Biblical Reading Comprehension

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Reading in Historical Context

Who wrote it? When? To whom?

Every passage of Scripture was written by a specific person, at a specific time, to specific people. Understanding this context transforms our reading from guesswork to informed study.

Case Study: Paul's Letter to the Philippians

Historical Setting

Author: Paul the Apostle
Date: ~AD 61-62
Location: Written from prison in Rome
Recipients: Believers in Philippi (a Roman colony in Macedonia)

Why It Matters

When Paul writes "I have learned to be content in all circumstances" (Phil 4:11), he's writing from prison. This isn't abstract philosophy — it's tested faith.

Philippians 1:12-14 (KJ3)

"12But I want you to know, brothers, that the things which happened to me have fallen out to the advancement of the gospel, 13so that my bonds in Christ became plain in all the praetorium, and to all the rest. 14And most of the brothers, trusting in the Lord because of my bonds, are more abundantly daring to fearlessly speak the Word."

Context Changes Everything

The "praetorium" was the elite Roman guard — 9,000 soldiers who rotated duty guarding Paul. His imprisonment became an evangelistic opportunity! The word "bonds" (chains) appears repeatedly in Philippians, reminding readers of Paul's circumstances.

Additional Passage for Study

Philippians 4:21-23 (KJ3)

"21Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers with me greet you. 22All the saints greet you, and most of all those of Caesar's household. 23The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you. Amen."

Historical Note: "Caesar's household" refers to slaves and freedmen who worked in the imperial administration. Paul's imprisonment had brought the gospel into the very heart of the Roman Empire!

Vocabulary Work

Praetorium

Latin: praetōrium — the general's tent; later, the imperial guard

In Paul's context, this refers to the Praetorian Guard, the elite Roman military unit responsible for protecting the emperor. Soldiers from this unit would have been assigned to guard Paul in shifts.

Bonds

Gospel

1. Why is Paul's imprisonment in Rome significant to understanding Philippians?

It explains why the letter is short It shows Paul made a mistake and got arrested His message of joy and contentment comes from tested faith, not comfortable circumstances It proves God always rescues His servants from suffering

2. How does Paul's attitude toward his chains illustrate the theme of Philippians?

He complains about his suffering to gain sympathy He sees God using his imprisonment to advance the gospel and embolden other believers He blames the Philippians for not praying enough He demands they raise money to pay his bail

3. What does the phrase "those of Caesar's household" (Phil 4:22) reveal about the reach of the gospel?

Only wealthy Romans were interested in Christianity Christianity remained limited to Jewish communities The gospel penetrated even the heart of imperial Rome, reaching servants of the emperor himself Paul converted Caesar personally

Deep Dive Comprehension

How does knowing Paul was in prison change your understanding of Philippians 4:4 — "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, Rejoice!"?

Reading in Literary Context

What comes before and after?

One of the most common errors in Bible study is taking verses out of context. A text without a context becomes a pretext for saying whatever we want.

Example: "I Can Do All Things"

Philippians 4:13 is often quoted as a motivational slogan. But what is Paul actually saying?

Philippians 4:10-13 (KJ3)

10But I rejoiced greatly in the Lord, that now at last your thought for me has flourished, in which you were also thinking, but you lacked opportunity. 11Not that I speak concerning need, for I have learned to be content in the things in which I am. 12I know both how to be humbled, and I know how to abound; everywhere and in all things I have been taught, both to be full and to hunger, and to abound and to lack. 13I am able to do all things through Christ, the One strengthening me.

❌ Out of Context

"I can do anything I want — win competitions, get promotions, achieve my dreams — because I'm strong in Christ!"

✓ In Context

"Whether I have much or little, whether I'm honored or imprisoned, I can endure and remain content through Christ's strengthening."

The Principle

Always ask: "What is the all things referring to?" In this passage, "all things" refers to the circumstances Paul just described — abundance and lack, fullness and hunger. It's about contentment, not unlimited achievement.

Another Common Misquote

Matthew 18:19-20 (KJ3)

"19Again I say to you, If two of you agree on earth as to anything, whatever they shall ask, it shall be done for them by My Father in Heaven. 20For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there I am in the midst of them."

