The book "How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth" by Gordon D.

Fee and Douglas Stuart is a

foundational text for understanding biblical interpretation. Here's a 10-chapter lecture series based on
its core principles, designed to guide students through effective biblical reading.

Lecture Notes: How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Fee and Stuart

Course Title: Introduction to Biblical Interpretation

Textbook: How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart

Chapter 1: The Task of Biblical Interpretation

I. Introduction to the Course and Textbook

A. Welcome and Course Overview

B. Introduction to Fee & Stuart: Their Goal and Approach

1. Emphasizing the meaning of the text

2. Bridging the gap between ancient and modern readers

C. Why Biblical Interpretation Matters

1. Avoiding misinterpretation and misapplication

2. Deepening understanding and faith

3. Living out God's word faithfully

II. The Two Main Tasks of Biblical Interpretation

A. Exegesis: What did it mean?

1. Definition: Drawing the meaning out of the text.

2. Focus: Understanding the original author's intent for the original audience.

3. Importance: The foundation for all legitimate interpretation.

B. Hermeneutics: What does it mean for us?

1. Definition: Applying the ancient meaning to contemporary contexts.

2. Focus: Bridging the historical and cultural gap.

3. Importance: Making the Bible relevant and applicable to life today.

III. The Challenges of Biblical Interpretation

A. Historical and Cultural Gaps

1. Ancient Near Eastern vs. Modern Western worldview

2. Different customs, social structures, and thought patterns

B. Literary Gaps

1. Diverse genres within the Bible (narrative, poetry, law, prophecy, etc.)

2. Understanding the conventions of each genre

C. Linguistic Gaps

1. Original languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek)

2. Challenges of translation and nuance

IV. Presuppositions for Reading the Bible

A. Acknowledging our own biases and pre-understandings

B. The Bible as God's Word: Inspired and Authoritative

C. The Bible as Human Language: Written in historical context

D. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Illumination

V. Summary and Looking Ahead

A. The goal: Responsible and enriching engagement with the Bible.

B. Next steps: Understanding the "first meaning" – exegesis.

Chapter 2: The Importance of Context

I. Introduction: Why Context is King

A. Reiteration of the exegetical task: What did it mean then?

B. The danger of "proof-texting" and taking verses out of context.

C. Analogy: Understanding a single word requires the context of a sentence, a sentence requires a
paragraph, etc.

II. Types of Context

A. Literary Context (Immediate Context)

1. The surrounding verses, paragraphs, chapters.

2. How does the passage fit into the flow of the book?

3. Key questions: What comes before? What comes after? What is the main point of the surrounding
material?

4. Examples: Interpreting a proverb, a command, or a promise within its literary setting.

B. Book Context (Book as a Whole)

1. Understanding the purpose, theme, and overall message of the biblical book.

2. Who was the original author? Who was the original audience?

3. What was the historical situation that prompted the writing?

4. Examples: Understanding Galatians in light of the Judaizer controversy, or Philippians in light of Paul's
imprisonment and joy.

C. Wider Biblical Context (Canon Context)

1. How does this passage relate to the rest of Scripture?

2. The "analogy of faith": Scripture interprets Scripture.

3. Avoiding interpretations that contradict clear biblical teaching elsewhere.

4. The overarching narrative of redemption.

III. The Role of Historical-Cultural Context

A. Understanding the world of the biblical writers and their audience.

1. Social customs, political structures, economic realities.

2. Religious practices and beliefs of the time.

3. Geography and its impact.

B. Sources for Historical-Cultural Context

1. Bible dictionaries, encyclopedias, atlases.

2. Commentaries (used carefully, after initial personal study).

3. Archaeological findings.

IV. Practical Application: Reading with Context in Mind

A. Read the entire book first (if possible).

B. Identify the main theme of the surrounding paragraphs.

C. Ask "why" the author included this specific passage here.

D. Be wary of interpretations that seem to clash with the broader biblical message.

V. Summary

A. Context is crucial for accurate exegesis.

B. Always ask: "What did this mean to the original readers?"

Chapter 3: The Role of Translation

I. Introduction: Why We Don't Just Read the Original Languages

A. Acknowledging the beauty and complexity of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek.

B. The reality for most readers: We rely on translations.

C. The goal: To understand the choices translators make and their impact.

II. The Nature of Translation

A. No "perfect" translation: It's an act of interpretation.

B. Balancing form and meaning.

C. The "receptor language" vs. "source language."

III. Types of Translations

A. Formal Equivalence (Word-for-Word)

1. Goal: To stay as close as possible to the original language's structure and vocabulary.

2. Examples: King James Version (KJV), New American Standard Bible (NASB), English Standard Version
(ESV).

3. Strengths: Preserves original phrasing, good for detailed study.

4. Weaknesses: Can be less natural in English, may obscure meaning for modern readers.

B. Dynamic Equivalence (Thought-for-Thought)

1. Goal: To convey the meaning and impact of the original text in natural English, even if it means
altering word order or sentence structure.

