Using New Testament Greek in Ministry: A Practical Guide for Students and Pastors

by David Alan Black

Here are all the tools pastors and teachers need to mine the Greek text and other language resources for the enhancement of personal study and sermon content.

Genres: Biblical Studies, Theology, Christian, New Testament, Textbooks, Academic, Linguistics

128 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1993

Reviews

[Tyler Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Using New Testament Greek in Ministry" is a concise (just over a hundred page) work that outlines why exegesis of New Testament Greek is important (chapter one), the ten best resources that can be used (chapter two), the different parts in exegesis (chapter three), and ten defined steps in how to do it (chapter four).

I am glad I read this book now as it gives me a roadmap for the sort of subjects I need to study in my schooling as well as the resources I need to learn how to use. However, I would recommend to my future self that I read it again before I actually write any sermons, assuming that I do so in the future.

[Derek Woodall · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was helpful but not as helpful as I had hoped. It is a very short resource with a helpful exegetical method which leads to a homiletical outline (this is key). However, it does not speak as directly to the use of Greek in ministry as I had hoped. In short, it provides a helpful word on the importance of deep exegesis before homiletics but the information included is the bare minimum of what you would learn in a hermeneutics course/textbook.

[Nathan Crockett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Using New Testament Greek in Ministry: A Practical Guide for Students and Pastors by David Alan Black

My rating: 3.4 stars (helpful and recommended)

"Using New Testament Greek in Ministry: A Practical Guide for Students and Pastors" by David Alan Black is an insightful and practical resource for individuals who wish to integrate their understanding of New Testament Greek into their ministry work. Black's book stands out for its straightforward and accessible approach, making it particularly beneficial for students, pastors, and laypeople who have some foundational knowledge of Greek and are looking to apply this in a ministry context.

The book begins by emphasizing the importance of Greek in understanding the New Testament, highlighting how a grasp of the original language can enhance one's interpretation of biblical texts. Black offers a compelling case for why Greek should not be neglected in theological studies and pastoral work. His passion for the subject is evident and infectious, encouraging readers to delve deeper into their studies.

One of the strengths of the book is its practical orientation and short length. Black provides numerous examples demonstrating how Greek can be used to gain a richer and more nuanced understanding of Scripture. This includes exploring word studies, grammar, and syntax, which are crucial for accurate interpretation. He makes a complex subject approachable without oversimplifying it, striking a fine balance between scholarly rigor and practical application.

Furthermore, the book includes helpful resources such as exercises, sample sermons, and suggestions for further study. These tools are invaluable for readers who want to practice and apply what they have learned. Black's approach is hands-on, ensuring that readers can actively engage with the material.

However, the book assumes a basic level of Greek knowledge, so it might not be suitable for absolute beginners. For those who have at least a foundational understanding of Greek, Black's guide will be an excellent resource to deepen their knowledge and apply it in a meaningful way.

Spanning just over a hundred pages, it's brevity is highly beneficial for new pastors swamped with ministry work and students aiming to deepen their Greek exegesis skills.

The book is structured into five main chapters, each serving a specific purpose. Chapter one establishes the fundamental importance of exegesis of New Testament Greek, setting the stage for the practical application that follows. Chapter two is particularly useful, listing the ten best resources for exegesis. This list includes essential texts like a standard English Bible, a Greek New Testament, various guides, lexicons, and commentaries, which Black asserts are foundational for every pastor.

Chapter three delves into the different parts of exegesis, providing a thorough understanding of the process. Black's approach here is notable for its clarity and accessibility. He uses vivid metaphors and practical examples, making the concepts easy to grasp for conceptual learners. This chapter serves as a good review for those familiar with hermeneutics and a great introduction for newcomers.

In chapter four, Black outlines ten defined steps for conducting exegesis, from understanding the historical context to deriving a homiletical outline from the text. This chapter is particularly valuable as it translates the theoretical understanding of Greek exegesis into a clear, step-by-step process for sermon preparation. Black's approach is practical and focused, catering to the needs of pastors and students who are looking to integrate Greek study into their preaching and teaching ministries.

Chapter 5 employs principles and tools to move from theory to practice.

Black’s writing style is engaging and accessible, making it an easy read. His intention is to inspire and equip readers to use Greek exegesis for enriching their teaching ministries. He emphasizes the necessity of understanding Greek for a deeper grasp of biblical texts while cautioning against getting lost in academic pursuits at the expense of ministry goals.