Context Check: Read Matthew 18:15-18 to see what Jesus is actually discussing. This passage is about assembly discipline and reconciliation — not a general promise about prayer meetings!

Vocabulary Work

Content

Greek: autarkēs (αὐτάρκης) — "self-sufficient, having enough"

Not meaning you don't need anything, but that you have found sufficiency in Christ regardless of external circumstances. Paul's contentment came from Christ, not from his situation.

Complete the context from Philippians 4:12:

"I know both how to be , and I know how to ; everywhere and in all things I have been taught, both to be and to ."

1. How does reading Philippians 4:11-13 in context change its meaning compared to using it as a motivational slogan?

It means we can literally do anything we want if we have faith It shifts from "I can achieve anything" to "I can endure anything through Christ's strength" It only applies to apostles, not modern believers The context doesn't actually change the meaning at all

2. Why is understanding "autarkēs" (self-sufficient in Christ) important for application today?

It proves we should never need other people It means we must eliminate all material possessions It reveals that true contentment comes from Christ, not from changing our circumstances It's just an interesting historical fact with no modern relevance

3. Apply the principle of literary context: If someone quotes Matthew 18:20 ("where two or three are gathered... there I am") to promise God's presence at any meeting, what contextual error are they making?

They're ignoring that Jesus is specifically discussing assembly discipline, not general prayer meetings They're using the wrong Bible translation There's no error — any use of Scripture is valid The verse only applies to gatherings of exactly two or three people

Understanding Biblical Genres

Poetry isn't meant to be read like law

The Bible contains multiple genres — law, history, poetry, prophecy, epistles, and apocalyptic literature. Each genre has its own rules of interpretation.

The Six Major Genres

1. Law (Torah)

Prescriptive commands for Israel. Ask: What principle lies beneath this specific command?

2. Historical Narrative

Descriptive accounts. What happened doesn't always equal what should happen.

3. Poetry (Psalms, Proverbs)

Uses metaphor, parallelism, imagery. Not always literal.

4. Prophecy

Often conditional warnings or promises. Context reveals fulfillment.

5. Epistles (Letters)

Doctrinal teaching applied to specific situations. Look for timeless principles.

6. Apocalyptic (Revelation, Daniel)

Symbolic visions using numbers, colors, beasts. Requires careful study.

Example: Reading Poetry as Poetry

Psalm 91:4 (KJ3)

"He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall trust; His truth shall be your shield and buckler."

Genre Matters

God doesn't have literal feathers. This is poetic imagery conveying His protective care. Reading this as literal biology misses the point. But reading it as metaphor captures the beauty — God shelters us like a mother bird protects her young.

Another Poetic Example

Psalm 18:2 (KJ3)

"Jehovah is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my rock, I will trust in Him, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my high tower."

God is called: rock, fortress, shield, horn, and tower — all metaphors for His strength and protection. Poetry piles up images to convey feeling and truth.

Example: Narrative is Descriptive, Not Prescriptive

Genesis 19:30-36 (KJ3)

The daughters of Lot get their father drunk and commit incest to preserve offspring. The Bible records this — it doesn't endorse it.

Interpretation Principle

Descriptive passages tell what happened. Prescriptive passages tell what should happen. Don't turn descriptions into commands. Just because Abraham lied doesn't mean we should. Just because David had multiple wives doesn't mean God approves polygamy.

1. Why does recognizing Psalm 91:4 as poetry rather than literal description matter for interpretation?

It doesn't matter — all Scripture means exactly what it says literally It proves the Psalms are less trustworthy than other parts of Scripture It helps us grasp the emotional truth (God's sheltering protection) rather than expecting physical feathers Poetry should be ignored when studying theology

2. Someone argues that Christians should practice polygamy because Abraham, David, and Solomon had multiple wives. How would you evaluate this argument using the descriptive vs. prescriptive distinction?

They're correct — whatever biblical heroes did, we should do This confuses descriptive narrative (what happened) with prescriptive command (what should happen); the Bible records polygamy without endorsing it The Old Testament doesn't apply to Christians at all Polygamy is only wrong in the New Testament era

3. You're reading Revelation and encounter a seven-headed beast. What genre awareness should guide your interpretation?

Expect to find a literal seven-headed creature in the future Dismiss it as mythology with no real meaning Interpret it as straightforward history like the Gospels Recognize apocalyptic symbolism and seek to understand what the image represents

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Redemption & Atonement

Understanding salvation vocabulary

Scripture uses rich vocabulary to describe what Christ accomplished on the cross. Each word reveals a different facet of salvation.