2. Examples: New International Version (NIV), New Living Translation (NLT).

3. Strengths: Easier to read and understand, captures the spirit of the text.

4. Weaknesses: More interpretative choices made by translators, can lose some linguistic nuances.

C. Paraphrases

1. Goal: To re-express the text in contemporary language, often with an explanatory or devotional aim.

2. Examples: The Living Bible, The Message.

3. Strengths: Highly readable, good for initial overview.

4. Weaknesses: Not suitable for in-depth study, can introduce significant interpretive bias.

IV. Choosing and Using Translations Wisely

A. No single "best" translation for all purposes.

B. Recommendations:

1. Use a formal equivalence translation for detailed study (e.g., ESV, NASB).

2. Use a dynamic equivalence translation for general reading and understanding (e.g., NIV, NLT).

3. Compare multiple translations when studying a difficult passage.

4. Avoid relying solely on paraphrases for serious study.

C. The importance of footnotes and cross-references in good study Bibles.

V. Practical Implications for Reading

A. Be aware of the translation's philosophy.

B. Don't base a major theological point solely on a single word choice in one translation.

C. Use translation differences as a prompt to dig deeper into the original meaning (with the help of
resources).

VI. Summary

A. Translations are indispensable but have inherent limitations.

B. Understanding translation philosophies helps us read more effectively.

Chapter 4: Reading the Epistles (Letters)

I. Introduction: The Nature of New Testament Letters

A. Why study epistles first? They often explicitly teach theology and ethics.
B. Epistles as "occasional documents": Written to specific people, for specific reasons, at specific times.

C. The danger of "decontextualizing" Pauline (and other) commands.

II. Key Principles for Interpreting Epistles

A. Think Paragraphs, Not Just Verses:

1. The main point is usually found in the flow of the argument.

2. Identify the beginning and end of thought units.

B. Identify the Historical Situation:

1. Who wrote it? To whom? Why?

2. What problems or questions is the author addressing?

3. Use study Bible introductions or commentaries (after your own reading).

C. Trace the Argument:

1. How does the author build their case?

2. Look for logical connectors (e.g., "therefore," "but," "for," "if...then").

3. Identify the main thesis and supporting points.

D. Understand the Imperatives in Light of the Indicatives:

1. Indicatives: Statements of fact, what God has done or is. (e.g., "You are in Christ.")

2. Imperatives: Commands, what we are to do. (e.g., "Walk in a manner worthy of your calling.")

3. Christian ethics flows from Christian theology; what we do flows from who we are in Christ.

E. Distinguish Between Cultural and Trans-Cultural Elements:

1. Some commands address specific cultural practices of the time (e.g., veiling, holy kiss).

2. Some principles are timeless and apply to all cultures (e.g., love, humility, purity).

3. This requires careful discernment and a good understanding of the original context.

III. Practical Steps for Reading Epistles

A. Read the entire letter in one sitting, multiple times.

B. Identify the author, recipients, and general purpose.

C. Outline the main arguments or sections.

D. For a specific passage, ask: What problem is being addressed? What solution is offered? What is the
main point?

IV. Examples of Misreading Epistles

A. Taking a command meant for a specific situation as a universal command for all time (e.g., "Greet one
another with a holy kiss").

