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BIB 121 Hermeneutics

SECTIONS 2.1 –2.3

Jewish Interpreters, the Apostles, and Church

Fathers (200 BC–AD 600)

Nehemiah 8:1–9:

The group of exiles Ezra led back to Jerusalem from

Babylon in 457 BC spoke Aramaic, the language of

Babylon. Therefore, when Ezra had the Scriptures, written

in Hebrew, read aloud to the people, they could not

understand well (although the languages are closely

related). The Levites had to interpret and explain the

Scriptures. This is said to have been the beginning of the

Targum, a translation and interpretation of the Old

Testament by Jewish rabbis.

Methods of Scriptural Interpretation That

Influenced New Testament Writers

Rabbinic Judaism (Jerusalem and Judea) (457 –330 bc)

Focuses on obeying the Scriptures, especially the Torah, Moses’

five books –Targum: a translation & interp of OT by Rabbis

Hellenistic Judaism (Alexandria, Egypt)

Focuses on interpreting the Scriptures through allegory;

reconciling Greek philosophy with Old Testament teaching

Historical-Grammatical Method (Antioch in Syria)

Focuses on each verse as having one meaning based on its

words, grammar, and history

Visual 5

2 Types of Teaching:

Halakah: dictated religious laws for every part of life, including rituals,

family life, personal life, and relationships with the government and non-

Jews.

Haggadah: used stories and proverbs of the Old Testament to explain

Scripture and edify readers.

Mishnah (“to repeat”): Teachings (commentaries) written/taught by

their rabbis. Two contemporary Rabbis were Hillel and Shammai. Hillel was

moderate and Shammai was strict –literalist. Hillel wrote the following

Rules for Interpreting Scriptures

Talmud –commentaries on the Mishnah

Midrash: “to search” – often to stretch the word to fit particular situations

Understanding

the Teaching

of Rabbinic

Judaism

(created by Rabbi

Hillel)

Here are six rules the Jewish rabbis used to interpret

Scripture.

Who was Plato and what influence

did he have on Hellenistic Judaism?

Plato taught that objects on

earth were copies of eternal

things and that ideas were

more real than either physical

or spiritual things.

Under the influence of Platonic

tradition, the school in

Alexandria used the method of

allegory to interpret Scripture.

This Greek school of interpretation

was in Egypt, where Greek influence

was strong. In Egypt, Greek

replaced Hebrew as the language

of the Jews. Some Jewish scholars

translated the Hebrew Scriptures into

Greek, so that Grecian Jews could

read them. This Greek version of the

Old Testament is called the

Septuagint –the seventy—because

it was the work of seventy scholars

during Ptolemy II Philadelphus of

Egypt (285-246 BC)

Who was Philo? Philo was the main Jewish teacher of the

allegorical method. His goal was to reconcile

Greek philosophy with the teachings of the

Old Testament and to build a bridge

between Judaism and the Greek world.

Unbelievers were attacking the Bible as

immoral and untrue, citing instances like the

drunkenness of Noah and Tamar’s seduction

of Judah. Philo taught that these stories had

hidden meanings. While we can understand

that Philo was seeking to lead people

outside the church to the truth, by launching

the method of allegory to interpret Scripture

and looking for hidden meanings behind

plain verses, he led countless people away

from the truth.

20 bc –50 bc

How the Apostles Interpreted Old Testament Writings

Fulfilled Messianic Prophecies

Jesus taught His disciples to interpret the Old Testament Christologically—in

reference to Christ. They discerned that Jesus fulfilled many Old Testament

prophecies about the Messiah.

Typology

The apostles saw many Old Testament events, ideas, objects, and people as

types—patterns or symbols of something future, which were fulfilled in the New

Testament.

The Literal Method

Following the example of Jesus, the apostles often quoted Scripture,

interpreting it literally.

Principle/Application

The apostles followed Jesus’ example and the Spirit’s leading to state

principles based on Scripture. Visual 6

School of Alexandria

Allegorical Interpretation:

The Alexandrian School

is best known for its

allegorical method of

interpreting Scripture.

Origen, in particular,

argued that Scripture has

multiple levels of

meaning: the literal, the

moral, and the spiritual

(or allegorical).

School of Athens

The Antiochian

method focuses on the plain,

obvious meaning of the text of

Scripture. Its basic focus is

understanding the message of

the original author. This is why it

is called the Historical-

Grammatical approach of

hermeneutics. Antioch insisted

on both a historical context

and the normal use of human

language.

The Apostles (AD 30–95)

The apostles interpreted the Old Testament writings in

four ways:

1. Fulfilled messianic prophesies

2. Typology

3. The literal method

4. Principle/application

Fulfilled messianic prophesies

Jesus himself taught the apostles that the Old Testament prophesied

about Him. In the synagogue in Galilee, He quoted Isaiah 61:1–2,

“‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me’” (Mark 1:15 and Luke 4:18–21).

He taught the disciples how to interpret the Old Testament in the

light of His coming to earth.

Another example (Luke 7:21–23). This passage records the doubts of

John the Baptist. In prison, John was not sure that Jesus was the

Messiah. Jesus reminded John that He, the Messiah, was healing the

blind, the lame, and the deaf. Isaiah 35:5–6 was being fulfilled in

Jesus.

Jesus taught His disciples to interpret the Old Testament

Christologically—in reference to Christ. They discerned that Jesus

fulfilled many OT prophecies about the Messiah.

Typology

The apostles saw many Old Testament events, ideas, objects, and

people as types—patterns or symbols of something future.

Jeremiah wrote about the mourning that would come when Babylon

conquered Israel six centuries before Christ, “This is what the Lord

says: ‘A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping,

Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted,

because her children are no more’” (Jeremiah 31:15).

Rachel was the ideal mother of Israel, having given birth to Joseph

and Benjamin. The Spirit led Matthew to see the loss of these children

as a type (Matthew 2:17). As Israel mourned the loss of her children to

Babylon, Israel also mourned the loss of her children to Herod. History

repeated itself in connection with Jesus, the Messiah.

Literal Method

The apostles interpreted a verse by its normal, plain meaning.

Jesus taught the disciples how to interpret Scripture in this

straightforward way. For example: “‘It is written,’” he said to

them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you

are making it a ‘den of robbers’” (Matthew 21:13).

Paul engaged the literal meaning of Scripture when he used

Psalm 32:1–2. “‘Blessed are they whose transgressions are

forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin

the Lord will never count against him’” (Romans 4:7–8).

Principle/Application

Jesus taught His disciples to summarize the truth of a story or event by

stating a principle.

In Mark 2:23–28, the Pharisees accused the disciples of picking grain

on the Sabbath. However, the priests in the temple work on the

Sabbath and are not guilty. Then Jesus stated the principle based on

these events: The Sabbath is made for people, not people for the

Sabbath (Mark 2:27).

Paul referred to Deuteronomy 25:4: “When an ox is working in the

grain, do not cover its mouth to keep it from eating” (NCV). In 1

Corinthians 9:9–11 & 1 Timothy 5:18, the principle Paul mined from this

is that ministers who labor should reap benefits from their work.

Early Church Fathers (Leaders)

100 ad –600 ad

From the death of John (90 ad) until the time of Pope Gregory

the Great (604 ad)

Remember 66 books of the Bible established 330ish ad (39 OT &

27 NT)

Two major ‘thoughts of interpreting scripture’:

1. Greek Orthodox—greatly influenced by revised teachings of Plato and

mysticism –Allegorical interpretation –most popular for 1,000+ yrs

2. Latin or Western Christianity—shaped mostly by Roman legal thinking

Literal interpretation –the Reformation refocused on literal interp

Apostolic Fathers –Leaders Just After the Apostles:

(100 ad –150 ad)

Clement of Rome = taught the OT has many ‘types/pic’ that

neither Jesus nor the Apostles mentioned. Ex: Rahab’s red cord

was symbolic of salvation through the blood of Jesus

Ignatius (Bishop of Antioch) = taught Christ is at the center of

Scripture. Emphasized being faithful to Christ and taught both

the OT and NT. He avoided allegorizing and was a literalist

(taught scriptures literally)

Clement of Alexandria = taught like Philo, earthly objects were

types of spiritual things, sought to bridge the church and the

world, taught Plato’s best ideas had also been Moses’ ideas.

Taught Christianity fulfilled Greek philosophy and the OT, and

taught Scriptures had two meanings: literal and spiritual

Origen of Alexandria = Hebrew scholar, taught Scriptures often

hid eternal truths, looked for hidden keys to Christian living, and

believed each text had three levels of meaning: body (literal),

soul (allegorical), and spirit (allegorical).

Athanasius of Alexandria = Council of Nicaea (325 ad) –who is

Jesus?; Athanasius VS Arius. Arius = heretic

School of Antioch in Syria –Rejected

allegorizing method of interpreting Scripture

Taught the historical-grammatical method: each verse has one

meaning based on its words and grammar

Eusebius (U-See-Be-Us) of Caesarea (263-340 ad) = leading

teacher in Antioch, was a pioneer of the studies of the gospels.

