Hermeneutics by Glen Prior

ministry

HERMENEUTIC S glen

ministry

prior

leadership

curriculum

Dear student, What is this book called the Bible? Where did it come from and why is it important? Why is it arranged the way it is? How do Bible teachers get so much out of just a few verses? How will reading all of this history and these lists of names and stories help grow my faith and love for Jesus?

If you have ever asked these kinds of questions or tried to answer them, this class is for you.

The Bible is God’s story and it will speak to all who listen. But the Bible also invites us to seek its hidden treasures and the wisdom of the ages like buried treasure. This eight-week course is designed to give you the essential tools to strengthen your relationship with God. As one professor of Hermeneutics states: “We believe we can grow in our relationship with God, we can develop into more spiritually wise disciples, and we can become increasingly useful servants of God — if we will only believe and follow God’s instructions in the Bible. How much more effective we could be — how much more Christ-like — if we would make Bible study and application integral parts of our lives. We face the challenge to become biblical Christians: Christians who learn what God’s Word says, and who humbly, obediently, put it into practice.” (Klein, Intro to Biblical Interpretation, 2017) It is my hope that as we spend these next weeks in scripture together, you will experience spiritual development and grow in wisdom so that you can become an ever-more effective tool in the capable hands of the Father. But more than that, my prayer is that you will discover the beauty and life woven into God’s Word and the depth of His love shining out through the intricate, spectacular beauty of His narrative.

Pastor Glen Prior

notes

This material is drawn from multiple sources and curated through personal experience.

Much of the content overlaps multiple authors and styles so as to be considered common knowledge within the field of study. Specific works include Introduction to Biblical

Interpretation, (Klein, Bloomberg, & Hubbard, 3rd edition, 2017), as well as Inductive Bible Study Method, Developed for Azusa Pacific Seminary course in Biblical Interpretation by

Debbie Hearn Gin, Ph.D. (with permission). Other works are cited as used within the scope of this course material.

HERMENEUTICS JOHN 11, NEW LIVING TR ANSLATION (NLT) ������������������������������������������������������������������4 ONE: INTRODUCTION ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 11 TWO: OPEN IT UP – INVESTIGATION ������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 23 THREE: SORT IT OUT – ANALYSIS (PART ONE) ��������������������������������������������������������������35 FOUR: SORT IT OUT – ANALYSIS (PART TWO) ����������������������������������������������������������������� 47 FIVE: BRING IT DOWN – INTERPRETATION ����������������������������������������������������������������� 63 SIX: TAKE IT IN – APPLICATION ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 77 EIGHT: GIVE IT AWAY ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 85 CONCLUSION: WHAT NEXT? �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 88

HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior

JOHN 11, NEW LIVING TRANSLATION (NLT)

1

A man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany with his sisters, Mary and Martha. 2

This is the Mary who later poured the expensive perfume on the Lord’s feet and wiped them with her hair. Her brother, Lazarus, was sick.

3

So the two sisters sent a message to Jesus

telling him, “Lord, your dear friend is very sick.”

4

But when Jesus heard about it he said,

“Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.” 5 So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, 6 he stayed where he was for the next two days. 7 Finally, he said to his disciples, “Let’s go back to Judea.” 8 But his disciples objected. “Rabbi,” they said, “only a few days ago the people in Judea were trying to stone you. Are you going there again?” 9 Jesus replied, “There are twelve hours of daylight every day. During the day people can walk safely. They can see because they have the light of this world. 10 But at night there is danger of stumbling because they have no light.” 11 Then he said, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but now I will go and wake him up.”

12

The disciples said, “Lord, if he is sleeping, he will soon get better!”

13

They thought

Jesus meant Lazarus was simply sleeping, but Jesus meant Lazarus had died.

14

So he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. 15And for your sakes, I’m glad I wasn’t there, for

now you will really believe. Come, let’s go see him.” 16 Thomas, nicknamed the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let’s go, too — and die with Jesus.”

17

When Jesus arrived at Bethany,

he was told that Lazarus had already been in his grave for four days. a few miles down the road from Jerusalem, Martha and Mary in their loss.

20

19

18

Bethany was only

and many of the people had come to console

When Martha got word that Jesus was coming, she went

to meet him. But Mary stayed in the house.

21

Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if only you had

continue on page 6

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John 11, new living translation (nlt)

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HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior continued from page 4

been here, my brother would not have died.

22

But even now I know that God will give you

whatever you ask.”23 Jesus told her, “Your brother will rise again.”

24

“Yes,” Martha said, “he

will rise when everyone else rises, at the last day.” 25 Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.

26

Everyone who lives in me

and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?” 27 “Yes, Lord,” she told him. “I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God.” 28 Then she returned to Mary. She called Mary aside from the mourners and told her, “The Teacher is here and wants to see you.”

29

So Mary immediately went to

him. 30 Jesus had stayed outside the village, at the place where Martha met him. 31 When the people who were at the house consoling Mary saw her leave so hastily, they assumed she was going to Lazarus’s grave to weep. So they followed her there. 32 When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33 When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled.

34

“Where have you put him?” he

asked them. They told him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Then Jesus wept. 36 The people who were standing nearby said, “See how much he loved him!”

37

But some said, “This man healed a

blind man. Couldn’t he have kept Lazarus from dying?” 38 Jesus was still angry as he arrived at the tomb, a cave with a stone rolled across its entrance. 39 “Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them. But Martha, the dead man’s sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days.

The smell will be terrible.” glory if you believe?”

41

40

Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s

So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and

said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. 42 You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” shouted, “Lazarus, come out!”

44

43

Then Jesus

And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in

graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him continue on page 8

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John 11, new living translation (nlt)

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go!” 45 Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this happen.

46

But some went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.

47

Then the leading

priests and P harisees called the high council together. “What are we going to do?” they asked each other. “This man certainly performs many miraculous signs. 48 If we allow him to go on like this, soon everyone will believe in him. Then the Roman army will come and destroy both our Temple and our nation.”

49

Caiaphas, who was high priest at that time, said, “You

don’t know what you’re talking about! 50 You don’t realize that it’s better for you that one man should die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed.” 51 He did not say this on his own; as high priest at that time he was led to prophesy that Jesus would die for the entire nation. 52 And not only for that nation, but to bring together and unite all the children of God scattered around the world.

53

So from that time on, the Jewish leaders began to plot Jesus’

death. 54 As a result, Jesus stopped his public ministry among the people and left Jerusalem.

He went to a place near the wilderness, to the village of Ephraim, and stayed there with his disciples.

55

It was now almost time for the Jewish Passover celebration, and many people

from all over the country arrived in Jerusalem several days early so they could go through the purification ceremony before Passover began.

56

They kept looking for Jesus, but as they

stood around in the Temple, they said to each other, “What do you think? He won’t come for Passover, will he?” 57 Meanwhile, the leading priests and Pharisees had publicly ordered that anyone seeing Jesus must report it immediately so they could arrest him.