Redemption

Greek: apolutrōsis (ἀπολύτρωσις) — "a releasing effected by payment of ransom"

The act of paying a price to buy back or set free. In the ancient world, this referred to purchasing a slave's freedom. Christ's blood is the ransom price that purchases us from slavery to sin.

"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." — Ephesians 1:7

Atonement

Hebrew: kaphar (כָּפַר) — "to cover, purge, make reconciliation"

To cover sin and make reconciliation between God and man. The Old Testament sacrifices "covered" sin temporarily; Christ's sacrifice removes it permanently.

"For the life of the flesh is in the blood. And I have given it to you on the altar to atone for your souls." — Leviticus 17:11

Ephesians 1:7 (KJ3)

"In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace."

The First Atonement Picture

Genesis 3:21 (KJ3)

"And Jehovah God made coats of skin for Adam and for his wife, and clothed them."

After the Fall, God covered Adam and Eve's nakedness with animal skins — an innocent creature died to cover their sin. This foreshadows Christ, the ultimate sacrifice.

Complete Ephesians 1:7:

"In whom we have through His , the of sins."

1. How does understanding "redemption" as "buying back a slave's freedom" deepen your understanding of Ephesians 1:7?

It doesn't add anything — redemption just means forgiveness It reveals we were enslaved to sin and Christ paid the ransom price to set us free It means we owe God a debt we must repay It proves slavery was acceptable to early Christians

2. Why is Genesis 3:21 (God clothing Adam and Eve with animal skins) significant as the first picture of atonement?

An innocent creature died to cover their sin, foreshadowing Christ's sacrificial death covering ours It shows God approved of their sin It proves we should offer animal sacrifices today It's just a practical detail about ancient clothing

3. What's the key difference between Old Testament atonement (kaphar) and Christ's work?

Old Testament atonement actually removed sin; Christ's doesn't They accomplish exactly the same thing Old Testament sacrifices covered sin temporarily; Christ's sacrifice removes it permanently Old Testament atonement was available to all nations; Christ's is only for Jews

Justification & Righteousness

Legal terms for our standing before God

Justification is a legal term — it's the act of declaring someone righteous. Understanding this transforms how we view salvation.

Justification

Greek: dikaioō (δικαιόω) — "to declare righteous, to justify"

A legal verdict declaring the guilty party "not guilty" and righteous. This isn't about making us righteous (that's sanctification) — it's about God's declaration of our status. We are justified by faith in Christ, not by our works.

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ," — Romans 5:1

Righteousness

Greek: dikaiosunē (δικαιοσύνη) — "equity, justification"

The state of being right before God. In the Old Testament, Abraham "believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness" (Genesis 15:6). Righteousness is credited to us through faith, not earned through performance.

Romans 5:1 (KJ3)

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,"

Abraham's Example

Genesis 15:6 (KJ3)

"And he believed in Jehovah; and He counted it to him for righteousness."

Romans 4:3 (KJ3)

"For what does the Scripture say? 'And Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness.'"

Paul uses Abraham as proof that justification has always been by faith, not works. Abraham believed God's promise, and God credited righteousness to his account.

The "Great Exchange"

2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJ3)

"For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."

The Exchange

Christ takes our sin; we receive His righteousness. This is imputed righteousness — righteousness credited to our account, not righteousness we earned. It's a legal transaction, not a gradual improvement.

Complete Romans 5:1:

"Therefore, having been by , we have with God."

1. How does understanding justification as a legal declaration (not a gradual process) change how we view our standing before God?

