*How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, Fee & Stuart
Nature of the Gospels
1. Jesus didn’t write the gospels, they are books about him. (There is an extra person that we need to understand.)
2. There are four different gospels: Mark 1st, Matthew and Luke using Mark and then, separately, John.
--They each have their own reason for writing
--One reason for four is that there were different needs in the different Christian communities.
So we must take into consideration the historical setting
1. of Jesus and
2. of the writers.
The Historical Context of
Jesus
1. General historical context of Jesus-
a. 1st century Judaism- Pharisees, Sadducees…
---Also recall some of the things we learned from the excerpt from Philip Yancey on the background of Jesus
b. parables, proverbs
c. hyperbole-gouging out an eye
2. Specific historical context of Jesus-
a. came from individual stories, with a context and saying; (or just a saying)
b.Sometimes there are different contexts for the same saying. (Mt 10:5-20; Lk 9:2; 10:3; 21:12; 12:11)
c. Were the sayings intended for disciples, crowds or opponents?
--What was Jesus’ point?
The Historical Context of
the Evangelist
Why was it that Mark (and the others) wrote their gospels?
Mark- What did it mean to be the Messiah?
1. He was powerful, it is true, but he kept the fact that he was the Messiah secret. (7:36) Why?
They don’t understand what the Messiah was to be like, that he was to be a servant that would die.
2. The cross and servanthood are part of being the Messiah, and are part of being a disciple as well. (8:31 and 34)
3. Probably written in Rome shortly after Peter’s martyrdom, at a time of great suffering. p. 120
This is Mark’s historical setting. He will be more concerned about persecution than the other Gospel writers.
Matthew-Jesus is the promised Messiah; the Messianic kingdom has arrived
Luke-Evangelism-confirming the faith of Theophilus; eyewitnesses, prophecy, defend Christianity as a religion in the Roman Empire
John-that people might believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that he was God
The Literary Context
1. Think Horizontally --look at the parallels in the other Gospels.
a. We will see what is distinctive
b. We will see the different contexts for the sayings and stories.
2. Think vertically Jesus’ and the writer’s historical contexts.
Interpreting the Gospels as a Whole
(Factors in composing the Gospels)
1.Selectivity
(John 20:30-31)
(Luke doesn’t use Mark 6:45-8:26)
2. Arrangement
due to different interests (Jn 20:31)
Jesus ministry mostly in Jerusalem & Judea because Jesus was the Jewish Messiah
3. Adaptation
a. Fig tree is withered
Mk 11:12-14, 20-25 and Mt. 21:18-22
b. Take a look at Mark 1:21-3:6
What does this emphasize about Jesus?
--Jesus’ popularity then opposition.
Compare Matthew and Luke's version of the Sermon on the Mount.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Acts: The Question of Historical Precedent
*from "How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth," Fee & Stuart
Court cases: --precedent
--the decision that is made in a particular case determines how things will be decided in the future.
Advertisement: “Pleading for the restoration of NT Christianity” Is this what Luke is there for?
Luke, with the Holy Spirit, intended something—
“What was it?”
If we can get a good idea of Luke’s basic intent, it will help us understand the individual passages.
Exegesis of Acts: what’s the right focus?
---Historical details? What do we know about the early Christian church?
---Apologetic value? Showing how the Bible is true because of Luke’s accuracy as an historian.
---Inspiration of early church? We see models that inspire us.
Background:
Acts as History:
Hellenistic historiography-
1. encourage, entertain and
2. inform, moralize or offer an apologetic—showing divine activity
We are interested in…
--What happened, but also
--Why did Luke write what he did, why did he include what he did?
--Did he write to provide a pattern for the church, or was there some other reason?
1. Read it through
2. Note key people and places, natural divisions
3. Why did Luke write the book?
What are the natural divisions?
Section 1--1:1—6:7 The primitive church in Jerusalem
Section 2 6:8—9:31 First expansion—by Hellenists
Section 3 9:32—12:24 First expansion to the Gentiles
Section 4 12:25—16:5 First expansion to the Gentile world
Section 5 16:6—19:20 Further, westward, expansion into the Gentile world
Section 6 19:21—28:30 Events that move Paul and the Gospel to Rome
The Role of the Holy Spirit is essential in all of this…
Luke’s purpose:
1. To show how the Jewish, Jerusalem-based church became a Gentile and worldwide one
2. Was he interested in
--biographies of apostles?
