My view of exegesis has certainly developed over several decades. I used to think that a good lexicon, a solid historical understanding of doctrine, and prayer were all that was required in order to know what the Bible says. That paradigm was shattered long ago. In its place I have come to realize several important,…
But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 NASB Examine everything – It is more difficult to unlearn than to learn. The problem is that as we grow older we discover that a great deal of what we learned has to be unlearned before we can gain new insight. …
“but this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel:” Acts 2:16 NASB This is what – Most of us are quite familiar with Peter’s exegesis on the day of Pentecost. Christian theologians often cite this passage as the transitional text from Judaism to Christianity as if the Church really began with the tongues…
For now we see in a mirror dimly. But then face to face; now I know in part, but then I shall know fully just as I also have been fully known. 1 Corinthians 13:12 NASB In a mirror – Following his famous summary of the power of love, Paul comments on the human condition…
“You serpents, you brood of vipers, how shall you escape the sentence of hell?” Matthew 23:33 NASB Brood of vipers – Do you read the Scriptures with an ear toward what you want it to say? Do you read with your past associations, instruction and cultural background as the interpretive pattern? Or do you read…
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Mark 1:1 NASB Son of God – “What the sages have done with Scripture then becomes clear. They have taken its narrative and discerned a pattern within it, and this pattern then has guided them in thinking about the present. Whatever happens finds…
“But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law, and that is written in the Prophets;” Acts 24:14 Everything – Brevard Childs was a very influential teacher at Harvard. His approach…
and all the brethren who are with me, to the churches of Galatia: Galatians 1:2 Churches – When you read the Bible, do you pay attention to the proper context, culture and historical circumstances behind the text? Or do you read the Bible as if it was written for you yesterday? This is not a…
Writing Today’s Word leaves me with an enormous problem. Scripture isn’t bits and pieces. It’s a whole unit, an extended story of God’s interaction with the world, in particular, with the people He calls Israel. How it all fits together is really the job of exegesis. Dealing with one tiny piece at a time often…
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 Handling Accurately – Some days I just want to throw up my hands in frustration. Here’s a perfectly good Hebrew instruction, but when it gets translated, it takes…