It means we must work harder to maintain our justification It makes no practical difference to daily Christian life Our status before God is settled by His verdict, not dependent on our performance We must be justified repeatedly throughout life

2. Why does Paul use Abraham's example (Genesis 15:6) in Romans 4 when discussing justification?

To prove that only Jews can be saved To demonstrate that justification by faith (not works) has always been God's plan, even before the Law To show that Old Testament saints were saved differently than we are Abraham is irrelevant to New Testament believers

3. Evaluate this statement: "Imputed righteousness means I can live however I want since God has declared me righteous."

Wrong — justification leads to transformation; those truly justified will pursue holiness out of gratitude Correct — imputed righteousness means behavior doesn't matter Correct, but only for mature Christians This question can't be answered from Scripture

Grace & Mercy

Two sides of God's kindness

Grace and mercy are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Both reveal God's character.

Grace

Getting what we don't deserve. We deserve condemnation; God gives us salvation. Grace is favor shown to the unworthy.

Mercy

NOT getting what we do deserve. We deserve punishment; God withholds it. Mercy is compassion that spares the guilty.

Grace

Greek: charis (χάρις) — "graciousness, favor, gift"

Unmerited favor. The free gift of God's kindness to those who deserve nothing but judgment. Grace is God's riches at Christ's expense — what we receive is costly to Him, free to us.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; it is the gift of God." — Ephesians 2:8

Mercy

Greek: eleos (ἔλεος); Hebrew: chesed (חֶסֶד) — "loving-kindness, steadfast love"

Compassion or forbearance shown to an offender. Mercy withholds deserved punishment. The Hebrew word chesed combines loyalty, love, and mercy — God's covenant faithfulness even when we are faithless.

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us..." — Ephesians 2:4

Ephesians 2:4-5, 8 (KJ3)

"4But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5even we being dead in deviations, He made us alive together with Christ — by grace you are saved!... 8For by grace you are saved, through faith, and this not of yourselves; it is the gift of God."

God's Self-Description

Exodus 34:6-7 (KJ3)

"And Jehovah passed by before his face and called out: Jehovah! Jehovah God, merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and great in mercy and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin..."

When God introduces Himself to Moses, He leads with mercy and grace. These aren't minor attributes — they define who He is.

Complete Ephesians 2:8:

"For by you are saved, through , and this not of ; it is the of God."

1. Apply the grace/mercy distinction: When God saves you, which does He display?

Only grace, not mercy Only mercy, not grace Both — mercy withholds deserved judgment; grace gives undeserved salvation Neither — salvation is earned

2. Why does Exodus 34:6-7 matter when God "introduces Himself" by leading with mercy and grace?

It's just one of many attributes with no special importance It reveals these aren't minor traits but central to God's character and how He wants to be known It proves God overlooks sin without consequence It only applied to Israel, not to us

3. How should Ephesians 2:8-9 ("by grace... not of yourselves... not of works") affect our approach to evangelism?

We should emphasize that salvation is God's free gift, not something people can earn through religion or morality We should tell people to work harder to deserve salvation We should avoid mentioning grace since it might encourage sin This verse is irrelevant to evangelism

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Chiastic Structure

When the middle is the message

A chiasm is a literary structure where ideas are presented in one order, then repeated in reverse order, with the most important point at the center. It's named after the Greek letter chi (X).

Pattern: A-B-C-B'-A'

First idea

Second idea

Central point (the emphasis)

Second idea repeated/echoed

First idea repeated/echoed

Example: The Flood Narrative (Genesis 6-9)

The story of Noah's flood is arranged as a massive chiasm with Genesis 8:1 at the theological center:

Noah, his family, the animals (Gen 6:10-22)

Seven days waiting (Gen 7:4, 10)

Entry into ark (Gen 7:11-16)

Waters rise, all die (Gen 7:17-24)

"But God remembered Noah" (Gen 8:1)

Waters recede (Gen 8:2-5)

Exit from ark (Gen 8:6-19)

Seven days waiting (Gen 8:10, 12)

Noah, his family, the animals (Gen 8:20-9:17)

Genesis 8:1 (KJ3)

"And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters subsided."

The Point

The center of the chiasm is the theological center: "God remembered Noah." The entire story hinges on God's faithfulness. Everything moves toward this moment, then flows from it. Recognizing chiasms helps us see what the author wants to emphasize.

Another Chiasm: Abraham & Isaac (Genesis 22)

"Take your son" (22:2)

Journey to Moriah (22:3-4)

"We will return to you" (22:5)

"God will provide" (22:8)

They both returned (22:19)

Journey back (22:19)

"God will provide Himself the lamb" fulfilled (22:13-14)

Genesis 22:8 (KJ3)

"And Abraham said, My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering. And the two of them went together."

