Understanding Scripture Together
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Lesson 9: Interpreting Epistles
Discussion started by Shawn , on 12 March 01:13 PM
The Epistle Writing Style is much like we would write a letter today in business circles. Letters always have a purpose. They either convey information or answer a problem. Some letters we write today are just friendly informative letters. Others are efforts to resolve a problem. Letters normally are addressed to an individual from an individual; the letter usually contains a greeting, then the main subject or request and contains a closing statement and farewell.
In the time of Paul, the Apostle, letters became his chief method of corresponding to the various churches. Peter, John, James and Jude wrote letters as well. All these are kept for us in the Bible. Interpreting epistles is merely trying to understand the situations of the author, the audience, and the thoughts conveyed to the audience. We are trying to learn what the author wanted his recipients to do, learn, cease doing, etc. You are learning of the real life issues faced by the various participants in these churches.
So how do we "Outline" an Epistle? A normal Outline form will work except for the beginning and ending of an Epistle. In the beginning of a letter we need to use the "Letter Form Outline." Here is an example of a "Letter Form Outline":
To:
From:
Date: if mentioned?
Greetings/Opening Statement:
Subject and Request:
Farewell/Closing Statement:
This is a simple outline form that may help you with the beginning and the end of an Epistle.
Study Tools:
Context of an Epistle may also include information found in the Book of Acts, the Gospels or even the Prophets (4 Major, 12 Minor) Many times epistles are dealing with cross cultural conflicts and how to resolve them. So having an idea that cultures are colliding is important to know.
Remember context also is in the eyes of the beholder. A Jew, a Greek and Roman see things differently based on their Religion, Philosophy and Class. There are Nobles, Military, Tradesmen or Guilds and Slaves in their various classifications. So, understanding the culture, history, and background of the individuals writing the epistle and that of those receiving it helps us to more fully understand the author's intent and original meaning in writing. We want to try and understand the epistle the same way the original audience would have.
Assignment: Open your Bible to the Book of Jude. Write a "Letter Form Outline" Write a short paragraph on what you saw in this letter. In a single sentence, what do you think was the single most important statement found in this letter?
In the time of Paul, the Apostle, letters became his chief method of corresponding to the various churches. Peter, John, James and Jude wrote letters as well. All these are kept for us in the Bible. Interpreting epistles is merely trying to understand the situations of the author, the audience, and the thoughts conveyed to the audience. We are trying to learn what the author wanted his recipients to do, learn, cease doing, etc. You are learning of the real life issues faced by the various participants in these churches.
So how do we "Outline" an Epistle? A normal Outline form will work except for the beginning and ending of an Epistle. In the beginning of a letter we need to use the "Letter Form Outline." Here is an example of a "Letter Form Outline":
To:
From:
Date: if mentioned?
Greetings/Opening Statement:
Subject and Request:
Farewell/Closing Statement:
This is a simple outline form that may help you with the beginning and the end of an Epistle.
Study Tools:
Context of an Epistle may also include information found in the Book of Acts, the Gospels or even the Prophets (4 Major, 12 Minor) Many times epistles are dealing with cross cultural conflicts and how to resolve them. So having an idea that cultures are colliding is important to know.
Remember context also is in the eyes of the beholder. A Jew, a Greek and Roman see things differently based on their Religion, Philosophy and Class. There are Nobles, Military, Tradesmen or Guilds and Slaves in their various classifications. So, understanding the culture, history, and background of the individuals writing the epistle and that of those receiving it helps us to more fully understand the author's intent and original meaning in writing. We want to try and understand the epistle the same way the original audience would have.
Assignment: Open your Bible to the Book of Jude. Write a "Letter Form Outline" Write a short paragraph on what you saw in this letter. In a single sentence, what do you think was the single most important statement found in this letter?
