Hearing the Bible Speak:
Developing Exegetical Skills: Observing, Listening, and Interpreting the Text of Scripture
Monday evenings, 6:30-8:30 starting April 9 (4-week series)
Location: Trinity Church, 300 North Benson Road, Fairfield CT 06824
The New England School of Theology
Instructor: Rev. Chip M. Anderson, M.A.T.S.
Course Description
This course seeks to be a practical step in learning to faithfully listen to the text of Scripture and develop the skills necessary for good Bible interpretation. Through the actual practice of reading and exegesis of specific texts of the Bible (see course topics below), the student will learn how to observe, listen, and interpret a text of Scripture. There will be eight (8) specific New Testament texts that the student will use to learn the observation approach (asking good questions and paying close attention to the text) and, thus, begin learning to hear the original author’s intention. Various aspects of the exegetical process (Bible study method) will be highlighted through the actual study of particular New Testament passages. Through this course a student will develop good exegetical skills, and as well, learn to listen to the Biblical text.
*There are no prerequisites for this course. Students who have taken a Bible Study Methods course or NEST’s Bible Interpretation course will find this course a good next step.
Course Goals and Objectives
- The student will develop good reading and listening skills that help with interpreting the New Testament author’s original intentions
- The student will learn the observation approach to reading and hearing a text of Scripture
- The student will learn how to go from Bible text to interpretation
- The student will practice good exegetical skills for making sound interpretation.
Assignments and Evaluation
- Preparedness for classroom: Asking the questions; making observations (30%)
- Class participation (30%)
- Interpreting a passage of choice (30%)
- Student self-evaluation (10%)
Class Schedule and Texts to be Studied
1. 1 Peter 5:7 — Identifying antecedents
2. Philippians 1:6 and 2:12-13—Who, which, whom, and what?
3. 2 Corinthians 2:14 — Sticking with the subject
4. Galatians 2:20 — Giving the wider context a chance to speak
5. Mark 13/Revelation 1, 2-22 — Structure helps with interpretation
6. Romans 1 — What for? Why? Because
7. Romans 11:25-26— How linguistics and OT help
8. Colossians 3:16 — What can a text mean?
