Subject: Properly Interpreting the Bible |
Bible Note: The term "kerygma" is used by Bible scholars to refer to the total teachings of the gospel by Jesus Christ and the apostles. As believers, understanding what the kerygma actually contains is critical. The four gospels are the ideal place to begin in understanding what the kerygma is all about. I would like to create a few posts, therefore, on the proper hermeneutical handling of the gospel accounts. In order to properly understand the gospels, it is very helpful to ask the question: Why were the gospels written? Here are a few likely answers: 1. To give accurate written documentation concerning the life and teaching of Jesus Christ on which the Gospel is based. 2. To enable the Gospel of Jesus Christ to be facilitated for proclamation across the Roman Empire. (Three gospels were written within the first 40 years after Jesus' ascension.) 3. To meet the urgent need to have the gospel committed to writing before the death of the apostles. 4. To prepare an apology (i.e., a reasoned argument/presentation) for Christian belief. 5. To teach and encourage Christians in what they should believe and how they should live, and to give them hope. HOW TO HANDLE THE GOSPELS HERMENEUTICALY 1. Consider them in toto; i.e., take them together. They are "different colors that form a composite picture." 2. Consider them each as a unique, specialized (and indispensable) perspective of Christ. 3. Remember that each gospel account has self imposed limitations with respect to scope and purpose. None of them claim completeness. Each represents a specialized interpretive lense. 4. The gospels are both historical and theological. They are historical in nature and theological in purpose. They are not essentially ethical or mythical. Important note: If they are both historical and theological, then the life of Christ is shown to be theologically significant couched in history. 5. Remember, each gospel writer is an editor – he specifically chose, as led by the Spirit of God, what was included in order to fulfill the unique, specialized intent or purpose for which the gospel was written. - - - - - - - - I'd like to emphasize, again, that the gospels are both historical and theological. Consider for a moment: If we take the gospels as historical, but not theological, then we deny the explicit statements of the gospel writers. We impose an interpretation for which we have no rights. In other words, we would have to throw out many of the explicit statements by the gospel writers that affirm the theological significance of the incarnation of Christ. If we take the gospels as theological, but not historical, then we destroy the essence of the incarnation. For, if Christ be not raised from the dead, then we have not hope. Many modern critics of the Bible message have taken these positions. They are the source of great error. "The whole point of redemption is that God achieves it in history through the incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ." --Dr. John Greever |