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| Basic Required Information (BRI) Historical Narrative |
| Basic Required Information (BRI) The Prophets |
| Basic required Information (BRI) Wisdom Literature |
| Observation Questions |
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APPLICATION |
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How God Has Revealed His Truth |
1. The ‘WHAT’ and ‘HOW’ in communication
* 17% of communication is related with ‘What’ &
* 83% of communication is related with ‘How’ (
Biblical examples:
“They were astounded at his teaching for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes”
Mark 1:22
“Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy, and faith. It is these you ought to have practiced without neglecting the others”
Matt 23:23
2. The ‘WHAT’ and the ‘HOW’ of God’s communication to us
The ‘How’ is fundamental to our faith! We have to understand the ‘How of the written word, as well as the ‘What’.
“Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these lasts days He has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom He also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and He sustains all things by His powerful word. When He had made purification for sins. He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high….”
Heb 1:1-3
“And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen His glory, the glory as of a Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.”
John 1:14
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THE WRITTEN WORD |
What the written word isn’t:
1. It isn’t a treatise theology.
- Nowhere in the Bible will we find a doctrine or dogma that is completely developed.
- God revealed Himself in Relationship and doctrine.
- Systematic theology usually emphasises one theme more than another.
2. It isn’t a collection of thematic studies.
- Again, nowhere in the Bible will we find a doctrine that is completely developed. e.g., we won’t find a complete study on prayer or meditation. Enough is said about each subject, but not in the form of a complete study – we have to search for it. God never meant to reveal Himself through information or studies on certain subjects! God’s revelation of Himself is always relational, never dogmatic!
3. It isn’t a collection of chapters and verses.
- For almost 1300 years, the church managed without any form of division in the Bible.
- 1228: for the first time, chapter divisions were put into the Vulgate (the official Bible of the Catholic church during the Middle Ages) by Stephen Langton, who was the Archbishop of England at the time. (The Vulgate is a translation from Hebrew and Greek into Latin, done by Jerome).
- 1551: a French printer, by the name of Roberto Stephanus divided the Greek NT into chapters and verses. In the same year, he published the Greek NT in Lyon, France.
- 1555: Roberto Stephanus published the whole Bible in Greek.
- The chapter and verse divisions are helpful to locate passages of Scripture, but sometimes it causes a break in the flow of the text. e.g:
“There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means ‘son of encouragement’). He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money and laid it at the apostles feet.
Chapter 5:1 But a man named Ananias, with the consent of his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property; with his wife’s knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds, and brought only a part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. (Acts 4:36-5:2)
One library with 66 books!
“Indeed, the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart” Heb 4:12
Intention of Our Hearts
u Reformulate how we study God’s Word.
* Think BOOKS!&&&&&&
u Rededicate ourselves to study God’s Word.
* Hunger and thirst after God (Ps 42)
u Reaffirm our need to learn.
* Throwing off old things, in order to learn new things.
* Have an open heart and mind - realizing we don’t know it all.
u Recommit ourselves in love to others in the body of Christ.
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TWO APPROACHES TO BIBLE STUDY |
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Inductive: |
Deductive: |
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1. Coming to Scripture with an open mind. 2. Wanting to discover. 3. Conclusion is the end product – not the beginning point! 4. Studying Scripture in context. 5. Tends to be more beneficial in correcting error. 6. It’s easy for everyone, with or without experience. 7. The Bible tells me what Truth is. 8. Deal with the text objectively. 9. The interpretation is only one. 10. The Bible is the standard.
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1. Coming to Scripture with your mind already made up about what you think is true. 2. Wanting to prove what you have already decided to be true. 3. Begins with conclusions made – go to the text to find support. 4. Studying Scripture in a fragmented way. 5. Can be used to support error (doctrinal theological, etc.) 6. You can use it only when you have complete knowledge of the Bible. 7. I tell the Bible what I think Truth is. 8. Deal with the text subjectively. 9. Tending to come up with many interpretations. 10. Personal opinion becomes the standard.
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Read the Bible, not a book about the Bible.
Read the Bible in context.
Read the Bible without predetermined ideas.
Read the Bible with the eyes or perspective of God – in dependence on God.
Read the Bible &
Read the Bible
Read the Bible &
Read the Bible………….etc
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The Three Basic Steps |
1. OBSERVATION: What does the text SAY??
2. INTERPRETATION: What did the text MEAN to the original hearers or readers?
3. APPLICATION: What does the text MEAN to me, and how do I APPLY it in my own life?
* One important aspect of APPLICATION is PROCLAMATION – How is this passage to be shared?
These steps should always be done in this order!
Observation should be done first, followed by interpretation; both of these should lead us into an application of the Bible. Only then are we ready to share or proclaim these truths.
Inductive Study Æ Step by Step
A. Pray!
B. Read the whole book in one sitting without pausing to wonder about things.
C. Discover the main point of the ‘big idea’ of the book as a whole.
D. Look into the historical background.
E. Divide the book as a whole into its natural breaks.
F. Title each individual part.
G. Analyze and observe thoroughly each individual part.
H. Observe the inter-relationship between the different parts.
I. Summarize each individual part.
J. Interpret and apply.
K. Proclaim.
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$OBSERVATION$ |
Observation is the beginning point and foundation in all Bible Study. Unless we observe the text properly, there is no way we can interpret it correctly, let alone apply it appropriately to our lives.
