/Dan. 11:31-36 6. Rhetorical use of the OT a. OT language expressed with a view to being persuasive or impressive in rhetorical effect; does not give information from OT context. b. Rom. 10:6-7/Deut 30:12,13 7. Midrashic/ Framework use of the OT a. An author has one OT context in mind in a NT chapter of section, and it forms the structure or section. When other passages are drawn in they are drawn in to the original framework that serves as a hermeneutical magnet. The NT passages has the same topical outline as an OT passage OR a saturation of passages from one OT section b. Rev. 4-5/Dan. 7; Rev. 13/Dan.7 8. Textual use of the OT a. An author may choose one text form or translation of a phrase among others known to him to being out more clearly what he sees as the intended meaning of the original OT passage. b. Rev. 17:14/Dan. 4:37 (old LXX) c. Rev. 2:27; 19:15/ Ps. 2:9 shepherd (LXX); shatter (MT). 9. Assimilated use of the OT a. An author may express OT language merely because it has become a part of the way he thinks and speaks without intention to allude to a particular OT text. This is like the mental furniture of the author b. Liturgical language in the NT (Rev. 1:6, Matt 6:13, Rom. 11, Rev. 5/ Dan. 4, 7) 10. Ironic use of the OT a. Irony is the saying of one thing and meaning its opposite for purposes usually of ridicule, mocking, etc. b. Often ironic judgment or ironic redemption. c. Gal. 3:13, 14/Deut. 21:23, the most honored person (The Messiah) receiving the punishment reserved in Deut. for the most despicable of criminals.

d. Acts 2 allusions to the Tower of Babel, the reversal of the curse of Babel, from confusion to understanding. questions to ask when interpreting the NT use of the OT (Commentary on the Use of the Old Testament in the New Testament, eds. Carson and Beale) IV. Presuppositions of the NT Apostles in reading the OT (from G.K. Beale, Right Doctrine from the Wrong Text?, chapter 22) a. b. c. d. The assumption of corporate solidarity or representation Christ is viewed as representing True Israel of OT and of NT (church) The age of eschatological fulfillment had come in Christ Latter parts of Biblical history interpret earlier because Christ as the center of history is the key to interpreting the OT and its promises