Hermeneutics 101: How to Read the Bible

“The first reason one needs to learn how to interpret is that, whether one likes it or not, every reader is at the same time an interpreter.” – Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart. The attendees and members of church alike have become rather lackluster in their ability to thoughtfully engage with the Word of God they, as a church, profess. As Mason King of The Village Church Institute claims, “…we must break the addiction to commentaries that has led to a bible-illiteracy epidemic in the church today.” To fight this “epidemic,” Resurrection University presented a study in hermeneutics to inform, instruct, and guide on how best to read God’s Word with confidence, competence and humility.

All of the lessons and the corresponding notes can be found below. (Original stream date: 03/09/22-04/06/22)

Hermeneutics 101, Part 1 - What is Hermeneutics?

Our first lesson aims to define hermeneutics and establish the difference between good and bad interpretation. This takes us to Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 and the parable of the sower, which provides four effective pictures of hermeneutical styles at play, as well as their consequences.

Hermeneutics 101, Part 2 - Literary Context

The object of this lesson is threefold: First, to introduce and define exegesis and its counterpart – eisegesis. Second, following Michael J. Gorman’s definition of exegesis, this concept will be divided into three parts – literary, historical, and theological analysis. Lastly, the lesson will cover a brief overview of literary context with particular focus on genre.

Hermeneutics 101, Part 3 - Historical Context

This lesson is driven by the understanding that a historical component of the text must be addressed in order for the reader to be led (hegesthai) from and by (ex) the text (exegesis

Hermeneutics 101, Part 4 - The “Here and Now” of What we Read

Scripture is Eternally relevant and bears consequence on every life throughout every age. What we are going to arrive at once we finish reading the text is ultimately a single question: “What is the Point?” However, we ask this question with the first two parts of exegesis still in mind – literary and historical context.

Hermeneutics 101, Part 5 - The Hermeneutical Method: Building Our Toolbox

To wrap up the series, this lesson will primarily consist of summarizing all of the lesson points from the 3-part analysis of exegesis. In essence, we will be putting the pieces together to make our methodological toolbox.