vbi london

Modules 1&2 - Autumn 2001

Introduction to Biblical Interpretation/Biblical Interpretation

14 Oct.  Week 1: Inspiration and need for interpretation

Views of inspiration, reasons to interpret, ‘schools and tools’

Morphew, 8-21, 57-59; Davids 8-29

Click here for:

Class handout         Class exercises

Class discussion     

Recording of teaching (7.6 MB in .mp3 format—download and play on Windows Media Player or other compatible PC media player)

Recording of discussion (1.8 MB)

 

21 Oct.  Week 2: Getting an overview

Translations, outline, context, issues for study, resources

Davids, 30-43, 85-107

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Class handout         Class exercises

Class discussion     Overheads

Recording of teaching– part 1 (2.1 MB)

Recording of teaching– part 2 (2.9 MB)

Recording of discussion (2.8 MB)

 

28 Oct:  Week 3: Textual analysis: reading the text properly

Analysing the text: sentences, paragraphs, genre, whole Bible

Davids, 44-72

Click here for:

Class handout         Class exercises

Class discussion     Overheads

Recording of teaching– part 1 (4.0 MB)

Recording of teaching– part 2 (2.5 MB)

Recording of discussion (2.1 MB)

 

4 Nov.   Week 4: Textual analysis: understanding the context

Historical, cultural, literary background, conclusions; checking

Davids, 72-85

 

Click here for:

Class handout         Class exercises

Recording of teaching (6.3 MB)

Recording of discussion (2.6MB)

 

11 Nov. Break

 

18 Nov. Week 5: Theological analysis: understanding the teaching

Theological content, interpretation methods, revelation

Morphew, 7-8, 20-57; Davids, 108-124

 

Click here for:

Class handout         Class exercises

Recording of teaching (5.5 MB)

Recording of discussion (2.3MB)

 

25 Nov: Week 6: Application: What do the scriptures mean for us today?

Application, communication of scriptural truth

Davids, 125-138

Click here for:

Class handout         Class exercises

Recording of teaching (6.3 MB)

Recording of discussion (1.2 MB)

 

Bring to class: Two different versions of the New Testament and any study or interpretation tools that you find useful.  We will be doing interpretation exercises each week on passages from the book of Romans.

 

Recommended reading: Course materials indicated for each week.

Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth.