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diff --git a/docs/howto/unicode/Makefile.am b/docs/howto/unicode/Makefile.am new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1a39c03 --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/howto/unicode/Makefile.am @@ -0,0 +1,25 @@ +# this Makefile.am was automatically generated by bibletime/maintenance/gen_am.sh +# please do not edit this file but rather run the script to update + + +KDE_OPTIONS = noautodist +EXTRA_DIST = how2-basics.docbook how2-importance.docbook how2-interpretation.docbook index.docbook + + +install-data-local: + mkdir -p $(DESTDIR)$(kde_htmldir)/en/bibletime/howto/; + chmod -R a+r+X $(DESTDIR)$(kde_htmldir)/en/bibletime; + $(INSTALL_DATA) $(srcdir)/how2-basics.docbook $(DESTDIR)$(kde_htmldir)/en/bibletime/howto; + chmod a+r $(DESTDIR)$(kde_htmldir)/en/bibletime/howto/how2-basics.docbook; + $(INSTALL_DATA) $(srcdir)/how2-importance.docbook $(DESTDIR)$(kde_htmldir)/en/bibletime/howto; + chmod a+r $(DESTDIR)$(kde_htmldir)/en/bibletime/howto/how2-importance.docbook; + $(INSTALL_DATA) $(srcdir)/how2-interpretation.docbook $(DESTDIR)$(kde_htmldir)/en/bibletime/howto; + chmod a+r $(DESTDIR)$(kde_htmldir)/en/bibletime/howto/how2-interpretation.docbook; + $(INSTALL_DATA) $(srcdir)/index.docbook $(DESTDIR)$(kde_htmldir)/en/bibletime/howto; + chmod a+r $(DESTDIR)$(kde_htmldir)/en/bibletime/howto/index.docbook; + +uninstall-local: + rm -f $(DESTDIR)$(kde_htmldir)/en/bibletime/howto/how2-basics.docbook; + rm -f $(DESTDIR)$(kde_htmldir)/en/bibletime/howto/how2-importance.docbook; + rm -f $(DESTDIR)$(kde_htmldir)/en/bibletime/howto/how2-interpretation.docbook; + rm -f $(DESTDIR)$(kde_htmldir)/en/bibletime/howto/index.docbook; diff --git a/docs/howto/unicode/how2-basics.docbook b/docs/howto/unicode/how2-basics.docbook new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f70bf81 --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/howto/unicode/how2-basics.docbook @@ -0,0 +1,198 @@ +<chapter id="h2-basics"><title>Bible Study Basics</title> + +<sect1 id="h2-basics-purpose"> +<title>Our Purpose as we Approach the Bible</title> +<para> +<blockquote><attribution>Jn.5:39-40</attribution> <para>You search the Scriptures, because you think that +in them you have eternal life; and it is these that bear witness of Me; and you +are unwilling to come to Me, that you may have life.</para> +</blockquote> +</para> + +<para>The chief purpose of the book is to bring us to the Person. Martin Luther +said <quote>we go to the cradle only for the sake of the baby</quote>; just so +in Bible study, we do it not for its own sake but for fellowship with God. +</para> + +<blockquote><attribution>John R.W. Stott, <emphasis>Christ the +Controversialist</emphasis>, InterVarsity Press 1978, pp.97, 104.</attribution> +<para>The Jews to whom Jesus spoke [...] imagined that to possess Scripture was +tantamount to possessing life. Hillel used to say, "He who has gotten to +himself words of Torah has gotten to himself the life of the world to +come." Their study was an end in itself. In this they were grievously +deceived. [...]</para> +<para>There is neither merit nor profit in the reading of +Scripture for its own sake, but only if it effectively introduces us to Jesus +Christ. Whenever the Bible is read, what is needed is an eager expectation that +through it we may meet Christ.</para> +</blockquote> +</sect1> + +<sect1 id="h2-basics-approaches"><title>Approaches to God's Word</title> +<para>Hearing and reading provide a telescopic view of the scripture while study +and memorization provide a microscopic view of scripture. Meditating on the +scriptures brings hearing, reading, studying and memorization together and +cements the word in our minds.</para> + +<sect2 id="h2-basics-approaches-hear"><title>Hear</title> +<para>Lk.11:28 <quote>blessed are those who hear the word of God, and +observe it.</quote></para> +</sect2> + +<sect2 id="h2-basics-approaches-read"><title>Read</title> +<para>Rev.1:3 <quote>Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this +prophecy [...]</quote></para> +<para>1 Tim.4:13 <quote>give attention to the public reading of Scripture [...]</quote> +</para> +</sect2> + +<sect2 id="h2-basics-approaches-study"><title>Study</title> +<para>Acts 17:11 <quote>Now these were more noble-minded than those in +Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the +Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so.</quote> +</para> +<para>2 Tim.2:15 <quote>Be diligent [KJV `Study'] to present yourself +approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling +accurately the word of truth.</quote></para> +</sect2> + +<sect2 id="h2-basics-approaches-memorize"><title>Memorize</title> +<para>Ps.119:11 <quote>Thy word I have hid in my heart, that I may not +sin against Thee.</quote></para> +</sect2> + +<sect2 id="h2-basics-approaches-meditate"><title>Meditate</title> +<para>Ps.1:2-3 <quote>But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And +in His law he meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted +by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season, And its leaf does not +wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.