However, the book has some limitations. Some resources and technology sections feel outdated, reflecting the rapid advancements in biblical scholarship and computer resources since the book's publication. Additionally, the final chapter seems somewhat unnecessary and could have been integrated into the earlier sections for more coherence.

In conclusion, "Using New Testament Greek in Ministry" is a must-read for pastors and students alike. Its concise nature, combined with Black's practical approach and clear writing style, makes it an invaluable resource for those seeking to apply their Greek knowledge in ministry settings. This book is a helpful read for anyone looking to bridge the gap between academic Greek study and practical ministry work. Black's expertise and passion make it a compelling and highly useful guide for students and pastors alike. While it may need supplementation with more recent resources, its foundational guidance remains timeless and essential for effective ministry.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brief, but useful book giving practical uses and advice for Greek in ministry with some basic steps for exegesis and an example of using the steps for a sermon on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 in chapter 4. Although some of the resources mentioned are outdated i.e. BAGD, but now the third edition is BDAG, there are still useful tips and advice for Greek students and pastors alike.

[Jacob Aitken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black, David Alan.  Using New Testament Greek in Your Ministry. Baker: Grand Rapids, MI.

This book is ideally aimed at new pastors who are swamped with "ministry" work that they really can't get into the Greek text.  In his normally winsome manner, Black allows the pastor to wade back into the deep waters.  This is a very easy read.  I read it in one sitting.

Foundational Texts

Every pastor should have these at the minimum.

A good, standard English Bible.
Greek New Testament (at least Aland or NA27+)
Exegetical Guide (e.g., Sake Kubo, etc)
Greek-English Lexicon (BAGD, Louw and Nida)
Greek Word Study Dictionary
Concordance of Greek words
Greek Grammar
Textual Commentary (Metzger)
Synopsis of four gospels
LXX
Chiasms.  This is more of an example he gives on how to do syntax analysis.

Text: Hebrews 12:1-2

A. Having Seated

B. Setting Aside

C. Patient Enduring

D. Set Before us

E. Fixing our eyes on Christ.

D' Set Before Him

C' Patiently Endured

B' Scorning the Shame

A' Taken his seat

Another Chiasm

Text: 1 Thess. 5:16-18

A. Pantote

B. Proseuchesthe

A' En pante

How to do syntax at the basic level:

Place all independent clauses at the left hand margin.  Place all dependent clauses underneath that clause.

Conclusion:

This is a quick, fine read.  My only issue is that it couldn't decide whether it wanted to focus on linguistic helps or syntactical problems.

[Drake Hyman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really great tool for two groups of people: 1) Pastors looking for a practical way of implementing Greek study into their preaching ministry, and 2) Greek students looking to fine tune their analytical method and broaden their list of resources. Dr. Black does an excellent job of providing a list of guides and tools to help the exegete in his or her efforts, as well as outlining the exegetical process when studying and preaching from the Greek New Testament. In some ways, this felt like a preaching textbook, and I would venture to argue that every pastor should put in his due diligence to studying Greek to the best of his ability, especially considering the closest thing we have to an inspired original text are the Greek manuscripts.

After presenting his exegetical method, Dr. Black takes you through a couple trial runs so that you can see his own method of preaching from the text. This is true expository preaching with an emphasis on uncovering all the hidden "treasures" of the text, an objective that can only be accomplished if one is willing to put in the work with the language. This is a must read for an serious student of the Bible.

[Tim Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black seeks to give an overview of how to exegete a Greek text for preaching. Good at moving from Greek lectures to preaching. Slightly outdated resources and written at a time of CD-ROMs. An updated version would be useful. Does what it says on the tin, quickly. Only criticism is it might have been helpful to discuss the practicalities of doing Greek in the midst of busy ministry but maybe Black isn't best placed to do so

[Paul Willweber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not excellent but it is good. I think it's probably more about hermeneutics than about specifically using Greek, but it's still worthwhile. I will say that I am grateful for the Lutheran understanding of interpreting and preaching the Word. I can't imagine doing all the work Black lays out and missing the entire point of the Scriptures and preaching: Christ.

