Even though the for the Church Fathers the Bible was central to their theology, it was not limited to plain sense readings of the text. They believed the texts had multiple meanings and could be figurative. Using allegory allowed them to discuss the Bible a single book about Christ. Interpretation of Scripture for Augustine and other early writers did not approach Scripture through contemporary types of exegesis (e.g., word analysis or historical context), instead they interpreted it through the revelation in Christ and through the Holy Spirit. The emphasis on Christ in biblical interpretation eventually led to discussions in the Trinity.
It is vital to know of any textual issues, so that they too can be address when preaching. Seeking to understand the flow of the author’s main point and how everything within the text are related is one way to resolve and address any significant issues. One thing not to do when preaching is to one fail to consider the context of scripture through exploration of its original language and so proper exegesis is not obtained which is known as eisegesis. To avoid eisegesis, it is fundamental to avoid construing a text or portions of a text in such a way that the process acquaint with one's attained assumptions and schemas. “Poor theology births, poor interpretations” (Professor Dr. Hardy: Lecture
Why reason is important to the interpretation of Scripture and why it is important to not disregard other texts to help us make these
Throughout the chapter of 1 Samuel 8, the bible is aligned in a narrative piece that informs the reader of how Israel changed from a confederation to a monarchy. The passage is focused on Samuel, who is now and old man, allowed his sons to become judges over the land of Israel. The sons of Samuel however were not upkeeping the law and did not follow the role that Samuel had led them in. Therefore, the people of Israel confronted Samuel and begged that a King be appointed to rule over Israel, in which Samuel prays to Yahweh about.
Chapter 3: Old Testament Materials for a Relational View of Providence Involving Risk (Agreement with the Major Themes of Scripture) 3.1 The Introduction. The author opens the discussion by telling us that many theologians have developed a “risk-free” model of providence that demonstrates that they believe that God exercises meticulous providential control — his creatures are simply acted upon. The author also states that this view is usually supported by a number of Scriptures (Ps 47:7-8; Is 29:16; Jer 18:1-6; Rom 9:21; Mt 5:45 and Mt 10:29). However, in this section, the author moves to prove that the Old Testament provides us with much material to confirm that God is capable of and has been involved in a relationship with his creation that involves "give-and-take", insomuch that it is understood that He does take risk as it relates to the fulfillment of his goal for his divine providence. 3.2 The Creation and Its Divinely Established
The importance of studying the New Testament cannot be overstated for either the biblical scholar or the new believer. Knowledge and understanding are the foundations of wisdom. Without such can you truly comprehend the depth or meaning of the Scriptures? Background is the setting, circumstances, events, and other quintessential information necessary for comprehension of an issue. In this case the background concerning the New Testament is essential in order to fully comprehend the New Testament’s depths and meanings.
For someone to read the New Testament today without understanding the cultural context would be challenging. Reading the parables and tales from the New Testament, some may sound like myths. Wright mentions how the idea of God in this time would not refer to what we would think as our heavenly father but a “supreme or ultimate reality” which is why many people in his time get confused with him. The Jewish people had been waiting for a King and the promise land that was declared to them. Jesus came announcing the kingdom of God and his proclamations, he went around telling the people what the world would look like if God was king.
During my New Testament Class, our professor explained to us that Jesus used parables to clarify the complexities of Scripture and his own teachings. This was a known/accepted method of teaching because it attracted attention, revealed his truth, and enabled listeners to remember this truth. In business we have text that will teach us a different form of scripture and the knowledge helps in business and theories of different aspects of compensation. But as Christians there is also another book that will teach us a spiritual form of compensation and the scriptures below mirror in a physical human realm and a spiritual realm as well. There has always been one parable and one scripture that have intertwined our understanding of the Bible and what I have learned
Cultural has an enormous influence on the history of the bible, including geographic locations. These locations link societies in ancient times considering necessities for daily living. Writers throughout the Bible set the stage for their commentaries and beliefs based on location and customs. We as readers receive a clear look into what they had witness through Biblical Geography. Without this information, preaching and teaching will error with presentation.
Since the beginning of modern human history, people from many races, creeds and religions have passed on stories. The ancestors of the Bible are no different, they told the stories of the Bible to their descendants. So in turn they made sure the stories of their time and the faith of their time would always stay safe through their descendants. A full understanding of the Old Testament is so dependent on reading the Pentateuch that the textbook states, "The first five books of the Bible (both Hebrew and Christian) are foundational to all of Scripture and rank as one of the most important portions of the Word of God".
Christianity is the only religion that was birthed with a book. This book later called the Old Testament contained a constitution or law binding Israel. The Old Testament highlighted the laws that governed Israel and lays the foundation for the teachings and events found in the New Testament. The New Testament can be said to be the final book in the Old Testament as it is the completion of the Old Testament. Both of them are a synergy that gives us the holistic picture of God, his dealings with man, his purposes and plans for his kingdom on earth.
Growing up the Holy Bible was introduced into my life by my aunt. I was six years old starting to go to Sunday mass and my aunt giving me a stack of books about the Bible but the children’s version. Until, about 14 years old when the difficult adult version was introduced. Reading both versions, I felt that the Bible is God’s word interpreted through God’s creation – Humans.
After a certain ammount of safety had been achieved, when the Israelites established a quasi solid footing in Canaan, followed a time of relative prosperity. During this period, the Temple of Jerusalem was built. External pressure eventually led to the dissolution of the kingdom the Israelites had built. Understanding these events helps us understand the context in which the Bible was written, and for what purpose. The tone of the book is also shaped by external events.
A parable is a spiritual or moral story of Jesus’ as told in the Gospels. Jesus used parables a lot in describing the Kingdom of God. Matthew 13 probably has clearly a majority of these and in a large group of them, Jesus would say “The kingdom of God is like…” finishing with a story about it (Morrison, n.d.). One example of this, Jesus was telling the story of the sower that was trying to plant his crops. He was having some seeds carried off by bird and others has spread were landing in areas where there was not enough soil or an area that was too thick; as a result, the seed would die soon thereafter.
Our study is greatly enhanced by maintaining diligence in the use of context because it is quite easy to come to wrong conclusions by taking phrases and verses out of context. It is not difficult to point out places that seemingly contradict other portions of Scripture, but if we carefully look at their context and use the entirety of Scripture as a reference, we can understand the meaning of a passage. The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple (Psalms 119:130 NIV) Therefore, it is important for me not only to read the word of God but also have and understand means that the context often drives the meaning of a phrase. To ignore the importance of the reading bible in this crazy World will put me at a tremendous