--church organization?
--the expansion of the church throughout the world?
--no description of expansion other than in the direction of Rome
In light of the above, a comprehensive church history is not what Luke had in mind
3. Was Luke interested in standardizing the practice of the churches?
--in conversion-
Spirit and baptism constant;
but laying on of hands, tongues, repentance not standard
--Jerusalem church had a communal life, but Gentile churches apparently did not.
4. The “model” seems to be a church…
--triumphant, joyful
--expanding to Gentiles
--empowered by HS
--where lives are changed
A look at 6:1-7
How does this fit into the book? What purpose does it serve structurally?
1. Hellenists were Greek speaking Jews
2. Hellenists not native to Jerusalem
3. Their widows caused strain on Jerusalem
4. Hellenists had their own synagogue (Stephen and Saul)
5. Church had made large advances in that synagogue
6. “Seven” not called deacons; ministers (Stephen & Philip)
Why does Luke include this story?
6:1-7 One reason is that it sets the scene for expansion outside of Jerusalem.
Hermeneutics of Acts
"Unless Scripture explicitly tells us we must do something, what is only narrated or described does not function in a normative way—unless it can be demonstrated on other grounds that the author intended it to function in this way.” p. 106
Perhaps we can argue that something ought to be a principle if it is always done this way in the New Testament.
If there are different patterns, it would be something that could possibly be repeated, but is not a law.
If it is cultural, it is not a principle. (pp. 111-112)
Court cases: --precedent
--the decision that is made in a particular case determines how things will be decided in the future.
Advertisement: “Pleading for the restoration of NT Christianity” Is this what Luke is there for?
Luke, with the Holy Spirit, intended something—
“What was it?”
If we can get a good idea of Luke’s basic intent, it will help us understand the individual passages.
Exegesis of Acts: what’s the right focus?
---Historical details? What do we know about the early Christian church?
---Apologetic value? Showing how the Bible is true because of Luke’s accuracy as an historian.
---Inspiration of early church? We see models that inspire us.
Background:
Acts as History:
Hellenistic historiography-
1. encourage, entertain and
2. inform, moralize or offer an apologetic—showing divine activity
We are interested in…
--What happened, but also
--Why did Luke write what he did, why did he include what he did?
--Did he write to provide a pattern for the church, or was there some other reason?
1. Read it through
2. Note key people and places, natural divisions
3. Why did Luke write the book?
What are the natural divisions?
Section 1--1:1—6:7 The primitive church in Jerusalem
Section 2 6:8—9:31 First expansion—by Hellenists
Section 3 9:32—12:24 First expansion to the Gentiles
Section 4 12:25—16:5 First expansion to the Gentile world
Section 5 16:6—19:20 Further, westward, expansion into the Gentile world
Section 6 19:21—28:30 Events that move Paul and the Gospel to Rome
The Role of the Holy Spirit is essential in all of this…
Luke’s purpose:
1. To show how the Jewish, Jerusalem-based church became a Gentile and worldwide one
2. Was he interested in
--biographies of apostles?
--church organization?
--the expansion of the church throughout the world?
--no description of expansion other than in the direction of Rome
In light of the above, a comprehensive church history is not what Luke had in mind
3. Was Luke interested in standardizing the practice of the churches?
--in conversion-
Spirit and baptism constant;
but laying on of hands, tongues, repentance not standard
--Jerusalem church had a communal life, but Gentile churches apparently did not.
4. The “model” seems to be a church…
--triumphant, joyful
--expanding to Gentiles
--empowered by HS
--where lives are changed
A look at 6:1-7
How does this fit into the book? What purpose does it serve structurally?
1. Hellenists were Greek speaking Jews
2. Hellenists not native to Jerusalem
3. Their widows caused strain on Jerusalem
4. Hellenists had their own synagogue (Stephen and Saul)
5. Church had made large advances in that synagogue
6. “Seven” not called deacons; ministers (Stephen & Philip)
Why does Luke include this story?
6:1-7 One reason is that it sets the scene for expansion outside of Jerusalem.