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John 11, new living translation (nlt)

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HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior

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1

INTRODUCTION

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HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior

HERMENEUTICS Biblical interpretation is something everyone can do. The technical word for this process is ‘hermeneutics.’ This term comes from a Greek word meaning, “to explain, interpret, explain or translate.” Using the verb, Luke informs us that Jesus explained to the two disciples on the Emmaus Road what the Scriptures said about him (Luke 24:27). Paul uses the noun in 1 Cor 12:10 to refer to the gift of interpretation of tongues.1 In essence, then, hermeneutics involves interpreting or explaining. In the study of hermeneutics, it is appropriate to use the technical and specific terms to describe grammatical and linguistic concepts to provide an accurate understanding of what is occurring in the text. That said, don’t let big words or new ideas stop you from diving into the depths of biblical study. By introducing you to the tools, techniques, and terms of this field of study, this class will open up a new world of biblical literacy and ultimately, effective and obedient discipleship.

WHY THE STUDY OF INTERPRETATION?

The goal of biblical interpretation One of the founding principles of the Free Methodist Church in 1860 was “to spread the Bible Standard of Christianity across the land.” Today, however, many people don’t know the Bible, its message, or its stories. Gone are the days when someone could refer to Noah, David, or even the apostles and expect that the hearer would understand the concept of covenant, or the flood, a shepherd turned righteous king, or instruction for right living, much less the self-revealing God of love behind everything and who is calling to all people everywhere. Today, this generation needs to be introduced to the God of the Bible in a new and fresh way with language and references that communicate eternal truth in the common voice.

Learning the discipline of Biblical Interpretation is the first step toward fulfilling the command of Jesus to disciple every nation, immersing them in the Godhead and teaching them to obey everything he commanded (Mt. 28:16-20).

It is the responsibility of every generation to listen, obey and preach the Word of God. It is the duty of all disciples to use their Holy Spirit-breathed gifts in all their various expressions to further establish and expand the kingdom of God on earth, even as it is in heaven. But, without the tools of biblical interpretation, this paragraph itself will only be religious-sounding words attempting to inspire you to begin what could be the most important work you have ever done.

Bible Study and the work of interpretation is a lifelong pursuit. Ideally, a disciple of Jesus Christ will give themselves to the study of the word and thus be prepared both in season and out for whatever the Lord would ask of us. For this introductory course, we will build a method around five key actions: Open it Up, Sort it Out, Bring it Down, Take it In, Give it Away.

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CHAPTER 1 — Introduction

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HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior

BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION – THE PROCESS OPEN IT UP

The Bible is more like a library than a book. The reader must learn to identify what is being read before expecting to understand it. This simple truth requires new skills and discipline.

You will learn how to prepare, observe, question, and investigate the text.

SORT IT OUT

A student of the Bible must be willing to slow down and learn to see from the point of view of the Bible itself. This process helps to clarify and organize the information that has been gathered. For this, the student will need specialized tools and resources and a primer on how to use them.

BRING IT DOWN

After a deep reading of the text and thorough sorting out of the content, the student will have the information organized and be ready to begin the work of interpretative understanding including context, themes, words, and intent.

TAKE IT IN

In the end, the student will be able to identify the central message of the text and then the real work begins – allowing the message of scripture to instruct and transform you. Through the practice of spiritual disciplines including reflection and prayer, the student will begin to personally align with the clear message of scripture they have worked to discover.

GIVE IT AWAY

He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness (2 Cor 9:10-11). When you have been formed by the Word of God, your transformation has begun. Now you can share its truth through the actions of your life, in the work you do, and through your words confirming that the kingdom of God is here and now and Jesus is its king.

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CHAPTER 1 — Introduction

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HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior

THE INTERPRETER AND INTERPRETATION The Interpreter What we bring to the table 1. You and the life you have lived (experiential biases) a. Family shapes our thinking and frames our expectations. b. Formative life experiences establish a baseline for our understanding of both our life and the world we live in.

2. Affective states: (emotional biases) a. Feelings inform our thinking. b. Knowing yourself helps illuminate the path of knowledge.

3. A little brain science (cognitive biases) a. Heuristics: A heuristic is a mental shortcut that allows people to solve problems and make judgments quickly and efficiently. These rule-of-thumb strategies shorten decision-making time and allow people to function without constantly stopping to think about their next course of action.2 b. Seeing what is not there: We use context to pre-activate the areas of our brains that correspond to what we expect next. For example, brain scans reveal that if we hear a sound that leads us to strongly suspect another sound is on the way, the brain acts as if we’re already hearing the second sound. Similarly, if we see a certain collection of letters or words, our brains jump to conclusions about what comes next.

THE BIBLE The Bible is more like a library than a book. It has varying literary styles, covers 3,500 years, was written by roughly 60 people, on three different continents, and has an internal complexity worth noting. That said, the Spirit will speak to the simplest of persons. But the more we increase our understanding of the particulars the better our ability to mine the depths of God’s heart, mind, and intent and share it with others. When we expand our understanding of scripture, we increase God’s ability to speak to us with God’s own words.

View of the Bible 1. Theological frame 2. Values (family, political, national) 3. Limitation of language and ideas ~16~

CHAPTER 1 — Introduction

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HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior

OBSERVATION EXERCISE

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CHAPTER 1 — Introduction

DIGGING DEEPER

1. Where do you come from? What do you know about your family history? What significant events, experiences, or stories that you would say shape who you are?

2. What personal assessment tools have you used? (Strengths Finder, Myers Briggs, disc, Spiritual Gift, Enneagram, etc.) What language do you think best describes you?

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HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior

3. What theological tradition, if any, where you raised in? How would you describe your current personal understanding about God? Write a brief description of how you understand God.

4. What was your take-away from the observation exercise?

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CHAPTER 1 — Introduction

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2

OPEN IT UP – INVESTIGATION

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HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior

THE PROCESS The following process is an extraordinarily helpful tool for studying the Bible. Though it is simple, you will quickly discover that when practiced in the presence of the Holy Spirit these steps will help to provide insight and understanding of the biblical text.

OPEN IT UP

The purpose of this first step is to identify and discover the message of the text. Having a process helps the reader to slow down, move past assumptions, and begin to see beyond the surface of the text.

CONCEPT: PREPARE

Stop before you begin. Walk don’t run. Take a breath. Pray.

Even before beginning, it is important that the reader take a moment to orient themselves to God. Open your heart and mind to God and ask God to be with you, to grant wisdom, to open your spirit to the things which are important to God. It is important to note here that everyone who is committed to studying the Bible should become a student of the whole Bible.

Prepare • Identify the passage you want to study (verse or verses).

• Identify the major sections or natural breaks of where this passage is within the chapter and book.

• Read the whole book or letter to get an overview of the work and context for your passage.