John Chrysostom (347-407 ad) = taught there is one meaning

per text and then applied to the lives of Christians

School of Alexandria

Augustine (354 –430 ad) = balanced the two methods;

believed scriptures do have allegories but reason must be built

on literal interpretation

Allegorical Method Summarized

A positive sense, it taught that the Bible is a spiritual book,

not just a historical book. Rather, God’s Word is alive and

applies to the life of each Christian.

The negative side, allegory separated the biblical text

from its history. Allegory encouraged interpretations based

on the imagination of each reader. This opened the door

for such errors as saying that Mary was born of a virgin and

the Pope was on an authoritative level with Scripture.

The Middle Ages to the Reformation (AD 600–1500)

Glossa Ordinaria = Comments written in the margins that

explained the allegorical comments

The Interpreter’s Middle Ages Rhyme:

The letter shows us what God and our fathers did

The allegory shows us where our faith hid

The moral meaning gives us rules for daily life

The analogy shows us where we end our strife

Bray’s example of the 4 Rhymes:

“City of Jerusalem” is…

Literal = a city in Palestine; the capital of Israel

Allegorical = the church on earth

Moral = the soul of the believer

Mystical = the heavenly city; the victorious church

Ambrose (died 781 ad) = wrote a commentary on the

book of Revelation. Rev 12 –the woman clothed with

the sun was Mary not Israel. The Catholic Church used

this interpretation to exalt Mary…

Bebe (672 –735 ad) = An English historian, wrote very

popular commentary called “Ecclesiastical History”.

Used the historical-grammatical method of interpreting

Scholasticism –Based on Reason

Thomas Aquinas (1225 – 1274 ad) = wrote “Summa

Theologica” –a summary of the past 300 years of Biblical and

theological studies. He summarized the Roman Catholic

beliefs. His work was based on a literal interpretation because

he believed that the Bible contained all we need about faith.

He was the one who brought change in the method of

interpreting the Bible –freeing it from the long used allegorical

interpretation. The use of reason was primary in his approach.

Still Thomas used allegory to explain figurative language.

Known as the “Father of Natural Theology”

The Literal Method of Interpreting Scripture

As the Medieval Era closed, people returned to interpreting

Scriptures literally –seeking the plain meaning of verses

John Wycliffe (1329 –1384 ad) = led towards the Reformation

period…the meaning of the Bible was plain, not hidden.

Wrote: On the Truth of Scripture, published in 1378. He stated,

“Human knowledge could not compare to Scripture”. He said

that the purpose of logic was to defend the Bible.

During the Middle Ages, the authority of Scriptures was never

questioned - Scriptures are the inspired Word of God

The Reformation to the Present

(1500 –Present)

Three most important people: Erasmus, Martin Luther, and John

Calvin

Erasmus of Rotterdam (1466–1536 ad) was known as a

Christian humanist. Two of his writings were: Annotations and

Paraphrases - studied the biblical settings of the text, paying

attention closely to both history and grammar then applied

the text to doctrine and daily living. He fulfilled two goals of

hermeneutics:

1. To find the meaning of a text to the first readers

2. To apply the text to us today

“Erasmus laid the egg of the Reformation and

Luther hatched it!”

Martin Luther (1483 –1546 ad) = the main leader of the

Reformation. Emphasized salvation by faith in Jesus –not by

works. Rejected “every verse has 4 meanings” – each verse

had only one meaning. Declared every believer has the right

to interpret the Bible.

“Sola Scriptura” = Scripture Alone!...no other writing is equally

God breathed nor has the same authority as the Word.

The Bible alone is our only authority for faith and practice

He had a Christ-centered perspective. He balanced the literal

and spiritual meaning of the text and believers needed the

illumination of the Holy Spirit to understand meaning of Bible

John Calvin (1509 –1564 ad)

Most of his works were commentaries leading

believers to interpret Scriptures well.

Rejected allegorical interp.

Calvin believed that the Bible was our only written

authority and that we should accept it by faith.

He also believed that the Holy Spirit would give

believers an inner witness about the correct

meaning of a passage.

To summarize, the Reformation leaders:

Luther and Calvin—rejected the allegorical method of

interpreting the Bible. They did not seek hidden

meanings of Scripture, like those who used allegory.

They sought the plain, simple, literal meaning of

Scripture. Likewise, they did not rely on the tradition of

the church or the teaching of the church fathers.

Rather, they depended on the Bible itself.

The Roman Catholic Church rejected the Reformation.

Catholic leaders met at the Council of Trent (AD 1545—

1563). There, they affirmed the Vulgate—the Latin translation

of the Scripture. Catholics forbade anyone to interpret

Scripture in a way different from church tradition. As a result

of the debates related to the Reformation, two streams of

biblical interpretation flowed: Protestant and Catholic.