[Max Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is a short and sweet "Practical Guide" for actually using the knowledge of Greek that you get in seminary. Too often seminary graduates spend hours of their lives learning Greek, and then never use it. If that is you, give this book a read, and try to get a new perspective on your ability to use Greek in your daily ministry.

[Timothy Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple and straight to the point. A good little text for Greek III or exegesis. Ch. 2 is in terrible need of an update. It's 25 years out of date.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

The principles he recommends are very simply and effectively presented. Fantastic short book to encourage anyone learning or wanting to learn Koine Greek!

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very dated now, but still has good exegesis principles.

[Rick Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated his clear step by step helps for moving from exegesis to sermon. Since the book was published in 1995, all its information about computer resources is dated.

[Janelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Early on Black makes his intentions for this book clear. His desire is that those who read it will be adequately inspired and equipped to use exegesis of the New Testament in its original Greek to bring a new level of depth to their teaching ministries. His approach is to first convince the reader of the benefits and necessity of Greek exegesis, to provide a list of reliable reference materials, to define in more detail the components of exegesis and finally to put those components together as a routine readers can adapt for their own use – taking them from their first encounter with a text all the way through the completion of a sermon.
Black begins by addressing the question which crosses the minds, if not the lips, of most Greek students; “Do I really need to know Greek for ministry?” It is a valid question, and his answer is satisfactory. He presents well the limitations of relying solely on English translations and the depths which can be reached in the original language. He also wisely warns the reader repeatedly to remember the reason for studying Greek exegesis – ministry – above academics. His writing style is particularly appealing to those who are conceptual learners. The many metaphors he employs do well to illustrate the points he is trying to make (although at times he may rely too heavily on their use).
The main focus of chapter 2 is the tools that are needed for performing exegesis which is faithful to the text. The ten items he identifies are timeless, as are the examples he provides for using each one. On the other hand, some of the specific titles have become outdated and new advances in Biblical scholarship have been made since the printing of this book. This is especially true concerning computer resources; the section is almost meaningless for a modern reader due to the significant changes in technology in the past ten years.
Chapter 3 goes deeper into what exegesis is. While applications are sprinkled throughout, the main focus here is on analysis. Black’s visual description of exegesis as approaching the text from three angles (p.65) is excellent. As in previous chapters, he has provided an image which will stick in the readers’ minds, helping them remember his point. He provides sufficient examples from Scripture to illustrate the insights which can be discovered by applying the varied types of analysis discussed. The descriptions are concise, but a good review for anyone who has studied hermeneutics in the past. For those who would desire more information on a particular aspect of exegesis, he provides references in the following chapter.
The fourth chapter is where he dives into the nuts and bolts of using Greek exegesis as a part of developing sermons. This chapter, along with the third, has the best success in reaching its objectives. Black does an excellent job of summarizing each step in the process, as well as providing detailed explanations and examples which illustrate the significance each step contributes to the final outcome. The full example at the end of the chapter pulls everything together and allows the reader to follow the process through a single passage (p. 107-115).
The final chapter is unnecessary; leaving the reader to wonder where the “sample” Black is referring to might be found (p. 117). It would have been better to add two paragraphs to the fourth chapter, identify them as a reader exercise, and end the book there. If the steps were each followed by suggestions or questions specific to the passage recommended for study, then perhaps a separate chapter would be justifiable.
Readers who have studied hermeneutics in the past will find this to be largely review. That being said, however, it is still valuable as a concise reference even for those who have studied its topics previously. For those who have not, it is a great introduction to the purpose and process of Greek exegesis beyond classroom walls.

[Lily-joseph Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I approached this book with an high expectation that it will teach me how to practically use my knowledge of Greek as exegeting the text. I am not complaining about the content because it was good. But I feel, after finishing the book, that this book is more like a brief introduction to exegetical method books like Gordon Fee's New Testament Exegesis. If the title was "A Brief Introduction to How to Exegete the New Testament," I'd give more than 4 stars to this book. But the title "Using New Testament Greek in Ministry: A Practical Guide for Students and Pastors" is little a misleading to me.

Nevertheless, I like Dr. Black's 10 steps for exegeting and preparing a sermon. These steps are very clear and simple.

1. Survey the historical context. We must always interpret terpret a text in light of its original historical setting. A text has no meaning-or may assume every kind of meaning-outside this parameter of historical context.