</quote> +</para> + +<para>The Navigators illustrate this by saying that as the thumb can touch all +the fingers, we can meditate on the Word as we do any of the first four. +Meditation is a key to revelation. A new Christian needs to hear and read the +Bible more than they need to study and memorize it. This is so that they become +familiar with the overall message of the Bible.</para> +</sect2> +</sect1> + +<sect1 id="h2-basics-types"><title>Types of Bible Studies</title> +<sect2 id="basics-types-topical"><title>Topical Study</title> +<para>Pick out a certain topic and follow it through, using cross-references or a +concordance.</para> +</sect2> + +<sect2 id="h2-basics-types-character"><title>Character Study</title> +<para>Studying the life of a Bible character, e.g. Joseph's life in +Gen.37-50.</para> +</sect2> + +<sect2 id="basics-types-expository"><title>Expository Study</title> +<para>Studying a certain passage: paragraph, chapter, or book.</para> +</sect2> +</sect1> + +<sect1 id="h2-basics-interpretation"><title>Basics of Correct Interpretation</title> + +<sect2 id="h2-basics-interpretation-content"><title>Content</title> +<para>What does it say? What does it say in the original language? Be careful +with definitions. Don't read into it what it doesn't say.</para> +</sect2> + +<sect2 id="h2-basics-interpretation-context"><title>Context</title> +<para>What do the verses around it say? "Context is king" is the rule -- the passage must make +sense within the structure of the entire passage and book.</para> +</sect2> + +<sect2 id="h2-basics-interpretation-cross"><title>Cross-reference</title> +<para>What do other verses about this subject say through the rest of the Bible? God +doesn't contradict Himself, so our interpretation needs to stand the test of other scriptures.</para> +</sect2> +</sect1> + +<sect1 id="h2-basics-expository"><title>An Expository Study of Matthew 6:1-18</title> +<para>Let's study together Mt.6:1-18. Read it to yourself, first looking for the key verse, the verse that sums +up the whole passage. Think you have it? Test it by picking different places in the passage and asking yourself +if they relate to the thought of the key verse. Once you find it, write it as Roman numeral One of your outline:</para> + +<orderedlist numeration="upperroman"> + <listitem><para>Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed</para></listitem> +</orderedlist> + +<para>What does <quote>practicing your righteousness</quote> mean? Does the passage give any examples? What area +of our lives is being addressed? <emphasis>Our motives!</emphasis> What sub-headings develop this thought?</para> + +<orderedlist numeration="upperalpha"> + <listitem><para>When you give</para></listitem> + <listitem><para>When you fast</para></listitem> + <listitem><para>When you pray</para></listitem> +</orderedlist> + +<para>Now fill in the outline with specific instructions of how to avoid wrong ways of practicing our +righteousness:</para> + +<orderedlist numeration="upperalpha"> + <listitem><para>When you give + <orderedlist numeration="loweralpha"> + <listitem><para>don't sound a trumpet. (how might someone <quote>sound a trumpet</quote> today?)</para></listitem> + <listitem><para>do it secretly.</para></listitem> + <listitem><para>etc.</para></listitem> + </orderedlist></para> + </listitem> +</orderedlist> +</sect1> + +<sect1 id="h2-basics-worksheet"><title>Worksheet: How to Use a Concordance</title> + +<sect2 id="h2-basics-worksheet-select"><title>To Find a Particular Verse</title> +<orderedlist numeration="arabic"> + <listitem><para>Pick out a key word or most-unusual word of the verse.</para></listitem> + <listitem><para>Turn to this word alphabetically.</para></listitem> + <listitem><para>Go down the column of listings until you find your verse.</para></listitem> +</orderedlist> + +<para>Find these verses: +<orderedlist numeration="arabic"> + <listitem><para><quote>Faithful are the wounds of a friend</quote></para></listitem> + <listitem><para><quote>We are ambassadors of Christ.</quote></para></listitem> + <listitem><para>The story of the rich man and Lazarus.</para></listitem> +</orderedlist> +</para> +</sect2> + +<sect2 id="h2-basics-worksheet-study"><title>To Do a Topical Study </title> +<para>Let's say you wanted to do a study of the word "redemption." First you would look up that word in the +concordance and look up references listed for it. Then you could look up related words and references listed for them, e.g. +"redeem, redeemed, ransom," even "buy" or "bought." </para> +</sect2> + + +<sect2 id="h2-basics-worksheet-clarify"><title>To Clarify Word Meanings in the Greek and Hebrew</title> +<para>What if you noticed a contradiction in the KJV between Mt.7:1 <quote>Judge not lest you be judged</quote> and 1 Cor.2:15 +<quote>He that is spiritual judgeth all things.</quote> Maybe there are two different Greek words here, both being translated "judge" in +English? (We're using Strong's from here out.) </para> +<orderedlist numeration="arabic"> + <listitem><para>Look up "judge".</para></listitem> + <listitem><para>Go down the column of entries to Mt.7:1. To the right is a number, 2919. This refers to the Greek word used. + Write it down.