B. Ignoring the flow of argument and jumping to conclusions from isolated verses.

V. Summary

A. Epistles are arguments, not just collections of commands.

B. Understanding the original context and logical flow is key to proper interpretation and application.

Chapter 5: Reading the Old Testament Narratives

I. Introduction: The Power and Purpose of Biblical Narrative

A. Narrative as the dominant genre in the Old Testament (and significant in NT).

B. The Bible tells a story: God's redemptive plan unfolding in history.

C. Dangers of misreading: Moralizing, allegorizing, or historicalizing only.

II. What Old Testament Narratives Are (and Are Not)

A. Are Not:

1. Simple moral lessons or fables (though they may contain moral lessons).

2. Primary sources for systematic theology (though they illustrate theology).

3. Historically exhaustive accounts (they are selective).

B. Are:

1. Historical: They recount real events from God's interaction with humanity.

2. Theological: They reveal God's character, purposes, and ways of interacting with people.

3. Purposeful: They are told to make specific points about God, humanity, and salvation history.

III. Key Principles for Interpreting Narratives

A. Focus on the Main Character: God.

1. Narratives are primarily about what God is doing, not just human actions.

2. What do the events reveal about God's faithfulness, justice, mercy, power?

B. Identify the Plot, Characters, and Setting.

1. Plot: The sequence of events, conflicts, resolutions.

2. Characters: Who are they? What are their strengths/weaknesses? How do they interact with God?

3. Setting: When and where does the story take place? How does it impact the events?

C. Recognize Direct and Indirect Speech.

1. What characters say is not always what God approves of (e.g., Job's friends, speeches in Ecclesiastes).

2. Pay attention to the narrator's perspective and evaluations.

D. Observe What is Included and What is Omitted.

1. The author is selective; omissions can be as significant as inclusions.

2. Look for recurring themes, motifs, and literary patterns.

E. Don't Assume Every Detail Has a Hidden Meaning.

1. Avoid excessive allegorizing or finding "spiritual truths" in every minor detail.

2. The meaning is primarily found in the plain sense of the story.

IV. How Narratives Function in the Wider Biblical Story

A. Progression of Redemptive History: Each narrative contributes to the unfolding story of God's plan.

B. Typology: How earlier events/persons/institutions foreshadow later, greater realities (especially

Christ). (e.g., Passover and Christ, Manna and Christ). Caution: Typology must be grounded in explicit
biblical connection, not arbitrary comparison.

V. Practical Steps for Reading Narratives

A. Read the entire story or block of stories.

B. Identify the main characters and their relationship with God.

C. What is the central conflict or problem? How is it resolved?

D. What is the overall message about God or His interaction with humanity?

E. Resist the urge to immediately jump to "what does this mean for me?" before asking "what did it
mean then?"
VI. Summary

A. Narratives are God's story, revealing His character and redemptive plan.

B. Interpretation involves understanding the literary features and historical context, focusing on God's
role.

Chapter 6: Reading the Law

I. Introduction: The Place of Law in the Old Testament

A. The Law (Torah) as central to Israel's identity and covenant with God.

B. The misconception that OT law is merely a set of rules for us today.

C. Dangers of misinterpreting the Law: Legalism vs. Antinomianism.

II. The Purpose and Context of the Law

A. For Ancient Israel, Not Directly For Us:

1. Given to a specific people (Israel) at a specific time (Sinai) within a specific covenant (Mosaic).

2. Its primary function was to govern Israel as a nation and reveal God's holiness.

B. God's Revelation of Himself and His Righteousness:

1. The Law reveals God's character: holy, just, righteous, merciful.

2. It defines what it means to be in covenant relationship with Him.

C. To Lead to Christ (Galatians 3:24):

1. It reveals human sinfulness and inability to perfectly obey.

2. It points to the need for a redeemer and a new covenant.

III. Categories of Old Testament Law

A. Moral Law:

1. Reflects God's unchanging character and universal principles of right and wrong.

2. Examples: Ten Commandments (e.g., "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal").

3. These principles are reaffirmed and deepened in the New Testament.

B. Civil Law:

1. Governed the social, economic, and judicial life of ancient Israel as a nation-state.
2. Examples: Laws about property, crime, court procedures.

3. Application for us: The principles behind these laws (justice, fairness) are often applicable, but the
specific regulations are not directly binding on modern societies.

C. Ceremonial Law:

1. Governed the religious rituals, sacrifices, priesthood, and worship of Israel.

2. Examples: Sacrificial system, dietary laws, purification rituals, Sabbath observance.

3. Application for us: These laws are largely fulfilled in Christ, who is the ultimate sacrifice and mediator.
They teach us about God's holiness and the need for atonement.

IV. Interpreting and Applying the Law in the New Covenant

A. The Fulfillment in Christ:

1. Jesus perfectly fulfilled the Law (Matthew 5:17-18).

2. His death and resurrection initiated the New Covenant, rendering the Mosaic Covenant (including its
civil and ceremonial aspects) obsolete for believers (Hebrews 8:13).