The center: God will provide. This is the faith principle tested in Abraham — trust God's provision even when you can't see how.

1. Why does recognizing chiastic structure help us interpret Scripture more accurately?

It doesn't — chiasms are just interesting patterns with no interpretive value It reveals the author's emphasis by showing what's placed at the theological center It proves the Bible was written by Greeks, not Hebrews It only matters for literary analysis, not theology

2. How does "God remembered Noah" (Genesis 8:1) as the center of the Flood chiasm change our understanding of the story?

It shifts focus from judgment to God's faithful covenant-keeping as the main point It proves God is forgetful and needs reminding It means the Flood was primarily about water, not theology It has no impact on interpretation

3. Apply chiastic thinking to Genesis 22 (Abraham and Isaac): What does "God will provide" at the center teach us?

Abraham was just guessing and got lucky The story is about Abraham's obedience, not God's provision The central truth tested is faith in God's provision even when you can't see how He'll fulfill His promise Chiasms don't appear in Genesis

Hebrew Parallelism

The rhythm of poetry and wisdom

Hebrew poetry doesn't rhyme like English poetry. Instead, it uses parallelism — repeating or contrasting ideas in paired lines. Understanding this unlocks Psalms, Proverbs, and the Prophets.

Three Types of Parallelism

1. Synonymous Parallelism

The second line restates the first in different words.

Example

"The law of Jehovah is perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of Jehovah is sure, making the simple wise." (Ps 19:7)

Psalm 19:7 (KJ3)

"The law of Jehovah is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of Jehovah is sure, making the simple wise."

2. Antithetical Parallelism

The second line contrasts with the first.

Example

"A wise son makes a glad father,
But a foolish son is the sorrow of his mother." (Prov 10:1)

Proverbs 10:1 (KJ3)

"A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is the sorrow of his mother."

3. Synthetic Parallelism

The second line completes or adds to the first.

Example

"Trust in Jehovah with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding." (Prov 3:5)

Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJ3)

"Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

Climactic Parallelism (Building to a Point)

Psalm 29:1-2 (KJ3)

"1Give to Jehovah, O sons of the mighty, give to Jehovah glory and strength. 2Give to Jehovah the glory of His name; worship Jehovah in the beauty of holiness."

Notice the building intensity: Give... give... give... worship. Each line adds momentum until reaching the climax.

Why Parallelism Matters

When you see parallelism, ask: "How does the second line help me understand the first?" In synonymous parallelism, the second line clarifies or intensifies the first. In antithetical parallelism, the contrast sharpens the point. In synthetic parallelism, the second line completes the thought.

1. Why does understanding parallelism unlock the Psalms and Proverbs?

It doesn't — parallelism is just decoration The second line clarifies, intensifies, or contrasts the first, helping us grasp the full meaning It proves Hebrew poetry is inferior to English poetry It only matters for scholars, not regular readers

2. Analyze Proverbs 10:1 ("A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is the sorrow of his mother"). What type of parallelism is this and what does it emphasize?

Antithetical parallelism — contrasting wise and foolish to sharpen the consequences of each choice Synonymous parallelism — both lines say exactly the same thing Synthetic parallelism — the second line completes the thought This isn't parallelism at all

3. How does recognizing synthetic parallelism in Proverbs 3:5-6 affect application?

It doesn't change anything It proves we can trust our own understanding after all Each line builds on the previous: trust God → don't lean on yourself → acknowledge Him → He directs you — a complete process We should only apply the first line, not the second

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Three Questions for Every Text

A practical framework for interpretation

Before applying any passage to your life, ask three essential questions:

1. What did it mean to them?

Original meaning to original audience. What would the first readers have understood?

2. What's the timeless principle?

What theological truth transcends the original situation?

3. How does it apply to us today?

How does the timeless principle speak to our situation?

Worked Example: 1 Corinthians 8 (Food Sacrificed to Idols)

1 Corinthians 8:9-13 (KJ3)

"9But be careful lest this authority of yours become a cause of stumbling to the weak. 10For if anyone sees you who have knowledge sitting in an idol's temple, will not the weak one's conscience be built up to eat things sacrificed to idols? 11And your brother, the weak one, will be destroyed by your knowledge, for whom Christ died. 12And sinning in this way against the brothers, and wounding their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will not at all eat flesh forever, so that I do not cause my brother to stumble."