The Creeds (AD 1564–1650) were written statements of what

the Protestant Church believed. In part, the creeds were a

Protestant reaction to statements by the Roman Catholic

Church and their statements at the Council of Trent.

Christianity

Catholic Church Protestant Church

etc…

Two Major Streams of Christianity

Four Doctrinal

Necessities:

•Jesus = only Son

of God –

fulfillment of OT

prophesy

•Died, Risen, bled

to forgive our sins

•Reigns with the

Father

•Will return for His

Church/Bride

Post–Reformation Period (AD 1650–1800)

Philip Jakob Spener (AD 1635–1705) was a German pastor and

leader of Pietism. Pietism = godliness –helped birth the Puritan

doctrine –Christian life must be pure (Pilgrims were Puritans)

John Wesley (AD 1703–1791), founder of the Methodist Church,

embraced pietism. He began a movement that came to be

known as Methodist in England and America. Wesley sought to

recover personal holiness through Bible study, prayer, and the

Holy Spirit. The ‘Holiness Movement’ born.

Jonathan Edwards emphasized that what we believe must

affect the way we live. Jonathan Edwards (AD 1703–1758) was

the best-known leader of pietism in America. He emphasized

both the theology and daily living of biblical truth.

Rationalism = an intellectual movement (1648 - 1789), believed the

human mind was able to discern truth w/o God’s help. Birthing

“historical-critical method” – denied the supernatural. The Bible is

the same as any other book. Depended on natural laws –

scientific method/source criticism –God and theology not

needed/not real. Cessationism spread.

The Twentieth Century (1900 –2000 ad): An era of Biblical

Interpretation Changes. WWII showed that humans could do

great evil –liberals emphasized humanity is good.

Karl Barth (1886 –1968 ad): tried to bridge liberals and

conservatives. Taught the authority of God’s Word and the use

of literary and source criticism – this was called “neo-orthodoxy”

– reason must depend on faith in God’s Word.

Neo-Orthodoxy:

Liberal Theology –man is good and does not need God to

determine truth –emerged after WW1

Karl Barth –theologian who brought back Reformation Theo:

God is absolutely Sovereign and Christ is the source of our

salvation.

Emphasized the depravity (sinfulness) of humanity who is in

need of a Savior (Jesus), God is above ALL and Creator of All,

the Bible is a revelation of God and the focus is on Jesus

Christ –the Son of God.

20th Century birthed the Ecumenical Movement –all

denominations should be united.

21st Century birthed Evangelicals - people who believe that the

Bible is God’s Word and that we must be born-again. We

believe in evangelizing—testifying about our faith in Jesus Christ.

That is why some people call us Great Commission Christians;

we believe in obeying the Lord’s command to share the gospel

with the entire world. About eighty-five (85%) percent of all

Great Commission Christians are Pentecostal or Charismatic

(Barrett 2000, 25). Thus, Pentecostals and Charismatics are a

large part of the evangelical movement.

The Chicago Statement on Biblical Hermeneutics (Articles 19–22)

We affirm that any preunderstanding which the interpreter

brings to Scripture should be in harmony with scriptural

teaching and subject to correction by Scripture.

We deny that Scripture should be required to fit pre-

understandings, inconsistent with itself, such as naturalism,

evolutionism, scientism, secular humanism, and relativism.

We affirm that since God is the author of all truth—all truths,

biblical and extrabiblical, are consistent and unified, and that

the Bible speaks truth when it touches on matters about

nature, history, or anything else. We further affirm that in some

cases extrabiblical data have value for clarifying what

Scripture teaches and correcting false interpretations.

We deny that extrabiblical views ever disprove the teaching of

Scripture or hold priority over it.

We affirm the harmony of special with general revelation, and

thus believe that biblical teaching is in harmony with the facts of

nature.

We deny that any genuine scientific facts contradict the true

meaning of any passage of Scripture.

We affirm that Genesis 1–11 is factual, as is the rest of Genesis.

We deny that the teachings of Genesis 1–11 are mythical and

that scientific theories about earth, history or the origin of

humanity may be used to overthrow what Scripture teaches

about creation.

Evangelical Guidelines for Interpreting Scripture

F.F. Bruce (1910 –1991): Bruce used the literal method to study

the Bible. Many modern evangelical and Pentecostal

interpreters follow the example of Bruce. He set a high standard

for research into the Word.

Stanley M. Horton is a well-known Pentecostal scholar (A/G)

who used the historical/grammatical method. His latest

commentary is on the book of Acts.