Lesson 6: Interpretation: Literary Forms

(1) Identify the characteristics of several literary forms found in scripture.

(2) Understand how literary form affects interpretation of text.

(3) Discern whether or not a particular historical account in scripture should be interpreted as an example to follow.

(4) Recognize principles that apply to all people in all time in any passage of scripture.

(5) Describe the use of Old Testament passages for today’s believer.

Note to class leader: We recommend you teach this lesson in two class sessions because of how much material must be covered. Students will only have an assignment after the second class session.

Knowing literary forms helps us interpret scripture.

When the Bible tells us that David cared for sheep (1 Samuel 16:11), we know that it is speaking of literal sheep, because he was a shepherd. When the book of Revelation says that John saw a dragon (Revelation 12:3) or something that looked like a lion or bear, we know that those animals represent other things because the book of Revelation has many symbols.

When 1 Kings 5:6 tells us that Solomon bought cedar trees to use for temple construction, we know that he bought literal trees. When Psalm 1:3 says that a righteous man will be like a tree by the river, we know that it is making a point by comparison. When Isaiah 55:12 says that the trees would clap their hands, it means there would be such joy that even nature would seem to celebrate.

Understanding literary form is important in Bible interpretation. A book of poetry (Psalms) will communicate differently than an epistle (Romans). Understanding the differences helps us interpret each book as the author intended. Here is an introduction to the major types of literature in scripture.

Much of the Bible is history: Pentateuch, the Historical Books, the Gospels, and Acts, and other shorter sections are accurate, historical accounts of real people and events.

(The Bible also includes fictional illustrations told by the prophets and parables told by Jesus. We will discuss interpretation of these in a later section since it is different than the interpretation of historical accounts.)

Questions to Ask When Reading History

You should ask these questions as you read biblical history:

(1) What is the story?

When reading history, we look for the design of the story. For instance, the gospel of Luke traces Jesus’ ministry in Galilee; it then looks at Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem and focuses on his teaching about discipleship; Luke concludes with a focus on Jesus’ death and resurrection in Jerusalem. In Acts, Luke shows the growing ministry of the church. Again, he follows a geographic structure. The gospel is preached in Jerusalem; then the gospel is taken throughout Judea and Samaria; finally, the gospel goes to the ends of the earth through Paul’s ministry in Rome.

(2) Who are the people in the story?

When we read about historical people in the Bible, we learn about strengths we should develop and weaknesses we should avoid. We ask questions such as, “What made Nehemiah an effective leader?” and “What made the difference between the failure of Saul and the success of David?” We compare the evangelistic approaches of Peter and Paul. In biblical history, we gain a picture of people.

(3) Does the historical account give an example to follow?

When reading history, we must ask if the actions are an example for us to follow. A historical account may give a model of what God expects of his people. By contrast, it may give important history that does not provide a model to follow.

Do you remember the example given about a preacher using Judges 21 to preach on how to obtain a wife? In that example, the preacher failed to ask, “Is Judges com­mand­ing this action or simply describing this action?” Judges 21 describes Israel’s actions; it does not command the behavior.

When reading history, we must ask, “Is this an example to follow?” or “Is this just a description?” In many cases, the answer is simple; no one thinks Judges 21 commands us to kidnap a wife! However, many cases are less clear. The book of Acts is particularly difficult. Should churches today expect God to do the kinds of miracles He did during the days of the early church? Will all Spirit-filled believers speak in other tongues?

How do we decide whether or not a passage gives us an example to follow? If we do not correctly answer this question, we will misread historical books such as Judges and Acts. If we do not correctly answer this question, we will emphasize or neglect biblical details depending on our personal preferences. Remember this principle: If a historical passage gives us an example to follow, we can expect to find clear instruction or repeated examples in other passages.

For example, Acts shows that early Christians were passionate about evangelism. We know this is an example for us to follow because Matthew 28:19-20 commands us to make disciples. Acts shows the Holy Spirit’s activities in the church. We know this is to be a normal part of church life because Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would empower the ministry of his followers (Acts 1:8). If we fail to evangelize or to demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit in our ministry, we do not live up to the model of Acts. These stories are examples for the church.

Acts also tells us that Christians had all things in common and worshipped in private homes. Are these practices commanded in scripture? No. The practice of sharing one’s wealth was voluntary, not required, as Peter told Ananias (Acts 5:3-4). Similarly, scripture doesn’t command us to worship in private homes.[1]

Because these practices are not commanded in scripture, we can conclude that they are part of church history but are not necessarily an example to follow. Acts is describing a particular time in history; it is not commanding these practices for all times.

(4) What principles are taught in this historical account?

According to Paul, Bible history is given for our instruction (1 Corinthians 10:11). It shows how God works in human history and what pleases or displeases God. As readers, we must find principles from the historical accounts.

Rarely does the story say, “The Israelites complained against God and were punished. You should not complain against God.” Instead, we are told that Israel complained against God; we see the consequences of their sin, and we should understand the principle that is taught. Instead of direct commands, history gives positive examples to follow and negative examples to avoid. In the book of Joshua, we see that obedience to God brings victory; in the book of Judges, we see that disobedience brings chaos.