B. The New Testament's Approach to the Law:

1. Moral principles are reaffirmed and often given deeper meaning (e.g., lust as adultery of the heart).

2. Ceremonial laws are generally understood as having been fulfilled in Christ.

3. Civil laws are not directly binding, but their underlying principles of justice and righteousness remain
relevant.

C. Asking the Right Questions:

1. What did this law mean for ancient Israel?

2. What does it reveal about God's character?

3. How is this principle reaffirmed, modified, or fulfilled in the New Testament/Christ?

V. Summary

A. The Law was given to Israel as part of the Mosaic Covenant.

B. While not directly binding on Christians in its entirety, it reveals God's character and points to Christ.

C. We apply the moral principles, understand the fulfillment of ceremonial aspects, and discern the
principles behind civil laws.
Chapter 7: Reading the Prophets

I. Introduction: The Nature of Prophetic Literature

A. More than just predicting the future ("fortune-telling").

B. Prophets as "covenant enforcers" or "God's prosecuting attorneys."

C. The common misconception: Focusing only on future predictions.

II. The Primary Function of the Prophets

A. Proclaiming God's Word to Their Own Generation:

1. Calling Israel/Judah back to covenant faithfulness.

2. Denouncing sin (idolatry, social injustice, ritualism without righteousness).

3. Warning of impending judgment if repentance does not occur.

B. Forecasting the Future (Often Conditional):

1. Predictions of judgment (exile, defeat).

2. Predictions of hope and restoration (return from exile, coming of the Messiah, new covenant).

3. Many prophecies were conditional on Israel's response.

III. Key Principles for Interpreting Prophetic Books

A. Understand the Historical Context:

1. Who was the prophet? When did he prophesy? To whom?

2. What was the political, social, and religious situation of the time? (e.g., Assyrian threat, Babylonian
exile).

3. This is crucial for understanding the "why" behind the message.

B. Identify the Dominant Themes:

1. Judgment for sin.

2. Call to repentance.

3. Hope and restoration.

4. The coming of the Messiah.

C. Recognize Prophetic Oracles:

1. Often short, poetic units of speech.

2. Look for signals of divine speech ("Thus says the Lord").

D. Be Aware of Poetic Language and Imagery:

1. Prophets use vivid metaphors, similes, hyperbole, personification.

2. Not always literal descriptions; discern the figurative meaning. (e.g., "mountains skipping like lambs").

E. Distinguish Between Near and Far Fulfillment:

1. Some prophecies had an immediate fulfillment in the prophet's own time or shortly after.

2. Some had a distant fulfillment, often in the coming of Christ or the end times.

3. Some may have both (dual fulfillment).

F. The "Already and Not Yet" Aspect:

1. Many prophecies concerning the Messianic age or the Kingdom of God are already fulfilled in Christ's
first coming but not yet fully realized until His second coming.

IV. Interpreting Specific Types of Prophecy

A. Covenant Lawsuit: God bringing charges against His people.

B. Woe Oracles: Pronouncements of judgment.

C. Salvation Oracles: Promises of restoration and blessing.

D. Apocalyptic Literature (e.g., parts of Daniel, Ezekiel, Zechariah): Highly symbolic, visions, often
concerns the end times. Requires special care.

V. Practical Steps for Reading Prophets

A. Read an introduction to the book to grasp the historical setting and overall message.

B. Look for the "then and there" meaning before applying to "here and now."

C. Identify the audience and the specific sins or circumstances being addressed.

D. What does this passage reveal about God's character and purposes?

E. How does it point to Christ or the New Covenant?

VI. Summary

A. Prophets were primarily spokespersons for God's covenant with Israel, addressing contemporary
issues.
B. Their messages included both warnings of judgment and promises of hope, often with future
implications.

C. Understanding context, genre, and the "already and not yet" helps in interpretation.

Chapter 8: Reading the Psalms and Wisdom Literature

I. Introduction: The Psalms - The Heart of Israel's Worship and Emotion

A. Psalms as poetry, prayers, and songs, expressing a full range of human emotion.

B. Dangers: Reading them as mere doctrinal statements or proof texts.

II. Key Principles for Interpreting Psalms

A. Recognize Poetic Devices:

1. Parallelism: The most common feature (synonymous, antithetic, synthetic).

* Synonymous: Second line repeats thought of first (Ps 19:1).

* Antithetic: Second line contrasts first (Ps 1:6).

* Synthetic: Second line develops first.

