Biblical Interpretation (Speer) – Course Book (Print)

Biblical Interpretation, SIBI book - by Charles Speer

Table of Contents

I.    Introduction to Biblical Interpretation
II.   The Proper Attitude of Good Biblical Interpretation
III.  Basic Assumptions of Biblical Interpretation
IV.  Successive Readings With an Angle
V.   Successive Readings Part II
VI.  Further Steps in the Exegisis Process - Interpreting Whole Bible Books
VII. Fundamental Rules of Interpretation of a Passage
VIII. Tools of the Trade
IX.  What Commands Are Binding Today?
X.   Biblical Examples as Precedents
XI.  The Silence of Scripture
XII. Differences in Interpretations of Scripture

INTRODUCTION:

The history of biblical interpretation, sometimes called “Sacred Hermeneutics,” is not a straight road. From the allegorical methods of Pliny’s day to twentieth century historical-grammatical method, interpreters have not agreed on very much when it comes to how to ascertain meaning and determine application of the scriptures. Currently in the world of Christendom, churches are dealing with the effects of post-modernism. Individual interpretations dominate the scene. If there are no absolutes, no standard upon which to base one’s “truth,” then the biblical meaning is up for grabs. “My interpretation is as good as yours,” so it goes.

Churches of Christ are not immune to the invasion of dangerous philosophical approaches to interpretation. The application of command, example, and inference has in some quarters relegated to antiquated methodology. Some have said that such an approach has led us to improper conclusions as to what is true and encouraged us to disfellowship those with whom we disagree in interpretation. Abuse of this hermeneutic has indeed rendered illogical conclusions and interpretations, but properly used, this hermeneutic can benefit our attempts to live godly lives today. To employ this hermeneutic to determine right from wrong, correct versus incorrect, pleasing versus displeasing to God is helpful. To abuse might lay heavy burdens on others that the Lord did not intend. There is a difference between determining what is right and wrong and what determines fellowship with God and fellow-Christians.

In this book we will investigate both the exegetical and the hermeneutical processes. Exegesis determines what the text meant to the author, and hermeneutics helps apply the text to modern day parallels. Relying primarily on repeatedly reading the text, the whole biblical book, looking at it from a particular perspective each time, we will attempt to exegete the text. Having determined the meaning, we are better equipped to apply certain hermeneutical guidelines to the text's principles, commands, examples, and inferences. In so doing, the biblical student can best determine what is right and how the text impacts his life today.

Biblical interpretation is a very important science/art! If indeed the Bible constitutes God's one written revelation to all mankind (and this book accepts that premise), any interpreter must proceed humbly and with caution. Yes, we can determine the meaning of the text. Yes, we must attempt to modernize the applications. However, in all we do, we need to be poor in spirit and loving toward those with whom we disagree in exegesis or hermeneutics.