The Book of Acts

The book of Acts provides a historical record of what happened after Jesus’ life on earth. For readers of the New Testament, Acts gives the context of the letters written to churches.

The book of Acts shows that the church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, could not be stopped in its mission to spread the gospel. The church faced doctrinal issues, internal divisions, teachers of false doctrines, struggles in administration, hypocrites, the resistance of demons, persecution from society and government, and disasters during travel. Yet, the church went forward joyfully and victoriously. Because the Holy Spirit empowered the church, individuals and communities were changed by the gospel.

Luke’s purpose for writing Acts was to give the church confidence to continue fulfilling its mission of reaching the world with the gospel. His purpose is seen throughout the book with the following points. Other similar points could be added.

• Jesus said his disciples would take the gospel to the farthest point of the earth (Acts 1:8).

• The Spirit empowered the disciples to preach the gospel on the day of Pentecost, and 3,000 people believed (Acts 2:41).

• People were added to the church daily (Acts 2:47).

• The Jewish leader Gamaliel said that a work of God cannot be stopped (Acts 5:39).

• Persecuted believers left Jerusalem and spread the gospel (Acts 8:1, 4).

• The leader of the persecution was converted and became the greatest evangelist (Acts 9:13-22).

• Paul and others made missionary trips throughout the known world (Acts 13-21).

• Paul preached to rulers (Acts 24-26).

• Paul preached in Rome, the capital of the empire (Acts 28).

Application of the Book of Acts

Sometimes a reader assumes that the book of Acts tells us how to do missions work, baptize, organize the church, and experience the Holy Spirit. Acts records the history of how the early church did those things; however, the author did not intend for Acts to be a manual for church ministry.

We should not assume that we should do everything the same way the church did in the book of Acts, but we can learn much from seeing how the church faced challenges.

Acts shows us that the church should continually reach farther with the gospel, always advancing and facing all problems with the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit, developing structures as needed to solve practical issues.

The Value of Old Testament Law

Some Christians think that the Old Testament has little use for a believer today except that the historical sections illustrate Christian principles. They think that the laws of the Old Testament have no application to believers today.

The Apostle Paul wrote several times about the changed use of the Old Testament law for the believer. He said that the death of Christ took away the condemnation of the law and that we should not judge believers who do not follow the rituals of the law (Colossians 2:14-17). He said that the apostles no longer lived under the Jewish requirements (Galatians 2:14-16). He refused to require a Gentile pastor to be circumcised (Galatians 2:3). He said that each person should follow his conscience about the Jewish diet and special days and that believers should not judge each other about those requirements (Romans 14). He said that the believer is dead to the law and that we serve God in a way that fulfills the intention of the law but not the specific requirements (Romans 7:4, 6). Most importantly, he said that no one will be justified by the deeds of the law (Romans 3:20).

The Bible also makes statements about the Old Testament law that show us that it is still significant for the believer. Because the Old Testament law was an expression of the nature of God, a person who loved God loved his law (See Psalm 1:2, Psalm 119:7, 16, 70). Paul said that the law is holy, righteous, and good (Romans 7:12). He also said, “All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). At the time he made that statement, the term scripture referred primarily to the Old Testament. Paul told Timothy that the scriptures would make him wise for salvation (2 Timothy 3:15). These statements tell us that as believers we should not discard any part of the Old Testament. Even though we are not saved by keeping God’s laws, we want to understand his will for us so that we can please him (2 Corinthians 5:9-10).

Classification of Old Testament Laws

To help us understand how believers should use Old Testament law today, we observe some categories of laws.

Ceremonial laws were about sacrifices, rituals, diet, and special days. Paul said that these laws have been fulfilled by Christ (Colossians 2:16-17). The book of Hebrews gives much application of the meaning of the Old Testament ceremonies. For example, things in the temple were purified with blood, symbolizing the blood of Christ that would purify believers (Hebrews 9:14, 21-24).

Civil laws were given to Israel as a nation. Civil laws were not enforced by individual citizens, but by appointed authorities. For example, people who practiced witchcraft were to be executed (Exodus 22:18), but a trial and execution were done by established authorities, not by individual citizens. Deuteronomy 17:2-12 describes the process of local government hearing witnesses and giving justice; a higher court was available for more difficult cases.

Laws of a nation may be different today, and individual believers are not supposed to take personal responsibility to enforce the civil laws of ancient Israel. However, those laws teach us about the righteousness of God and the righteousness he expects from his people. For instance, the law given in Exodus 22:18 tells us that it is wrong for a person to practice witchcraft. Other civil laws tell us that God wants a nation to protect the poor and prevent injustice to all categories of people (Deuteronomy 24:14-15, 17-22).

The Bible interpreter first tries to understand the principle of an Old Testament civil law, then considers how a believer should apply that principle today. We should ask, “What was God’s concern? What was God’s purpose? What does this law reveal about what God values?” Then we consider what modern application would please God.

Moral laws state God’s permanent requirements for right living. The moral laws speak of honesty, sexuality, idolatry, and other issues (Exodus 20:4-5, 13-16). Many of the moral laws are repeated in the New Testament. The moral laws are foundational to civil laws of nations today, though the laws of nations do not follow God’s laws completely or consistently. God’s laws for his people go far beyond what society requires.

