BIBL104 D2
1. What happens if you carefully consider the surrounding context of a passage, but ignore its literary genre?
“For communication to occur, the reader must be on the same page as the author in terms of genre” (Hays, 2008, p. 64). Considering literary genre of text is crucial to proper interpretation. This is very important to consider when reading scripture because this could lead to complete misunderstanding of God’s Word. Literary genre is work like a set of instructions to reading text, because you wouldn’t read an instruction manual the same way you would read a letter (Hays, 2008, p. 65). “The form or genre of the text really is connected to the content of the text, and for this reason, we should take literary genre seriously (Hays, 2008, p. 65).
2. Suppose you are intrigued by Acts chapter 1:9-11. Process the surrounding context per information in chapter 6 of Duvall. Note that “immediate context” and “surrounding context” are synonymous terms. We mainly study the Bible by paragraphs. A paragraph presents one idea and one or more supporting ideas. In your investigation of your target passage (Acts 1:9-11) determine what the author is communicating in the preceding passage and the following passage. How do the two surrounding context elements (preceding and following) contribute to the meaning of the target passage? Of course one studies the historical context (what occurred) but what is the theological import of Acts 1:9-11 in light of your context study? This question allows you to “practice” processing a surrounding context. Spend a bit more time and space in answering this question.
The preceding passage to Acts 1:9-11 discusses the importance of spreading God’s message to ends of the earth. The following passage explains the importance of prayer and how it should be included in your decision making. Acts 1:9-11 is miraculous moment that the disciples seen Jesus taken to heaven but also the moment that they knew he would one day return. When you consider
“For communication to occur, the reader must be on the same page as the author in terms of genre” (Hays, 2008, p. 64). Considering literary genre of text is crucial to proper interpretation. This is very important to consider when reading scripture because this could lead to complete misunderstanding of God’s Word. Literary genre is work like a set of instructions to reading text, because you wouldn’t read an instruction manual the same way you would read a letter (Hays, 2008, p. 65). “The form or genre of the text really is connected to the content of the text, and for this reason, we should take literary genre seriously (Hays, 2008, p. 65).
2. Suppose you are intrigued by Acts chapter 1:9-11. Process the surrounding context per information in chapter 6 of Duvall. Note that “immediate context” and “surrounding context” are synonymous terms. We mainly study the Bible by paragraphs. A paragraph presents one idea and one or more supporting ideas. In your investigation of your target passage (Acts 1:9-11) determine what the author is communicating in the preceding passage and the following passage. How do the two surrounding context elements (preceding and following) contribute to the meaning of the target passage? Of course one studies the historical context (what occurred) but what is the theological import of Acts 1:9-11 in light of your context study? This question allows you to “practice” processing a surrounding context. Spend a bit more time and space in answering this question.
The preceding passage to Acts 1:9-11 discusses the importance of spreading God’s message to ends of the earth. The following passage explains the importance of prayer and how it should be included in your decision making. Acts 1:9-11 is miraculous moment that the disciples seen Jesus taken to heaven but also the moment that they knew he would one day return. When you consider