The great scholar Origin (185-254 A.D.) is considered the major proponent of this method which taught that there was a literal, moral, and mystical sense in Scripture corresponding to the tripartite aspect of man. During the fourth century A.D,, a more literal interpretation of Scriptures was pioneered by Diodore of Tarsus and taught at the famous school at Antioch.

With the Protestant Reformation came a new era in the history of hermeneutics. The unprecedented availability of the Bible, made possible by the newly invented printing press, caused a new enthusiasm among theologians and the common people. For the first time in history the average person was able to read and interpret Scripture for the himself and, therefore, challenge the stereotype interpretations of the clergy.

Go over to www.sermonsfromthemount.com if you looking for good sermon material.

If you do not agree with some of the viewpoints, we understand. We can agree to disagree. Just remember that there is something in everyone of our newsletters that can help any speaker… and If you feel very strongly about something please email me I would love to here your thought.

Pastor Kirt Eure

Also Check out www.sermonsfromthemount.com Great resource for pastors

It is vitally important that we realize that God inspired the scripture and it is not important what ” WE THINK, WE THOUGHT, HE SAID”
Textual Or Lower Criticism

The first step in correctly interpreting Bible text involves restoring the original text of documents which have been exposed to the hazards of successive copying and recopying. Obviously, we do not have any original manuscripts produced by Moses, David,the Prophets, Paul, Mark, Matthew, etc.

A number of scholars have devoted their entire lives to interpreting the various ancient manuscripts and writings of the church fathers in order to give us, except in a few cases still disputed, what is genuine and true to the original manuscripts.

Higher Criticism

The next step called “Higher criticism” involves asking a number of questions concerning any given text to establish the basics of when, where, why, and how the text was produced. This is precisely what we will be doing in the upcoming lectures titled “Old Testament Survey” and “New Testament Survey.”

Higher criticism involves the following considerations.

1.   Determining the authorship of a manuscript (by means of internal or external evidence) – For instance, it is significant to note that the book of James was probably written by the half brother of Jesus and pastor of the Jerusalem church.

The books of Luke and Acts were written by a well-educated physician named Luke, and this explains the detail with which he describes various illnesses in his writings.

2.   Establishing the date of its origin – It is interesting to note in Acts l9:6 when “…the Holy Ghost come on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. ” that it was 25 years after the original day of Pentecost.

3.    Genuineness – Did events or details recorded in the text actually occur? Example: The temple described in chapters 40 – 48 of Ezekiel was never built, and this caused some serious doubt of the legitimacy of the book.

4.   Destination – What was the target audience or to whom was the book originally addressed? Example: The book of Acts is addressed to Theophilus, yet no one knows who this is.

It has been suggested that Theophilus refers to all Christians (Theophilus means “loves God”), or perhaps it refers to an undiscovered city of that day; and still others have suggested that Theophilus was Paul’s attorney and that the book of Luke and Acts were written to serve as his defense during the Trial in Rome.

5.   The purpose – Why was the document written? Example: The books of Job and Psalms, as well as others, were written as Hebrew poetry.

6.   The place of writing – Example: Paul wrote Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon while in prison.

7.   The nature of the document – Is it historical? Is it fictional? Is it prophetic? Example: The book of Revelation is considered apocalyptic literature meaning “hidden from view.”

By subjecting the text to these various steps, we begin to close the gaps separating the reader from the intent of the author.

If your having problems with finding the right material for your sermons go to www.sermonsfromthemount.com there are a lot of excellent sermons and resources there.

By Pastor Kirt Eure