Read • Write out or print out the specific passage without titles, headings, or notes (include verse numbers).

• Read the passage out loud. Have someone else read it out loud, or listen to it.

• Read the passage several times. In the end, you will likely have this passage memorized.

• Before you do any work at any time on the passage, read it fresh.

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CHAPTER 2 — Open it up – investigation

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HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior

CONCEPT: OBSERVE

Observation is a skill that must be taught and practiced; it is not natural to us. Our brains are designed to find patterns and creates shortcuts in order to function efficiently in life. In fact, we often see things that aren’t there.

Unlearning

• We must learn what we know so we can look past it.

• We must recognize bias and prejudice so we can see it and see beyond it.

Observe (2x)

• Write down what comes to mind. ɟ Cite verse references. ɟ Be specific

ɟ Getting it down on paper frees the mind to look at other things.

• Note connections and relationships between verses, not just verse by verse.

• Expand on observations.

ɟ Consider possibilities ɟ Look for patterns.

• Use full sentences (brief phrases will not make sense later).

• Try making lists then expand on them.

• Note what stands out. ɟ Repetition

ɟ Symbolism

ɟ Irony

ɟ Absence of words

ɟ Word choice

ɟ Metaphors/similes

• Avoid mere summarization of facts and events; avoid coming to only one conclusion CONCEPT: QUESTION

In asking questions you admit there is something you don’t know. A posture of humility and honesty is essential for understanding scripture.

Question

• What is unfamiliar to you?

• What stands out or what did you become aware of as you read the text?

• Are there repetitive words, thoughts, or phrases?

• What questions are prompted by your observations?

• Don’t ask why — yet. Avoid theological questions and interpretive questions – focus on the text itself. ~26~

CHAPTER 2 — Open it up – investigation

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HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior

CONCEPT: INVESTIGATE

Review your observations and questions and begin to connect the dots; answer the tangible questions from the text and identify things that need more research. Stay with the text, don’t drift down the river of research and get side-tracked. If you have an insight or an ‘aha moment’, make a note of it for later.

Investigate • Review the observations and questions you have made.

• Group them into connected thoughts and ideas.

• Frame and answer the basic questions within the text.

• Identify, list, or group things you need to look up outside the text (do word search on x, who can I talk to about y, find theological resource to answer z). ɟ Place

» Geography, setting, space

» Use a map to make observations.

» What other culture, factors, neighbors or locations are mentioned. » Is the story moving or is it stationary?

ɟ Time of day, calendar, season, greater timeline of the Bible. ɟ Characters

» Who is speaking? » Who is listening?

» Who else is present?

ɟ Grammar: tense, tone, mood, themes, structure, mode, outline or diagram each sentence.

• Use a Bible Dictionary, Bible Map, and Bible Encyclopedia to begin to answer the questions you have written.

• Expand your reading to the next immediate context for information.

Observe (1x) • Repeat the observation process from above.

• This is the most difficult observation process. Now that you are more familiar with the text and have had a few insights of your own, the temptation is to rush on to the next steps. Recognize that this time you will have to work at not making assumptions and jumping to conclusions. The student must trust the process and recognize that this set of observations are just as important as the first and will still bring new insights.

• Add new observations to the lists and groups you already made. ~28~

CHAPTER 2 — Open it up – investigation

NOTES:

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HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior

THE TEXT JOHN 11:1-16 NEW LIVING TRANSLATION (NLT) 1

A man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany with his sisters, Mary and Martha.

2

This is the Mary who later poured the expensive perfume on the Lord’s feet and wiped

them with her hair. Her brother, Lazarus, was sick.

3

So the two sisters sent a message to

Jesus telling him, “Lord, your dear friend is very sick.” 4 But when Jesus heard about it he said, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.” 5 So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, 6 he stayed where he was for the next two days. 7 Finally, he said to his disciples, “Let’s go back to Judea.” 8 But his disciples objected. “Rabbi,” they said, “only a few days ago the people in Judea were trying to stone you. Are you going there again?”

9

Jesus replied,

“There are twelve hours of daylight every day. During the day people can walk safely. They can see because they have the light of this world. 10 But at night there is danger of stumbling because they have no light.”

11

I will go and wake him up.” better!”

13

Then he said, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but now

12

The disciples said, “Lord, if he is sleeping, he will soon get

They thought Jesus meant Lazarus was simply sleeping, but Jesus meant Lazarus

had died.14 So he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. 15 And for your sakes, I’m glad I wasn’t there, for now you will really believe. Come, let’s go see him.”

16

Thomas, nicknamed the

Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let’s go, too — and die with Jesus.”

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CHAPTER 2 — Open it up – investigation

NOTES:

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HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior

DIGGING DEEPER

1. What did you become aware of as you began to practice making observations?

2. What did you find easiest and most difficult in this process?

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CHAPTER 2 — Open it up – investigation

3. What, if anything, can you learn about yourself from the observations and questions you made?

4. What are one or two things that stand out to you that you think need additional attention (skill, practice, information, context)?

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3

SORT IT OUT – ANALYSIS (PART ONE)

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HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior

SORT IT OUT – ANALYSIS “The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there.”

This line from L.P. Hartley reminds us that at first, we are strangers to the Bible and its ways.

This is the analysis phase of the interpretive process. In the sort it out step, the student will begin to look at the text even more closely now with the eyes to discern structure and intent. Tools will be used to help the student answer technical questions, gain insight, and begin to identify key thoughts and ideas within the text.

CONCEPT: KEY WORDS

Words have a range of meaning while language has a specific meaning. The use of words is contextual to its people, culture, place and time. In literature, the specific use of words or word choice and style contribute to understanding and meaning. As such, paying attention to patterns, uses, unique occurrences, and juxtaposition of words may provide insight.

• List words/phrases that stand out or are emphasized (e.g., repeated words), that bear the weight of the passage, that need to be looked up, that need to be understood in order to understand the passage.

• No need to define the words yet.

• Be sure to cite all verse references containing each word/phrase; note connections between verses by citing all verse references associated with the word/phrase. ɟ Note how the same word might be used the same or differently in different verses, etc.

• An understanding of Greek/Hebrew is helpful here but it is not necessary. There are online tools to aid in understanding at every educational level. Don’t over-reach your own ability when using original language resources. Acknowledge what you know and what you don’t.

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CHAPTER 3 — Sort it out – analysis (part one)

NOTES:

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HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior

CONCEPT: KEY VERSE

The Bible is purposefully written and assembled. Each author has an audience and each passage has a main idea to communicate the intent. As you examine the Biblical texts, you will notice that there is one verse, phrase, or word that captures the essence of the message. The student should work to identify the key verse to let the passage speak for itself, at the same time taking care not to force a structure or expectation on the text if it is not there.

• Choose one verse (at most, two verses) that bears the weight of the passage. Keep in mind that as you do further study, this choice may change.

