NT 123 Hermeneutics

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NT 123 Hermeneutics

• Vern Sheridan Poythress

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I. Course Arrangements
What can I expect?
What are the assignments?
How is it organized?
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The Challenge
The Bible says that Jesus is the only way to God.
Thats just your interpretation!
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A. Goals for the Course
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The Basic Goal
Skill in interpreting the Bible
Big challenge!
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The Basic Goal
Skill in interpreting the Bible

• The basic goal is for you to become more skilled
  in understanding, interpreting, and applying the
  Bible.

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Achieving the Goal
broad theological framework for interpretation
techniques useful for particular aspects of study
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Achieving the Goal
techniques useful for particular aspects of study
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B. Overview
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Basic Guides

• Get the syllabus at the Campus Bookstore.
• My handout today indicates expected due dates.
• Handout includes bibliography.

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Basic Guides

• Get the syllabus at the Campus Bookstore.
• Handout 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.
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Course Responsibilities

• See pp. 1.1-1.2 in the Syllabus.

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C. Assignments and Grading
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Kinds of Assignments

• Reading assignments (pp. 1.1-1.2).
• Short analysis papers.
• A final exam.
• One biblical-theological paper.

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Kinds of Assignments

• Reading assignments are summarized on pp.
  1.1-1.2.
• 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.

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D. Important Information
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Prerequisites

• NT 111 New Testament Introduction.
• NT 013 (Greek)
• OT 013 (Hebrew)

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Prerequisites
NT 123 requires as prerequisites

• NT 111 New Testament Introduction.
• NT 013 or equivalent (Greek), completed or in
  progress.
• OT 013 or equivalent (Hebrew), completed or in
  progress.

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Start on Reading Assignments

• Reading assignments are on pp. 1.1-1.2.
• Read before I discuss in class.
• Roland Allens book and Dodds are out of print.
  Leave time to share library reserve copies.

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Start on Reading Assignments

• Reading assignments are given on pp. 1.1-1.2.
• Try to keep up, and read the assignments before I
  discuss the topic in class.
• Roland Allens book and Dodds are out of print.
  Leave time so that not everyone wants to use the
  library copies at the same time.

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Prepare for Exercises

• Study Isaiah 5117-23 and 527-12 in Hebrew.

Be ready!
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Prepare for Exercises

• Some exercises are based on Isaiah 5117-23 or
  527-12. Familiarize yourself beforehand with
  the Hebrew.

Be ready!
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In Class

• Bring the NT 123 syllabus.
• Bring an English Bible.

Needless excess!
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The Syllabus

• Syllabus is at the Bookstore.
• Contains almost all visual materials.
• In class, listen and take notes(dont look at
  syllabus).
• Use it for class exercises.

Think!
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The Syllabus

• 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.

Think!
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Asking Questions
?

• I value interaction.
• But the class is large.
• Ask only for
• clarification
• everyone elses question

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Asking Questions
?

• I value interaction.
• But the class is large.
• Ask only for
• clarification
• when you think others have the same question.

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Other Routes for Questions

• Posted office hours.
• Written questions in my mail box. (Sign in order
  to be sure of a reply.)
• I answer it in class
• Or give written answer
• Or invite an office hour

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Other Routes for Questions

• 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.

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Organization of the Course

• Introduction (now)
• Theological framework
• Techniques.

I. Course Arrangements II. Foundations of
Biblical Interpretation III. Steps in Biblical
Interpretation
Thats it!
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Organization of the Course
I. Course Arrangements II. Foundations of
Biblical Interpretation III. Basic Steps in
Biblical Interpretation

• Introduction what we are doing now
• Theological framework for interpreting
• Techniques.
• Section III is basic, and later sections
  expand on it.

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Steps in Interpretation

• Three times through the process.

• elementaryIII. C. Three Steps in
  Interpretation
• intermediateIII. F. Steps for sermon
  preparation
• elaborateIV.-XI. Particular topics

Dont get lost!
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Steps in Interpretation

• We go through the entire process of
  interpretation three times.
• First time through elementaryIII. C. Three
  Steps in Interpretation
• Second time through intermediateIII. F. Steps
  for sermon preparation
• Third time through elaborateIV.-XI. Particular
  topics

Dont get lost!
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Focusing In
1
2
3
Three Elementary Steps
concentrate on difficult and challenging areas
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My Approach as a Teacher

• An introductory course.
• Scientific rather than poetic mentality.
• Method subordinate to sanctity.
• Important things said only once.

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My Approach as a Teacher

• It is an introductory course.
• I emphasize scientific rather than poetic
  mentality, rationality rather than intuition.
  (Both are significant. I focus on the one that
  is more teachable.)
• Method is subordinate to sanctity.
• I may say important things only once.

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Your Responsibilities as a Student
Work
Prayer
Not just intellectual
Transformation of Life
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• 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,
  enlightning the eyes.
• The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever
  The judgments of the LORD are true, and
  righteous altogether.