</para></listitem> + <listitem><para>Now look up "judgeth".</para></listitem> + <listitem><para>Go down the column to 1 Cor.2:15 . . . . . 350.</para></listitem> + <listitem><para>Turn in the back to the Greek dictionary. (Remember, you're in the NT so the language is Greek, while the + OT is Hebrew.) Compare the meaning of 2919 with the meaning of 350 and you have your answer! </para></listitem> +</orderedlist> +</sect2> + +<sect2 id="h2-basics-worksheet-names"><title>To Find Meanings of Names</title> +<para>By the same process we can find the meaning of a name in the Greek or Hebrew.</para> +<para>Look up these names and write down their meaning:</para> +<itemizedlist> +<listitem><para>Nabal</para></listitem> +<listitem><para>Abigail</para></listitem> +<listitem><para>Joshua</para></listitem> +<listitem><para>Barnabus</para></listitem> +</itemizedlist> +</sect2> + +</sect1> + +</chapter> diff --git a/docs/howto/unicode/how2-importance.docbook b/docs/howto/unicode/how2-importance.docbook new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8464528 --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/howto/unicode/how2-importance.docbook @@ -0,0 +1,311 @@ +<chapter id="h2-importance"><title>Importance of God's Word</title> +<para>Understanding God's word is of great importance to all who call on +God's name. Study of the Bible is one of the primary ways that we learn to +communicate with God.</para> + +<sect1 id="h2-importance-unique"><title>A Book that is Unique</title> +<para>The Bible stands alone in many ways. It is unique in:</para> + +<itemizedlist> +<listitem> +<para> +popularity. Bible sales in North America: more than $500 million per +year. The Bible is both the the all-time and year-to-year best seller! +</para> +</listitem> +<listitem> +<para> +authorship. It was written over a period of 1600 years by 40 different +authors from different backgrounds, yet reads as if written by one. +</para> +</listitem> +<listitem> +<para> +preservation. F. F. Bruce in <emphasis>Are New Testament Documents Reliable?</emphasis> +compares New Testament manuscripts with other ancient texts: +</para> +</listitem> +</itemizedlist> +<table> +<title>Comparison of New Testament manuscripts with other ancient texts.</title> +<tgroup cols="5"> +<thead> +<row> +<entry>Work</entry> +<entry>When Written</entry> +<entry>Earliest Copy</entry> +<entry>Time Lapse</entry><entry>Number of Copies</entry> +</row></thead> +<tbody> +<row> +<entry>Herodotus</entry> +<entry>448-428 B.C.</entry><entry>900 A.D.</entry> +<entry>1300 years</entry><entry>8 +</entry></row> +<row> +<entry>Tacitus</entry> +<entry>100 A.D.</entry><entry>1100 A.D.</entry> +<entry>1000 years</entry><entry>20 +</entry></row> +<row> +<entry>Caesar's <emphasis>Gallic War</emphasis></entry> +<entry>50-58 B.C.</entry><entry>900 A.D.</entry> +<entry>950 years</entry><entry>10 +</entry></row> +<row> +<entry>Livy's <emphasis>Roman History</emphasis></entry> +<entry>59 B.C. - 17 A.D.</entry><entry>900 A.D.</entry> +<entry>900 years</entry><entry>20 +</entry></row> +<row> +<entry>New Testament</entry> +<entry>40 A.D. - 100 A.D.</entry><entry>130 A.D. Partial manuscripts 350 +A.D. Full manuscripts</entry> <entry>30 - 310 years</entry><entry>5000 Greek & 10,000 Latin +</entry></row> +</tbody></tgroup></table> +<para>Ten copies of Caesar's <emphasis>Gallic War</emphasis> exist, the earliest of which was copied +900 years after Caesar wrote the original, etc. For the New Testament we have +full manuscripts dating to 350 A. D., papyri containing most of the New +Testament from the 200s, and a fragment of John's gospel from 130 A. D. How +many manuscripts do we have to compare to each other? 5,000 in Greek and 10,000 +in Latin! </para> +<blockquote><attribution>Textual critic F. J. A. Hort, "The New Testament in the +Original Greek", vol. 1 p561, Macmillan Co., quoted in <emphasis>Questions of Life</emphasis> p. +25-26</attribution><para>"In the verity and fullness of the evidence on which +it rests, the text of the New Testament stands absolutely and unapproachably +alone among other ancient prose writings." </para></blockquote> +</sect1> + +<sect1 id="h2-importance-breathed"><title>A Book that God Breathed</title> +<para><emphasis>Heb.4:12 </emphasis>"<emphasis>For the word of God is living and active... +</emphasis>" Jesus said <emphasis>(Mt.4:4),</emphasis> +"<emphasis>It is written, Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that +proceeds [lit., is proceeding] from the mouth of God.</emphasis>" +As we read the Bible, God's Spirit is there to speak it to our hearts in a continually-fresh way. +</para> +<para>2 Tim.3:16 declares, "<emphasis>All scripture is inspired by God [lit., +God-breathed].