DATE : October 21, 2024

SUBJECT : Hermeneutics

PROFESSOR : Rev. Modesto A. Tabulao Jr.

PREPARED BY : Leny Y. Valdez

NAME OF BOOK : INTRODUCTION TO HERMENEUTICS: HOW TO
INTERPRET
THE BIBLE
AUTHORS : Carl Gibbs, Quentin McGhee, and Willard Teague

RESEARCH WORK

I. The History:

The History of the book “Introduction to Hermeneutics: How to

interpret the Bible”, second edition by Carl Gibbs, Quentin McGhee,

and Willard Teague, published by Ministries Foundation, Inc., traces

back to its Origins in the field of Biblical interpretation.

The book’s inception likely draws from the authors’ expertise in

Theology and Biblical studies, as well as their experience in

teaching and research. Carl Gibbs, Quentin McGhee, and Willard

Teague are likely scholars with a deep understanding of

Hermeneutical principles and their application to Biblical Exegesis.

The creation of the second edition suggests that the initial reception

oof the book was positive, prompting the authors to revise and

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 update the content to provide readers with an enhanced

understanding of Hermeneutics. The decision to publish the book

through Ministries Foundation, Inc. indicates a collaborative effort

with an organization dedicated to religious education and the

dissemination of Theological knowledge.

The content of the Book focusing on the interpretation of the Bible,

reflects a long standing tradition of scholarly inquiry into the

meaning and significance of sacred texts. By presenting an

introductory guide to Hermeneutics, the authors aim to equip

readers with the tools necessary to engaged with the Scriptures in a

thoughtful and informed manner.

Overall, the history of the book “introduction to Hermeneutics: How

to interpret the Bible” underscores the importance of Biblical

interpretation oin religious studies and highlights the ongoing

commitment of scholars like Gibbs, McGhee, and Teague to

promote a deeper understanding of the Bible and its teachings.

II. Jewish Interpretation:

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The book “Introduction to Hermeneutics: How to Interpret the Bible”

by Carl Gibbs, Quentin McGhee, and Willard Teague provides an

introductory course on the principles for interpreting Scripture. It

summarizes the need for Hermeneutical Principles, explores the

qualifications, tools, and goals of BIBLICAL interpreter, and includes

a historical survey of hermeneutics from early Jewish interpreters to

the present.

Jewish interpretation of the Bible often involves a deep

understanding of the historical context, language, and cultural

expression of the text. In the book, there are references to Jewish

interpreters and their contributions of the Old Testament. For

example, there is mention of the TARGUM, which is translation and

interpretation of the Old Testament by Jewish Rabbis in page 27,

Lesson 2.1 . It also explains that the early Jewish Rabbis produced

several types of teachings: The “HALAKAH” and the “HAGADAH”

Halaka- means of legal nature. It dictates by the religious laws for

every part of life, including rituals, family life, personal life, and

relationships with the government and Non- Jews.

Hagada- used stories and Proverbs of the Old Testament to

explain Scripture and edify readers. For example the Jews told the

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 stories of the Passover (Exodus 13) as they celebrated it. Hagadah

was a powerful form of Jewish interpretation.

“MISHNAH”- (“to repeat”) contains the teaching of leading Rabbis,

such as Hillel was moderate, while Shammai was strict.

These highlights the importance of Jewish perspectives and

traditions in understanding and interpreting the Scriptures.

The Principles presented in the aim to guide readers on how to

approach the Bible with care and respect for its original meaning.

Understanding the Jewish interpretation of the Bible can enhance

the reader’s appreciation for the richness and depth of the text, as

well as provide insights into how different traditions interpret and

apply Biblical teachings.

By studying the Principles outlined in the book, readers can

develop their skills in interpreting the Bible and gain a deeper

understanding of its message. It offers a structured approach to

Biblical interpretation that can benefit readers, including those

interested in exploring the Jewish perspective on the Scriptures.

III. The Apostolic Period

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The Apostolic period in the book of “INTRODUCTION TO

HERMENEUTICS: HOW TO INTERPRET THE BIBLE” second edition by

Carl Gibbs, Quentin McGhee, and Willard Teague covers the

historical survey oof hermeneutics from early Jewish interpreters to

the present. It includes a unit on the general and specific principles

for interpreting the Bible, a unit of Genres, and a unit on applying

the principles.

