Southwestern Ohio District Training Center
Syllabus: BIB-2003- Biblical Interpretation
Summer Term 2011
Professor: Brian Deaton
3 Semester Hours Credit
Phone: (937)-456-3970 (Church)
Thursday, 6:15-9:30 pm
(937)-456-5233 (Home)
Parkview Church
(937)-248-4297 (Cell)
e-mail: revbri@hotmail.com
Course Description:
An introductory study of the principles of biblical hermeneutics. Emphasis is given
to the methods and tools applied to the exegetical study of the Bible.
An exegetical paper is required in this course. NBC Prerequisites: Introduction to
the Old Testament or Introduction to the New Testament, and English
Composition II. (Both Old and New Testaments are strongly recommended). This
course is a prerequisite for all Bible classes numbered 2000 and above.
Course Objectives
The following are the competencies for Ordination Course of Study which are
achieved by this course:
1. Ability to identify the literary structure and the main story line of the Old
Testament. (CN-1)
2. Ability to identify the books of the Old Testament by genre. (CN-2)
3. Ability to describe the historical context of the major sections of the Old
Testament. (CN-5)
4. Ability to identify the literary structure of the New Testament. (CN-8)
5. Ability to describe how the Bible came into being up to contemporary
translations. (CN-15)
6. Ability to identify the steps of historical, literary, and theological analysis
used in exegesis. (CN-16)
7. Ability to exegete a passage of Scripture using the steps listed above.
(CN-17)
8. Ability to prepare, organize, and deliver biblically sound sermons in
culturally appropriate ways, using appropriate techniques and skills.
(CP-22- Elder Track)
Course Professor
Brian Deaton: M. Div, Nazarene Theological Seminary, 1990;
BA Mount Vernon Nazarene (College) 1985
Pastor Eaton First Church of the Nazarene 2001-present; Pastor: Salt Lake
City Central Church of the Nazarene, 1990-2001.
Course Textbooks
1. Gorman, Michael J. Elements of Biblical Exegesis. Peabody: Hendrickson,
2001.
2. Russell, Walt. Playing With Fire. Colorado Springs: Nav Press, 2000.
3. Hayes, John H.; Holladay, Carl R. Biblical Exegesis: A Beginner’s Handbook;
Westminster John Knox Press 1987
Course Requirements
1.
2.
3.
4.
3 examinations (see Class Calendar)
Group Project
Research Paper/Exegetical Study
Journal
Course Schedule
April 10- Getting to Know you, explanation of syllabus, The Problem of Bias.
April 17- Maundy Thursday, no class
April 24- Unlearning What We Know
May 1- Types and Definitions: What’s With All This Criticism?
May 8- Taking the Text to Task
May 15- Review for Test 1; Time for Reflection
May 22- Test 1; Putting the Pieces Together
May 29- Avoiding the Oops Factor/ Group Projects Due
June 5- Examination of Journals: Review for Test 2
June 12- Fall in Love With God’s Word; Research Paper due/ Review for
Final
June 19- Wrapping it all up/ Final
Group Project: (Due May 29th)
In groups of 3 or 4 choose a passage.
1. Define your passage- Why did you choose this particular section of verses
and what makes it a complete passage?
2. Locate your passage Biblically- what’s the context, what part does your
passage play in the greater Biblical message, what is its theological
importance? Why are these verses located in their particular place in the
Biblical revelation?
3. Locate your passage historically- When was it written and why?
What is the cultural/historical significance of this passage?
Who is the author? From where was it written? To whom is it addressed?
4. Determine the Literary Type of your passage- Is it a poem? A narrative?
An historical account? What is the significance of the literary choice of the
author? Why was this type or genre of literature chosen to communicate the
message of the author?
5. Define for me the “So What?” of this passage- What did it say to the audience
for which it was originally written? What does it say to us where and when we
live? What should I do with this passage when I walk away from it? How does
it apply to my daily life?
Research Project: (Due June 12th)
1. Define your passage- Why did you choose this particular section of verses
and what makes it a complete passage?
2. Locate your passage Biblically- what’s the context, what part does your
passage play in the greater Biblical message, what is its theological
importance? Why are these verses located in their particular place in the
Biblical revelation?
3. Locate your passage historically- When was it written and why?
What is the cultural/historical significance of this passage?
Who is the author? From where was it written? To whom is it addressed?
4. Determine the Literary Type of your passage- Is it a poem? A narrative? An
historical account? What is the significance of the literary choice of the
author? Why was this type or genre of literature chosen to communicate
the message of the author?
5. Define for me the “So What?” of this passage- What did it say to the
audience for which it was originally written? What does it say to us where
and when we live? What should I do with this passage when I walk away
from it? How does it apply to my daily life?
6. Outline Your Passage- How would you present this in a sermon?
If you would use an outline, give me the major points and subpoints you
would seek to communicate. If you would use it as a narrative, how would
you approach it. Outline the story for me, tell me your reasoning and then
give me your conclusion.
Journals
1. Choose to study the Psalms, the Book of Job, One of the major
Prophets, a Gospel or a letter of Paul, Peter, or John.
2. At least three days a week, read a passage, note that passage,
read the passage and write down how it speaks to your heart. What
truth is God communicating to you through these verses and what
difference does that truth make in your life?
3. Rewrite the passage in your own words
4. Write a prayer that is your personal response to the truth in the
passage.
5. Ask God to help you apply this truth in your life.