</emphasis>" Do you believe this? Before you answer, consider Jesus' attitude +toward the Scriptures. </para> +<blockquote><attribution>John R.W. Stott, <emphasis>Christ the Controversialist</emphasis>, +InterVarsity Press 1978, pp.93-95 </attribution><para>He referred to the human authors, but took it for +granted that behind them all was a single divine Author. He could equally say +'Moses said' or 'God said' (Mk.7:10). He could quote a comment of the narrator in +Genesis 2:24 as an utterance of the Creator Himself (Mt.19:4-5). Similarly He +said, 'Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written', when what He +went on to quote is the direct speech of the Lord God (Mk.7:6 & Is.29:13). It +is from Jesus Himself that the New Testament authors have gained their +conviction of the dual authorship of Scripture. For them it was just as true to +say that 'God spoke of old to our fathers by the prophets' (Heb.1:1) as it was to +say that 'men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God' (2 Pe.1:21). God did not +speak in such a way as to obliterate the personality of the human authors, nor +did men speak in such a way as to corrupt the Word of the divine Author. God +spoke. Men spoke. Neither truth must be allowed to detract from the other. ... +</para> +<para> +This, then, was Christ's view of the Scriptures. Their witness was God's +witness. The testimony of the Bible is the testimony of God. And the chief +reason why the Christian believes in the divine origin of the Bible is that +Jesus Christ Himself taught it. </para></blockquote> + +<para>2 Tim.3:16 goes on, "<emphasis>and profitable for teaching, for +correction, for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be adequate, +equipped for every good work.</emphasis>" If we accept that the Bible really is God +speaking to us, it follows that it will be our authority in all matters of faith +and conduct. </para> +</sect1> + +<sect1 id="h2-importance-works"><title>A Book that Works</title> +<para> +What will studying the Bible do for you? 1 Thess.2:13 says that the Bible +"<emphasis>performs its work in you +who believe.</emphasis>" Beside each scripture, write down the work the Word +performs. +</para> +<table> +<title>What does Bible study do for Christians?</title> +<tgroup cols="2"> +<thead> +<row> +<entry>Reference</entry> +<entry>Action</entry> +</row> +</thead> +<tbody> +<row> +<entry>Eph. 5:26 +</entry> +<entry>cleanses -- "...having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word." +</entry> +</row> +<row> +<entry> +Acts 20:32 +</entry> +<entry> +builds up -- +" +...the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the +inheritance among all those who are sanctified. +" +</entry> +</row> +<row> +<entry> +Rom. 15:4 +</entry> +<entry> +encourages -- "that through perseverance and the +encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." +</entry> +</row> + +<row> +<entry> +Rom. 10:17 +</entry> +<entry> +gives faith -- +"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of +Christ." +</entry> +</row> + +<row> +<entry> +1 Cor. 10:11 +</entry> +<entry> +instructs -- +"Now these things happened to them for an example, +and they were written for our instruction" +</entry> +</row> + +<row> +<entry> +Mt. 4:4 +</entry> +<entry> +nourishment -- +"But He answered and said, 'It is written, Man shall not live on bread alone, +but on every word that proceeds out of the +mouth of God.'" +</entry> +</row> +</tbody> +</tgroup> +</table> +</sect1> + +<sect1 id="h2-importance-liberates"><title>A Book that Liberates</title> +<para> +Jn.8:32 "<emphasis>and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you +free.</emphasis>"This is usually quoted by +itself. Is this a conditional or unconditional promise? Would it apply to +all kinds of knowledge? Find the answers by examining the first half of the +sentence, in v.31. "<emphasis>If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of +Mine... </emphasis>"</para> +<para>We see that this is a conditional promice, specifically speaking of the truth of God's word.</para> + +<para>The Greek word for "wind" used in Eph.4:14 means a <emphasis>violent wind.</emphasis> +"<emphasis>As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by +waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine...</emphasis>"One +thing studying the Bible does for us is to ground us in the truth, with the +result that we won't be easily "blown away."</para> + +<para><emphasis>But Jesus answered and said to them, </emphasis>"<emphasis>You are mistaken [KJV Ye do err], not +understanding the Scriptures, or the power of God.</emphasis>"Mt.22:29</para> +<para>What 2 things do we need to know to be kept from error?</para> +<itemizedlist> +<listitem><para>God's word</para></listitem> +<listitem><para>God's power </para></listitem> +</itemizedlist> +</sect1> + +<sect1 id="h2-importance-wars"><title>A Book that Wars</title> +<para> +Eph.6:10-18 is one picture of our spiritual armament.</para> +<table> +<title>Spiritual Armor</title> +<tgroup cols="2"> +<thead> +<row> +<entry>Question</entry> +<entry>Answer</entry> +</row></thead> +<tbody> +<row><entry>How many of the weapons listed here are defensive weapons?</entry><entry>5</entry></row> +<row><entry>How many are offensive?</entry><entry>One</entry></row> +<row><entry>Which one(s)? </entry><entry>the word - <foreignphrase>rhema</foreignphrase></entry></row> +</tbody></tgroup></table> +</sect1> + +<sect1 id="h2-importance-exhortations"><title>Exhortations</title> +<para> +2 Tim.2:15 (KJV) "<emphasis>Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly +dividing the word of truth.