This period is generally defined as the time from the death of Jesus

(around 30 CE) to the death of at last Apostle (traditionally

attributed to John around 100 CE), significantly shaped early

Christian thought, Theological Foundations, and interpretative

practices.

Context of the Apostolic period:

During the Apostolic period, early Christians were primaily Jewish,

and their interpretation of Scriptures was heavily influenced by

Jewish Hermeneutical traditions. The Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) served

as the foundational text for these early communities. Apostolic

leaders, such as Peter, Paul, and John, utilized these scriptures to

articulate their understanding of Jesus as the Messiah and to

established the Theological framework of the emerging Christian

faith.
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 Hermeneutical Practices:

Scriptures to demonstrates that Jesus fulfils prophecies, reflecting a

Hermeneutical practice that sought to connect the Old and New

Testaments.

The Role of Oral Tradition:

It explicitly focus on Apostolic period, understanding this time is

essential to grasping the origins of Christian Hermeneutics. The

interpretive practices established during this period laid the ground

work for later Theological developments and approaches

Students also practice these principles through exercises provided

in the book.

IV. The Middle Ages

The middle ages, spanning roughly from the 5 th centuries,

represents a significant period in the development of Biblical

interpretation. During this time the church held considerable

influence over scholarly thought, and Theological perspectives were

largely shaped by both religious and philosophical ideas.

In European Christendon, the pre dominant approach to Biblical

interpretation was allegorical or typological. This method involved

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reading text not just for their literal meaning but also for deeper

moral or Spiritual insights. Church Fathers such as Augustine and

Jerome, Influence medieval interpretation with their writings,

emphasizing the need for understanding Scripture in the light of

tradition and ecclesiastical authority.

Scholasticism emerged in the middle ages as a method of critical

thought that sought to reconcile faith with reason. The works of

Philosophers like Thomas Aquinas encouraged a more rigorous

approach to Biblical Texts, prompting interpreters to engage with

them intellectually and Theologically. This pperiod also saw the

establishment of universities, were Biblical text were studied

alongside classical philosophy.

The role of the Bible during the Middle Ages was pivotal, with

Scripture being the corner stone of medieval Spirituality and

theology. However, access to the bible is limited, as it was pre

dominantly available in Latin, leading to reliance on clergy and

church leaders for interpretation. This fostered significant gap

between the educated elite and the general populace regarding

biblical knowledge and interpretation.

Notably, the period also experienced the rise of various biblical

commentaries and the beginnings of critical approaches to texts.

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 Notable figures like Peter Lombard and later the Franciscan and

Dominican Scholars began challenging earlier interpretations,

paving the ways for renaissance humanism and Reformation

thought.

The Middle Age set the stage for later developments in biblical

hermeneutics, partyicularly during the Renaissance and

Reformation, where return to original texts and languages

emphasized the importance of personal engagement with scripture.

Thus, the Middle Ages were characterized by a complex interplay of

tradition, authority, and emerging critical thought, crucial for

understanding the Bible’s evolution, its interpretations, and its

theological implications that spurred into the modern era of

Hermeneutics. This context is essential for contemporary readers

and interpretaters seeking to engage with biblical text today.

In summary, the Middle Ages represented a foundation era for

biblical Hermeneutics, marked by the influence od ecclesiastical

authority, the rise of scholasticism, and the beginnings of critical

engagement with Scripture that ultimately influenced later

interpretations and methods of understanding the Bible.

V. The Reformation:

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The Reformation was important in Christian history that completely

influenced biblical interpretation, and understanding this context

can enhance the insights offered in “Introduction to Hermeneutics:

How to interpret the Bible”, by Carl Gibbs, Quentin McGhee, and

Willard Teague.

The Reformation which begun in early 16th century , was

characterized by a movement away from the authority of the

Catholic Church and towards a more personal, direct engagement

with Scriptures. This historical backdrop is essential for grasping the

principles of Hermeneutics discussed in the book.