Hermeneutics of Acts
"Unless Scripture explicitly tells us we must do something, what is only narrated or described does not function in a normative way—unless it can be demonstrated on other grounds that the author intended it to function in this way.” p. 106
Perhaps we can argue that something ought to be a principle if it is always done this way in the New Testament.
If there are different patterns, it would be something that could possibly be repeated, but is not a law.
If it is cultural, it is not a principle. (pp. 111-112)
Old Testament Narratives
The OT Narratives: Their Proper Use*
* A Summary from How to Read the Bible for all its Worth
The Nature of Narratives
a. What Narratives Are:
b. Three levels of Narratives
c. What Narratives are not:
I. The Nature of Narratives
What Narratives Are:
Showing God at Work in His Creation and Among His People
B. Three Levels of Narrative
1. Top Level: God’s Big Plan
--Creation
--Fall
--Power of Sin
--Need for Redemption
--Christ’s incarnation and sacrifice
The Big Plan is “The Story of Redemption”
2. Middle Level --Centers on Israel
--The Call of Abraham
--The Establishment of Abraham’s descendants
--The Enslaving of Israel
--God’s deliverance of Israel
--Conquest of Canaan
--Israel’s frequent sins
--God’s patient protection
3. Bottom Level --Individual Narratives
Joseph, Gideon, David…
Each narrative is also a part of the story of Israel and a part of the
“Story of Redemption”
C. What Narratives are Not:
1. Not just stories about people who lived in OT times
God is the “protagonist”, the hero, the focus
2. Not allegories or stories filled with hidden meanings
“Joseph relates the prophetical dreams he had. Though he was now about seventeen years old, yet he was pious and devout, and well-inclined, and this fitted him for God’s gracious discoveries of himself to him.”
3. Do not always teach directly; they often illustrate what is explicitly taught elsewhere.
4. Each individual narrative does not necessarily have a moral of its own. The whole unit has the message.
Principles for Interpreting Narratives (see handout)
Ways NOT to interpret Narratives
(OR, “How to make a passage say anything you want it to!”)
1. Make an allegory
2. Ignore the context
3. Pick and choose
4. Tricky combination
5. Change the definition
6. Use an outside authority
7. Finding a moral
8. Find a personal application
* A Summary from How to Read the Bible for all its Worth
The Nature of Narratives
a. What Narratives Are:
b. Three levels of Narratives
c. What Narratives are not:
I. The Nature of Narratives
What Narratives Are:
Showing God at Work in His Creation and Among His People
B. Three Levels of Narrative
1. Top Level: God’s Big Plan
--Creation
--Fall
--Power of Sin
--Need for Redemption
--Christ’s incarnation and sacrifice
The Big Plan is “The Story of Redemption”
2. Middle Level --Centers on Israel
--The Call of Abraham
--The Establishment of Abraham’s descendants
--The Enslaving of Israel
--God’s deliverance of Israel
--Conquest of Canaan
--Israel’s frequent sins
--God’s patient protection
3. Bottom Level --Individual Narratives
Joseph, Gideon, David…
Each narrative is also a part of the story of Israel and a part of the
“Story of Redemption”
C. What Narratives are Not:
1. Not just stories about people who lived in OT times
God is the “protagonist”, the hero, the focus
2. Not allegories or stories filled with hidden meanings
“Joseph relates the prophetical dreams he had. Though he was now about seventeen years old, yet he was pious and devout, and well-inclined, and this fitted him for God’s gracious discoveries of himself to him.”
3. Do not always teach directly; they often illustrate what is explicitly taught elsewhere.
4. Each individual narrative does not necessarily have a moral of its own. The whole unit has the message.
Principles for Interpreting Narratives (see handout)
Ways NOT to interpret Narratives
(OR, “How to make a passage say anything you want it to!”)
1. Make an allegory
2. Ignore the context
3. Pick and choose
4. Tricky combination
5. Change the definition
6. Use an outside authority
7. Finding a moral
8. Find a personal application
Friday, April 16, 2010
Journaling Project-Philipians
Please spend at least 10 minutes on each number below. Your responses should be approximately 1/2 to one journal page per section (1-5). Please number and letter your responses 1-5 as I have done below so it is easier for me to match your comments to my questions.
