Discovering the Epistles

 

The genre of epistles may come across as being easy to interpret, but upon further examination, we learn that it is more complicated than originally thought. According to Fee, the epistles are considered an occasional document. They were pinned for an emerging situation often communicated to the apostles by letter. (Fee, 2003, 58)  Generally speaking, the epistles that we study are a reply to those letters.

It is important that we begin our study of this genre by first understanding the backdrop, and purpose of the letter.  Fee tells us in chapter one that the key to proper exegesis is to ask questions relating to historical and literary context. (Fee 2003, 26) Understanding the historical context will give you a solid picture of the purpose of the letter, while literary context will help piece together the entire conversation. 

So, how do we understand matters of historical context?  Generally speaking, there are two rules to this.  First, you should consult a good Bible Dictionary.  I utilize Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary.  This will help you answer questions about the authorship, historical setting, and any special considerations.  Secondly, read the letter in one sitting.  This will aid you in getting the overall big picture.  (Fee 2003, 59) 

In matters of literary context, one must “think paragraphs”.  (Fee 2003, 64) As you read each paragraph, ask yourself “what’s the point?” and “why does the author choose to say this here?”  (Fee 2003, 65) This will help you piece together the full conversation rather than relying on hearing only one side of the conversation”.

One big question that I always have had, is how do the letters apply to my Church or me?  There are two basic rules that one must follow.  First, “a text cannot mean what it never could have meant to its author or his or her readers”. (Fee 2003, 74)  An example to this is the discussion that Paul has about spiritual gifts in I Cor. 13:10.  He states, “When perfection comes, the imperfect disappears”. (Zondervan 2002, 1793)  A number of Christians believe that perfect is the completion of the New Testament but according to Fee, this never could have meant this to the authors or the readers since they had no idea that there would be a New Testament. (Fee 2003, 74)  At that time, the apostles believed that the return of Christ would be very soon; therefore a literary work like that of the New Testament would not have been required.  Secondly, when we share similar situations with the “first century hearers, God’s word to us is the same as his Word to them”.  (Fee 2003, 75)  An example of this would be Rom. 3:23, “for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God”. (Zondervan 2002, 1750)  This still very much applies to us today.   

 

Bibliography

 

The Holy Bible, NIV Fully Revised, Grand Rapids, Mich: Zondervan, 2002.

 

Fee, Gordon D., and Douglas Stuart. How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 2003.