Context of the Reformation:

The Reformation emerged in response to perceived excesses and

doctrinal discrepancies within the Catholic church. Key figures like

Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Huldrych Zwingli emphasized the

importance of Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) as the sole authority

for faith and practice.

This principle marked a significant shift from the church’s reliance

on tradition and ecclesiastical authority. The accessibility of the

Bible was crucial during this period, as the translation and

distribution of scriptures in vernacular languages allowed

laypeople to engaged with biblical text.

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 Biblical Interpretation and Reformers framework by

emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit in interpretation. He

believed that true understanding of Scripture comes not only

from intellectual engagement but also from Spirityal insights. This

notion of divine illumination aligns with some contemporary

hermeneutical practices that recognize the interplay between the

reader’s faith and the text itself, a theme that the authors likely

explore in their work.

The Reformation significantly impacts by emphasizing the principle

of Sola Scriptura, which asserts that Scripture alone is the authority

of faith and practice. This historical context encourages a direct

engagement with the biblical text, influencing the authors’

approach to interpretation. The focus on original languages and the

importance of context and historical background in

understanding Scripture are reflective of Reformation ideals.

Consequently, the book aims to equip readers with tools for

interpreting the bible in a way that honours these foundational

principles.

VI. The Post- Reformation

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 The Post-Reformation period, which follows the Protestant Reformation (16th cen-

tury), is marked by a development in biblical interpretation as theologians sought to

systematize and clarify the principles of interpreting Scripture. During this time, vari-

ous Protestant traditions, including Lutheran, Reformed, and later Evangelical move-

ments, began to emphasize specific interpretative methods and theological frame-

works. The focus on sola scriptura (Scripture alone) from the Reformation continued,

but interpreters during the Post-Reformation era worked to establish more formal ap-

proaches to ensure that biblical interpretation remained grounded in sound doctrine.

This period saw the rise of confessional hermeneutics, where Scripture was inter-

preted within the boundaries of specific doctrinal confessions and creeds. Theolo-

gians like Johann Gerhard and Francis Turretin were influential in shaping Reformed

and Lutheran biblical interpretation through systematic theology and the use of logic

in exegesis.

In your book, this section likely addresses how these post-Reformation scholars and

movements built upon the foundations of Reformation hermeneutics, influencing how

the Bible has been understood in later Protestant traditions.

VII. The Modern Period:

In the context of hermeneutics, the "modern period" refers to significant

shifts in biblical interpretation that arose with the Enlightenment and

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subsequent intellectual developments. If the book discusses the "modern

period," it likely covers the following key aspects of hermeneutics during

this era:

1. Rationalism and the Enlightenment: During the 17th and 18th

centuries, the rise of rationalism and scientific inquiry profoundly

affected how people approached Scripture. The Bible began to be

analyzed not just as a sacred text but also as a historical document.

Scholars questioned traditional interpretations and the supernatural

aspects of the Bible, favoring a more critical and reasoned analysis.

This marked the beginning of the historical-critical method, which

examines the Bible in light of its historical context, languages, and

authorship.

2. Historical-Critical Method: This method became a hallmark of

modern biblical interpretation. It involves analyzing the text's origins,

considering its historical and cultural background, and seeking to

understand the intention of the original authors. Pioneers of this

approach, such as Johann Semler and Julius Wellhausen, aimed to

uncover the human elements behind the Bible and often challenged

traditional theological claims about its divine inspiration and inerrancy.

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3. Liberal Theology: Emerging in the 19th century, liberal theology

sought to reconcile Christian faith with modern science and philosophy.

It emphasized the ethical teachings of Jesus and de-emphasized

doctrines that could not be supported by reason or science. As a result,

interpretations during this period often focused more on the Bible as a

guide for moral living rather than a source of supernatural truth.

4. Reaction to Modern Criticism: As a response to these

developments, conservative and evangelical scholars sought to defend

traditional doctrines, emphasizing the Bible’s divine inspiration and

authority. This led to the development of more conservative

approaches to interpretation, including fundamentalism, which arose in

the early 20th century to counter the perceived threat of liberalism.

In summary, the modern period in hermeneutics represents a time when

critical methods and secular philosophies began to deeply influence

biblical interpretation, leading to both new ways of understanding the text

and a backlash from more traditional interpreters.

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