To be handed in by 26 April
1. Read the introduction to Philippians
2. Write down 5 important facts that you learn about the city and the occasion for the letter.
3. Read through Philippians in one sitting.
4. What are three things you learn about the Philippians (with references)
--a.
--b.
--c.
5. What is Paul's attitude (with references)
To be handed in by 3 May
1. a. (Looking at the whole book) What causes Paul to write-what is the occasion?
b. Next, state the logical divisions of the book (be a bit more specific than the title headings given in your Bibles)?
2. a. Read Phil. 1:1-11 in two translations.
b. What do you know about the recipients from this section?
3. Read Phil. 1:1-6
a. Literary Context: What does Paul have to say to them in this section?
b. Why is he saying it? How does it fit into all of what he is saying?
c. How does this apply to us?
4. a. Read Phil. 1:7-11 in two translations. (Which did you read?)
b. Literary Context: What does Paul have to say to them in this section?
Why is he saying it? How does it fit into all of what he is saying?
c. How does this apply to us?
5. a. Read the next section, Phil. 1:12-26, in two translations (which two did you use?)
b. Historical Context: What more do you learn about the Philippians in this section?
c. Literary Context: How would you title this section? What are Paul's purposes in this section?
To be handed in by 10 May
1. Read Phil. 1:12-18a
a. Literary Context: What does Paul have to say to them in this section?
Why is he saying this to the Philippians? How does it fit in to all of what he is saying?
b. How does this apply to us?
2. Read Phil. 1:18b-26
a. Literary Context: What does Paul have to say to them in this section?
Why is he saying this to the Philippians? How does it fit in to all of what he is saying?
b. How does this apply to us?
3. a. Read Phil. 1:27-2:18 in two versions. (Which ones did you read?)
b. Historical Context: What more do you learn about the Philippians in this section?
c. Literary Context: How would you title this section? What are Paul's purposes in this section?
4. Read Phil. 1:27-30.
a. Literary Context: What does Paul have to say to them in this section?
Why is he saying this to the Philippians? How does it fit in to all of what he is saying?
b. How does this apply to us?
5. Read Phil. 2:1-4
a. Literary Context: What does Paul have to say to them in this section?
Why is he saying this to the Philippians? How does it fit in to all of what he is saying?
b. How does this apply to us?
To be handed in on 17 May
1. And 2. Read Phil. 2:5-11 (This section is longer so I am giving you two days to work on it. You will answer the questions below once, but they should be longer answers.)
a. Literary Context: What does Paul have to say to them in this section?
Why is he saying this to the Philippians? How does it fit in to all of what he is saying?
b. How does this apply to us?
3. Read Phil. 2:12-13
a. Literary Context: What does Paul have to say to them in this section?
Why is he saying this to the Philippians? How does it fit in to all of what he is saying?
b. How does this apply to us?
4. Read Phil. 2:14-18
a. Literary Context: What does Paul have to say to them in this section?
Why is he saying this to the Philippians? How does it fit in to all of what he is saying?
b. How does this apply to us?
5. a. Read Phil. 2:19-30 in two versions. (Which ones did you read?)
b. Historical Context: What more do you learn about the Philippians in this section?
c. Literary Context: How would you title this section? What are Paul's purposes in this section?
To be handed in on 24 May
1. Read Phil. 2:19-24
a. Literary Context: What does Paul have to say to them in this section?
Why is he saying this to the Philippians? How does it fit in to all of what he is saying?
b. How does this apply to us?
2. Read Phil. 2:25-30
a. Literary Context: What does Paul have to say to them in this section?
Why is he saying this to the Philippians? How does it fit in to all of what he is saying?
b. How does this apply to us?
3. Read Phil 3:1-16 in two translations (which ones did you read?)
a. Historical Context: What more do you learn about the Philippians in this section?
b. Literary Context: How would you title this section?
c. What are Paul's purposes in this section?
4. Read Phil 3:1-6
a. Literary Context: What does Paul have to say to them in this section?
b. Why is he saying this to the Philippians? How does it fit in to all of what he is saying?
c. How does this apply to us today?
5. Read Phil 3:7-11
a. Literary Context: What does Paul have to say to them in this section?
b. Why is he saying this to the Philippians? How does it fit in to all of what he is saying?
c. How does this apply to us today?