• Cite the verse and give structural reasons for your choice. ɟ Why is it the key verse? (e.g., forms the climax of passage, summarizes passage, many/most of the key words of passage are located here, turning point of passage, all other verses relate to this, etc.)

• Explain how you decided on these structural reasons.

CONCEPT: THEOLOGICAL THEMES

The student should note that there are many theological points of view developed over the past 5,000 years and most of them begin in other cultures and at other times. These shape our world and cross-cultural boundaries, though they may be understood to have different meanings.

Remember, the Bible is a book (or library) revealing God. It is appropriate to look for how each passage reflects the nature of God, God’s activity in God’s creation, God’s covenant with a person or people, and God’s character.

• List summary phrases or sentences that indicate the possible theological or ethical character of the passage. ɟ Phrases that describe God, humanity, the relationship between God and humanity, or the duties of humanity to God or to itself.

• Cite references of all verses that emphasize each theme.

• Use phrases or sentences (rather than single words) for clarity and precision.

• Remember: words have a range of meaning – language is specific.

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CHAPTER 3 — Sort it out – analysis (part one)

NOTES:

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HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior

THE TEXT JOHN 11:1-45, NEW LIVING TRANSLATION (NLT) 1

A man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany with his sisters, Mary and Martha. 2

This is the Mary who later poured the expensive perfume on the Lord’s feet and wiped them with her hair. Her brother, Lazarus, was sick. 3 So the two sisters sent a message to Jesus telling him, “Lord, your dear friend is very sick.” 4 But when Jesus heard about it he said, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.” 5 So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, 6 he stayed where he was for the next two days. 7 Finally, he said to his disciples, “Let’s go back to Judea.” 8 But his disciples objected. “Rabbi,” they said, “only a few days ago the people in Judea were trying to stone you. Are you going there again?” 9 Jesus replied, “There are twelve hours of daylight every day. During the day people can walk safely. They can see because they have the light of this world.

10

But at night there is danger of stumbling because they

have no light.”

11

Then he said, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but now I will go and

wake him up.”

12

The disciples said, “Lord, if he is sleeping, he will soon get better!” 13 They

thought Jesus meant Lazarus was simply sleeping, but Jesus meant Lazarus had died.14 So he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead.

15

And for your sakes, I’m glad I wasn’t there, for now

you will really believe. Come, let’s go see him.”

16

Thomas, nicknamed the Twin, said to his

fellow disciples, “Let’s go, too — and die with Jesus.”

17

When Jesus arrived at Bethany, he

was told that Lazarus had already been in his grave for four days.

18

Bethany was only a few

miles down the road from Jerusalem, 19 and many of the people had come to console Martha and Mary in their loss.

20

When Martha got word that Jesus was coming, she went to meet

him. But Mary stayed in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask.”

23

Jesus told her, “Your brother will rise again.”

24

“Yes,” Martha said, “he will rise continue on page 42

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CHAPTER 3 — Sort it out – analysis (part one)

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HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior continued from page 40

when everyone else rises, at the last day.”

25

Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the

life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.

26

Everyone who lives in me and

believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?” 27 “Yes, Lord,” she told him.

“I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God.”

28

Then she returned to Mary. She called Mary aside from the mourners

and told her, “The Teacher is here and wants to see you.”

29

So Mary immediately went to

him. 30 Jesus had stayed outside the village, at the place where Martha met him. 31 When the people who were at the house consoling Mary saw her leave so hastily, they assumed she was going to Lazarus’s grave to weep. So they followed her there. 32 When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33 When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled.

34

“Where have you put him?” he

asked them. They told him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Then Jesus wept. 36 The people who were standing nearby said, “See how much he loved him!”

37

But some said, “This man healed a

blind man. Couldn’t he have kept Lazarus from dying?” 38 Jesus was still angry as he arrived at the tomb, a cave with a stone rolled across its entrance. 39 “Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them. But Martha, the dead man’s sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days.

The smell will be terrible.”

40

Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s

glory if you believe?” 41 So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. 42 You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” shouted, “Lazarus, come out!”

44

43

Then Jesus

And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in

graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!”

~42~

CHAPTER 3 — Sort it out – analysis (part one)

NOTES:

~43~

HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior

DIGGING DEEPER

1. What did you become aware of as you practiced these new skills?

2. What, if anything, do you notice about yourself as you take a posture of analyzing the text?

Does it become more or less personal? Is there no change?

~44~

CHAPTER 3 — Sort it out – analysis (part one)

3. What is your reaction to the amount of additional information you are finding in the text?

4. What value has this process brought to you thus far?

~45~

HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior

NOTES:

~46~

4

SORT IT OUT – ANALYSIS (PART TWO)

~47~

HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior

CONCEPT: RESEARCH The Bible is a specialized book set in specific times and written to specific people for specific reasons. As such, one should expect that there are specific tools for the job of researching and interpreting the text. Webster’s Dictionary and Wikipedia are not the best tools for the job.

That said, there are appropriate tools for every level of student beginning with open access online tools up through scholarly works available at libraries or for purchase. Research requires focus and commitment and you will get out of it what you put into it.

INTRODUCTIONS AND SUMMARIES

• Read introductory works on the book or passage you are studying.

• Choose multiple authors from multiple backgrounds.

• Be aware of an author’s position or opinion; accept or reject it on sound reasoning.

• Be aware of the author’s approach and objectives.

• Cite reference works clearly so you can find them again or for a bibliography.

ENCYCLOPEDIAS

• Choose and look up three of the keywords you listed in the keywords section in the previous chapter. ɟ Each word should be from a different category. For example: » Geographical location » Person’s name

» Theological term

» Political / Social / Technical term » Name of God

» Term of nature » Etc.

• Use at least two sources for each term; cite each reference with bibliographic information.

• Write no more than one page on each reference; be able to explain the meaning of the term in the passage you are studying. ɟ What is the meaning and significance of the term in your passage?

ɟ What is the meaning and significance of the term in the approximate time period when the events in your passage take place?

• Be aware of and report briefly on the author’s position and support used.

~48~

CHAPTER 4 — Sort it out – analysis (part two)

NOTES:

~49~

HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior

CULTURAL-HISTORICAL

• Look up one or two cultural-historical ideas in appropriate reference books. ɟ Customs

ɟ Cultic practices

ɟ Places of worship ɟ Government ɟ Family life

ɟ Social structure ɟ Etc.

• Discuss how the information helps you better understand the passage you are studying.

• Write no more than one page on each reference (see above, Encyclopedic Work, for guidelines).

• Cite references.

LITERARY CONTEXT

• Re-read several chapters before and after your passage.

ɟ Gain an understanding of how your passage fits into the flow of the larger story/ argument.

ɟ Be aware of how the story/argument would have gone had your passage been absent or been placed differently.