Original Meaning

Corinthian Christians wondered if they could eat meat sold in markets that had been offered to idols. Paul says the idols are nothing — but if eating offends a weaker believer, love should govern freedom.

Timeless Principle

Christian liberty should be exercised in love. We willingly limit our freedom when it might harm another believer's conscience.

Modern Application

This isn't about idol meat today — but it speaks to how we handle controversial matters where believers disagree. Our freedom is real, but love trumps liberty.

Another Example: Foot Washing

John 13:14-15 (KJ3)

"14If then I, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash the feet of one another. 15For I gave you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you."

Original Meaning

In the ancient world, foot washing was a slave's task. Jesus humbled Himself to demonstrate servant leadership.

Timeless Principle

Christians are called to humble service — no task is beneath us if it serves others.

Application: Most believers don't literally wash feet today (though some do as a ceremony). The principle is: serve others in practical, humble ways that meet real needs.

The Holy Kiss

Romans 16:16 (KJ3)

"Greet one another with a holy kiss. The assemblies of Christ greet you."

Applying the Three Questions: The original meaning was a customary greeting in that culture. The timeless principle is warm, genuine affection among believers. Today we might apply this through handshakes, hugs, or whatever culturally appropriate greeting expresses sincere Christian love.

1. Why must original meaning come before application?

Without understanding what it meant "then and there," we can't reliably determine what it means "here and now" It doesn't matter — the Holy Spirit tells us what it means directly Original meaning is irrelevant to modern readers Application should always come first

2. Apply the three questions to John 13:14-15 (foot washing). Should churches today literally wash feet as a required practice?

Yes — we must do exactly what Jesus did Not necessarily — the timeless principle is humble service; application varies by culture (some wash feet ceremonially, others serve in different ways) No — everything in the Gospels is culturally bound This passage has no modern application

3. Evaluate: Your friend says, "1 Corinthians 8 only applies to ancient idol meat, so it's irrelevant today." How would you respond using the timeless principle concept?

Agree — cultural commands don't apply anymore Disagree — we must avoid all meat to obey this passage The specific issue (idol meat) is cultural, but the principle (limit liberty out of love for weaker believers) remains timeless and applies to modern disputable matters This question can't be answered

Reading in Historical Context

Case Study: Paul's Letter to the Philippians

Historical Setting

Why It Matters

Context Changes Everything

Additional Passage for Study

Vocabulary Work

Deep Dive Comprehension

Reading in Literary Context

Example: "I Can Do All Things"

❌ Out of Context

✓ In Context

The Principle

Another Common Misquote

Vocabulary Work

Understanding Biblical Genres

The Six Major Genres

1. Law (Torah)

2. Historical Narrative

3. Poetry (Psalms, Proverbs)

4. Prophecy

5. Epistles (Letters)

6. Apocalyptic (Revelation, Daniel)

Example: Reading Poetry as Poetry

Genre Matters

Another Poetic Example

Example: Narrative is Descriptive, Not Prescriptive

Interpretation Principle

Redemption & Atonement

The First Atonement Picture

Justification & Righteousness

Abraham's Example

The "Great Exchange"

The Exchange

Grace & Mercy

Grace

Mercy

God's Self-Description

Chiastic Structure

Pattern: A-B-C-B'-A'

Example: The Flood Narrative (Genesis 6-9)

The Point

Another Chiasm: Abraham & Isaac (Genesis 22)

Hebrew Parallelism

Three Types of Parallelism

1. Synonymous Parallelism

Example

2. Antithetical Parallelism

Example

3. Synthetic Parallelism

Example

Climactic Parallelism (Building to a Point)

Why Parallelism Matters

Three Questions for Every Text

1. What did it mean to them?

2. What's the timeless principle?

3. How does it apply to us today?

Worked Example: 1 Corinthians 8 (Food Sacrificed to Idols)

Original Meaning

Timeless Principle

Modern Application

Another Example: Foot Washing

Original Meaning

Timeless Principle

The Holy Kiss

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