2. Observe the larger literary context. A survey of an entire book is necessary for the study of its individual passages. Be able to trace the development of the author's thor's argument and show how your passage fits this context.

3. Resolve any significant textual issues. Important textual problems will be reflected in the major translations tions and in the apparatus of your Greek New Testament. ment. Rarely, if ever, will you need to discuss such problems from the pulpit, but you should at least be certain in your own mind what the original text was.

4. Determine the meaning of any crucial words. Do a word study on any important terms in your passage.

5. Analyze the syntax. Note any syntactical features that contribute directly to the interpretation of your passage.

6. Determine the structure. Seek to understand the flow of the author's argument and how the major ideas in your passage are related to each other.

7. Look for any significant rhetorical features. New Testament authors often used various literary forms to communicate their meaning. Wherever "the medium is the message," it is of crucial importance to your exegesis egesis to be able to show what the author was doing.

8. Observe how any sources were used. Look for editorial torial features in your passage that point to the author's distinctive literary and/or theological contributions.

9. Determine the key thought of your passage. Discern cern the life issues in your passage that have relevance vance to the contemporary believer. Then write down in one sentence what seems to be the central teaching of the passage.

10. Derive a homiletical outline from the text. Put the results of your exegesis into a workable outline that sets forth the text's claims and statements in ways that are timeless and relevant to the current needs of your congregation.

Overall, it is a decent book. I'd recommend it to anyone who has a foggy concept of biblical exegesis.

[Chris Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was brief and packed with information. There was not enough content to be a deep study by any means but he does provide a starting point.

[Trevor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I very much enjoy David Alan Black’s writing. He is a scholar who is intentional is edifying the church by keeping things simple. Using NT Greek in Ministry is succinct and to the point. Black seeks to orient the pastor or student to a theology of the use of Greek study for ministry. The first section contains some excellent quotations and sage advice to avoid the abuse of misusing greek. Next he provides recommended reference resources for the pastor’s shelf. The last couple of chapters provide an outline and description of the process of exegesis. This is appropriately brief as most who have studied NT Greek have probably already studied some elements of hermeneutics and exegesis. This is a good short book which I would love to see revised particularly with an up-to-date bibliography and recommended resources for the pastor’s shelf as it was published in 1993. The book is a ‘jack of all trades master of none’ but would be a great first resource for the up-and-coming pastoral student. More in-depth works will eclipse each section of the book but part of its strength is its brevity and ability to point the student toward some of the best in-depth resources in the field. Finally, if you have never read David Alan Black, I find his writing to be clear and often surprising hilarious which is a wonderful added benefit.

[Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Black does a great service to those of us who want to use the New Testament Greek in our preaching ministries. The book is concise, clear, and helpful. The one shortcoming with the book is that it seems outdated. The sections on using computers is short and does not have the most recent information. Of course, computers and Biblical studies are progressing so quickly that a book on the subject will always feel out-of-date. The kinds of tips and suggestions he provides are common place in the blogosphere. Despite these shortcomings, its a good book to have, a great book to read, and a good book to recommend for those either just getting into the Greek world or those in need of motivation for learning this essential Biblical language.

[Josiah Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chapter 4 was especially helpful as it outlined a basic "how-to" of exegesis. I also found Chapter 2 useful for its recommendation of various works related to the exegetical study of Scripture. This book is not designed to be ground-breaking or earth-shattering; rather, it is simply to help you organize the tools and knowledge you have probably already been familiarized in prior studies in Scripture.

[Shane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful little book for those of us who are learning to use Greek. Chapter 1 is a helpful intro. Chapter 2 is outdated and thus not overly helpful. Chapters 3-4, while somewhat of a repetition of one another, are VERY helpful. It's a great little process he gives us here that should come in handy for years to come.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good concise little book. Only 119 pages. There is little to no Greek grammar. So don't expect that. Black offers a good game plan for exegesis and explains it well. The book was published in 1994 and is somewhat dated. An updated edition would be welcomed.

[Brian Algie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Black's work is good but a little dated. Some additional resources have come out or (updated versions) that are obviously not mentioned but that is just one of the five chapters. The other chapters are helpful in challenging the pastor or student with utilizing Greek in ministry in practical ways.

[Johnathon Vogel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book, but really needs updating. Software listed is out of date and I would love to see his reviews of Logos and BibleWorks.

[Mark Lacanienta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Needs updating, but good primer.