• Note how repeated words and keywords, themes/ideas, events, etc. are used in the following contexts: ɟ Chapters before and after ɟ Story before and after

ɟ Whole book whole section » Torah

» Deuteronomistic History

» Old Testament / New Testament » Whole Bible

• Do not merely list the key words again; discuss how the key words are emphasized, how differences occur, and how the words function in the various contexts

~50~

CHAPTER 4 — Sort it out – analysis (part two)

NOTES:

~51~

HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior

GENRE ANALYSIS It has been said that the two main mistakes that lead to misunderstanding are taking things out of context and taking the Bible literally.

Definition: a particular kind or category, esp.

• a category of art or literature characterized by a certain form, style, or subject matter and sharing the same purpose • Genre types: ɟ story / narrative

ɟ parable

ɟ poetry

ɟ letter

ɟ elegy

ɟ ethical instruction ɟ theology

ɟ myth

ɟ genealogy

ɟ historical treatise

ɟ quotation ɟ sermon

ɟ promise

ɟ history

ɟ tragedy

ɟ hymn

ɟ law

ɟ gospel

ɟ prophecy

ɟ polemic

ɟ proverb ɟ visionary writing ɟ epic

WORD STUDY

Identify specific words and research its use in increasing contexts. Consider the use of the word in/by: • the passage • the chapter • the book • the author (including author’s other writings) • Testament (New or Old), then the equivalent word use elsewhere • the setting in history (secular authors, common use, common understanding) • Strong’s Concordance and Dictionary are useful as are some online tools • Theological Word Books ɟ These are very helpful and provide scholarly information and have largely done the work for the student. ɟ Be aware of the author’s opinions and objectives. ~52~

CHAPTER 4 — Sort it out – analysis (part two)

NOTES:

~53~

HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior

THE TEXT JOHN 11:1-57, NEW LIVING TRANSLATION (NLT) 1

A man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany with his sisters, Mary and Martha. 2

This is the Mary who later poured the expensive perfume on the Lord’s feet and wiped them with her hair. Her brother, Lazarus, was sick. 3 So the two sisters sent a message to Jesus telling him, “Lord, your dear friend is very sick.” 4 But when Jesus heard about it he said, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.” 5 So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, 6 he stayed where he was for the next two days. 7 Finally, he said to his disciples, “Let’s go back to Judea.” 8 But his disciples objected. “Rabbi,” they said, “only a few days ago the people in Judea were trying to stone you. Are you going there again?” 9 Jesus replied, “There are twelve hours of daylight every day. During the day people can walk safely. They can see because they have the light of this world.

10

But at night there is danger of stumbling because they

have no light.”

11

Then he said, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but now I will go and

wake him up.”

12

The disciples said, “Lord, if he is sleeping, he will soon get better!” 13 They

thought Jesus meant Lazarus was simply sleeping, but Jesus meant Lazarus had died.

14

So

he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. 15 And for your sakes, I’m glad I wasn’t there, for now you will really believe. Come, let’s go see him.”

16

Thomas, nicknamed the Twin, said to his

fellow disciples, “Let’s go, too — and die with Jesus.”

17

When Jesus arrived at Bethany, he

was told that Lazarus had already been in his grave for four days.

18

Bethany was only a few

miles down the road from Jerusalem, 19 and many of the people had come to console Martha and Mary in their loss.

20

When Martha got word that Jesus was coming, she went to meet

him. But Mary stayed in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask.”

23

Jesus told her, “Your brother will rise again.”

24

“Yes,” Martha said, “he will rise continue on page 56

~54~

CHAPTER 4 — Sort it out – analysis (part two)

NOTES:

~55~

HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior continued from page 54

when everyone else rises, at the last day.”

25

Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the

life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.

26

Everyone who lives in me and

believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?” 27 “Yes, Lord,” she told him.

“I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God.”

28

Then she returned to Mary. She called Mary aside from the mourners

and told her, “The Teacher is here and wants to see you.”

29

So Mary immediately went to

him. 30 Jesus had stayed outside the village, at the place where Martha met him. 31 When the people who were at the house consoling Mary saw her leave so hastily, they assumed she was going to Lazarus’s grave to weep. So they followed her there. 32 When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33 When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled.

34

“Where have you put him?” he

asked them. They told him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Then Jesus wept. 36 The people who were standing nearby said, “See how much he loved him!”

37

But some said, “This man healed a

blind man. Couldn’t he have kept Lazarus from dying?” 38 Jesus was still angry as he arrived at the tomb, a cave with a stone rolled across its entrance. 39 “Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them. But Martha, the dead man’s sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days.

The smell will be terrible.”

40

Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s

glory if you believe?” 41 So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. 42 You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” shouted, “Lazarus, come out!”

44

43

Then Jesus

And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in

graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!”

45

Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this happen. 46

But some went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 Then the leading priests continue on page 58

~56~

CHAPTER 4 — Sort it out – analysis (part two)

NOTES:

~57~

HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior continued from page 56

and Pharisees called the high council together. “What are we going to do?” they asked each other. “This man certainly performs many miraculous signs. 48 If we allow him to go on like this, soon everyone will believe in him. Then the Roman army will come and destroy both our Temple and our nation.” 49 Caiaphas, who was high priest at that time, said, “You don’t know what you’re talking about! 50 You don’t realize that it’s better for you that one man should die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed.” 51 He did not say this on his own; as high priest at that time he was led to prophesy that Jesus would die for the entire nation. 52 And not only for that nation, but to bring together and unite all the children of God scattered around the world. 53 So from that time on, the Jewish leaders began to plot Jesus’ death. 54 As a result, Jesus stopped his public ministry among the people and left Jerusalem. He went to a place near the wilderness, to the village of Ephraim, and stayed there with his disciples. 55 It was now almost time for the Jewish Passover celebration, and many people from all over the country arrived in Jerusalem several days early so they could go through the purification ceremony before Passover began.

56

They kept looking for Jesus, but as they stood around in

the Temple, they said to each other, “What do you think? He won’t come for Passover, will he?” 57 Meanwhile, the leading priests and Pharisees had publicly ordered that anyone seeing Jesus must report it immediately so they could arrest him.

~58~

CHAPTER 4 — Sort it out – analysis (part two)

NOTES:

~59~

HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior

DIGGING DEEPER

1. What did you become aware of as you practiced this process?

2. What one question or observation stands out to you at this point?

~60~

CHAPTER 4 — Sort it out – analysis (part two)

3. Consider the answer to question #2 above, in view of your experiential, cognitive, and emotional biases?

4. What insight, if any, does this show you about yourself?

~61~

HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior

NOTES:

~62~

5

BRING IT DOWN – INTERPRETATION

~63~

HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior

CONCEPT: INTERPRETATION CENTRAL THEOLOGICAL THEME

• Refer to your list of theological themes completed earlier; choose the (one) theme that is the most prominent in your passage — the one that bears the weight of the passage.