</emphasis>" +</para> +<para> +Col.3:16 "<emphasis>Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you; with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another +with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.</emphasis>" +</para> + +<para>If you're rich in something, how much of it do you +have? </para> +<para> +Not a little!</para> + +<para> +Eccl.12:11-12 "<emphasis>The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these +collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd. But +beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and +excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body.</emphasis>" +</para> </sect1> + +<sect1 id="h2-importance-once"><title>Appendix: "Once for +All"</title> +<blockquote> +<attribution>John R. W. Stott, <emphasis>Christ the Controversialist,</emphasis> +InterVarsity Press 1978, pp.106-107</attribution> <para>The truth regarding the +finality of God's initiative in Christ is conveyed by one word of the Greek +Testament, namely the adverb <foreignphrase>hapax</foreignphrase> and +<foreignphrase>ephapax</foreignphrase>. It is usually translated in the +Authorized Version once, meaning once for all. It is used of what is so done as +to be of perpetual validity and never need repetition, and is applied in the NT +to both revelation and redemption. Thus, Jude refers to the faith which was +once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3), and Romans says, +"<emphasis>Christ also died for sins once for all</emphasis>" +(Rom.6:10, see also 1 Pe.3:18; Heb.9:26-28). </para> <para> +Thus we may say that God has spoken once +for all and Christ has suffered once for all. This means that the Christian +revelation and the Christian redemption are both alike in Christ complete. +Nothing can be added to either without being derogatory to Christ... These are +the two rocks on which the Protestant Reformation was built -- Gods revealed +word without the addition of human traditions and Christ's finished work without +the addition of human merits. The Reformers great watchwords were <foreignphrase>sola +scriptura</foreignphrase> for our authority and <foreignphrase>sola gratia</foreignphrase> for our salvation.</para> +</blockquote> +</sect1> + +<sect1 id="h2-importance-supplement"><title>Supplement: Bible Reading +Programs</title> <para> Here are some easy programs to systematically read your +Bible. You can do more than one at a time if you like, for instance #1 with #4, +or #2 with #5. Vary the program from year to year to keep it fresh! +</para> +<orderedlist numeration="arabic"> +<listitem><para>New Testament in a Year: read one chapter each day, 5 days a +week.</para></listitem> +<listitem><para>Proverbs in a Month: read one chapter of Proverbs each day, +corresponding to the day of the month.</para></listitem> +<listitem><para>Psalms in a Month: read 5 Psalms at intervals of 30 each day, +for instance on the 20th you read Ps.20, 50, 80, 110, & 140.</para></listitem> +<listitem><para>Psalms & Proverbs in 6 months: read through Psalms and Proverbs +one chapter per day.</para></listitem> +<listitem><para>Old Testament without Psalms & Proverbs in 2 years: if +you read one chapter a day of the Old Testament, skipping over Psalms & Proverbs, you will read the Old Testament in 2 years and 2 weeks. +</para></listitem> +</orderedlist> +</sect1> + +</chapter> + diff --git a/docs/howto/unicode/how2-interpretation.docbook b/docs/howto/unicode/how2-interpretation.docbook new file mode 100644 index 0000000..aadc189 --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/howto/unicode/how2-interpretation.docbook @@ -0,0 +1,212 @@ +<chapter id="h2-rules"><title>Rules of Bible Interpretation (Hermeneutics)</title> +<para>We already learned about the "3 Cs": content, context, cross-reference. We want to expand that now by +delving briefly into biblical hermeneutics, whose goal is to discover the meaning intended by the original author (and +Author!). While many applications of a passage are valid, only one interpretation is valid. The scripture itself says +this by saying that no scripture is of any private interpretation (2 Pe.1:20 KJV <quote>Knowing this first, that no +prophesy of scripture is of any private interpretation.</quote>). Certain rules are helps toward discovering the correct meaning; +by ignoring these rules people have brought much trouble on themselves and their followers. 2 Pe.3:16 <quote>...in which are +some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to +their own destruction.</quote></para> + +<para>How do we go about discovering the intended meaning of a passage? Let's say your attention has been +drawn to a particular verse whose meaning is not clear to you. How do you study it out? Keep these rules in mind:</para> + +<section id="h2-rules-exact"><title>Rule 1 - Interpret according to the exact meaning of the words.</title> +<para>The more precise we can be with the exact, original meaning of the words the better our interpretation will be. +Try to find the exact meaning of the key words by following these steps:</para> + +<orderedlist> + <listitem> + <formalpara><title>Definition</title> + <para>Look up the definition in a Greek or Hebrew dictionary. For verbs, the verb tense is also crucial.