Parallel Passages

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Parallel Passages
Assumptions

• 1. The Bible is unified because it has one
  author God.

2. Axiom 7 The first commentary on any text
should be by the author him/herself.
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Parallel Passages
Types of Parallels

• 1. Synoptic parallels Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

2. OT quotes All NT books except Philemon and
1-3 John have them.
3. Chronological parallels Epistles and Acts.
4. Prophetic vocabulary and symbols Ex. Acts
216-21 Joel 228-32.
5. Topical parallels Suffering, women, eternal
security, divorce, second coming, baptism, etc.
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Parallel Passages
How to Find Parallels
1. Read your Bible extensively.
2. Use the marginal notes.

• Use Topical Bibles. Naves http//studylight.o
  rg/con/ntb/Treasury http//studylight.org/con/ts
  k/

4. Use a computer concordance.
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Project 7

• Write a commentary on your text using nothing but
  parallel passages. This is not a comprehensive
  commentary, but one which addresses specific
  theological issues that arise either from
  words/phrases or from ideas in your text.
  Identify an issue in your text you want to
  investigate. Then find 5-10 parallel passages
  which speak to that issue. In a paragraph,
  summarize what the Bible says about this topic.
  Repeat this exercise for three topics in your
  text.

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Parallel Passages
Guidelines for Interpretation
1. Dont abuse lists of Scripture.
a. Allow each text to stand on its own.
b. Dont force a text to stand next to another if
it doesnt want to.
c. Prioritize later revelation over earlier
revelation.
d. Repeated passages get priority over single
texts.
e. Be cautious about lists.
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Parallel Passages
Guidelines for Interpretation
2. Harmonize appropriately Scriptures that appear
to stand in contradiction.
a. If the author has a track record for honesty
and credibility, make every effort to reconcile
his/her accounts.
b. If a reasonable explanation exists, the author
cannot be charged with error.
c. He who asserts must also prove.
d. It takes mutually exclusive accounts to be
irreconcilable.