Further Study

Review Questions

These questions are designed to help you review important material covered in the lecture.

1. Discuss the term synchronic and illustrate its meaning and use in biblical theology.
2. Discuss the term synthesis and explain a popular denial of the Old Testament’s logical character and why we affirm its logical coherence.
3. How does Paul use synchronic synthesis in Romans 5:12-14?
4. Explain the two worlds of interpretation for both poetic and narrative literature.
5. How do the two worlds of Old Testament poetry affect the ways we can discern historical information?
6. When discerning historical information from Old Testament narratives, why is it important not to expect them to be like modern journalistic historical writing?
7. Discuss synthetic theological structures and the variety of souces we use to discern them in the Old Testament.
8. Discuss and illustrate Basic-Level Structures, Middle-Level Structures, and Complex-Level Structures.

Application Questions

Application questions are appropriate for written assignments or as topics for group discussions. For written assignments, it is recommended that answers not exceed one page in length.

1. How can synchronic synthesis help us understand the nature of the time of redemptive history for a biblical passage?
2. What role should logic play in the interpretation of Scripture as you seek to apply the Bible today?
3. This lesson distinguishes the style of Old Testament theology from the standards of western philosophical traditions. How will these differences impact the way you interpret Scripture?
4. How can distinguishing between “that world” and “their world” help us in doing a synchronic synthesis of a time in redemptive history?
5. To what extent should we seek to be objective as we interpret biblical history?
6. What is the importance of studying earlier and later revelation as we seek to do biblical theology?
7. How can general revelation help us in the task of biblical theology?
8. How do the three main elements of all covenants impact the way we ought to obey Scripture today?
9.  What is the most significant insight you have learned from this study?

Discussion Video

Additional information concerning the lesson topic is provided in a video presentation of a question and answer session. If you are struggling to understand any portion of the lesson or if you would simply like to deepen your understanding of the subject, this video will be helpful.