Our classification of laws into categories is not perfect. Passages in the Old Testament sometimes include all three categories of laws and laws that are not easy to categorize. Even though it isn’t perfect, this classification system helps us to understand how the Old Testament laws apply to New Testament believers.

Interpreting Old Testament Law[1]

When you are studying Old Testament law, consider the larger context of the law you are studying. Notice the surrounding narrative. How does the law fit its immediate context?

Then ask:

(1) What did this text mean to the original audience?

To understand how Israel interpreted a law, ask questions such as:

• Is there a connection between the law and the surrounding verses?

• Is the law in response to a specific situation related to Israel’s history?

• Is the law related to the Old Testament sacrificial system?

(2) What are the differences between the biblical audience and our world?

There are more differences between our world and the Old Testament than between our world and the New Testament. For example:

• We no longer visit the one, central Temple; the Holy Spirit dwells in every believer.

• We do not approach God through sacrifices; Christ died once, for all (Hebrews 10:10).

• God’s Word is not the law of our nation. We live under secular governments.

(3) What principles are taught in this text?

The specific action required by an Old Testament law may not be required today. We should look for the permanent principle taught by the law. This is the bridge that moves the scripture from its ancient setting to the modern world. This principle will be relevant both to the Old Testament audience and to a contemporary audience.

State the principle in 1-2 sentences. To confirm that the principle is truly biblical, ask these questions:

• Is this principle clearly demonstrated by the law?

• Is this principle applicable to people in all times and places?

• Is this principle consistent with the rest of scripture?

(4) Does the New Testament adapt this principle in any way?

Each of the previous three main questions are useful for interpretation of any scripture passage. This last question should be added to the interpretation process when we study Old Testament texts. If you have found a universal principle in the Old Testament passage, the principle remains in effect today. However, the New Testament may show that the application differs from the time of the Old Testament.

For example, Exodus 20:14 commands, “You shall not commit adultery.” In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus expands this to apply to thoughts, not just actions (Matthew 5:28). Jesus’ teaching does not cancel the principle of Exodus 20:14; it deepens its application.

The Bible has much poetry. Job, Psalms, Proverbs, and Song of Solomon are almost entirely in poetic form, and Ecclesiastes includes some poetry. There is also much poetry in the prophets. Poetry is a style of writing used to express strong emotions. It is not designed to communicate the details of historical accounts or to create logical arguments. In poetry, we listen for the heart of the poet; we are particularly sensitive to the emotions expressed in the poem.

Poetry often uses figurative speech, and its descriptions are not necessarily intended to be taken literally.

Here is an example of a poetic statement from the Psalms: “You [God] will aim at their faces with your bows” (Psalm 21:12). We realize that God does not have a literal bow that will shoot literal arrows. The writer is saying that God is able to defeat anyone who chooses to be his enemy. The writer is telling believers to have confidence in God’s victory.

Poetry often serves the purpose of imaginatively communicating truth that is more plainly stated elsewhere in the Bible. Do not develop a doctrine or practice from a passage of poetry if it is not also taught in a plainer passage.

Hebrew poetry sometimes uses patterns of sound but does not rhyme the way that traditional English poetry does. Understanding the characteristics of Hebrew poetry may help you better appreciate its beauty.

Characteristics of Hebrew Poetry

Parallelism

Hebrew poetry is often based on parallelism. Two parallel statements are used together; the second statement adds some meaning to the first statement but does not always make an additional point.

There are three types of parallelism:

• A verse says the same thing two ways (Psalm 25:4, Psalm 103:10, Proverbs 12:28).

• A verse shows how two things are different from one another (Psalm 37:21, Proverbs 10:1, 7).

• A verse makes a statement then adds more detail with the next statement (Psalm 14:2, Psalm 23:1, Proverbs 4:23).

When interpreting parallelism, ask what the second line adds to the first. Does it reinforce the first line, does it provide a contrast to the first line, or does it add new information?

Figures of Speech

While all biblical books contain figures of speech, these are particularly important in poetry. Figures of speech found in Hebrew poetry include:

1. Comparison of two things that are similar in some way: “The Lord is my shepherd” (Psalm 23:1).

2. Using exaggeration to emphasize a point. David describes his grief this way: “Every night I flood my bed with tears” (Psalm 6:6).

3. Talking about something as if it were human: “Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice” (Proverbs 1:20).

4. Describing God using human characteristics: God’s “eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man” (Psalm 11:4).

When interpreting poetic figures of speech, ask what the image shows that we would not understand from a plain statement. For example, “The Lord is my shepherd” is much more than “God takes care of me.” It speaks of his care, but it also speaks of his love, his leadership, his protection from our enemies, and his discipline when we wander from his care.

The Book of Psalms

Types of Psalms

There are several types of Psalms. Psalms of praise honor God for his characteristics, blessings, and interventions (Psalm 23, 29). Psalms about the law of God praise God’s wisdom and righteousness (Psalm 119). Psalms of sorrow express feelings to God, ask for his help, and submit to his will (Psalm 3, 13, 22). Psalms about the king describe the blessings that come to a nation through a king that honors God, and these psalms also point to the future messianic kingdom (Psalm 21, 72). Psalms of anger call for God to judge wicked people and defend his servants (Psalm 69:21-28, Psalm 59). Other types of Psalms could be listed.

