Introduction to Biblical Interpretation: Participating in God's Story of Redemption (Foundations for Spirit-filled Christianity Series)

This introduction to biblical interpretation expands the interpretive task to encompass both comprehension of the Bible's content and active participation in God's redemptive plan. The authors guide readers to engage with the beauty of God's Word, reading it holistically for intellectual and spiritual growth. They discuss the nature of interpretation, emphasise the Holy Spirit's role in the production, interpretation, and application of Scripture as the communication of the triune God, and explore the Bible's genres and historical contexts within God's redemptive story. They provide principles and accessible guidelines for interpreting Scripture across global contexts, including a simple outline for new students. Above all, the authors stress the transformative nature of engaging with Scripture.

The Foundations for Spirit-Filled Christianity Series highlights themes relevant to Pentecostal and Charismatic students while being respectful and inclusive of a variety of church traditions. Series editors are Jerry Ireland, Paul W. Lewis, and Frank D. Macchia.

Table of Contents

• Series Preface
• 1. Making Biblical Interpretation Personal

Part 1: The Purpose and Passion of Reading

• 2. Trusting the Word of God
• 3. Hearing the Lord through His Word within Church History
• 4. Spirit and the Word, and Interpretation
• 5. Beauty, the Bible, and the Interpreter

Part 2: Transformational Reading

• 6. Our Grand Narrative
• 7. Reading Stories
• 8. The Law and the Spirit
• 9. Poetry and Emotion
• 10. Prophetic Power
• 11. Reading the New Testament Letters

Part 3: Reading and Living

• 12. Daily Bread

• 13. Living the Word

• 14. Cross-Cultural Hermeneutics

• 15. Joining the Story

• Recommended Resources

• Indexes

• Endorsements

Endorsements

"As you would expect and even hope, this book on biblical interpretation by a couple of Pentecostal scholars is not your traditional kind of introduction to the topic: It's personal. It's passionate. It's prayerful. It's pneumatic. It's practical. But it does the traditional things as well. It talks about inspiration and history, and it is wide-ranging and broad-minded. It will build people up so they can get the most out of the Bible."
— John Goldingay, Senior Professor of Old Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary

"In this volume, two seasoned teachers tell stories about the church, biblical interpretation, and their own personal histories with the Bible. They do so not only with an eye to enabling wise interpretation but also with the typical Pentecostal emphasis on right actions and affections. This introduction exhibits a deep commitment to and trust in Scripture and is warmly welcomed by this teacher who is also living God's story and inviting students into it."
— Holly Beers, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, Westmont College

"Grey and Lewis are to be commended for producing an introductory textbook that is pedagogically exemplary. It covers all the ground that students new to the subject are expected to know. Technical terms are kept to a minimum and clearly explained. Its distinctive Charismatic and global dimensions of interpretation should appeal to a wide readership."
— Simon Chan, Editor, Asia Journal of Theology

The Authors

Jacqueline Grey
Jacqueline Grey (PhD, Charles Sturt University) is professor of biblical studies at Alphacrucis University College in Sydney, Australia. She is also a research fellow with the University of South Africa and the Centre for Pentecostal Theology.

Paul W. Lewis
Paul W. Lewis (PhD, Baylor University) is professor of historical theology and intercultural studies at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, Evangel University, in Springfield, Missouri.