How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth: Fourth Edition

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I suspect the authors do not want to allow this for perhaps two reasons (at least): First, they obviously have a dispensational view of the covenants and OT and NT, so they would not agree that the OT is as strongly related to the NT as those of us who understand covenant theology; second, they have a narrow view of inspiration, believing that the Holy Spirit can only inspire an author to write that which an author can completely understand. These are theological presuppositions that they do not defend at all when they state their rule, and they are presuppositions with which I do not agree, so I cannot fully endorse this book. There are many who might not notice these presuppositions, and then would read the Bible, especially the OT, and miss how it all has Jesus at the center. Such reading of the Bible is what leads many, many preachers to make the OT stories simply moral examples and not gospel-centered. Journal for the Study of the Old Testament . . . A readable, clear, and well-written book on hermeneutics. I appreciated that How to broke down the various genres, and outlined the necessary factors in how to interpret what they’re saying. Even though I knew Song of Solomon and the Psalms were poetry, I never thought about the fact that their imagery was similar to how we’d write song lyrics. Duh. Of course they would be. But somehow, when we see the word “Bible,” the normal rules fly out the window and we seem to feel that different rules should apply, because it’s not the common man’s poetry. Used all around the world, this Bible resource covers everything from how to choose a good translation to how to understand the different genres of biblical writing. Christian Standard Fee and Stuart have delineated the hermeneutical principles for the valid interpretation of the variety of literary genres found in Scripture. Fee and Stuart fulfill the objectives they set for themselves admirably. A book with this focus meets an obvious need.

Interpretation . . . Will be a blessing to all who want to enjoy the Bible. . . . A ‘must’ for all who are bothered about angels, trumpets, earthquakes, beasts, dragons, and bottomless pits. I bought this book because it was the required reading for a twelve-week course I was enrolled in, and even though my reading felt like a race to the finish toward the end of the course, I’m so glad to have it in my possession. This book seems to cover it all, and then some. There is, however, one rather large caveat. The entire first chapter (the epistles) should basically be skipped. These authors have two bones they don't want to let go.The Psalms are not commonly thought of as containing exegetical difficulties. However, they are a "special kind of literature" and "require special care in reading and interpreting." They are best understood as a collective outpouring of communication with God much akin to that found in a diary. Combined with a view of the historical context of ancient Israel, exegesis of the Psalms can provide the reader with an invaluable perspective in dealing with the vacillation of life. The literary and functional aspects of the Psalms are covered in great detail by Fee and Stuart resulting in a comprehensive evaluation and dissection of this genre.

Gordon Fee taught at Regent College, which is known for providing a theological education for lay persons. With this in mind, I was curious as to whether or not this book was really useful to the lay person. The book does requires familiarity with Scripture. I wouldn’t recommend this to someone who does not have previous exposure to Scripture and Christian thought without a dialog partner.This book is about the bible and its original intention, and how to read it in that context. Fee and Stuart emphasize repeatedly the common mistake that many individual Christians(and most churches) make in twisting the scriptures - particularly the Old Testament - into somehow being about the present age, which it isn't! They further explain how the Old Testament is misinterpreted in the present day by many legalistic doctrines to be a moral standard and judgment on present day living. It isn't and was never intended to be. As delicately as I can state it ...... Evangelicals need to get over it and enter the field themselves. If the Bible is true, it must be true enough to stand tough scrutiny. The opinion of this reviewer is that it does stand that scrutiny, but as a student of the Bible you must expect over time that your understanding will change and grow. That is called discipleship and growth. It's a good thing! The historical and eternal aspects of Scripture are duly noted in the opening chapter of the text, with particular attention given to the methodology utilized by God to communicate to mankind. The need for the interpreter to have a lucid understanding of the characters in Scripture and the geographical and cultural milieu in which they lived is brilliantly outlined. Additionally, the necessity to utilize Bible dictionaries and encyclopedias to understand historical context is given some consideration by the authors with additional discourse on biblical commentaries provided in the appendix. For Instructors and School Administrators Enhance your school’s traditional and online education programs by easily integrating online courses developed from the scholars and textbooks you trust. That is where this book comes into play. This is both a good introductory text for the student who wants to enter into the realms of textual, historical, redactive, literary etc criticism. It is also written to be at the level of the average layman who wants to understand more for their own study and growth.