Application of the Psalms

The New Testament tells us some ways to use the Psalms. Psalms express our worship of God (Ephesians 5:19). They are also useful for doctrine and encouragement (Colossians 3:16).

Not every attitude expressed in the Psalms is an example of an attitude we should have. However, we learn from the Psalms that every attitude should be submitted to God. In prayer, you can express to God whatever you are feeling. The Psalms show us that God can renew the faith of a believer who is struggling with discouragement, fear, or anger.

Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and parts of Psalms and James represent the genre known as wisdom literature. In the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, the instruction is addressed to young readers who are learning the principles of life.

The Book of Job

Long passages in Job give the words of various human speakers, including Job himself. The speakers express various opinions. A Bible interpreter should not take statements from one of the human speeches and teach them as biblical principles. The book of Job critically analyzes those statements with God’s words and perspective. In Job 38-42 God responds to the speeches, and Job 1-2 also shows God’s perspective.

Literary Form: Proverb

Proverbs are observations of life stated briefly and clearly. They state what usually happens, but they do not mean that there are no exceptions.

On the surface, a proverb is easy to interpret. However, this literary form offers a particular challenge. A proverb states a general principle about life, but it does not apply in every situation. For example, Proverbs 21:17 says,

Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.

As a general rule, those who love pleasure rather than work will tend towards poverty. This general rule is true, but there are many exceptions. Some wealthy people have inherited their wealth with no work. They spend their days drinking and playing, but they are rich. Other people work hard and remain poor. The proverb teaches a general principle, not a universal rule.

There are many proverbs in the Bible, not just in the book of Proverbs. Here is an example of a proverb spoken by Jesus: "…All who take the sword will perish by the sword" (Matthew 26:52). There have been violent men who did not die violently. Again, the proverb is true as a general observation, but there have been exceptions.

We should ask these questions when interpreting a proverb:

(1) What general principle is taught in this scripture?

The principle found in Proverbs 21:17 is the value of hard work and discipline. Most proverbs summarize a principle that can be developed in one paragraph.

(2) What exceptions to this principle exist?

In the case of Proverbs 21:17, we see exceptions in everyday life. This does not contradict the principle; it simply shows that a wise person must realize that there are exceptions to the general principles.

(3) Which people in the Bible model this principle?

When interpreting a proverb, it can be helpful to find a biblical character who models the principle of the proverb. For instance, Proverbs says, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2). Saul’s pride and David’s humble confession of sin show how this proverb looks in real life.

The Book of Proverbs

Much of the book of Proverbs was written by Solomon. The stated purpose of the book is to help the immature person get wisdom and to help a wise person become even wiser (Proverbs 1:4-5).

The book of Proverbs talks about three kinds of people. The simple person has grown to be an adult but does not yet have experience and understanding of life. The simple person needs to gain wisdom and avoid making mistakes that will destroy him.

The wise person is one who understands how to live according to God’s principles. People must fear God if they want to become wise (Proverbs 9:10). Wise people continue to learn.

The fool has rejected wisdom (God’s principles) and refuses to listen. He shows bad character and suffers from wrong decisions. A fool does not lack intelligence but does not understand life because he has rejected God’s direction.

Some frequent themes in the book of Proverbs are (1) the danger of laziness and the value of work (2) the disasters that result from sexual sin, and (3) ethics in various kinds of relationships.

The Book of Ecclesiastes

The book of Ecclesiastes was written by Solomon (Ecclesiastes 1:1).

The message of Ecclesiastes: If only this life exists, there is no justice or purpose in life or in any great accomplishment.

Ecclesiastes explains why earthly life cannot give people ultimate satisfaction or purpose. In this life:

• Justice is ignored.

• Everyone will die and be forgotten.

• The wicked prosper.

• Wisdom is strongest yet is despised.

• Wisdom and knowledge increase grief.

Ecclesiastes shows us that a person who lives life with an eternal perspective will:

• Have joy but be serious about the issues of life.

• Remember that death is coming.

• Enjoy good things and take pleasure in them but be conscious of accountability to God.

• Not let any earthly goal become most important.

Solomon came to this conclusion: Since there is judgment, serve God and keep His commandments from youth.

The books of the Old Testament prophets are written collections of preached messages. 16 prophets have messages recorded in scripture. Only Jeremiah has two books. Some prophets wrote books that are not in scripture (1 Chronicles 29:29). There were hundreds of prophets who wrote nothing as far as we are told.

The 16 writing prophets ministered between the years of 760-460 B.C. (Israel fell in 722. Judah fell in 587.) During this period of history, the rise and fall of several world empires affected Israel politically, economically, and religiously. At times, the majority of the people of the nations of Israel and Judah broke their covenant with God and served idols.

The prophets were advocates for God's covenant. They reminded the people of God's requirements. Years before, God had promised that Israel would receive blessings or curses depending on whether they obeyed or disobeyed him (Leviticus 26, Deuteronomy 28-32). The prophets predicted the fulfillment of those promises. Blessings promised for obedience included life, health, prosperity, agricultural abundance, freedom, and safety. Curses for disobedience included death, disease, drought, famine, destruction of homes and cities, defeat in battle, exile from the homeland, loss of freedom, poverty, and humiliation.