</para> + </formalpara> + </listitem> + + <listitem> + <formalpara><title>Cross-reference</title> + <para>Compare scripture with scripture. Seeing how the same Greek or Hebrew word + (not the English word) is used in scripture may clarify or throw new light on the definition. How does the same author + use this word elsewhere? Other authors? Your reference tools may give you uses of the word in non-biblical + documents, as well. Why do we have to go to the original languages; why isn't the English word good enough? + <emphasis>Because more than one greek word may be translated into the same english word, and the greek + words may have different shades of meaning.</emphasis></para> + </formalpara> + </listitem> +</orderedlist> + +<section id="h2-rules-exact-crossref-ex1a"><title>Example 1A</title> +<para>Jn.20:17 <emphasis>"Touch me not"</emphasis> (KJV) sounds harsh, doesn't it? Sounds like Jesus doesn't want +to be touched now that He is risen, that He is too holy or something. But that doesn't seem right, so let's look +it up in Spiros Zodhiates' <emphasis>The Complete Word Study New Testament</emphasis> (AMG Publishers, 1991).</para> + +<para>Definition: Turning to John 20:17, above the word "Touch" we see "pim680." The letters +give us a code for the part of speech, and the number refers to Strong's dictionary reference. Let's look up +the definition (p. 879). "680. Haptomai; from hapto (681), touch. Refers to such handling of an object as to exert a modifying +influence upon it... Distinguished from pselaphao (5584), which actually only means to touch the surface of something. " Now look +up "pim." The grammar codes in Zodhiates come right after Revelation; on p. 849 we see that pim stands for +"present imperative active (80)". On p.857, "Present Imperative. In the active voice, it may indicate a command to do +something in the future which involves continuous or repeated action or, when it is negated, a command to stop doing something. " This +is a negative command, so it is to stop doing something that is already occuring. So, what have we found?</para> +<para><emphasis>Mary is already clinging to Jesus, and he is saying to stop holding him!</emphasis></para> +</section> + +<section id="h2-rules-exact-crossref-ex1b"><title>Example 1B</title> +<para>In James 5:14, <emphasis>Elders are told to pray and anoint someone who is sick</emphasis>. What is this anointing?</para> +<para>Definition of aleipho (218) - "to oil" (Strong's); but we also have another Greek word translated +"anoint", chrio (5548) - "to smear or rub with oil, i.e. to consecrate to an office or religious service" (Strong's). + Since it's a verb, consider the tense also, "apta" aorist participle active. "The aorist participle expresses simple action, +as opposed to continuous action...When its relaitonship to the main verb is temporal, it usually signifies action prior to that of the main +verb." (Zodhiates p.851)</para> + +<itemizedlist> +<listitem><para>Cross-references for aleipho: + <orderedlist> + <listitem><para>Mt.6:17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head</para></listitem> + <listitem><para>Mk.16:1 [the women] brought spices that they might come and anoint Him.</para></listitem> + <listitem><para>Mk.6:13 And they were...anointing with oil many sick people and healing them.</para></listitem> + <listitem><para>Lk.7:38 [...] kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume</para></listitem> + <listitem><para>Jn.12:3 Mary [...] anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped them with her hair</para></listitem> + </orderedlist></para> +</listitem> + +<listitem><para>Cross-references of chrio: + <orderedlist> + <listitem><para>Lk.4:18 <quote>The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to preach [...]</quote></para></listitem> + <listitem><para>Acts 4:27 Jesus, whom Thou hast anointed</para></listitem> + <listitem><para>Acts 10:38 God anointed Jesus with the Holy Ghost and power</para></listitem> + <listitem><para>2 Cor.1:21 Now He who...anointed us is God</para></listitem> + </orderedlist></para> +</listitem> +</itemizedlist> + +<para>So what's the difference between aleipho and chrio? Look back over the cross-references and the +definitions, and sum up the difference: <emphasis>"aleipho" is a practical use of oil and "chrio" is a spiritual</emphasis></para> + +<para>As an illustration (although the word is not used) of the practical use of oil at that time, when the good +Samaritan cared for the man beat up by robbers he poured oil and wine in the wound. So oil had a medicinal +use in Jesus' day. +</para> +<para>Now let's apply what we just learned by this word study to James 5:14 <emphasis>"Is any among you sick? Let +him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the +Lord."</emphasis> Is "anointing" spiritual or practical? Practical!