New testament exegesis

New Testament Exegesis!

New Testament exegesis is the process of interpreting and understanding the meaning of the New Testament texts. It involves a careful analysis of the language, historical context, literary structure, and theological themes to uncover the author's intended meaning. Here's a step-by-step guide to New Testament exegesis:

1. Textual Analysis: Begin by examining the original Greek text (or the original language of the text, if it's not Greek). Look for grammatical and syntactical structures, word order, and idioms.
2. Historical Context: Study the historical setting in which the text was written. This includes the cultural, social, and political context, as well as the theological and literary influences of the time.
3. Literary Analysis: Examine the literary structure and genre of the text. Identify the author's purpose, audience, and tone. Consider the use of literary devices, such as metaphor, allegory, and symbolism.
4. Theological Analysis: Identify the theological themes and motifs in the text. Look for connections to other New Testament texts and to the broader biblical narrative.
5. Synoptic Analysis: Compare the text to other parallel accounts in the New Testament (e.g., Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). Identify similarities and differences, and consider the implications for understanding the text.
6. Exegetical Questions: Formulate specific questions to guide your analysis, such as:
   • What is the main theme or message of the text?
   • What is the author trying to communicate?
   • How does the text relate to other New Testament texts?
   • What are the implications of the text for Christian living?
7. Exegetical Methods: Apply various exegetical methods to the text, such as:
   • Historical-critical method: Analyze the text's historical context and literary structure.
   • Literary-critical method: Examine the text's literary devices and themes.
   • Theological-critical method: Identify the text's theological themes and motifs.
   • Contextual-critical method: Consider the text's cultural and social context.
8. Interpretation: Based on your analysis, provide an interpretation of the text. This should include a clear explanation of the author's intended meaning and the implications for Christian living.
9. Application: Consider how the text can be applied to contemporary Christian life and ministry.

Some key resources for New Testament exegesis include:

• Greek language resources: A Greek-English lexicon, such as the Louw-Nida Lexicon or the Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature.
• Commentaries: Scholarly commentaries on the New Testament, such as the International Critical Commentary or the Anchor Bible Commentary.
• Study Bibles: Study Bibles that provide notes and commentary on the New Testament, such as the NIV Study Bible or the ESV Study Bible.
• Theological dictionaries: Dictionaries that provide definitions and explanations of theological terms and concepts, such as the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament.

Remember, New Testament exegesis is a complex and nuanced process that requires careful attention to detail, a deep understanding of the biblical languages, and a commitment to theological reflection.