Prophecy was communication of a message from God. Prophecy was preaching, addressing a present concern and calling for an immediate response. The messages of the prophets often contained predictions. However, the prophet was a preacher. His message was prophetic whether or not it contained predictions.

In many cases, we do not know how or when a prediction within a prophecy was fulfilled. That knowledge is not necessary in order for us to learn from those passages. Often the fulfillment did not occur in the lifetime of a prophet and his immediate hearers, yet his message was preached for immediate application and response. The prophets pointed to the future kingdom of God as a reason people should repent and obey God in the present (Habakkuk 2:14).

Prophets’ methods of communication and illustration were often unusual and dramatic. Their messages used figurative imagery and sometimes physical demonstration. However, they did not preach that people should do something new and unusual, but that they should obey the revealed law of God.

The preaching of the prophets, which was to draw people back to the terms of the covenant (their relationship to God), can be preached today to draw people back to the terms of our relationship to God.

Prediction (even of events that would happen far into the future) was intended to have an immediate effect. People were called to repent and obey God. This purpose is similar to the purpose of preaching today.

Some predictions were conditional. The hearers could avoid the predicted judgment by repenting (Jeremiah 18:7-11, Jeremiah 26:13-19). Jonah's hearers in Nineveh escaped destruction even though Jonah’s message did not offer mercy (Jonah 3:4-5, 9-10).

The fulfillment of God’s ultimate purposes is not conditional; for example, in Isaiah 43:5-6 God promises that he will bring exiles back to Israel by his own power, but the passage does not give a requirement Israel must fulfill. Still, one's own place in these events is conditioned by one's own choices.

The books of prophecy contain passages of historical narrative, but the speeches are usually in poetic form. It is not difficult to distinguish historical narrative that should be interpreted literally from poetic passages that contain symbols.

Significant Terms and Concepts in the Prophets

Idolatry: The primary violation of the covenant.

Adultery: A sin that often accompanies idolatry and is used figuratively to refer to idolatry.

Nations: Refers to the world that was not in covenant relationship with God. Two sub-themes:

1. The nations are often hostile to Israel.

2. God intends for Israel to glorify him among the nations.

Temple: The center of God’s presence. Two sub-themes:

1. Hypocritical worship dishonors God.

2. Invasion of the Temple by enemies showed the total defeat of Israel and loss of God’s presence.

Land/Inheritance: The special place God put the Israelites to be blessed.

Captivity: Removal from the place God had given, and enslavement to other nations. Captivity meant Israel had lost God’s blessing.

Rain (and related terms): A sign of God’s continuous blessing in the land he gave the Israelites. Lack of rain spoke of God’s disapproval.

Harvest (and related terms): Blessings of God related to the concept of rain and land.

Day of the Lord: A future, sudden judgment of God that will destroy the wicked. Israel thought judgment was for other nations and was horrified to hear that they would be judged also.

Horses: Represented military force.

Deliverance from Egypt: The historical event that made Israel a nation and made God their king. Idolatry dishonored the covenant formed after the deliverance.

Interpreting Prophetic Literature

Prophetic literature is one of the most difficult types of literature to interpret. To effectively interpret prophetic literature, ask these questions:

(1) What did the prophet say to his world?

Contrary to popular opinion, prophetic literature is not solely about predictions of the future. The prophet spoke first to his own world.

For example, Amos wrote to the nation of Israel, which was disobeying God. The people were prosperous and assumed that they could ignore God’s law without consequence. Amos proclaimed a message of judgment: Israel would be judged because she had forsaken justice and righteousness (Amos 5:7).

(2) What was the response of the people to his message?

The response of Israel to the message of Amos is seen in the response of Amaziah, the high priest at Bethel. He ordered Amos to return to Judah and to no longer preach in the Northern Kingdom (Amos 7:10-13).

(3) What principle from the prophet’s message speaks to our world today?

Just as justice and righteousness were God’s standards for his people in ancient Israel, God requires justice and righteousness from his people today. We cannot worship at God’s house while ignoring his call for righteous living (Amos 5:22-24).

These questions bring the truth of prophecy from the world of the prophet to our world. By looking at the world of the prophet, we ensure that our interpretation for today is rooted in the original message.

Apocalyptic scriptures include Daniel, Zechariah, Joel, Revelation, and passages from other books of the Bible.

The writer of an apocalyptic book receives the message in a vision or dream. It is highly symbolic. It often uses animals or strange, monstrous creatures as symbols.

Rather than describing events in a chronological order, the writing may repeatedly talk about the same events/settings, with different details revealed with each telling.

The usual method of interpreting scripture is to understand details literally unless it is obvious that the writer intended the description to be figurative. In the case of apocalyptic literature, the interpreter should realize that the author intended many of the details to be figurative. Examples of obviously figurative descriptions would be those of the animals and monsters in the visions of Daniel.

• Examples of animal symbols: Daniel 7:3-7, Revelation 12:3, Revelation 16:13, and Zechariah 6:1-3.

