Hermeneutics Unit 2

Which best describes the reason that we must research the historical-cultural background of Scripture?

• Inspired Scripture is no longer being written.

• We no longer observe the practices of the Hebrew nation or the Early Church.

• We receive the Scripture from others who lived at different places and in different times.

• We have substituted secular laws for the Law of God.

To interpret Scripture correctly we must be able to

• read Hebrew or Greek.

• think holistically rather than sequentially.

• recognize the intelligence of the ancient peoples.

• think in two worlds: past and present.

How is it possible to think in terms of the ancient world of the Bible and also in terms of the modern world?

• There is very little difference between the ancient world and the modern world.

• We have to add modern scientific understandings to the message of the Bible.

• The enduring principles of the Bible can be applied in ways appropriate to modern times.

• There will always be a historical-cultural gap between the ancient and modern worlds.

What is the first consideration when we attempt to determine the meaning of a passage of Scripture?

• What does the passage mean to us today?

• What did the passage mean to the original hearers or readers?

• How does this passage relate to the whole Bible?

• Where was the author when the passage was written?

Which question is the most important consideration regarding the author of a book of the Bible?

• What relationship did he have with those he wrote to?

• What was his name or title?

• Did the attributed author really write the book?

• What was the time of the writing?

Which question is the most important consideration regarding those who received a book of the Bible?

• Were they young or old?

• What was their social status?

• Was the book an encyclical letter (also read to others)?

• Did the author of the book ever visit the recipients in person?

Why are the genealogies of Jesus regarded as valid?

• They are included in all four Gospels.

• Genealogies were important to Gentiles.

• The genealogies include historical figures who were known to exist.

• It was necessary to provide genealogies of religious and political leaders.

Identify an interpretive question that requires historical-cultural background.

• Who was the author?

• Is the book rightly included in the canon of Scripture?

• Are there applications to the life of a modern Christian?

• How does the specific passage relate to the author’s purpose?

Which is a biblical principle about slaves and masters (Ephesians 6:5–9)?

• Slavery is acceptable, even though it is no longer in general practice.

• Christ is the Lord of both slave and master.

• Slave owners should release their slaves when they become Christians.

• The institution of slavery should be abolished.

Galatians 3:10–14 is a passage that deals with faith, works, the law, and Christ’s sacrifice. Which statement provides a valid interpretation?

• Christ endured the curse of sin because of the means of His execution: crucifixion.

• Christians are to trust in Christ and also keep the Law.

• Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law by becoming cursed for us.

• The Law allowed forgiveness, but not the clearing of the conscience.