The Apostolic Hermeneutic…
October 8th, 2007
If you’re interested in a cursory examination of this subject, check these links out to follow a conversation about a subject I’ll tackle at some point:
Was There an Apostolic Hermeneutic and Can We Imitate It?
An article by a Reformed theologian who insists that the lens through which the apostles saw the Old Testament (through a “Christo-centric” lens that sees the fulfillment of prophetic scripture through the person of Christ and His first coming) is the same lens we can (and must) must apply to scripture interpretation today.
What Exactly is the “Apostles’ Hermeneutic”?
The initial article that began the exchange, which asks for someone to actually define the term.
The Relationship of the Testaments: Apostolic Hermeneutic
The initial, initial article outlining the terms and issues. I probably should have put this at the top - but I don’t always think sequentially. I often enjoy reading books from back to front.
The final response to the initial question. I found the tit-for-tat not so helpful, as it seemed as if the substantive issues became lost in the rhetoric, but you might appreciate following the conversation.
Update:
Is the NT like the conclusion to a mystery novel?
If I was more thorough, I would have included the latest posts on the discussion. I’m not, but I did anyways. While you’re there, why not just find some of the other articles on your own? You know how to navigate this “internet” thing far better than I do.
Breaking Down New Testament Hermeneutics
Another well-written and thought through article from another voice on the issue - and his follow up. I appreciated these two articles, though some may find them a bit heavy on terminology.
For those of you who care about this topic (and you would only care if you preach or teach in general and, more specifically, preach or teach on the end-times), happy reading!
David
12 Comments Add your own
1. Brandon | October 8th, 2007 at 9:52 am
This is my favorite subject right now. Thanks for the links.
2. bobby grow | October 8th, 2007 at 12:04 pm
Thanks for the links, I appreciate that.
In Christ
3. David Gagne | October 8th, 2007 at 4:06 pm
I look forward to seeing your take on this.
I haven’t made my way through those links yet, but my initial perspective from Bobby’s site made me really respect one of the things that Mike says often about studying the end-times, when he encourages everyone to study the end times through the lens of fasting and prayer for 20 years.
I think that the best perspective to interpret scripture, especially un-explained eschatological passages, is the perspective up looking up, from your knees, to the Father, asking for wisdom and revelation through his holy spirit.
Oh man, I just convicted myself!
4. Scott | October 8th, 2007 at 7:47 pm
David,
Exactly why are you studying this?
Not that I don’t find it interesting or beneficial (in a slightly detached way), but I know you must have a real purpose for embarking on this course of study, and I’m just curious.
5. Matt Hartke | October 9th, 2007 at 6:18 pm
Looking at these last two posts of yours Dave, I was reminded of this beautiful ode written by our very own Sir Hibberd. This really shouldn’t be buried back in page 7 of the “End Times - General” section of the onething forums.
O for the Amill, his miscreant way!
He seeks to supplant, as Aaron James knows
As do all Amills, those preterists fey!
Yet gospels and letters and things such as those
They highlight and comment, but never repeal
Explaining the basis of humans’ salvation
And adding to that which God had revealed
Through all of His Old Testament’s revelation
“But nay!” saith the Amill, those superfriends all!
“The New Testament’s best, the Old one, it lacks!
We’ll change it, estrange it, to fix all the facts
Don’t listen to Moses! Listen to Paul!”
“‘Tis Evangelistic entendre!”
We hear the noble Sliker say
To “THE AM” it still behoves
His bold assertion yet to prove
6. Brandon | October 10th, 2007 at 12:43 am
That ode is enough to get me to comment.
I think that any clear understanding of the bible has to take into account the New Testament authors use of the Old Testament.
Also, I’m glad that you posted this Dave because of something I’ve been hoping to see from the IHOP blog community. Posts dedicated to explaining your interpretive approach to prophecy and why others should interpret prophecy in the same manner.
This of course will have to take into account the New Testament authors hermeneutics.
Like I said, I love this subject and feel that there are many different acceptable stances concerning it.
If you want to win someone like me over to your eschatology you are going to have to show me how your way of interpreting is superior, because as it stands I am praying and fasting my way to a solid Amillennial position.
If there are already posts dealing with this subject from you forgive me. Post the links and I will follow.
7. David | October 10th, 2007 at 10:31 am
Brandon - you have no idea what a gift you are to me. Your presence here helps press and push me to think things through with real clarity. Preaching to the choir can be fun for many but has little value in the manner in which different streams of thought over time become isolated in their little theological bubbles. I never want that to happen in my life (until the timing of the Lord when we all come into agreement with Him - one doctrine, one people, etc.).
Thanks my friend.
DS
8. David | October 10th, 2007 at 11:26 am
Scott - I think Brandon hit the nail on the head related to the general reasons why I am sharpening my thinking related to why I interpret prophecy in the manner that I do.
I have my reasons pretty formed but I want them rock-solid.
As for the specific reason I’m looking at this, well, that’s a topic for another day
DS
9. Brandon | October 10th, 2007 at 1:10 pm
You’ll make me blush with comments like that. Thanks though, it’s hard to tell through this medium when I’m being helpful or just annoying.
10. Josh Hawkins | October 10th, 2007 at 1:49 pm
The theology geek in me is liking where this is going…
I really like Paul’s blog!
11. David | October 11th, 2007 at 7:57 am
Brandon - my vote is “helpful.”
12. Michael Bull | October 29th, 2007 at 5:49 am
Dear David
I have found that the seven-fold pattern set out in Genesis is built upon again and again throughout the Bible, and is reflected in the seven feasts. It also plays out in the events in the lives of Abraham and Jacob, but is most obvious in the exodus/Joshua. It is obvious in the Restoration period but rarely noticed. It culminates in the entire New Testament, with the last 4 in the Revelation. I think it explains many if not all of the instances of strange exegesis by the apostles. It also explains the seemingly odd references to the Feast of Booths in Zechariah 14, some of the things in Hebrews that are difficult to explain, and even the 1000 years in Revelation 20.
I have a couple of simple charts I can email you. Or they have just been posted under what’s new at http://www.preteristsite.com
They are called ‘Dominion Chiasms of the Bible’ and make all this very simple. I’m sure the apostles got the pattern. Suddenly it all becomes clear!
The charts are based on James B. Jordan’s 204 Revelation lectures from http://www.wordmp3.com I can’t recommend them highly enough.
God bless you in your study
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