To be handed in 31 May
1. Read Phil 3:12-14
a. Literary Context: What does Paul have to say to them in this section?
b. Why is he saying this to the Philippians? How does it fit in to all of what he is saying?
c. How does this apply to us today?
2. Read Phil 3:15-16
a. Literary Context: What does Paul have to say to them in this section?
b. Why is he saying this to the Philippians? How does it fit in to all of what he is saying?
c. How does this apply to us today? What would Paul have wanted us to learn?
3. Read Phil 3:17-21
a. Literary Context: What does Paul have to say to them in this section?
b. Why is he saying this to the Philippians? How does it fit in to all of what he is saying?
c. How does this apply to us today? What would Paul have wanted us to learn?
4. Read Phil 4:1-23 in two translations (which ones did you read?)
a. Historical Context: What more do you learn about the Philippians in this section?
b. Literary Context: How would you title this section?
c. What are Paul's purposes in this section?
5. Read Phil 4:1-3
a. Literary Context: What does Paul have to say to them in this section?
b. Why is he saying this to the Philippians? How does it fit in to all of what he is saying?
c. How does this apply to us today? What would Paul have wanted us to learn?
To be handed in 7 June
1. Read Phil 4:4-7
a. Literary Context: What does Paul have to say to them in this section?
b. Why is he saying this to the Philippians? How does it fit in to all of what he is saying?
c. How does this apply to us today? What would Paul have wanted us to learn?
2. Read Phil 4:8-9
a. Literary Context: What does Paul have to say to them in this section?
b. Why is he saying this to the Philippians? How does it fit in to all of what he is saying?
c. How does this apply to us today? What would Paul have wanted us to learn?
3. Read Phil 4:10-13
a. Literary Context: What does Paul have to say to them in this section?
b. Why is he saying this to the Philippians? How does it fit in to all of what he is saying?
c. How does this apply to us today? What would Paul have wanted us to learn?
4. Read Phil 4:14-20
a. Literary Context: What does Paul have to say to them in this section?
b. Why is he saying this to the Philippians? How does it fit in to all of what he is saying?
c. How does this apply to us today? What would Paul have wanted us to learn?
5. Read Phil 4:21-23
a. Literary Context: What does Paul have to say to them in this section?
b. Why is he saying this to the Philippians? How does it fit in to all of what he is saying?
c. How does this apply to us today? What would Paul have wanted us to learn?
To be handed in 14 June
1. Write about four journal pages summarizing the main points of Philippians and
2. the main applications to our lives.
3. Include three or four personal, measurable goals for yourself based on the applications you have made.
--b.
--c.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Hermeneutics in the Epistles
*How to Read the Bible For All Its Worth, Fee & Stuart
What do the texts mean to us?
What about cultural relativity?
Why do we need to think about Application?
Sometimes there’s no problem:
2 Tim. 4:13
When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.
2 Tim. 2:3
Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
But sometimes there is a problem:
We have a lack of consistency because of:
Theological heritage
Ecclesiastical (church) traditions
Cultural norms
Felt needs
For example…
1 Tim 5:23—Is it only a personal note?
(Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. )
What about 2 Tim. 3:14-16? Is it only a personal note too?
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
...we need to look carefully.
Culture:
Long hair: 1 Cor. 11:14 Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him
(but what about 11:15?) but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering.
Church Traditions
1 Cor. 14:34-35 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself
1 Cor. 14:1-5, 26-33, 39-40 and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.
Church order: 1 Tim. 5:17; Titus 1:5 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor
Widows: 1 Tim. 5:3-15 Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need
Infant baptism: 1 Cor. 1:16; 7:14; Col. 2:11-12 Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas
Theological Heritage
.....Arminianism (free will) gets around some verses
Rom. 8:30 And those he predestined, he also called…
Rom. 9:18-24 Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden
Gal. 1:15 But when God, who set me apart from birth…
Eph. 1:4-5 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world
.....Calvinism gets around others:
1 Cor. 10:1-13 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!
2 Peter 2:20-22 It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command
Heb. 6:4-6 It is impossible for those who have …shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God … if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance
We need rules to be consistent.