Apocalyptic writing usually deals with the challenge of keeping faith in spite of the evil and injustice in the present world. It describes a universal battle with intense warfare.

Apocalyptic writings in the Bible show the ultimate triumph of God, who punishes evil and rewards good. The focus is the sovereign God who comes to the aid of his people.

The primary message of apocalyptic writing can be understood even if all of the symbols are not understood and even if the interpreter is not able to make a timeline of predicted events.

• Examples of passages that describe a great, final battle: Joel 2:9-11, Revelation 19:11-21, and Revelation 20:7-9.

• Examples of passages that teach the final victory and eternal kingdom of God: Daniel 7:14, 27 and Zechariah 14:9.

Besides the apocalyptic books, other sections of scripture may be considered apocalyptic writing because they speak of God’s sudden intervention when he judges the evil powers and delivers the righteous. These scriptures do not all have the other characteristics of apocalyptic writing, such as visions or animal symbols. (Examples are Ezekiel 37-39, Isaiah 24-27, Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21, 2 Thessalonians 2, and 2 Peter 3.)

General Application of Apocalyptic Scripture

The ultimate solution to the world’s problem is not cultural or societal development. It is not political reform or revolution. The solution is the intervention of God. He presently gives faith, strength, and mercy to his people. In the future he will come to suddenly and completely change the world.

Believers should patiently endure by faith. Complete, present understanding of God’s plan or of events in the world is not necessary. Having faith does not mean that people can predict certain immediate results. Instead, people who have real faith obey God in all circumstances, because they know that in the end obedience will be worthwhile.

A parable is a teaching tool that compares spiritual truth to things in nature or situations in life. The similarity between spiritual and natural truth is shown so that we can better understand the spiritual truth.

Telling parables was one of Jesus’ favorite ways to teach (Matthew 13:34). He told 30 parables and used many other figurative comparisons.

Through parables, Jesus taught about prayer (the Pharisee and the publican in the Temple, Luke 18:9-14), love for our neighbor (the good Samaritan, Luke 10:29-37), the nature of the kingdom of God (the Matthew 13 parables), and God’s mercy to sinners (the prodigal son, Luke 15:11-32).

Parables allowed Jesus to rebuke his listeners without direct confrontation. Because the parables Jesus told were interesting, they opened the ears of Jesus’ audience to his words until suddenly they were surprised to realize “He is talking about me!” Nathan the prophet did the same when he told David a parable about a poor man’s sheep (2 Samuel 12:1-10). It was not until Nathan said, “You are the man,” that David realized the parable was about himself.

Interpreting Parables

The interpreter should notice:

• How was the parable introduced?

• What was the conclusion of the parable?

• What response or change of attitude does the parable call for?

• What reaction would the original audience have had?

(1) How was the parable introduced?

Jesus often told a parable in response to a question or an attitude. Knowing the situation in which the parable was told helps the interpreter understand its message.

If our interpretation of the parable does not directly relate to the conversation or situation that led to Jesus telling it, we have probably missed the point.

Parables in response to a question. During a conversation, a lawyer asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus could have answered, “A needy person in your path is your neighbor—and your responsibility.” Instead, Jesus gave that same answer indirectly, by telling the parable of the good Samaritan.

Augustine misinterpreted the parable because he ignored the question that it answered. This is the interpretation Augustine gave: Jesus (the Samaritan) rescued Adam (the man) from Satan (the robbers) and took him to the church (the inn) for safety. Jesus paid Paul (the innkeeper) two denarii (the promise of this life and the life to come) to bind up sin (the wounds). Augustine’s interpretation was not correct because it was not related to the conversation between Jesus and the lawyer.

Parables in response to an attitude. Luke 15:1-3 says, “Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, ‘This man receives sinners and eats with them.’ So he told them this parable”:

• A shepherd had a lost sheep. Look at his rejoicing when the sheep was found!

• A woman had a lost coin. Look at her rejoicing when the coin was found!

• A father had a lost son. Look at his rejoicing when the son was found!

Through these three parables, Jesus implies, “You should not be shocked that I eat with sinners. Look at the rejoicing in heaven when one sinner repents!”

It is very important to remember that the primary lesson of a parable will relate directly to the question or situation that inspired it.

(2) What was the conclusion of the parable? What response or change of attitude does the parable call for?

A parable usually makes one main point, though different applications are possible. Each main character in the parable may also illustrate one lesson.

We have already seen the primary lesson of the parable of the prodigal son: There is great joy in heaven over a sinner who repents. This main point answers the situation that inspired Jesus’ parable: the Pharisees’ unwillingness to forgive sinners. Each of the three characters also teach one lesson directly related to the main point of the parable.

Jesus contrasted the unforgiveness of the elder brother with the forgiveness of the father. Jesus’ purpose was to rebuke the unforgiveness of the Pharisees. He wanted them to repent of their wrong attitude.

Someone preaching from this parable could emphasize the love and forgiveness of the father for the purpose of encouraging a sinner to repent. Or he could preach that believers should have God’s attitude of forgiveness for unbelievers.

(3) What reaction would the original audience have had?