If we try to apply God’s Word without thorough observation and accurate interpretation, we may become something that God never intended us to be. And if we try to proclaim God’s Word without first observing, interpreting and applying it to our lives, we may be in danger of proclaiming a distorted gospel and cruelly misrepresenting God!
We have to develop the mentality of a detective! A good detective begins with investigating all possible clues, and never with a pre-conceived conclusion. The detective’s job is to discover things that others haven’t seen in their failure to carefully observe all the clues. A good detective NEVER ignores detail. All clues are always meticulously explored.
LET’S DEVOTE OURSELVES TO BECOMING THE VERY BEST BIBLE DETECTIVE POSSIBLE!!!
THE MOTTO OF OBSERVATION IS LOOK$LOOK$LOOK$
The First Thing That We Will Do Is To Discover What The Text Says.
A term is a word in context.
Example #1: The word ‘us’ in Acts.
Acts 1:21-22 =
Acts 11:15 =
Acts 16:17 =
Example #2: The word ‘flesh’ (sarx in Greek) in Romans.
Rom 8:12 =
Rom 7:5 =
Rom 1:3 =
Rom 3:20 =
Rom 2:28 =
A key to studying the Bible inductively is learning to ask the right questions. If you were training to be a reporter, you would learn about the ‘5W’s & 1H’ questions.
Who, What, When, Where, Why & How
You will ask these, in part or all, for every book.
Plus:
* Repeated words, themes, ideas, etc.
* Commands, promises, warnings, advice, predictions
* Connectives
* Atmosphere
* Figures of speech
As you are continuing this study, you will realize that there are many more observation items than the ones listed above. So do not limit yourself when you make observation.
vWHATv
It’s there, but you’ve got to find it.
“A book comes to you with flesh on its bare bones and clothes over its flesh. It is all dressed up. You do not have to undress it or tear the flesh off its limbs to get at the firm structure that underlies the soft surface. But you must read with x-ray eyes, for it is essential for your apprehension of any book to grasp its structure.”
How to Read a Book, Adler & Van Doren, p 75
Types of Structure which communicate the ‘WHAT’:
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1. Geographical |
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structured around places. (Where) |
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2. Chronological |
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structured around time. (When) |
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3. Biographical |
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structured according to people. (Who) |
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4. Logical |
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structured around a progression of ideas to make a point or present an argument. (How) |
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5. Historical |
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structured around events. (What) |
Many elements could appear in the text, but we need to observe the main ones the author used to structure his book. So what we’ve seen here is ‘WHAT’ is being said. It is about places, time, people etc. However, we need to discover ‘HOW’ the above is being communicated. The following page discusses how the message is being communicated.
vHOWv
Like an artist, an author uses Laws of Composition to arrange paragraphs, segments, sections, and divisions into a literary unit. The Laws of Composition reflect an author’s style. They are to be discovered, not imposed upon the text.
An understanding of these Laws of Composition will help you discern what the author is seeking to communicate. The following list is not exhaustive, but includes some of the most common. The relationship between the parts you should look for is:
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1. COMPARISON: Comparison is the comparing of things in order to show similarities. A comparison is the association of like things.
Pattern: A1 A2 A3 A4 |
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2. CONTRAST: A Contrast is an evaluation of things that are different or opposite in the context being viewed. (Things that are not alike)
Pattern: A1 B1 C1 D1
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3. REPETITION: Repetition is using the same word, phrase or idea a number of times.
Pattern: A A A A Example: Paul’s testimony in Acts |
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4. CONTINUITY / PROGRESSION: Continuity/Progression is an extension of a specific theme throughout a portion of Scripture. Many times the author will amplify what he is saying or add to what he has said as he progresses in his writing. It’s similar to repetition but with some development.
Pattern: A A A A Example: The three “lost” parables in Luke 15
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5. CLIMAX: A Climax is the high point built by a progression from the lesser to the greater. A climax is simply the extension of the law of progression that reaches a peak of intensity before descending.
Pattern: A A A A A A Example: Job, Revelation, Ecclesiastes |
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6. CRUCIALITY / PIVOTAL POINT: A Cruciality is a changing or a turning in which the elements on each side of the point differ in some way.
Pattern: A A A A A B C C C C |
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7. INTERCHANGE: Interchange is the alternating, in sequence, of at least two main thoughts, subjects, or characteristics.
Pattern: A B A B A B Example: Luke 1-3: A. John’s birth announced, B. Jesus’ birth announced, A. John born, B. Jesus born; Opening chapters of 1 Samuel
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8. CHIASM (CHIASTIC): Chiasm is the symmetrical interspersing of two or more themes meeting at a central point.
Pattern: A B C D C B A Example: James
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9. PRINCIPALITY / PROPORTION: Emphasis and de-emphasis. (Attention to what is stated and what isn’t. Note different amounts of space the author devote to different subjects, themes or events, etc.)