2. Imagery and Metaphor: God as rock, shepherd, fortress; human life as grass.

3. Hyperbole: Exaggeration for emphasis (e.g., tears filling a bed).

B. Identify the Type of Psalm:

1. Lament: Expressing sorrow, complaint, often moving to trust (largest category).

2. Praise/Hymn: Exalting God for His character or works.

3. Thanksgiving: Expressing gratitude for specific deliverance.

4. Royal: About the King (human or divine Messianic King).

5. Wisdom: Reflecting on life's lessons, often with moral instruction.

6. Imprecatory: Calling for judgment on enemies (understand in covenant context, not personal
revenge).

C. Understand the Function within Worship:

1. Psalms were meant to be sung, recited, prayed.

2. They teach us how to approach God in various circumstances.

D. The Christological Connection:

1. Many Psalms speak prophetically of Christ (e.g., Ps 22, 110).

2. They reflect the human experience that Christ shared, and the divine experience He embodied.

3. They provide a model for Christian prayer and worship.

III. Wisdom Literature: Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs

A. Proverbs:

1. Nature: Short, pithy sayings offering practical wisdom for living well in God's world.

2. Key Principle: Proverbs are general truths, not absolute promises. They describe the usual outcome of
wise/foolish behavior, not ironclad guarantees.

3. Application: Seek to understand the principle, not the exception. Focus on righteous living.

B. Job:

1. Nature: A dramatic poem exploring the problem of suffering for the righteous.

2. Key Principle: Challenges simplistic "retribution theology" (suffering = sin). Reveals God's sovereignty
and wisdom beyond human comprehension.

3. Application: Teaches trust in God amidst mystery, not to find answers for every "why."

C. Ecclesiastes:

1. Nature: Philosophical exploration of life "under the sun" (apart from direct divine revelation).

2. Key Principle: Life without God is "vanity" or meaningless. The book's conclusion points to fearing God
and keeping His commandments.

3. Application: Provides a realistic assessment of life's limitations and futility when God is absent. Points
to ultimate meaning in God.

D. Song of Songs:

1. Nature: A lyrical poem celebrating human love and sexual intimacy within marriage.

2. Key Principle: A positive portrayal of physical love as a gift from God.

3. Application: Encourages purity, commitment, and mutual delight in marriage. Avoid excessive
allegorizing unless clearly intended.

IV. Summary
A. Psalms teach us to relate to God authentically, offering models for worship and prayer.

B. Wisdom literature provides practical guidance for living, explores life's mysteries, and celebrates
creation, all ultimately pointing to God.

C. Recognize genre and poetic devices for accurate interpretation.

Chapter 9: Reading the Gospels and Acts

I. Introduction: The Unique Nature of the Gospels

A. Not mere biographies, but "theological biographies" or "gospel accounts."

B. Written to present Jesus, persuade readers of His identity, and call for faith.

C. Dangers: Harmonizing too quickly, focusing on minor details over main message, treating Jesus' words
as direct commands for all situations.

II. Key Principles for Interpreting the Gospels

A. Identify the Author's Purpose and Emphases:

1. Each Gospel writer has a specific theological agenda and audience (e.g., Matthew for Jewish audience,
Luke for Gentile).

2. Observe what each Gospel includes, omits, or emphasizes differently.

B. Context is Crucial (Literary and Historical):

1. Literary: How does a pericope (story unit) fit into the surrounding material? Why did the evangelist
place it here?

2. Historical: Understand the Jewish and Roman background of Jesus' ministry.

C. Jesus' Words and Actions in Their Original Setting:

1. Who was Jesus speaking to? What was the immediate context?

2. Were His words descriptive (what happened) or prescriptive (what should happen)?

3. Distinguish between commands to specific individuals/groups and universal commands.

D. Parables:

1. Nature: Earthly stories with a heavenly meaning.

2. Key Principle: Usually one main point. Avoid over-allegorizing every detail.

3. Application: What is the central truth Jesus is conveying?

E. Miracles:

1. Nature: Signs pointing to Jesus' identity as God's Son and inaugurator of the Kingdom.

2. Key Principle: Focus on what the miracle reveals about Jesus and the Kingdom, not just the
spectacular.

III. Interpreting Acts: The Story of the Early Church

A. Nature: Historical narrative tracing the spread of the Gospel from Jerusalem to Rome.

B. Key Principles for Interpretation:

1. Descriptive vs. Prescriptive: Acts describes what happened; it doesn't always prescribe that everything
described must be replicated today.

