Introduction to Biblical Interpretation Lecture 17 Maritime Christian College Scott Jacobsen, Instructor

Agenda Presuppositions Propositional Revelation

Presuppositions and Interpretation Where we stand when we read Scripture

Presupposition ▶ tacitly assume to be the case. ■ verb require as a precondition of possibility or coherence. ▶ tacitly assume to be the case. —DERIVATIVES presupposition noun Catherine Soanes and Angus Stevenson, eds., Concise Oxford English Dictionary (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004).

Presupposition That which is assumed at the start. These assumptions are not necessarily left un- critiqued, but form a logical starting-point. Presupposition-less thinking is impossible, though it is often claimed in the name of objectivity.

Presuppositions about the Bible The inspiration of Scripture The uniqueness of Scripture The unity of Scripture The progressive nature of Scripture

Presuppositions and Interpretation Language can communicate; communication is possible. The text has one, knowable meaning. Meaning is know by the science of hermeneutics, which entails exegesis. Exegesis has been done by Bible translators for non-scholars. Further elucidation of the text may be accomplished through other readers, i.e. commentators.

Presuppositions and Interpretation The reader is obligated and responsible for reading and understanding the text. The reading of the Bible has great reward. All reading is interpretation. The question is, whether the reader’s interpretation is of poor or high quality; much of this depends upon the quality (care) of the reading.

Propositional Revelation The text has something to say

Propositional Revelation ■ noun 1. a statement expressing a judgement or opinion. ▶ Logic a statement expressing a concept that can be true or false. 2 a proposed scheme or plan. Catherine Soanes and Angus Stevenson, eds., Concise Oxford English Dictionary (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004).

Propositional Revelation Words have meaning. Words cannot mean anything, but can only legitimately mean what they signify. Words cannot be true or false, but must be in a sentence, a context, to be deemed true or false. One of the great theological debates today is whether or not the Bible is propositional revelation or if it is not.

Inerrancy, Infallibility, and inspiration INERRANCY—Meaning “without error” and referring to the complete accuracy of Scripture, including the historical and scientific parts. INFALLIBLE—Literally, “not fallible or breakable”; it refers to the divine character of Scripture that necessitates its truthfulness (cf. John 10:35)

Inerrancy, Infallibility, and inspiration INSPIRATION—Meaning literally “God- breathed” (from 2 Tim. 3:16), and referring to the divinely authoritative writings of Holy Scripture, which God produced without destroying the individual styles of the writers. Norman L. Geisler and William E. Nix, A General Introduction to the Bible, Rev. and expanded. (Chicago: Moody Press, 1986), 604.

Intertextuality Intertextuality studies the many interrelationships between particular biblical texts. It treats the role of tradition in the development of biblical literature, especially as later traditions build upon and reinterpret earlier traditions. An excellent example of this would be the multifaceted use of the exodus heritage throughout the Old Testament.

Intertextuality Intertextuality can range all the way from a direct citation of a previous text, to the use of allusion and diaphanous hints that merely suggest to the attentive reader the connections between texts. This topic is especially valuable in discussing the relationship between the Old Testament and the New Testament, and in discussing the multivalent ways in which traditions may be used, as in the understanding of Isaiah’s Servant Songs within Judaism and within the New Testament. Alan J. Hauser, “Biblical Interpretation, History of,” ed. John D. Barry et al., The Lexham Bible Dictionary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016).

The writings of the Apostle John Johannine Literature The writings of the Apostle John Gospel of John 1, 2, 3 John Revelation

Literary Context The context of a passage within its book, i.e., the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) has the entire book of Matthew as its literary context. Compare canonical context.

Lukan Literature Books written by Luke: Gospel of Luke Acts

Narrative Narrative is the most commonly used mode of discourse in the Bible. Exemplified in the stories of the Old and New Testaments. Douglas Estes, “Biblical Narrative,” ed. John D. Barry et al., The Lexham Bible Dictionary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016).

New Testament The 27 Biblical books from Matthew to Revelation.

Occasion and Purpose The reason a document was written: was there a problem that needed to be addressed, as in Galatians? A community that needed instruction, such as Syrian Christians (Matthew)? Sometimes stated clearly: John 20:30-31

Old Testament The 39 books from Genesis—Malachi (in the English canon), excluding the Apocryphal books.

THE HEBREW OLD TESTAMENT ARRANGEMENT   The Law (Torah) The Prophets (Nevi’im) The Writings (Kethuvim) 1. Genesis 2. Exodus 3. Leviticus 4. Numbers 5. Deuteronomy A. Former Prophets 1. Joshua 2. Judges 3. Samuel 4. Kings B. Latter Prophets 1. Isaiah 2. Jeremiah 3. Ezekiel 4. The Twelve A. Poetical Books 1. Psalms 2. Job 3. Proverbs B. Five Rolls (Megilloth) 1. Ruth 2. Song of Songs 3. Ecclesiastes 4. Lamentations 5. Esther C. Historical Books 1. Daniel 2. Ezra-Nehemiah 3. Chronicles

Oracle A divine message communicated through a human mediator to one or more human recipients. Jdg 1:1–2; 1 Ki 22; 1 Sa 9; Am 7:12–14; Is 30:10; 1 Sa 1:17; 2 Ch 20:13– 17; Mic 3:5–11; Je 28; Am 1–2; Is 13–23; Je 46–51; Eze 25–32; Am 5:18–20; Eze 16:23; Lk 10:13; Mt 23:13–36; 2 Ki 9:25; 2 Ch 24:27; Is 13:1; Eze 12:10; Mal 1:1; 1 Ki 14:7; Eze 25:3; Je 2:3; Am 2:16 Sara Wells, “Oracle,” ed. John D. Barry et al., The Lexham Bible Dictionary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016).

Parable מָשָׁ֑ל mashal; παραβολή, parabolē). A story or saying that illustrates a truth using comparison, hyperbole, or simile. Can be a model, analogy, or example. In Greek rhetoric, parables were used in argumentation to clarify, prove, or cause something to appear livelier (Rhet. Her. 4.45.58–4.48.61). Rabbinic parables explain passages of Scripture, or illustrate an interpretation of a passage already provided. David Seal, “Parable,” ed. John D. Barry et al., The Lexham Bible Dictionary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016).