1.0

Start out with history

1.0 Historical Aspects

Identify and do preliminary analysis of the historical elements in the scripture passage. Given the historical basis of Christianity, history is the starting place of exegesis.

(1) Be sure to stay in a past time frame of reference.

(2) Remember that this is preliminary and not finalized activity. Your notes will grow in size.

Probe every available secondary source for insights. This included commentaries, study Bibles, Bible dictionaries, Bible encyclopedias, theological journals. Give first piority to serious publications rather than pop religious publications.

1.0.1

Distinguish differences

between

history

about the document

and

the story

embedded inside the passage.

1.0.1

External Aspects

and

1.0.2

Internal Aspects

Identify generally the historical elements having to do with the composition and preservation of the document over the centuries. In contrast, identify the historical markers inside the passage. Jot down questions that come to mind with each category.

The difference between external history and internal history is the perspective of the history of the creation and preservation of the document as external history. Internal history is the story told by the text iself that reflects the views of the documents author.

Two outstanding commentary sources at the serious historical levels are the WORD BIBLICAL COMMENTARY and the NEW INTERNATIONAL GREEK TESTAMENT COMMENTARY.

1.0.1.1

Analyzing

the Compositional

History

1.0.1.1

Compositional Aspects

The first focus is on the document containing the passage. Then on the passage itself. The details of the writing of the text are the goals of the study. Much modern writing on this topic has taken place in the modern era.

Here the so-called reporter questions are to be asked. Who wrote it? To whom was it written? When was it written? Why was it written? These questions open up insights into the writing of the text.

In addition to commentaries, introductions to the Bible, to the Old Testament, and to the New Testament are very helpful secondary resources. Often used as textbooks in Religion 101 and 102 courses in universities, they provide overviews of the Christian Bible.

1.0.1.2

Establishing

the most likely

original reading

of the scriptural text.

1.0.1.2

Transcriptional Aspects

The second apect of external history is labeled Textual Criticism. For more details on how to use this tool, see "Study in Textual Criticism" in the course room for Greek 202 at cranfordville.com.

The hundreds of manuscripts containing any particular NT text must be scientifically analyzed to get back to the original reading of that text.

Rational Eclecticism is the methodology used. The critical apparatusa in The Greek New Testament (5th rev. ed) and in the Novum Testamentum Graece (28th ed) are the tools.

1.0.2

Analyze

the history

inside the text.

1.0.2

Internal Aspects

Every text will have allusions to people, places, and events of some kind. Even texts describing ideas will typically contain at least indirect references to concrete markers.

References to both people and places are easier to spot in a text. Events are more challenging because they represent a combination of people and places, usually with time markers mixed into the narrative.

Individual words and phrases can most easily denote these markers. But events will more commonly be referenced by clauses and sentences. Experience in searching for such markers comes with lots of practice.

1.0

Sketch out in writing

a brief

synopsis

of your findings

of the historical elements

in the text

1.0

Historical Aspects

Nothing in detail is needed. But just make note of what you have found thus far.

This is a good place to write down questions to check on.

Don't be shy in asking questions. Here is the place where secondary tools such as commentaries, Bible dictionaries etc. should be checked. They will also treat things you have overlooked.

2.0

Identify

the various literary elements

in the text.

2.0

Literary Aspects

Here the external / internal categories are not as useful labels.

Literary genre is a clear external form. But word, phrase, clause, and sentence analysis are more internal aspects.

Most classroom study of Koine Greek overly stresses word analysis to the neglect of large languages units. Both the 'forest' and its individual 'trees' must be studied.

2.0.1

Familiarize yourself

with the literary forms

in the New Testament.

2.0.1

Literary Form

Literary form, i.e., genre, exists at different levels. Each level needs analysis. This means identification and comparison with similar forms elsewhere. Forms are for easier communication.

Broad forms: Gospel, History, Letter, Apocalypse.

Dependence on secondary tools here is necessary.

Prayers, doxologies, sayings, benedictions etc. should be identified and compared to like forms elsewhere in ancient writings.Most forms widely exist in writings generally in the biblical world.

2.0.2

Give attention

to how a text

is grammatically assembled.

2.0.2

Literary Structure

Remember that paragraphs are modern translation insertions. But words need to be analyzed along with thought flow in a passage.

.Greek students remember parsing the words in a passage. Very necessary for translation and exegesis.

Analysis of thought flow can be accomplished via a Block Diagram of the text. An activity for Greek students. A copy is found in each volume of the BIC commentary.

2.0.2

If possessing Greek skills,

parse

the words in the text.

2.0.2.1

Word Parsing

Begin analysis with smallest grammatical unit: words.

Follow the guidelines in Appendix 2: Guides to Parsing (cf. BIC vol. 35)

Write out notes rather than full parsing. With practice, shorter notes will suffice.

2.0.2.2

Create a Block Diagram

of the passage.

2.0.2.2

Block Diagram

Again, this requires Greek skills to create.

Practice makes this process easier and more accurate. So hang in there.

The Block Diagram lays the foundation for the Semantic Diagram in the Exposition phase. This is the source for preaching and teaching outlines of the passage.

2.0.3

Analyze the literary context.

2.0.3

Literary Setting

In the beginning, utilize paragraph breaks in both the Greek texts and translations.

Make a multi-column comparative listing from several sources.

Coupled with the Block Diagram this comparative list will provide a sense of the context of your passage.

2.0

Sketch out a short summary

of the literary aspect

of the passage.

2.0

Literary Aspects

Jot down questions arising from your own analysis.

Utilize the secondary tools such as dictionaries etc. in seeking answers.

By this point, a pretty clear sense of the past meaning of the passage should be emerging.

1.0 & 1.2

Pull it together.

1.0 & 1.2

Historica & Literary Aspects

Pull together your notes on both aspects into a summary presentation.

Note carefully the inner connections between history and literary.

Create a notepad summary, not a formal paper format. These are for your own use.