To understand how a parable would have affected the first audience, we must understand their culture. Jesus’ parables often went against the expected norms of his culture. This made them surprising.

For example, consider again the parable of the prodigal son. Jesus’ audience would have seen it as terribly disrespectful for a son to ask for his inheritance early. The son then wasted the inheritance. The listeners thought that when the son returned, the father would reject him, refuse to see him, and maybe even have him beaten and driven away. Imagine the surprise of the listeners when the father ran to welcome his son!

In the parable of the good Samaritan, the listeners were not surprised that a priest and Levite would pass the injured man without helping him, because they considered the temple leaders to be corrupt and hypocritical. They respected the Pharisees, and they thought the third person who helped the man would be a Pharisee. Imagine their surprise when the third person was a Samaritan, a person they despised for his ethnicity and lack of religious status!

The better we understand the cultural setting of the parable, the more clearly we see the message.

Details and Symbolism in Parables

Some preachers mistakenly assume that every detail in every parable is symbolic. For example, in the parable of the good Samaritan some have said that when the traveler went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, he was making a wrong choice because he was going to a city God had cursed. This is not a good interpretation of the parable, because the purpose of the parable was to explain how a person shows love to a neighbor. The details are not symbols of anything.

In the parable in Mark 4:30-32, preachers have imagined what the birds in the tree symbolize, but the birds are only mentioned to show that a small seed grew into something so large that birds could come and sit in the branches.

In the parable of the prodigal son there is no reason to try to find symbolic meaning for the details. For example, the pigs are not symbols. The pigs are mentioned to show the bad condition of the son: A Jewish boy would not ordinarily be near pigs.

It is rare for the details of parables to be symbolic. One example of symbolic details in a parable is in the parable of the wheat and the weeds (Matthew 13:38-39). We know that the details in this parable were symbolic because Jesus specifically said they were.

Preaching with Parables

A preacher may adapt a parable to a familiar situation in his own culture. However, he should take the time to understand what the parable meant to the first listeners. Otherwise, he will not communicate the same message to his listeners.

An interpreter should not use a parable as the basis of a doctrine or application that is not supported by other clear scripture.

Characteristics of Letters[1]

Many of the New Testament books are letters from Paul, James, Peter, John, and Jude. While there are differences between the letters, certain characteristics are common to the letters. New Testament letters are:

1. Authoritative. New Testament letters were a substitute for the author’s presence. The letter represented the authority of the writer; this authority was often stated in the opening verses.[2]

2. Situational. New Testament letters often addressed specific situations or problems. For instance, Galatians was written to a church that thought salvation depended on following Jewish requirements. Paul emphasized our freedom in Christ. In contrast, the church at Corinth was taking freedom to the extreme—tolerating sexual immorality. In 1 Corinthians, Paul emphasizes our responsibility to obedience.

3. Addressed to Believers. The letters are written to regional churches (Romans) or individual believers (Philemon) or to believers in general (Jude). Not all the recipients were living in a saving relationship with God. Paul called the Corinthian believers to repent of some of their actions; he called the Galatians to return to the gospel; and James tells unjust rich men to expect judgment. However, the letters are written in the context of the Christian family of faith.

Interpreting Letters

When you receive a letter from a friend, you sit down and read the entire letter. Read New Testament letters in the same way. Read the entire letter to gain an overview of the author’s message. As you read, make a list of observations. The more details you observe, the better equipped you are to interpret the letter.

There are several questions to ask when we read a biblical letter:

(1) Who is the recipient of the letter?

The more we know of the church or person that received a letter, the better we will understand the letter. When we study a Pauline letter, it is helpful to start our study by reading references in Acts to the recipient church. This will often give a better under­standing of the letter. For example:

• The church at Philippi was born in persecution (Acts 16:12-40). This highlights Paul’s instruction that they are to rejoice even in difficult circumstances.

• Ephesians (like other Pauline letters) is written to believers. When Paul prays that the Ephesian believers will be filled with all the fullness of God, (Ephesians 3:19) he is praying that children of God will receive even more of God’s fullness. He is praying that Christians will be made “holy and blameless before him” (Ephesians 1:4).

(2) Who is the author? How is he related to the recipient?

When you receive a letter in the mail, you want to know: “Who wrote this?” The better you know the author, the more interesting the letter will be. Similarly, the more we know about the author of a biblical letter, the better we will understand his message.

In his letters, the apostle John emphasized love. John had previously been known as one of the “sons of thunder” (Mark 3:17). Back then, he and his brother had asked for Jesus’ permission to call down fire from heaven (Luke 9:54). John’s letters, written later, show us that he had been transformed by the infilling of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

Peter wrote his letters to encourage suffering Christians. He assured them that they could be bold in the face of Satan’s attacks (1 Peter 5:8-9). Earlier in Peter’s life, he had denied knowing Jesus because of his fear (Mark 14:66-72). Peter’s letters show us the transformation that had happened in his life.

Knowing the relationship between the author and the recipient is often helpful in reading a letter. Paul’s warm relationship with the church at Philippi is seen throughout his joyful letter. On the other hand, conflict between Paul and rebellious members at Corinth led to the strong rebukes of 1 and 2 Corinthians.

(3) What circumstances inspired the letter?