</para> +<para> +And the tense in Greek, the aorist participle, would +be better translated "having anointed," so the order is the anointing first, then the prayer ("in the name of the +Lord"refers to the prayer, not the anointing). James 5 is saying that the elders should give the sick person +medicine and pray for him in the name of the Lord. Doesn't that express a beautiful balance of practical and +spiritual in our God! +</para> +</section> +</section> + +<section id="h2-rules-context"> +<title>Rule 2 - Interpret within the biblical +context</title> +<para>Interpret scripture in harmony with other scripture. What do the +verses on each side say? What is the theme of the chapter? the book? Does your interpretation fit with these? If not, +it is flawed. Usually, the context supplies what we need to correctly interpret the passage. Context is key. If +confusion remains as to the meaning after we have interpreted the text within its context, we have to look further.</para> + +<section id="h2-rules-context-ex2a"><title>Example 2A</title> +<para>In a previous lesson we considered Jn.3:5 <emphasis>"born of water and the Spirit."</emphasis> In context, what is +the water under discussion here?</para> +<para>Water baptism is not under discussion here, which would be a big switch from the subject being +discussed by Jesus and Nicodemus. Watch out for a sudden change of topic, it may be a clue that your +interpretation has been derailed! The water is the amniotic fluid, "born of water" = natural birth.</para> +</section> +<section id="h2-rules-context-ex2b"><title>Example 2B</title> +<para>1 Cor.14:34 <quote>Let the women keep silent in the churches</quote> has to be taken within the biblical +context of 1 Cor.11:5 <quote>every woman [...] while praying or prophesying [...]</quote></para> +</section> +<section id="h2-rules-context-ex2c"><title>Example 2C</title> +<para>Acts 2:38 <quote>And Peter said to them, "Repent, +and let each of you be baptized in the name of +Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins [...]"</quote>. Is this teaching baptismal regeneration? If this was the +only verse of scripture we had, we would have to conclude that. But in the light of the clear teaching +elsewhere that regeneration happens by faith in Christ, we have to interpret it otherwise. Peter is urging +baptism as a way for his hearers to respond to the gospel. If baptism were the pathway to being born again, +how could Paul write 1 Cor.1:17 <emphasis>"For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel"</emphasis>? +</para> +</section> +</section> + +<section id="h2-rules-hcontest"> +<title>Rule 3 - Interpret within the historical and cultural context</title> +<para> +At first we are not asking <quote>What does it mean to me?</quote> but <quote>What did it mean to the original readers?</quote>; later we can ask, <quote>What does it mean to me?</quote>. +We have to take into account the historical and cultural background of the author and the recipients.</para> + +<section id="h2-rules-hcontest-ex3a"><title>Example 3A</title><para> <quote>3 days & 3 nights</quote> (Mt.12:40) have +led some to come up with a "Wednesday crucifixion theory," +esp. the cult of Armstrongism. How could Jesus die on Friday afternoon and rise Sunday morning +yet "be raised on the third day" (Mt.16:21)? Exact meanings of "three" or "days" won't help explain the +apparent contradiction.</para> +<para>We need an historical tidbit: Jews counted any part of a day as a full day, as we would count buckets +of water (if there were six and one-half buckets of water, we would say there were 7 buckets of water even if one was only partly full). So to the Jewish +mind, any part of a day counted as a full day, and days started at 6 p.m. and ended at 6 p.m. Friday from 3 +p.m. to 6 p.m. = day 1. Friday 6 p.m. to Saturday 6 p.m. = day 2. Saturday 6 p.m. to Sunday 5 or so a.m. = +day 3. Interpreting within the cultural context keeps us out of trouble.</para> +</section> + +<section id="h2-rules-hcontest-ex3b"><title>Example 3B</title><para>Gen.15:7-21. The historical context +is that cutting animals in two and then walking between +the pieces was the normal way of entering a contract in Abraham's day. Both parties walked between, taking +the pledge that dismemberment would happen to them if they didn't live up to their part of the contract. But +in this case only God goes thru, making it a unilateral covenant.</para> +</section> +</section> + +<section id="h2-rules-normal"><title>Rule 4 - Interpret according to the normal usage of words in language</title> +<para>Let literal language be literal and +figurative language be figurative. And watch out for idioms, which have special meanings.</para> + +<section id="h2-rules-normal-ex4a"><title>Example 4A</title> +<para><quote>evil eye</quote> in Mt.6:23.</para> +<para>Rule 1, definition of "evil" and "eye" - no help here. Rule 2, context: seems to confuse us even +more. It doesn't seem to fit with what goes before and after! This should tip us off that we aren't +understanding it rightly!!</para> +<para>What we have here is a Hebrew idiom, <quote>evil eye</quote>. Let's look up other uses of this idiom: Mt.20:15 +"<emphasis>Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with what is my own? Or is your eye envious [lit."evil"] because I +am generous [lit. "good"]?</emphasis>" We find that having an "evil eye" is a Hebrew idiom for being stingy or envious. +Now go back to Mt.6 and notice how this understanding ties in so perfectly to the context.