EXP:Steps to interpreting a New Testament text  by Mark S. Camp

   1. Realize that you are removed by over 1900 years from the actual
writing of the text. Denominations had not yet been established; church
organization was not as structured as it is today; and, the emphasis
was upon doctrine and teaching, not upon programs. This by no means is
intended to say that the Bible is not relevant for today, it simply
means that you were not part of the cultural setting, government
system, etc., therefore you must study as much as possible to try and
project yourself into the mindset of the writer.

   2. Remember that you are coming to the text with your own
theological baggage. When Paul wrote Romans 8-9 there was no such thing
as Calvinism or Arminianism; there were no commentaries on the N.T.;
there were no Baptist seminaries in existence. You have acquired
theological knowledge and terms that will tint the way you interpret
the text. Try to come to the text "empty" (at least as much as
possible!), AND come with a teachable, hungry spirit, yearning to grow,
learn, and mature.

   3. Read the passage under consideration in several translations. I
recommend the following:

   a. New American Standard Version (word for word trans.)

   b. New International Version (dynamic translation)

   c. Amplified Bible (expanded translation)

   d. Phillips New Testament

   4. Read a Bible Survey or Introduction in order to get a grasp for
the author, date of writing, place of writing, world events that may
have shaped the writer's mind and purpose, etc. For this reading, I
strongly recommend "New Testament Introduction" by Donald Guthrie
(published by IVP).

   5. Mark or make note of words or phrases that stand out in the text.
Examples:

   "in Christ" "mystery" "law" "predestined"

   6. Using a good concordance such as Strong's Exhaustive Concordance,
find other passages where the same word or phrase is used. Find the
root Greek word from Strong.

   7. If dealing with a word, look up the word in a work such as
"Vine's Expository Dictionary". Note the different shades of meaning.

   8. Now ask questions about the text:

   a. To whom was it written?

   b. What prompted the writing, a doctinal problem, a word of
encouragement, etc.?

   c. Are there parallel passages? (esp. in the Gospels)

   9. Now re-read the text in the version you usually use. As you read,
write down all the timeless truths you can find or that are implied. A
timeless truth is a truth that is true regardless of the day and age.
Examples:

   a. God is infinite and sovereign.

   b. Man is finite and dependent.

   c. Holiness is essential to Christian life.

   d. Husbands are to exhibit Christ-like love for their wives.

   10. Determine the main idea or thought being expressed. Does this
theme fit in with the context of the whole book or has the writer made
a side excursion for some reason. If he has, what prompted it?

   11. Based upon the theme, timeless truths, and overall context,
develop an outline of the text or a lesson outline. Your timeless
truths could serve as main points.

   12. Lastly, consult commentaries for help with problems and for
illustrative material.

   Note - In all of these steps, one must maintain a constant
dependency upon the Spirit of Truth!!!

   NOTES ON USING COMMENTARIES

   1. Learn to scan a commentary, not read it. Simply use it to check
if there is a comment about the precise point or problem you are
studying.

   2. Do your own work first, then check the commentary.

   3. Do not use more than 3 or 4 commentaries as you study. Use a
variety of writers as this will give you some different perspectives
and help you see how different interpretations can arise. Stick to
sound writers.

   4. Use good commentaries which deal thoroughly with a book and which
explain the original languages. Many "commentaries" are nothing more
than dribble and only touch the surface of the text. "When you are
sick, go to a doctor, not to a medical student!"

   5. If you have a study Bible with comments in it, such as Scofield,
Ryrie, NIV Study Bible, etc., remember, it is the Scripture which is
inspired and which is infallible and inerrant, not the notes.