Picturing Theology, Revised Edition

70 | Picturing Theology, Revised Edition

C. Read the context around the passage. Key Tool: A standard translation (not a paraphrase) of the Bible • Look to see where natural “breaks” are in and around the passage and make sure that you are looking at the entire passage during the process of interpretation. • Read the material around the passage. It is a good rule of thumb to read at least one chapter before and one chapter following the passage you are studying. • The shorter the passage selected for interpretation, the greater the danger becomes in ignoring context. The old proverb is correct: “A text without a con text is a pre text.” D. Observe the passage carefully. • Identify who is speaking and who is being spoken to.

• Observe the main ideas and the details. » Make a simple outline of the passage. » Identify the main ideas.

» Look for repeated words or images. » Find “cause-and-effect” relationships. » Look for comparisons, contrasts, and connections. E. Read the passage in another translation of Scripture.

Key Tool: A translation or paraphrase of the Scriptures that uses a different translation philosophy than the version of Scripture you regularly use • Write down any questions that this new translation raises in your mind and stay alert for answers as you do further study. F. Read any parallel accounts or passages from other parts of Scripture. Key Tool: A concordance and/or a Bible which includes cross-references • Note what details are added to the passage you are studying from the other accounts in Scripture. • Why did the author choose to omit some details and emphasize others? What significance does this have for understanding the author’s intent.