</para> +</section> + +<section id="h2-rules-normal-ex4b"><title>Example 4B</title> +<para>Is.59:1 <quote>The Lord's hand is not short;</quote></para> +<para>Deut.33:27 <quote>Underneath are the everlasting arms.</quote></para> +<para> +References to body parts of God are used by Latter-Day Saints to prove that God was once a man just as we +are. Once they convince people of that, they go on to teach that we can become God just like He is! At a +lecture he was giving, a group of Mormon elders challenged Walter Martin (author of <emphasis>Kingdom of the Cults</emphasis>) +with an enumeration of verses like these. Dr. Martin then asked the Mormons to read one more scripture: +Ps.91:4 <quote>He will cover you with His feathers; And under His wings shalt thou trust</quote>. W.M. said, <quote>By the same +rules of interpretation that you just proved God to be a man, you just proved that He is a bird</quote>. The Mormons +had to laugh as they realised the ridiculousness of their position. +</para> +</section> +</section> + +<section id="h2-rules-parables"><title>Rule 5 - Understand the purpose of parables and the difference between a parable and an allegory</title> +<para>An allegory is: <emphasis>A story where each element has a meaning.</emphasis></para> +<para>Every parable is an allegory, true or false?</para> + +<para>Some parables are allegories, for instance, the parable of the sower is an allegory: the seed is the word of +God, the thorns are worries and greed, etc. But most parables are not allegories but simply stories to illustrate one +point. It's dangerous to get our doctrine from parables; they can be twisted to say all sorts of things. We need to get +our doctrine from clear scriptures that lay it out; then if a parable illustrates that, fine.</para> + +<section id="h2-rules-parables-ex5a"><title>Example 5A</title> +<para>The parable of the widow with the unrighteous judge in Lk.18:1-8. This story illustrates one +lesson: boldness in prayer. If we draw it into an allegory, what do we have?</para> +<para>All sorts of violence happens to the meanings: God is reluctant to protect the rights of widows, prayer +"bothers" Him, etc.</para></section> + +<section id="h2-rules-parables-ex5b"><title>Example 5B</title> +<para>The parable of the unrighteous steward in Lk.16:1-9. What is the point of the parable? Is it +an allegory? </para> +<para>The steward is commended for only one thing, his shrewdness in using what he had to prepare for a +time when he wouldn't have it. But he is not commended for his unethical behavior in cheating his master. </para> +</section> + +</section> +</chapter> diff --git a/docs/howto/unicode/index.docbook b/docs/howto/unicode/index.docbook new file mode 100644 index 0000000..77ea8a3 --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/howto/unicode/index.docbook @@ -0,0 +1,86 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" ?> +<!DOCTYPE book PUBLIC "-//KDE//DTD DocBook XML V4.1-Based Variant V1.0//EN" "dtd/kdex.dtd" [ + <!ENTITY bibletime '<application>BibleTime</application>'> + <!ENTITY kapp "&bibletimehandbook;"> + <!ENTITY % addindex "IGNORE"> + <!ENTITY % English "INCLUDE"><!-- change language only here --> + + <!-- user entities --> + + <!ENTITY how2-chap1 SYSTEM "how2-importance.docbook"> + <!ENTITY how2-chap2 SYSTEM "how2-basics.docbook"> + <!ENTITY how2-chap3 SYSTEM "how2-interpretation.docbook"> + +]> + +<book lang="&language;"> + +<bookinfo> +<title>The Biblestudy HowTo</title> + +<authorgroup> + <author> + <firstname>Bob</firstname> + <surname>Harman</surname> + </author> + <author> + <firstname></firstname> + <surname>The BibleTime team</surname> + </author> +</authorgroup> + +<!-- TRANS:ROLES_OF_TRANSLATORS --> + +<copyright> + <year>2001-2008</year> + <holder>The team of &bibletime; (info@bibletime.info)</holder> +</copyright> + +<legalnotice> + <para> + This document was originally created by Mr. Bob Harman and + is licensed under the terms of the license + <link url="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/"> + "Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike"</link>. + </para> + <para> + Scripture quotes are from the New American Standard Bible unless otherwise indicated. + </para> +</legalnotice> + +<abstract> +<title>Abstract</title> +<para> +The <application>Biblestudy HowTo</application> is a guide for studying the Bible. +</para> +<para>It is the hope of the &bibletime; team that this HowTo will provoke the +readers to study the scriptures to see what they say. This +particular study guide has been chosen as it takes care not to +advocate any particular denominational doctrine. We expect you to read +and study the scriptures to understand what they say. If you start +with the attitude that you want to have the Lord sow his word in your +heart He will not disappoint you.</para> +</abstract> + +<keywordset> +<keyword>Bible</keyword> +<keyword>Study</keyword> +<keyword>HowTo</keyword> +</keywordset> + +</bookinfo> + +&how2-chap1; +&how2-chap2; +&how2-chap3; + +</book> +<!-- +Local Variables: +mode: sgml +sgml-minimize-attributes:nil +sgml-general-insert-case:lower +sgml-indent-step:0 +sgml-indent-data:nil +End: +-->
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