Be an Expert in 137 Minutes in Interpreting the Bible

by Richard S. Briggs

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Richard S. Briggs (PhD, University of Nottingham) is director of biblical studies and hermeneutics at Cranmer Hall, St. John’s College, University of Durham in Durham, England. He is the author of several books.

Reviews

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over the years I have become increasingly concerned by the tendency of Bible teachers to approach preaching from one of two different directions. On one hand, some preachers are some keen to respect the Biblical text they spend the majority of the time explaining the meaning of the text in its original context and give little time to application. On the other hand, some preachers are so keen to demonstrate the applicability of the text they spend the majority of their time applying the message to their hearers and give little time to the text itself. Therefore, I have sought to maintain the tension between the two different poles and ensure the text is both respect and relevant to the hearers. However, where preachers are most neglectful is in the area of exegesis. That is, reading out of the text the message that is in it. Briggs approaches the text considering the literary, historical and canonical contexts. He make ssome great points such as assumimg you know what the passage is about is a quick way to kill of Bible study. Three basic steps: observe, interpret and apply. Nice application to Psalm 1, how we can be changed as people. Great introduction.