Lesson 10: Interpretive Tools

The Gospel Revealed

Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

—1 Peter 1:10–12 (NIV)
Prayer
Father,
We praise you that you have revealed yourself to us in Christ through the Holy Bible. Thank you for making yourself known to us. We desire to labor faithfully as we interpret your Book. Strengthen us by your Holy Spirit and through this lesson so that we can indeed labor faithfully and fruitfully unto your glory in Christ.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Primary Principle:
The Bible demands that we labor to interpret Scripture faithfully.
This demand is made both by precept (1 Pet 1:13; 2 Tim 2:15) and by example (Col 1:28–29; 1 Peter 1:10–11).
Objectives
By the end of lesson 10, students will be able to…
...explain and support the Bible’s call to labor for faithful interpretation.
...explain several different interpretative tools and methods.
...paraphrase a biblical passage in a way that faithfully communicates its message. 