Picturing Theology

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P i c t u r i n g T h e o l o g y

Use of Reference Tools for Interpreting the Bible (continued)

Bible Handbooks, Study Bible, and Commentaries

Topical Bibles, Textbooks, and Thematic Studies

Lexical Aids, Inter-linear Translations, and Word Studies

To give a scholarly opinion as to the background, context, and meaning of the text Understanding the Original Situation and Finding Biblical Principles

To give a sophisticated outline of passages on a given theme

To provide insight into the meaning, usage, and grammar of the biblical words and language

Purpose

Stage Where Most Beneficial

Understanding the Original Situation and Finding Biblical Principles 1. Select the words or phrases in the passage which serve as key words to define in order to understand the overall meaning of the passage. 2. Using a concordance, lexicon, or other linguistic tool, look at the various meanings of the word in the context of the book, the author, the author’s contemporaries, the Bible, and finally the period. 3. Allow the richness of the biblical meanings to nuance your study’s claims on what the passage meant to its original hearers and what it means today. Abundant expert knowledge given on every phase of the design, use, and meaning of the biblical languages in their own historical and religious setting Do not pretend that a knowledge of the original meanings of the key words DISQUALIFIES a sound knowledge of the text in your own language

Finding Biblical Principles

1. After you have done your study, and made a

preliminary judgment as to what you believe the passage teaches, assign your passage a biblical or theological theme. 2. Using that theme, look in the topical reference tools to check other texts on the same subject, and incorporate their meanings into your study. 3. Do not be afraid to modify your findings if the new data illumines your study.

1. After you have completed your own

preliminary study, select a commentary or two you will check your findings against. 2. Check your findings against 2-3 other authors to see if yours harmonizes with the meanings they provide. Excellent scholarly opinions on both the background and meaning of the various texts of Scripture Do your own study and reflection before you RELY on the opinion of your favorite interpreter

Procedures

Rich, thorough presentations on various topics, themes, and theological concepts being dealt with in a passage

Benefits

Do not make a topical listing of texts the SUBSTITUTE for deep digging into individual texts and passages for truth

Key Caution

Reliability

Good

Good

Excellent