The Basic Rule:
A text cannot mean what it never meant to its author or his recipients
i.e., the true meaning of the Biblical text is what God originally intended it to mean when it was first spoken.
Some disregard the commands about seeking spiritual gifts because of 1 Cor. 13:10, but this cannot refer to Scripture’s completion.
What about 2nd meanings in prophecy?--We can't be the ones to give it the second meaning--we are not inspired.
The Second Rule:
Whenever our situation is like those who lived in the the first-century, God’s Word to us is the same as his Word to them.
Col. 3:2 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
If our situation is like theirs, the application is the same.
--Long hair-cultural situation was different
-- “All have sinned”-our situation is the same
Three Difficulties in Interpretation
1. The Problem of Extended Application
--Three examples
example 1
1 Cor 3:16-17 “If anyone destroys God’s temple (the church), God will destroy him…”
Can we then also conclude that God will punish the believer, indwelt by the Spirit, who abuses his own body?
example 2
1 Cor 3:10-15 If it is burned up, he [the church leader] will suffer loss; he himself will be saved…
Can we then say that believers will be judged but will be saved (as well as the poor church builders)?
....Should we extend the application?
Why try to figure out what is being said in the first place if one is just going to change what the text originally intended?
And one can find other texts that support that point. There is no need to use this text.
example 3
2 Cor. 6:14 “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.”
The passage doesn’t clearly refer to marriage, but it isn’t clear what it refers to.
Can we then apply it since the original meaning isn’t clear?
It appears that it is referring to idolatry, forbidding participation at idol feasts. But since we don’t know for sure, can we apply it to marriage?
Perhaps we can , but only because we can support the principle from other Scripture.
2. The Problem of Situations that no longer Exist
----1 Cor. 8:10 Eating at idol feasts forbidden
What is the Principle? Now apply the principle in genuinely comparable situations
Participating in eating is forbidden if it causes a weaker brother to sin.
Does this mean we are not to do something that someone else feels is wrong?
1 Cor. 8:8 Food is declared to be indifferent: What else should we put in this category?
1. According to the Epistles:food, drink, observance of days are matters of indifference
2. Things are not inherently moral, but are cultural
3. The sin lists….[Rom 1:29-30 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 1 Cor 6:9-10 Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.]…. never include cultural items.
3. The Problem of Cultural Relativity
What are some general guidelines that will help us see what is cultural and what is not?
1.What is Central and what is Secondary?
--Central core of Bible:
Salvation, sin, Christ
--Secondary items
Holy kiss, Head coverings,Charismatic gifts
2. What does the NT see as moral and immoral. (See “sin” lists—e.g. 1 Cor. 6:9
1Co 6:9 Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.)
3. Note where the NT is consistent and where it reflects differences.
Uniform testimony
Love
Unity
Against hatred
Against stealing
Against murder
Diverse testimony
Women’s ministries (Phoebe a deacon-Rom. 16:1-2; Junia an apostle Rom 16:7)
Retention of wealth
Food offered to idols
4. Note how the differences between the 1st and 21st centuries that might affect understanding.
---Women’s education
---Attitude towards government
5. Show Christian Love
We may differ on interpretation, but let us do this is a spirit of love. We can work together to try to come to an agreement, and if not, agree to disagree.
Case Study: Homosexuality
Is it culturally relative?
Is the homosexuality spoken against in the NT abusive and is “monogamous” homosexuality a different matter?
Rom 1:24-28 is not abusive (“inflamed with lust for one another”)
The whole Bible always speaks against homosexuality
It is included in sin lists
What do the texts mean to us?
What about cultural relativity?
Why do we need to think about Application?
Sometimes there’s no problem:
2 Tim. 4:13
When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.
2 Tim. 2:3
Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
But sometimes there is a problem:
We have a lack of consistency because of:
Theological heritage
Ecclesiastical (church) traditions
Cultural norms
Felt needs
For example…
1 Tim 5:23—Is it only a personal note?
(Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. )
What about 2 Tim. 3:14-16? Is it only a personal note too?
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
...we need to look carefully.
Culture:
Long hair: 1 Cor. 11:14 Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him
(but what about 11:15?) but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering.
