For session 10 (3 December)...

In our final session we'll be looking at some of the interpretive principles related to the study of the NT epistles. For this session you will need to have read:

• KBH, ch. 10, pg. 426-439

Some questions to think about as you read:

• What is meant by the statement that the epistles are 'occasional documents' (427)?
• What do the authors mean by separating universal principles from context-bound or culturally limited applications (427)?
• What are some of the different kinds of letters, outlined on pg. 430-433?
• How does Hebrews relate to the rest of the epistles (433-434)?

For the last hour of our session we'll be having an exam tutorial for the module. Remember to bring any questions you might have so we can try and answer them together.

For session 9 (26 November)...

In this session we'll be looking at how we can interpret the parables as well as figures of speech in biblical literature. Mat Farland will be the guest lecturer for this session. You will need to have read:

• KBH, ch. 10, pg. 411-418

Here are some questions you might want to think about while doing your reading:

• How have parables been interpreted for much of church history (411-412)?
• What do the authors mean when they call the parables 'narrative fiction' (413)?
• What does it mean to 'translate' a parable into contemporary language?
  

For session 8 (19 November)...

In our next session we'll be looking at the genre of poetry in the Bible.

For this session you will need to have read:

• KBH, ch. 9, pg. 351-359, and 387-397.

Here are some questions to think about while doing your reading:

• What are some of the types of OT poetry (352-357)?
• What do the authors say are some of the principles for interpreting poetry (357-359)?
• What are some of the different types of wisdom literature (387-397)?
• What things do we need to keep in mind when interpreting proverbs (389-390)?
• What about the book of Job? What are some of the principles for understanding the speeches found there (395-396)?
  

For session 7 (12 November)...

In our next session we'll begin looking at how we can best interpret various genres in the Bible. We'll start by examining OT narratives and the NT gospels. For this session you will need to have read:

• KBH, ch. 9, pg. 323-336
• KBH, ch. 10 pg. 399-410
  

Here are some questions to consider while doing your reading:

• What percentage of the OT is in narrative form (325)?
• What are some of the different types of narratives we find in the OT (326-336)?
• What are some of the principles of interpreting heroic narratives or prophet stories (333)?

• What are some of the different ways of understanding the genre of 'gospel' (399-401)?
• What do the authors mean by saying that the gospels should be read both 'horizontally and vertically' (403-405)?
• What are some of the key theological issues in the gospels that we need to be aware of (407-410)?