Pattern: a b c D e Example: The amount of space the Gospels devote to the last week of Jesus’ life on earth; Genesis
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10. INTERROGATION: Interrogation is the presentation of a question, usually followed by its answer. It can also be asking repeated questions or questions and answers.
Pattern: a? b A? B Example: Malachi; Rom. 6-7; Habakkuk; Malachi
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11. RADIATION: Radiation is the central or single point from which or to which other truths point. Everything ties up into a central point or theme.
Example: Philemon, v. 10; Philippians 2:1-11, 1 Corinthians 13
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12. THEOLOGY TO APPLICATION: The theological ideas or concepts are stated first followed by instructions on how to put into practice those principles.
Pattern: UUUUJJJJ Example: Ephesians; Colossians
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13. PROBLEM TO SOLUTION: The author lists the problems and then gives the solution.
Pattern:
Example: Galatians; I Corinthians; Jude
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Literary genre is crucial to interpretation. Before ever launching into a study of a book, the first thing a reader needs to know is what that book’s author meant it to be. In other words, what kind of literature was he writing? What literary form did he employ?
Examples of literary genre used in the Bible:
( This is not a complete summary of all the books and the categories they belong to).
1. Drama : A work of literature that can be acted or read as a play. (eg. Revelation, Job, Song of Solomon, etc.)
2. Epistolary (Epistle) : A letter. An Epistle is a written communication between persons apart, whether personal and private or official. (eg. Pauline letters, etc.)
3. Parabolic literature (Parable) : A short, descriptive story usually designed to inculcate a single truth or answer a single question. Parables present the listener with interesting illustrations from which can be drawn moral and religious truths. (eg. Matt 13:24-30; Luke 15:3-10; Mark 12:1-12)
4. Anthology : A collection of poems, or of other writings, often on the same subject, chosen from different books or writers. (eg. Proverbs, Psalms)
5. The Gospel : Literally, “Good News”. One of four records which chronicles the ministry and teachings of Jesus. Characteristic of each Gospel is the apostolic tradition – i.e. the eyewitness account of Christ as written by one of the original apostles or by one of their closely trusted converts. (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)
6. Poetry (Hebrew Poetry) : Various compositions in both Testaments characterized by several patterns of rhythm, rhyme and figures of speech. Many times, Poetry is laden with vivid imagery with some compositions originally having been set to music. Hebrew poetry, in particular, is rich in parallelisms, though metre (rhyme) as we know it today in the 21st century is non-existent. (eg. Psalms, Ecclesiastes, Proverbs, Job)
7. Historical Narratives : A historical account written in story / Chronicle format. (eg. Genesis - Ezra, the Gospels, Acts)
8. Apocalyptic : A highly stylized form of literature marked by its own conventions of symbolism and terminology. This type of literature is full of dreams, visions, and symbolic imagery, often centered around the heavenly throne-room. Apocalyptic literature often exhibits a close but critical interaction with the international culture of its time. (eg. Ezekiel, Daniel, Zechariah, Revelation)
9. Covenant Document : A piece of literature containing the conditions of a relationship between two parties. There are several types of Covenant Document in the Bible such as Parity, Suzerainty, Promissory, etc. (eg. Deuteronomy)
10. Didactic : A written teaching earmarked by logic and reason in its presentation of information. The purpose of Didactic literature is to bring deeper understanding and / or correction to specific situations and issues faced by those originally receiving its message(s). (eg. Romans; Galatians; Titus)
11. Logical & discursive : A piece of literature using reasons to persuade the readers or hearers. It’s often in a form of bringing a group of ideas together to prove a point or to present an argument. (eg. Romans)
12. Topical : Something that is related to, dealing with or being a subject of present interest to the original hearers or readers. (eg. Jeremiah, Matthew)
13. Wisdom Literature : It is not intended to be didactic and must always be read as a whole / in context. (eg. Job; Ecclesiastes)
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New Testament
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Pauline Epistles: Individuals |
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I Timothy |
II Timothy |
Titus |
Philemon |
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Pauline Epistles: Churches |
II Thessalonians |
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Hebrews |
Non-Pauline Epistles & Revelation |
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I Thessalonians |
James |
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Colossians |
I Peter |
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Philippians |
II Peter |
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Ephesians |
I John |
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Galatians |
II John |
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II Corinthians |
III John |
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I Corinthians |
Jude |
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Romans |
Revelation |
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Acts |
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Matthew |
Mark |
Luke |
John |
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Historical Books |
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Historical Books |
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Poetical Books (5) |
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Prophetical Books |
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Pentateuch (5) |
Genesis |
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Job |
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Isaiah |
Major(5) |
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Exodus |
Psalms |
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Jeremiah |
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Leviticus |
Proverbs |
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Lamentations |
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Numbers |
Ecclesiastes |
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Ezekiel |
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Deuteronomy |
Song of Solomon |
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Daniel |
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Historical (12) |
Joshua |
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Hosea |
Minor (12) |
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Judges |
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Joel |
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Ruth |
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Amos |
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I Samuel |
Events |
Experience |
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