1.
Initial Steps for All Genres:
- Identify the genre of the text (e.g., historical, epistle, gospel).
- Read the passage in its immediate and broader context.
- Survey historical and cultural backgrounds.
- Explore the original language, if applicable.
- Outline the text's structure and themes.
2. Surveying the Historical Context:
- It means understanding the time, culture, and circumstances in which the text was written.
This involves researching the social, political, and religious settings of the time.
3. Confirming the Limits of the Passage:
- Define the beginning and end of the textual unit by observing natural breaks in the narrative
or argument.
- Look for shifts in themes, characters, or settings.
4. Becoming Thoroughly Acquainted with the Pericope:
- Read the passage repeatedly.
- Study it in different translations.
- Examine its structure, flow, and key themes.
- Note recurring words or ideas.
5. Advantages of Reading in Several Translations:
- Uncover nuances and variations in interpretation.
- Clarify ambiguous phrases.
- Compare textual differences to gain deeper insights.
6. Analyzing Sentence Structure and Syntactical Relationships:
- Identify the main clauses and subordinate clauses.
- Determine the relationships between verbs, subjects, and objects.
- Use tools like sentence diagramming for clarity.
7. Making a Sentence Diagram:
- A sentence diagram visually represents the grammatical structure of a sentence.
- It helps break down complex passages to understand relationships between words.
8. Establishing the Text:
- This refers to determining the most accurate original text by consulting manuscripts and
textual criticism.
9. Importance of Analyzing Grammar:
- Grammar reveals the precise meaning of the text.
- It shows relationships between words and clarifies ambiguities.
10. Uses of Analyzing Significant Words:
- Reveals theological concepts.
- Uncovers key themes and emphases.
- Enhances understanding of the author’s intent.
11. Researching Historical-Cultural Background:
- Essential to understand the original audience's perspective.
- Contextualizes the message and makes interpretation relevant.
12. Steps for Exegeting the Epistles:
- Identify the audience and purpose.
- Analyze the structure and argument.
- Examine theological themes.
- Cross-reference with other texts.
13. Formal Character of the Epistle:
- Epistles are personal letters, often structured with a greeting, thanksgiving, body, and
conclusion.
14. Importance of Rhetorical Features in Epistles:
- Highlights persuasive techniques.
- Helps in understanding the author's intent and argument flow.
15. Comparing Logic & Content vs. Content & Argument:
- Logic and Content: Focuses on reasoning and facts.
- Content and Argument: Centers on how the content supports the main argument.
16. Key Steps in Exegeting the Gospels:
- Identify literary types (e.g., parables, miracles).
- Explore theological themes.
- Analyze the narrative’s flow and context.
17. Use of Hypothesis in Gospel Exegesis:
- Provides a framework for interpreting themes and connections within the text.
18. Identifying Literary Type and Form:
- Helps in understanding the purpose and function of each section (e.g., parable, sermon).
19. Synopsis: Meaning and Benefits:
- A synopsis compares parallel passages in the Gospels.
- It helps identify similarities, differences, and unique perspectives.
20. Terms in Gospel Exegesis:
- Selectivity: Choosing events to include based on purpose.
- Arrangement: Organizing content thematically or chronologically.
- Adaptation: Tailoring the message for specific audiences.
21. Life Setting in Jesus’ Ministry:
- Provides context for interpreting His teachings and actions.
22. Steps for Exegeting Acts:
- Understand the historical context.
- Study the development of the early church.
- Identify themes like mission and Holy Spirit.
23. Exegeting Revelation:
- Recognize its apocalyptic genre.
- Interpret symbols and visions carefully.
- Relate it to broader biblical theology.
24. Formal Character of Revelation:
- A combination of prophecy, letter, and apocalyptic literature.
25. Vision in Revelation:
- Symbolic depictions of divine truths and future events.
26. Broader Biblical and Theological Context:
- Ensures interpretations align with the Bible's overall message.
27. Writing the Finished Translation:
- Use clear language that conveys the original meaning.
- Avoid biases and modern cultural impositions.
28. Knowledge from the Course:
- Mastery of exegetical methods.
- Understanding genres and contexts.
- Skill in analyzing language, grammar, and theology.
- Ability to connect biblical texts with historical and cultural settings.