1. Session 2C: Understanding the Old Testament

2. Misconception # 1 The Old Testament cannot be read in the same way as the New Testament. The Marcion Controversy The Marcion Controversy

3. Marcion’s Bible 1. Romans, 1. Romans, 2. 1 Corinthians 2. 1 Corinthians 3. 2 Corinthians 3. 2 Corinthians 4. Galatians 4. Galatians 5. Ephesians 5. Ephesians 6. Philippians 6. Philippians 7. Colossians 7. Colossians 8. 1 Thessalonians 8. 1 Thessalonians 9. 2 Thessalonians 9. 2 Thessalonians 10. Philemon 10. Philemon + Luke + Luke

4. The Roman Symbol

5. Positive Results of Marcion’s Controversy 1. A cceptance of the Jewish Scriptures as the Christian Old Testament 2. C anonization of the Bible 3. T he Apostle’s Creed NEGATIVE INFLUENCES OF MARCION’S CONTROVERSY 1. S piritualization and allegorical reading of OT. 2. R eading OT only from NT lens. 3. R eading OT only as an illustration of the NT and with seemingly “lesser” authority than NT.

6. Misconception # 1 The Old Testament cannot be read in the same way as the New Testament. Example 1: Reading the Song of Songs/Song of Solomon allegorically Reading the Song of Songs/Song of Solomon allegorically Example 2: Reading the Old Testament only important as a witness to Jesus Christ. Reading the Old Testament only important as a witness to Jesus Christ.

7. Misconception # 2 The Old Testament is about Israel, the New Testament about the Church. Misconception # 3 Old Testament ethics have been superseded by New Testament ethics

8. There are different kinds of ethics in the whole Bible, not just in one part or the other. Ethical principles: Ethical principles: Represent the essence of what God requires (Love God/neighbor, quoting Deut 6:4-5 and Lev. 19:18) Laws: Laws: Which are the practical outworking of ethics. But these outworking often represent accommodation to what was possible (in the situation, context, time, or culture) rather than what was ideal. In other words, what was less bad rather than what was good. Narratives: Narratives: Tell us what people actually did. However, they do not always follow a cause and effect principle.

9. Misconception #4 The Old Testament is about Law, the New Testament is about grace

10. Assumptions…

11. 4. How do we study the Old Testament a. Begin with the plain meaning, i.e., exegesis. b. Understand the context Today, I saw the biggest trunk I have ever seen in my life.

12. 4. How do we study the Old Testament 1.Literary Context a.Immediate context b.Remote context When I was looking at the zoo elephants today, I saw the biggest trunk I have ever seen in my life.

13. 4. How do we study the Old Testament 2.Historical Context a.Dealing with time and culture of the author and his readers b.The occasion for a particular writing.

14. 4. How do we study the Old Testament c.Determine the type of literature (genre) i.Historical narrative/epic:

15. The role of the narrator 1 Sam 2: 17: Narrator’s summary: Their sin was “treating the LORD’s offering with contempt

16. The props of a narrative: scenes 1 Sam 3:1-3 Scenic depiction:5 depictions of darkness: -v1word of the LORD was rare. -v1not many visions -v2night -v2eyes becoming weak that he could barely see -v3lamp is going out in the tabernacle (but not yet pitch dark)

17. The props of a narrative b.Characterizations 2:11 Samuel serving 2:12-17 Liturgical sins 2:18-21 Samuel serving 2:22-25 Moral sins 2:26 Samuel growing 2:27-36 Prophecy of judgment 3:1 Samuel serving

18. The Devices of Narrative a.Repetition 1 Samuel 8 5 …now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have." 6 …Give us a king to lead us," 7 … they have rejected me as their king. 9 … let them know what the king who will reign over them will do." 10 Samuel told all the words of the LORD to the people who were asking him for a king. 11 …This is what the king who will reign over you will do 18 When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day." 19 …We want a king over us. 20 Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles." 22 … "Listen to them and give them a king."

19. B. Inclusions/Inclusios 1 Sam 16 v14 and v23 1 Sam 16 v14 and v23 Spirit of God and evil spirit forms inclusios

20. iiiChiasms A.Philistines defeats Israel: 4:2-9 B.Philistines capture the ark: 4:10-22 C.The LORD retaliates against the Philistines: ch. 5 B’Philistines return the ark: ch. 6 A’Israel defeats the Philistines: ch. 7

21. ii) Law

22. iii) Wisdom

23. iv) Poetry

24. v) Prophecy

25. d. Interpret Figurative language d. Interpret Figurative language e. Let Scripture interpret Scripture e. Let Scripture interpret Scripture f. The NT inspirational interpretations of OT that readers cannot repeat. f. The NT inspirational interpretations of OT that readers cannot repeat.

26. Conclusion “…then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” 1 Cor 13:12