2. Identify the Main Theological Themes:

* The power of the Holy Spirit.

* The expansion of the Gospel to all nations.

* The sovereignty of God in guiding the church.

* The importance of witness and mission.

3. Look for Patterns and Principles: While specific events aren't necessarily commands, we can derive
principles for church life, evangelism, and leadership (e.g., commitment to prayer, teaching, fellowship).

4. The Role of Narrator: Luke (the author) often highlights certain aspects or draws connections.

IV. The "Already and Not Yet" in the Gospels and Acts

A. The Kingdom of God has already come in Jesus' first advent (miracles, teachings).

B. It is not yet fully consummated until His second coming.

C. We live in the "in-between" time, empowered by the Spirit, awaiting the full revelation.

V. Summary

A. Gospels present Jesus, His life, teaching, death, and resurrection, calling for faith.

B. Acts chronicles the Spirit-empowered spread of the early church.

C. Both genres require careful attention to context, authorial purpose, and the descriptive/prescriptive
distinction.

Chapter 10: Reading Revelation (and Other Apocalyptic Literature)

I. Introduction: The Challenge and Allure of Revelation

A. The most misunderstood and often misused book in the Bible.

B. The danger of sensationalism, date-setting, and excessive speculation.

C. Its purpose: Not to predict a rigid timeline, but to encourage and warn believers in times of
persecution.

II. Understanding Apocalyptic Literature

A. Key Characteristics:

1. Symbolic Language: Visions, fantastic creatures, numbers, colors. These are symbols, not always literal
descriptions.

2. Visions and Dreams: Often presented as divine revelation through a vision.

3. Dualism: Sharp contrast between good/evil, light/darkness, God's kingdom/Satan's kingdom.

4. Angelic Mediators: Angels often interpret the visions.

5. Eschatological Focus: Concerns the end times, God's ultimate victory, and judgment.

6. Purpose: To offer hope and encouragement to the persecuted, reveal God's sovereignty, and call for
perseverance.

B. Historical Context of Revelation:

1. Written during a time of intense Roman persecution (likely under Domitian).

2. To comfort believers facing suffering and death, assuring them of God's ultimate triumph.

III. Key Principles for Interpreting Revelation

A. Read it as Prophecy and Letter, Not Just a Timetable:

1. It is a prophetic book, but its primary message is for its original audience.

2. It is a letter written to seven churches, addressing their specific situations.

B. Don't Literalize Everything:

1. The symbols are crucial to its meaning. Understand what the symbols represent.

2. (e.g., a lamb with seven horns and seven eyes is not a literal lamb, but symbolizes the omnipotent and
omniscient Christ).

C. Identify Recurring Themes and Symbols:

1. God's sovereignty, Christ's victory, the suffering of the saints, the defeat of evil, the new heaven and
new earth.

2. Many symbols derive from the Old Testament (e.g., Daniel, Ezekiel, Zechariah).

D. Focus on the Main Message: God Triumphs!

1. The central message is one of hope, assurance, and God's ultimate victory over evil.

2. It calls for patient endurance and faithfulness.

E. Different Interpretive Approaches (Brief Overview):

1. Preterist: Sees most of Revelation fulfilled in the first century.

2. Historicist: Sees it as a symbolic depiction of church history.

3. Futurist: Sees most of it as yet to be fulfilled in the future.

4. Idealist/Symbolic: Focuses on the timeless spiritual truths and conflict between good and evil.

Fee & Stuart often lean towards a combination of Idealist/Symbolic with an awareness of the original
historical context, focusing on its timeless message of God's victory.

IV. Practical Steps for Reading Revelation

A. Read the entire book to get the overall flow and message of hope.

B. Identify the main characters and their roles (God, Christ, Satan, saints, wicked).

C. Pay attention to the letters to the seven churches (Rev 2-3) – these provide direct instruction.

D. When encountering a difficult symbol, ask: What might this represent? Does the Bible use this symbol
elsewhere? What is the point the author is making with it?

E. Focus on the call to faithfulness, perseverance, and worship of God and the Lamb.

V. Conclusion: Putting It All Together

A. Reiterate the two main tasks: Exegesis (what it meant then) and Hermeneutics (what it means now).

B. The importance of genre, context, and careful observation.

C. The goal: To read the Bible for all its worth, allowing God's Word to transform our lives.

D. Encouragement to continue the journey of responsible and joyful biblical interpretation.