Interpreting Biblical Epistles

1. Form of Ancient Letters Identification of writer and audience Single-word Farewell Personal News/Greetings Body of Letter Thanksgiving: polite expression of thanks Greeting (often single word)

2. Paying Attention to Historical Setting a. AADP: Author, Audience, Date, Purpose (1) Authorship: See Osborne for discussion of use of scribes and pseudonymity Note if author identified or anonymous (Hebrews)

2. Paying Attention to Historical Setting a. AADP: Author, Audience, Date, Purpose (2) Audience: Learn about cultural setting of audience and specific church setting Range: From specific to general audiences

2. Paying Attention to Historical Setting a. AADP: Author, Audience, Date, Purpose (3) Date: Often broader possibilities Use of internal and external evidence

2. Paying Attention to Historical Setting Occasion and Purpose Distinction Purpose: The broader intention of the author in writing the letter Occasion: The initial reason(s) for writing the letter; specific reasons why the author picks up the pen to write (4) Purpose: Use Internal Evidence

2. Paying Attention to Historical Setting b. Historical Reconstruction Example: Philippians 2:1-4; 4:2 Issue of Disunity Necessary for interpretation of epistles

2. Paying Attention to Historical Setting Historical Reconstruction Necessary for interpretation of epistles Mirror Reading: The conclusion that each command or argument of a letter is tied to a specific problem in the audience of the letter Danger of Mirror Reading

3. Tracing the Argument Separation of Clauses [point: to isolate individual ideas] Identification of Clarifying Conjunctions [point: to understand connections between clauses] Identification of Relationship between Clauses [point: to follow the flow of thought from beginning to end]

I ate an entire box of chocolates I was depressed. ***

Interpreting Biblical Epistles