• Cite structural support for your choice.

ɟ Refer to instructions on “key verse” for examples of structural support.

• From the perspective of your passage, write one paragraph developing this central theological theme.

~64~

CHAPTER 5 — Bring it down – interpretation

NOTES:

~65~

HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior

INTERPRETIVE QUESTION

• Consider the central theological theme you identified and ask a question regarding something that troubles you in the text.

• Note natural theological tensions that exist in the passage.

• Frame the question with supporting verses and information you have studied so far.

INTERPRETIVE OPINION

• Turn the identified central theological theme into an arguable thesis/opinion.

ɟ Remember you are bringing all the research together to discuss the message of the passage.

• Write out your thesis as an essay using good form.

• Be sure to incorporate the research done to support the points in the body of your essay.

~66~

CHAPTER 5 — Bring it down – interpretation

NOTES:

~67~

HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior

THE TEXT JOHN 11:1-57 NEW LIVING TRANSLATION (NLT) 1

A man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany with his sisters, Mary and Martha. 2

This is the Mary who later poured the expensive perfume on the Lord’s feet and wiped them with her hair. Her brother, Lazarus, was sick. 3 So the two sisters sent a message to Jesus telling him, “Lord, your dear friend is very sick.” 4 But when Jesus heard about it he said, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.” 5 So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, 6 he stayed where he was for the next two days. 7 Finally, he said to his disciples, “Let’s go back to Judea.” 8 But his disciples objected. “Rabbi,” they said, “only a few days ago the people in Judea were trying to stone you. Are you going there again?” 9 Jesus replied, “There are twelve hours of daylight every day. During the day people can walk safely. They can see because they have the light of this world.

10

But at night there is danger of stumbling because they

have no light.”

11

Then he said, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but now I will go and

wake him up.”

12

The disciples said, “Lord, if he is sleeping, he will soon get better!” 13 They

thought Jesus meant Lazarus was simply sleeping, but Jesus meant Lazarus had died.14 So he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead.

15

And for your sakes, I’m glad I wasn’t there, for now

you will really believe. Come, let’s go see him.”

16

Thomas, nicknamed the Twin, said to his

fellow disciples, “Let’s go, too — and die with Jesus.”

17

When Jesus arrived at Bethany, he

was told that Lazarus had already been in his grave for four days.

18

Bethany was only a few

miles down the road from Jerusalem, 19 and many of the people had come to console Martha and Mary in their loss.

20

When Martha got word that Jesus was coming, she went to meet

him. But Mary stayed in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask.”

23

Jesus told her, “Your brother will rise again.”

24

“Yes,” Martha said, “he will rise continue on page 70

~68~

CHAPTER 5 — Bring it down – interpretation

NOTES:

~69~

HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior continued from page 68

when everyone else rises, at the last day.”

25

Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the

life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.

26

Everyone who lives in me and

believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?” 27 “Yes, Lord,” she told him.

“I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God.”

28

Then she returned to Mary. She called Mary aside from the mourners

and told her, “The Teacher is here and wants to see you.”

29

So Mary immediately went to

him. 30 Jesus had stayed outside the village, at the place where Martha met him. 31 When the people who were at the house consoling Mary saw her leave so hastily, they assumed she was going to Lazarus’s grave to weep. So they followed her there. 32 When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33 When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled.

34

“Where have you put him?” he

asked them. They told him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Then Jesus wept. 36 The people who were standing nearby said, “See how much he loved him!”

37

But some said, “This man healed a

blind man. Couldn’t he have kept Lazarus from dying?” 38 Jesus was still angry as he arrived at the tomb, a cave with a stone rolled across its entrance. 39 “Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them. But Martha, the dead man’s sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days.

The smell will be terrible.”

40

Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s

glory if you believe?” 41 So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. 42 You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” shouted, “Lazarus, come out!”

44

43

Then Jesus

And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in

graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!”

45

Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this happen. 46

But some went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 Then the leading priests continue on page 72

~70~

CHAPTER 5 — Bring it down – interpretation

NOTES:

~71~

HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior continued from page 70

and Pharisees called the high council together. “What are we going to do?” they asked each other. “This man certainly performs many miraculous signs. 48 If we allow him to go on like this, soon everyone will believe in him. Then the Roman army will come and destroy both our Temple and our nation.” 49 Caiaphas, who was high priest at that time, said, “You don’t know what you’re talking about! 50 You don’t realize that it’s better for you that one man should die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed.” 51 He did not say this on his own; as high priest at that time he was led to prophesy that Jesus would die for the entire nation. 52 And not only for that nation, but to bring together and unite all the children of God scattered around the world. 53 So from that time on, the Jewish leaders began to plot Jesus’ death. 54 As a result, Jesus stopped his public ministry among the people and left Jerusalem. He went to a place near the wilderness, to the village of Ephraim, and stayed there with his disciples. 55 It was now almost time for the Jewish Passover celebration, and many people from all over the country arrived in Jerusalem several days early so they could go through the purification ceremony before Passover began.

56

They kept looking for Jesus, but as they stood around in

the Temple, they said to each other, “What do you think? He won’t come for Passover, will he?” 57 Meanwhile, the leading priests and Pharisees had publicly ordered that anyone seeing Jesus must report it immediately so they could arrest him.

~72~

CHAPTER 5 — Bring it down – interpretation

NOTES:

~73~

HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior

DIGGING DEEPER

1. What did you become aware of during this process?

2. What tool, skill, or awareness has produced the most significant change in your understanding of this passage?

~74~

CHAPTER 5 — Bring it down – interpretation

3. Consider the impact on you or your perception of scripture as you have deconstructed this text. What stands out to you?

4. What, if any, resistance has arisen within you in using this process?

~75~

HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior

NOTES:

~76~

6

TAKE IT IN – APPLICATION

~77~

HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior

CONCEPT: FORMATION Formation is the goal of learning. Too often we mistake our learning as being completed once we have acquired some bit of information that supports our opinion. Today this is compounded by a cultural norm that supports every personal opinion as valid with nearly universal access to information via the internet.

The traditional flow of education is something like: information → knowledge → understanding → wisdom.

Ultimately, wisdom is the state of having internalized the learning process to the point that it is now part of you, and you are personally formed as a result. Said another way, formation is the goal of learning; you are not done until you take it in.

EX AMPLE:

Wesley’s 22 Questions

John Wesely was an Anglican minister who was passionate about reviving the church of England. While at Oxford University, he and several friends met in what they called “The Holy Club”, driven by the conviction that personally aligning ourselves within the love and holiness of God was essential to becoming well-formed and effective disciples of Jesus. Over the course of time, they developed these 22 questions which they asked each other weekly as they met. Their commitment to God and each other was to be transparently honest before the mercy of God for the sake of Christ.

1. Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than I really am? In other words, am I a hypocrite?

2. Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate?