Church Traditions
1 Cor. 14:34-35 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself
1 Cor. 14:1-5, 26-33, 39-40 and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.
Church order: 1 Tim. 5:17; Titus 1:5 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor
Widows: 1 Tim. 5:3-15 Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need
Infant baptism: 1 Cor. 1:16; 7:14; Col. 2:11-12 Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas
Theological Heritage
.....Arminianism (free will) gets around some verses
Rom. 8:30 And those he predestined, he also called…
Rom. 9:18-24 Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden
Gal. 1:15 But when God, who set me apart from birth…
Eph. 1:4-5 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world
.....Calvinism gets around others:
1 Cor. 10:1-13 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!
2 Peter 2:20-22 It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command
Heb. 6:4-6 It is impossible for those who have …shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God … if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance
We need rules to be consistent.
The Basic Rule:
A text cannot mean what it never meant to its author or his recipients
i.e., the true meaning of the Biblical text is what God originally intended it to mean when it was first spoken.
Some disregard the commands about seeking spiritual gifts because of 1 Cor. 13:10, but this cannot refer to Scripture’s completion.
What about 2nd meanings in prophecy?--We can't be the ones to give it the second meaning--we are not inspired.
The Second Rule:
Whenever our situation is like those who lived in the the first-century, God’s Word to us is the same as his Word to them.
Col. 3:2 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
If our situation is like theirs, the application is the same.
--Long hair-cultural situation was different
-- “All have sinned”-our situation is the same
Three Difficulties in Interpretation
1. The Problem of Extended Application
--Three examples
example 1
1 Cor 3:16-17 “If anyone destroys God’s temple (the church), God will destroy him…”
Can we then also conclude that God will punish the believer, indwelt by the Spirit, who abuses his own body?
example 2
1 Cor 3:10-15 If it is burned up, he [the church leader] will suffer loss; he himself will be saved…
Can we then say that believers will be judged but will be saved (as well as the poor church builders)?
....Should we extend the application?
Why try to figure out what is being said in the first place if one is just going to change what the text originally intended?
And one can find other texts that support that point. There is no need to use this text.
example 3
2 Cor. 6:14 “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.”
The passage doesn’t clearly refer to marriage, but it isn’t clear what it refers to.
Can we then apply it since the original meaning isn’t clear?
It appears that it is referring to idolatry, forbidding participation at idol feasts. But since we don’t know for sure, can we apply it to marriage?
Perhaps we can , but only because we can support the principle from other Scripture.
2. The Problem of Situations that no longer Exist
----1 Cor. 8:10 Eating at idol feasts forbidden
What is the Principle? Now apply the principle in genuinely comparable situations
Participating in eating is forbidden if it causes a weaker brother to sin.
Does this mean we are not to do something that someone else feels is wrong?
1 Cor. 8:8 Food is declared to be indifferent: What else should we put in this category?
1. According to the Epistles:food, drink, observance of days are matters of indifference
2. Things are not inherently moral, but are cultural
3. The sin lists….[Rom 1:29-30 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 1 Cor 6:9-10 Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.]…. never include cultural items.
3. The Problem of Cultural Relativity
What are some general guidelines that will help us see what is cultural and what is not?
1.What is Central and what is Secondary?
--Central core of Bible:
Salvation, sin, Christ
--Secondary items
Holy kiss, Head coverings,Charismatic gifts
2. What does the NT see as moral and immoral. (See “sin” lists—e.g. 1 Cor. 6:9
1Co 6:9 Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.)
3. Note where the NT is consistent and where it reflects differences.
Uniform testimony
Love
Unity
Against hatred
Against stealing
Against murder
Diverse testimony
Women’s ministries (Phoebe a deacon-Rom. 16:1-2; Junia an apostle Rom 16:7)
Retention of wealth
Food offered to idols
4. Note how the differences between the 1st and 21st centuries that might affect understanding.
---Women’s education
---Attitude towards government
5. Show Christian Love
We may differ on interpretation, but let us do this is a spirit of love. We can work together to try to come to an agreement, and if not, agree to disagree.
Case Study: Homosexuality
Is it culturally relative?
Is the homosexuality spoken against in the NT abusive and is “monogamous” homosexuality a different matter?
Rom 1:24-28 is not abusive (“inflamed with lust for one another”)
The whole Bible always speaks against homosexuality
It is included in sin lists
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