Hermeneutics for Epistles (Part 4)

Understanding the Letters in the New Testament

I. How Sentences are Understood

A. Understanding Propositions

1. Clausal relationships

a. Cause

b. Result

c. Purpose

d. Condition

e. Concession

f. Means

g. Manner

2. Distinguishing between means and cause

LESSON BEGINS HERE

B. Following an Argument (Romans 13:1-7)

1. Let every person be subject...

2. For there is no authority except from God

3. Whoever resists the authorities...will incur judgment

4. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad

5. Do what is good, and you will receive his approval

6. If you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer

7. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed

C. The Form of an Ancient Letter

1. Greeting or salutation

2. Thanksgiving or prayer

3. The body of the letter

4. Conclusion

5. Insights from consideration of form