3. Do I confidentially pass on to another what was told to me in confidence?

4. Can I be trusted?

5. Am I a slave to dress, friends, work, or habits?

6. Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?

7. Did the Bible live in me today?

8. Do I give it time to speak to me every day?

9. Am I enjoying prayer?

10. When did I last speak to someone else about my faith?

11. Do I pray about the money I spend?

12. Do I go to bed on time and get up on time?

13. Do I disobey God in anything?

14. Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy?

15. Am I defeated in any part of my life?

16. Am I jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy, or distrustful?

17. How do I spend my spare time?

18. Am I proud?

19. Do I thank God that I am not as other people, especially as the Pharisees who despised the publican?

20. Is there anyone whom I fear, dislike, disown, criticize, hold a resentment toward or disregard? If so, what am I doing about it?

21. Do I grumble or complain constantly?

22. Is Christ real to me?

~78~

CHAPTER 6 — Take it in – application

NOTES:

~79~

HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior

HEAD – HEART – HANDS HEAD – INTERPRETIVE OPINION

From your work above, you now have a personal understanding of a Biblical text. You should know what it says, how it relates to the greater message of scripture, and have compelling evidence of some revealed truth. Write your interpretive opinion of John 11 in the space below.

Give some thought to narrowing your focus into one complete thought, not many. Ideally, one sentence if possible.

HEART – REFLECTION

Formation, or internalizing what the Bible is saying into your heart and life, is the ultimate objective. The best method for accomplishing this is through the practice of reflection. This can be done effectively as an individual, but is powerful when done in a small group of safe and trustworthy people. Learning to be honest with yourself and building on the humble posture you learned from doing the work of studying is the first step toward transformation.

• Place your interpretive opinion before you.

• Consider

ɟ Is this consistent with the overarching theme of the Bible? ɟ What does this say about God? ɟ Is it consistent with the message and words of Jesus? ɟ How aligned is my life with this truth? ɟ What have I become aware of in my life that needs to change to be better aligned with this truth? ɟ Is this a real and natural part of my life? ɟ What things move me away from this truth? ɟ What is God asking of me today? ɟ Do I believe this? ɟ Is this universal, specific, personal, corporate, or targeted? ~80~

CHAPTER 6 — Take it in – application

NOTES:

~81~

HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior

• Reflect

ɟ What stands out as I read this statement? ɟ What am I aware of within me? ɟ Who or what comes to mind? ɟ What question arises in me at this moment? ɟ What question does this statement answer? ɟ Who in my life is asking this question?

HANDS – APPLICATION: See next chapter DIGGING DEEPER

1. What did you become aware of as you practiced this process?

~82~

CHAPTER 6 — Take it in – application

2. At the beginning of this study we talked about formative events and people in your life. Make a short list of what you learned from those events or people.

3. Review the list you made and now write down how you learned from each of those events or people. This will help you to understand how you respond to formative opportunities and potentially how you can help others in their formation.

~83~

HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior

4. What did you become aware of as you did this exercise?

5. Who are 3-5 people that you could meet with to practice reflection or ask Wesley’s 22 questions?

~84~

7

GIVE IT AWAY

~85~

HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior

CONCEPT: GIVE IT AWAY In the previous chapter, Head – Heart – Hands was introduced as a simple way to remember the outcomes of learning, namely formation. Head described the final interpretive step of asserting your own opinion about the meaning of the text. Heart led you to reflect on your opinion, anchor it within scripture, and allow yourself to be shaped and formed by scripture’s message.

Hands is the final step in this section and is the application of the text.

It is all too common for people to read a passage and jump right to making an application. Now that you have experienced what Bible study involves, you know that running to an application without taking time to understand the text could result in an incomplete or, worse, a false message. The Bible is written for our benefit that we might have a record of God’s self-revelation and intent for God’s creation. The Bible is meant to be read and understood. The truths contained within the Bible are meant to be lived, shared, and even proclaimed! For these reasons, the application must be birthed from the labor of Bible study.

THE IMPORTANCE OF APPLICATION

Using the Bible and its message, what are you doing to...3 • gain understanding of spiritual things • inform and enrich worship • create meaningful liturgy

• formulate theology and understanding of God • preach the message of God • teach obedience to God • provide pastoral care

• promote spiritual formation

• enjoy God and the beauty of the word FOUR STEP METHODOLOGY FOR LEGITIMATE APPLICATION 4

• Determine the original application(s) intended by the passage.

• Evaluate the level of specificity of the application(s) to their original historical situation. If the applications are universal, apply them in culturally appropriate ways.

• If the original applications are not transferable, identify one or more broader, crosscultural principles that the specific elements of the text reflect.

• Find appropriate applications for today that implement those principles.

~86~

CHAPTER 7 — Give it away

NOTES:

~87~

HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior

CONCLUSION: WHAT NEXT? As it was described in the beginning of this class, the hope was that by introducing you to the skills and process of hermeneutics, you will be introduced to a new world of biblical literacy and ultimately, effective and obedient discipleship. Disciples are obedient followers of Jesus Christ across the whole of their lives: where they live, work, shop, and serve. A group of disciples is called the church, the gathering of God’s people in Jesus Christ. Disciples working together is God’s single plan for saving the world in Jesus’ name.

Bible study is one skill among many that you need in your life-long journey of effective discipleship. While I believe that this discipline will inform all others and help you to be worldchangers in Christ, below are a few suggestions for how to keep moving forward in your spiritual development. By practicing these disciplines and many more like them, you give yourself away to join the powerful move of the Spirit of God in the world.

SPIRITUAL PRACTICES

• Bible Study ɟ See above • Lectio Devina ɟ Literally, ‘The Divine Reading’, this is a practice of devotionally reading a small passage of scripture and reflecting on it in the spirit. Rather than an analytical study of the text, enter the passage as the living Word invites you to a closer communion with God. Traditionally the four steps for this practice are: read, meditate, pray, contemplate.

• Meditation ɟ Christian meditation is a form of prayer with the purpose of becoming aware of and reflecting on the revelations of God. It focuses on filling our spirit, soul, and body with God rather than the eastern practices of emptying your mind of all things.

• Contemplation ɟ This encompasses several approaches but, in essence, it is a practice that aims at becoming aware of God’s presence in all things which we do by considering one thing in particular and looking for God within it. If God is ever-present in our lives and in our world, then God is present in whatever we are experiencing. It should be understood from within a scriptural framework — not a posture of selfjustifying or rationalizing. ~88~

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HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior

• Listening Prayer ɟ The more you study scripture, the more you increase God’s vocabulary in your spirit and God can speak more fluently to you. Often this practice asks God a simple focused question and waits to hear.

• Fasting ɟ Traditionally, fasting is the practice of going without food for a period of time and replacing the meal time with prayer to God. The discipline teaches us practically as both Moses and Jesus instruct us, “man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” We have to learn to say no to our wants and desires and come to accept we are spirit-born people who rely on God to live.