We know the circumstances that inspired several of Paul’s letters. 1 and 2 Corinthians were written in response to problems and questions at Corinth. Philemon was written as an appeal on behalf of a runaway slave, Onesimus.

The letter to the Galatians shows the value of understanding the circumstances of a letter. A few verses into Galatians, you are likely to ask, “What is wrong in Galatia?” Paul begins, “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel” (Galatians 1:6). It soon becomes clear that these new converts are abandoning the gospel of justification by grace through faith. They are instead believing a message of justification by works. Paul’s passionate words are motivated by his love for these converts. He has committed his life to proclaiming the message of justification by faith alone. He is astonished that the Galatians are abandoning the truth and accepting a false gospel.

Literary Form: Exposition

Exposition is orderly teaching. It moves in a logical manner from point 1 to point 2. This literary form is common in the New Testament epistles, particularly Paul’s letters. In these letters, Paul presents truth in the clear manner of a good teacher.

Exposition uses linking words such as therefore, and, or but. It often includes questions and answers. An exposition gives a logical presentation of truth.

In Colossians, Paul presents an exposition on the nature of Christ. Paul teaches that Christ is superior to all human philosophies and traditions. Paul follows this logical pattern:

1. Paul gives evidence for the superiority of Christ (Colossians 1:15-23)

• He is the firstborn of all creation.

• By him all things were created.

• He is the head of the church.

• Reconciliation comes through him.

2. Paul reminds his readers of his purpose in writing. The message of the exalted Christ has been entrusted to Paul to bring to the Gentiles (Colossians 1:24–2:5)

3. Paul warns against teachings that deny the superiority of Christ (Colossians 2:6-23).

• Legalism: The belief that fulfilling the requirements of the Law of Moses, or some other system of rules, makes one right with God (Colossians 2:16-17).

• Mysticism: The belief that we draw close to God through special activities related to angels and the spirit world (Colossians 2:18). Mystics sometimes called on angels for protection against evil spirits.

• Asceticism: The belief that we draw close to God through extended fasts or other forms of self-denial that are not commanded in the Bible (Colossians 2:18; 20-23).

4. Therefore, because of the superiority of Christ, this is how you should live
(Colossians 3-4):

• Submission to Christ will affect our moral behavior.

  • We will no longer behave immorally (Colossians 3:1-11).

  • We will live in peace and thanksgiving (Colossians 3:12-17).

• Submission to Christ will affect our relationships with others (Colossians 3:18-4:6).

5. Closing greetings remind the readers of Paul’s personal concern for the Colossian believers (Colossians 4:7-18).

Paul’s letter is an exposition of the doctrine of the lordship of Christ. It teaches about the nature of Christ and the impact of this truth on our lives as believers.

(1) Proper interpretation requires us to understand the literary form of the scripture passage we are studying.

(2) Some of the important literary forms found in the Bible include:

• History: accurate, historical accounts of real people and events.

When interpreting history, ask:

• What is the story?

• Who are the people in the story?

• Does the historical account give an example to follow?

• What principles are taught in this historical account?

• Old Testament Law

Old Testament law is important for New Testament believers because:

• It is an expression of the nature of God.

• It makes us wise for salvation.

• It helps us know God’s will.

It can be helpful to think about three categories of Old Testament Law:

• Ceremonial laws

• Civil laws

• Moral laws

When interpreting Old Testament law, ask:

• What did this text mean to the original audience?

• What are the differences between the biblical audience and our world?

• What principles are taught in this text?

• Does the New Testament adapt this principle in any way?

• Poetry

Characteristics of Hebrew poetry:

• Parallelism

• Figures of speech

• Wisdom Literature: teaches how life works.

• Proverb: general observations of life stated briefly and clearly

When interpreting proverbs, ask:

• What general principle is taught in this scripture?

• What exceptions to this principle exist?

• Which people in the Bible model this principle?

• Old Testament Prophecy: communication of messages from God.

When interpreting Old Testament prophecy, ask:

• What did the prophet say to his world?

• What was the response of the people to his message?

• What principle from the prophet’s message speaks to our world today?

• Apocalyptic Literature

When interpreting apocalyptic literature, remember:

• It is highly symbolic.

• It does not necessarily describe events in chronological order.

• It may repeatedly describe the same events, giving different details.

The most important themes of apocalyptic literature are:

• The challenge of keeping faith in the present evil world.

• The sovereign God who helps his people.

• Parable: teaching that compares spiritual truth with things in nature or situations in life. Most often parables were told in response to a question or an attitude.

When interpreting parables, ask:

• How was the parable introduced?

• What was the conclusion of the parable?

• What response or change of attitude does the parable call for?

• What reaction would the original audience have had?

• Letter

New Testament letters are:

• Authoritative

• Situational

• Addressed to believers

When interpreting letters, ask:

• Who is the recipient of the letter?

• Who is the author? How is he related to the recipient?

• What circumstances inspired the letter?

• Exposition: orderly teaching

Course Key Points Complied PDF

In Lesson 1, you chose a passage of scripture to study throughout this course. What is the literary form of your passage? Use the information in this lesson to help you understand more about the passage. Answer the interpretative questions related to the specific literary form.