Interpreting the New TestamentInterpreting the New Testament
© John Stevenson, 2010
Paul, an Apostle of Christ JesusRoman Prison
To the Saints & Faithful OnesEphesus, Asia Minor
TychicusOnesimus
• SalutationSalutation
• BodyBody
• ConclusionConclusion
Occasioned by specific Occasioned by specific questions, problems, and questions, problems, and
circumstancescircumstances
How does How does Philippians 2:1-4 Philippians 2:1-4
relate to Philippians relate to Philippians 2:5-11?2:5-11?
Page 94Page 94
What is the What is the connection connection between between
Ephesians 5:15-21 Ephesians 5:15-21 and Ephesians and Ephesians
5:22 – 6:9?5:22 – 6:9?Page 94Page 94
What role does What role does 1 Corinthians 13 1 Corinthians 13 play in the larger play in the larger
unit ofunit of1 Corinthians 1 Corinthians
12-14?12-14?Page 94Page 94
MatthewMatthew MarkMark
LukeLuke JohnJohn
MatthewMatthew MarkMark
LukeLuke JohnJohn
What is a parable?What is a parable?
What is the purpose for the What is the purpose for the Parable of the Good Parable of the Good
Samaritan?Samaritan?
Matthew 13:10-11Matthew 13:10-11And the disciples came and said to
Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” 11 Jesus answered them, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted.”
Matthew 13:12-13Matthew 13:12-13“For whoever has, to him more
shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him. 13 Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.”
Illustrate Illustrate TruthTruth
Hide Hide TruthTruth
Characteristics of ParablesCharacteristics of Parables
• A true-to-life story that Communicates a Spiritual Truth
• Characters are usually Fictitious
• Proper names and Specific Geographic Locations usually not mentioned
• Involves a Comparison
• Usually communicates one primary truth
What light does the context What light does the context shed on the Parable of the shed on the Parable of the
Dinner Party?Dinner Party?
What light does the context What light does the context shed on the Parable of the shed on the Parable of the
Prodigal Son?Prodigal Son?
AllegoryAllegoryNot necessarily
bound by realism within the narrative (talking trees, etc).
ParableParableGives a story which, while it may not be true, is presented in such a way that it COULD be true.
The story makes no sense apart from the
truth it presents.
The story makes sense on its own
apart from the truth which it illustrates.
Tends to have several points of truth.
Usually has one major truth.
Identify the following from Identify the following from the allegory of the Good the allegory of the Good
Shepherd in John 10Shepherd in John 10
• Shepherd
• Sheep
• Gatekeeper
• Fold
• Door
• Robbers
• Stranger
• Wolf
• Hireling
Matthew 13:33Matthew 13:33He spoke another parable to them,
“The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three pecks of flour until it was all leavened.”
Matthew 13:44Matthew 13:44The kingdom of heaven is like a
treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Matthew 13:45-46Matthew 13:45-46Again, the kingdom of heaven is
like a merchant seeking fine pearls, 46 and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.
Observe, Interpret, and Observe, Interpret, and Discuss the Parable of Discuss the Parable of the Sower as found in the Sower as found in
Matthew 13:3-23Matthew 13:3-23
GroundGround ResultResult
Beside the RoadEvil one snatches it
away1
Rocky placesPersecution causes
him to fall away2
ThornsWorry of the world &
wealth choke him3
Good soilBears fruit and
multiplies4