• Giving ɟ Giving and generosity are essential characteristics of Jesus’ disciples because it demonstrates that we love like God and live like Christ. When we see God in the needs of others we know God intends to use us as His hands and feet.

• Living in Community ɟ This may be the most difficult because it requires that we trust God with our whole selves as we entrust ourselves to others. It is love in action. It is the beauty of the church, the body of Christ, and the design of the kingdom of heaven on earth. We need each other. We need the community of the whole body to adequately express the fullness of God to the world.

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JOHN 11:1-57 NEW LIVING TRANSLATION (NLT) 1

A man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany with his sisters, Mary and Martha.

2

This is the Mary who later poured the expensive perfume on the Lord’s feet and wiped

them with her hair. Her brother, Lazarus, was sick. 3 So the two sisters sent a message to Jesus telling him, “Lord, your dear friend is very sick.” 4 But when Jesus heard about it he said, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.” 5 So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, 6 he stayed where he was for the next two days. 7 Finally, he said to his disciples, “Let’s go back to Judea.” 8 But his disciples objected. “Rabbi,” they said, “only a few days ago the people in Judea were trying to stone you. Are you going there again?” 9 Jesus replied, “There are twelve hours of daylight every day. During the day people can walk safely. They can see because they have the light of this world. 10 But at night there is danger of stumbling because they have no light.”

11

I will go and wake him up.”

Then he said, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but now

12

The disciples said, “Lord, if he is sleeping, he will soon get

better!” 13 They thought Jesus meant Lazarus was simply sleeping, but Jesus meant Lazarus had died.14 So he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. 15And for your sakes, I’m glad I wasn’t there, for now you will really believe. Come, let’s go see him.”

16

Thomas, nicknamed the

Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let’s go, too — and die with Jesus.” 17 When Jesus arrived at Bethany, he was told that Lazarus had already been in his grave for four days.

18

Bethany

was only a few miles down the road from Jerusalem, 19 and many of the people had come to console Martha and Mary in their loss. 20 When Martha got word that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him. But Mary stayed in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask.” 23 Jesus told her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 “Yes,” Martha said, “he will rise when everyone else rises, at the last day.” 25 Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection continue on page 94

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HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior continued from page 92

and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.

26

Everyone who lives

in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?”

27

“Yes, Lord,”

she told him. “I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God.”

28

Then she returned to Mary. She called Mary aside

from the mourners and told her, “The Teacher is here and wants to see you.” immediately went to him.

30

29

So Mary

Jesus had stayed outside the village, at the place where Martha

met him. 31 When the people who were at the house consoling Mary saw her leave so hastily, they assumed she was going to Lazarus’s grave to weep. So they followed her there. 32 When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

33

When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people

wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled. 34 “Where have you put him?” he asked them. They told him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Then Jesus wept.

36

The people who were standing nearby said, “See how much he loved him!” 37 But some said,

“This man healed a blind man. Couldn’t he have kept Lazarus from dying?” 38 Jesus was still angry as he arrived at the tomb, a cave with a stone rolled across its entrance.

39

“Roll the

stone aside,” Jesus told them. But Martha, the dead man’s sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.” 40 Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” 41 So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. 42 You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.”

43

Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!” 45 Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this happen. 46 But some went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 Then the leading priests and Pharisees called the high council together. “What are we going to do?” continue on page 96

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HERMENEUTICS by Glen Prior continued from page 94

they asked each other. “This man certainly performs many miraculous signs.

48

If we allow

him to go on like this, soon everyone will believe in him. Then the Roman army will come and destroy both our Temple and our nation.” 49 Caiaphas, who was high priest at that time, said, “You don’t know what you’re talking about!

50

You don’t realize that it’s better for you

that one man should die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed.” 51 He did not say this on his own; as high priest at that time he was led to prophesy that Jesus would die for the entire nation.

52

And not only for that nation, but to bring together and unite all

the children of God scattered around the world.

53

So from that time on, the Jewish leaders

began to plot Jesus’ death. 54 As a result, Jesus stopped his public ministry among the people and left Jerusalem. He went to a place near the wilderness, to the village of Ephraim, and stayed there with his disciples. 55 It was now almost time for the Jewish Passover celebration, and many people from all over the country arrived in Jerusalem several days early so they could go through the purification ceremony before Passover began.

56

They kept looking for

Jesus, but as they stood around in the Temple, they said to each other, “What do you think?

He won’t come for Passover, will he?”

57

Meanwhile, the leading priests and Pharisees had

publicly ordered that anyone seeing Jesus must report it immediately so they could arrest him.

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NOTES:

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WORKS CITED

1. Klein, Bloomberg, Hubbard. Biblical Interpretation, 2017

2. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-heuristic-2795235

3. Klein, Bloomberg, Hubbard. Biblical Interpretation, 2017. (p. 571-601)

4. Ibid. (p. 602-636)

HERMENEUTIC S What is this book called the Bible? Where did it come from and why is it important? Why is it arranged the way it is? How do bible teachers get so much out of just a few verses? How will reading all this history and these lists of names and stories help grow my faith and love for Jesus?

Biblical interpretation is something everyone can do. The technical word for this practice is “ hermeneutics”, a term that comes from a Greek word meaning “to explain, interpret, or translate.”

Using the verb, Luke informs us that Jesus explained to the two disciples on the Emmaus Road what the Scriptures said about him (LK 24:27). Paul uses the noun in 1 Corinthians 12:10 to refer to the gift of the interpretation of tongues. In essence, hermeneutics involves interpreting or explaining. So don't let big words or new ideas stop you from diving into the depths of biblical understanding. The tools and techniques in this curriculum will open up a new world of biblical literacy and ultimately, effective, obedient discipleship.

KEY OUTCOMES  To provide the student with practical tools for reading the bible and understanding its meaning.  To provide the student with opportunities to apply tools and practice biblical

interpretation in community and a safe learning environment.  To provide practical tools that the student can use for the rest of their life to both know God and grow in their discipleship.

PASTOR GLEN PRIOR Glen Prior loves the church and lives out his personal call to exalt the name of Jesus, equip the saints for service, and expand the Kingdom of God within the Free Methodist Church. A graduate of Azusa Pacifi c Seminary (M.Div), Glen is committed to building sustainable, Christcentered ministries beginning with the whole-formation of leaders through education, discipleship, and reflection and extending out to the best practices of leadership within the church. Since 1994, he has served in executive ministry roles within the Free Methodist Church. He has twice filled the role of Executive Pastor, served as the Director of Business and Ministry Development for the FMC Southern California, and in 2015 was appointed acting Superintendent over a conference of churches in Arizona and New Mexico. Most recently, in 2018 Glen was also elected to the Superintendent Team of the FMC Southern California Conference to lead a group of churches in fulfilling the mission of the church to love God, love people, and make disciples.

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