Lesson 8 | Sub-Point Summaries
Starting to Build
Here we come to the crux of why we summarize: because it proves that the broad connections we have made between pieces of a passage are legitimate, enabling us to build our arc/bracket out to completion.
An Example in James 3:1-6
Here in James 3, I have begun to connect the low-hanging fruit (the most intuitive connections) and have been able to isolate some primary propositions. Take a moment to read through the primary propositions (colored red). Can you connect them in a way that makes sense from vv. 2–6?
A few observations:
- In the first three propositions, there are some ground relationships, but I'm not confident of their scope so I have left them without labels for now.
- I also notice that the metaphor of “fire” begins in 5c and continues through v. 6. There is most likely a connection to be made there.
- The primary propositions from v. 2–6 are nonsensical when taken together. “He is a perfect man...We direct their whole body well...Look at the ships!...And it boasts of great things...The tongue is a fire...The tongue is set among the body...” Our work would be halted right here unless we took a step to summarize them with details brought in from their subordinate propositions.
Now with sub-point summaries in place, I am ready to connect some more pieces.
Time to build:
- Between 2a and 2b-d, there seems to be a contrast between general stumbling and the power of the tongue specifically. I have labeled these a Concessive below.
- I can see clearly now that v. 3 should go with v. 4 in a list—probably a Series, as indicated below.
- The “so also“ language of 5a–b indicates that this is a reality illustrated in vv. 3–4, so I’m thinking about a Comparison relationship connecting the two, as below.
- Finally, the fact that 6c-6f continues the same theme as 6a-b indicates that is most likely an Explanation, and has been labeled as such below.
We’ve made good headway! We’ll have to do some more summarizing to continue on. Look for that in Lesson 9.