1. Vern Sheridan Poythress
NT 123 Hermeneutics
Vern S. Poythress photo of a KJV.
Unless otherwise indicated, all English Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Vern Sheridan Poythress

2. I. Course Arrangements What can I expect? What are the assignments?
Man drawing from Corel Gallery, p. 327, Workers- Men, Menp008. Woman with questions from Corel Megagallery, People, Women, Wmn008.
How is it
organized?

3. The Challenge The Bible says 1 that Jesus is the only way to God.
That’s just your interpretation!
Clipart on left from Corel Draw Clip-Art, Broz-2, ju- yung1. Clipart on right from Corel Draw Clip-Art, Broz-11, dinkins1.

4. A. Goals for the Course

5. The Basic Goal Skill in interpreting the Bible 2 Big challenge!
The basic goal is for you to become more skilled in understanding, interpreting, and applying the Bible.
Vern S. Poythress photo of KJV.
The pointing man is from MS Office clipart gallery.

6. Achieving the Goal All of life heads toward the goal. 1 2
Every course at the Seminary. 3 4
Within NT 123, we focus on:
All of life, and every course in the Seminary curriculum, should promote the basic, comprehensive goal.
broad theological
framework for
interpretation
techniques useful
for particular
aspects of study

7. B. Overview

8. Basic Guides * Tthe syllabus (handed out)2
Basic Guides *
Tthe syllabus (handed out)
Electronic files: /nt123/nt123.html
My handout today indicates expected due dates.
Handout includes bibliography.
My handout for the first day indicates expected due dates for all assignments, and includes a bibliography of writings on various aspects of hermeneutics.

9. Course Responsibilities
See pp in the Syllabus.

10. C. Assignments and Grading

11. Kinds of Assignments * Reading assignments (pp. 1.1-1.2).
Short analysis papers.
A final exam.
One biblical-theological paper.
Reading assignments are summarized on pp
Short analysis papers will be assigned as we reach the appropriate point in the lectures.
A final exam will cover the whole course.
You will write one biblical-theological paper.

12. D. Important Information

13. Prerequisites NT 101, 103 New Testament Introduction. * NT 013 (Greek)2
Prerequisites
NT 101, 103 New Testament Introduction.
NT 013 (Greek)
OT 013 (Hebrew) *
NT 111 New Testament Introduction.
NT 013 or equivalent (Greek), completed or in progress.
OT 013 or equivalent (Hebrew), completed or in progress.

14. Start on Reading Assignments2
Start on Reading Assignments *
Reading assignments are on pp
Read before I discuss in class.
Roland Allen’s book and Dodd’s are out of print. Leave time to share library reserve copies.
Reading assignments are given on pp
Try to keep up, and read the assignments before I discuss the topic in class.
Roland Allen’s book and Dodd’s are out of print. Leave time so that not everyone wants to use the library copies at the same time.
Clipart from Corel Megagallery, Home, Living Room, Book054.

15. Prepare for Exercises Study Isaiah 51:17-23 and 52:7-12 in Hebrew. 2
Be ready!
Some exercises are based on Isaiah 51:17-23 or 52: Familiarize yourself beforehand with the Hebrew.
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16. In Class Bring the NT 123 syllabus. Bring an English Bible. Needless
excess!
Clipart books from Corel Megagallery, Home, Living Room, Book053.
Clipart man from MS Office clipart collection.

17. The Syllabus Contains almost all visual materials.2
The Syllabus
Contains almost all visual materials.
In class, listen and take notes (don’t look at syllabus).
Use it for class exercises.
Think!
The syllabus, NT 123 Biblical Hermeneutics, is sold at the Campus Bookstore.
It contains almost all the visual materials shown on screen.
In class, listen and take notes without referring to the syllabus.
But when we come to exercises, use it. And use it for reference.

18. ? Asking Questions * I value interaction. But the class is large.2
Asking Questions ? *
I value interaction.
But the class is large.
Ask only for
clarification
everyone else’s question
I value interaction.
But the class is large.
Ask only for
clarification
when you think others have the same question
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19. Other Routes for Questions2
Other Routes for Questions * **
Posted office hours.
Written questions in my mail box. (Sign in order to be sure of a reply.) to
I answer it in class
Or give written answer
Or invite an office hour
You may see me during posted office hours.
You may put written questions in my mail box. (Sign in order to be sure of a reply.)
If the question is of wider interest, I may answer it in class (but without mentioning the student name).
Or I may give you a written answer or invite you to an office hour conversation.
Indicate that I have a sign-up sheet on the office door.

20. Organization of the Course2
Organization of the Course 1
Introduction: (now)
Theological framework
Techniques.
I. Course Arrangements
II. Foundations of Biblical Interpretation
III. Steps in Biblical Interpretation 2 3
I. Course Arrangements Introduction: what we are doing now
II. Foundations of Biblical Interpretation Theological framework for interpreting
III. Basic Steps in Biblical Interpretation Techniques.
Section III is basic, and later sections expand on it.
That's it!

21. Steps in Interpretation2
Steps in Interpretation
Three times through the process. 1
: elementary III. C. Three Steps in Interpretation
: intermediate III. F. Steps for sermon preparation
: elaborate IV.-XI. Particular topics 2 3
We go through the entire process of interpretation three times.
First time through: elementary III. C. Three Steps in Interpretation
Second time through: intermediate III. F. Steps for sermon preparation
Third time through: elaborate IV.-XI. Particular topics
Don't
get lost!

22. concentrate on difficult and challenging areas
Focusing In
Three Elementary Steps: 1 2 3 1
Finer Focus: 1 2 3 4 5
abc
abcde 2 3
Finest Focus: 2d 3b
concentrate on difficult and challenging areas

23. My Approach as a Teacher2
My Approach as a Teacher *
An introductory course.
Scientific rather than poetic mentality.
Method subordinate to sanctity.
Important things said only once.
This course is in many ways introductory in nature. It is the beginning, not the end. You need to be constantly employing and refining what you learn here. I hope to provide many key answers, but not all answers.
My approach emphasizes the scientific rather than poetic mentality, rationality rather than intuition. Both are in fact necessary. I teach method and hope that intuition comes in time. Be patient with early stages of method.
As the section on foundations makes clear, any formalizable method is subordinate to the essentially unformalizable task of individual and corporate sanctification. In terms of importance, we should devote the greatest share of attention to cultivating piety and knowledge of God. But since this concern is in various respects the goal of every aspect of church life and of every course in the curriculum, it will not be the special focus in this course.
I have a tendency to say things that are important only once.

24. Simplicity
Accessible ideas 1
With depth

25. Your Responsibilities as a Student1 2 4
Work
Prayer 3 5
Not just
intellectual
Transformation
of Life
transfer
to others
give them bread, not a bakery!

26. Attentiveness Multitasking? Courtesy to teacher Depth and application*
Multitasking?
Courtesy to teacher
Depth and application
No internet or computer games or cell phones

27. The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandments of the LORD is pure, enlight’ning the eyes.
The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever; The judgments of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.