Gordon Fee is a noted New Testament scholar, having published several books and articles in his field of specialization, New Testament textual criticism. He also published a textbook on New Testament interpretation, co-authored two books for lay people on biblical interpretation, as well as scholarly-popular commentaries on 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus and on Galatians, and major commentaries on 1 Corinthians and Philippians. He is also the author of a major work on the Holy Spirit and the Person of Christ in the letters of Paul. Hebrew narrative as revealed in the Old Testament is the next topic broached by Fee and Stuart. This rather lengthy discussion is necessitated by the prevailing "failure to understand both the reason for and the character of Hebrew narrative." Indicative of this failure is the propensity to treat large sections of Old Testament narrative as allegory resulting in forced interpretations and rejection of the historically accurate nature of the Scripture. While Fee and Stuart's treatment of Old Testament narrative is not as thorough as that provided in works such as "Introduction to Biblical Interpretation" by Klein, Blomberg and Hubbard, it is nevertheless a commonsensical and worthwhile approach. Of particular note is the authors' contention that "narratives are precious to us because they so vividly demonstrate God's involvement in the world and illustrate his principles and calling." This statement articulates, perhaps even more than the discussion of the intricacies of narrative, the need for interpreters to properly evaluate historical genre. Furthermore, Fee & Stuart clearly point out the flaws of the KJV/NKJV by exposing translation errors that essentially change the meaning of the original text by encouraging what is known as "proof-texting" which simply means taking verses out of context to suit ones own meaning, i.e. "name it and claim it" theology, so-called end-times "the sky is falling" rescue-ism of Dispensational theology, taking Revelation literally rather than as the figurative narrative from Genesis to the ascension of Christ, the egoism of Calvinism, etc., etc. The time and culture of the author and readers of each book of the Bible are different. Geographical and political factors can be important. There may be an occasion for the writing of the book.

Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society . . . Stimulating in helping the earnest Bible student understand the Old and New Testaments better. Apocalyptic literature is satiated with symbolism and approaching such texts should not commence without a "proper degree of humility." Revelation, perhaps more than any other book in Scripture, presents a bevy of challenges for the interpreter. Fee and Stuart do a venerable job of outlining apocalyptic genre without pursuing any particular interpretive agenda. Additionally, they avoid theological interludes in favor of focusing on the methodology of interpreting apocalyptic works. Their statement that "John's larger concern is that, despite present appearances, God is in control of history and the church" is the capstone of this section. While interpretation of Revelation may continue to be elusive for the reader, Fee and Stuart remind the interpreter of the overarching approach to difficult pericope in Scripture: "If there are some ambiguities for us as to how all the details are to work out, there is no ambiguity as to the certainty that God will work it all out." Too many people miss the point of a verse or book because they disregard the context or literary genre. The Bible is for everyone, but that doesn’t mean that every part is understandable by everyone by just simply reading. A careful examination of God’s Word will reveal to its readers not only what it is about, but also how it applies to them today, allowing them to serve God with gladness in Christ. However, this rule, particularly in the OT books, violates how the NT interprets the old and what Jesus Himself says to us about Himself in the OT in Luke 24:27: "And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself." This does not mean that Jesus is in every verse or behind every object, but He is in ALL the Scriptures, as the text tells us. The whole OT points us to Him, including the narratives and other genres besides prophecy. Yet, I seriously doubt that all the OT original readers and authors would have known that at every place Jesus did. For example, Jesus points out in Jn. 3:1-15 that He is typified in the serpent that Moses lifted up in Nu. 21. He is pointing out that while it is a real, historical story in Nu. 21, that story pointed beyond the direct meaning Moses and the original readers knew to Himself. We cannot claim guidance from the Holy Spirit when we make the Bible mean anything that pleases us. The Holy Spirit cannot contradict himself and the Spirit inspired the original intent. We will receive the help of the Spirit as we discover the original intent and apply that to our own situation.

For Students Pursue a deeper knowledge of God through self-paced college- and seminary-level online courses in Old and New Testament studies, theology, biblical Greek, and more. We are all prone to a me-centered meaning of the text, therefore, Fee and Stuart remind us of this central key: “In any biblical narrative, God is the ultimate character, the supreme hero of the story” (Pg. 103 – case in point, the life of Joseph). It’s not about you. It’s not about me. The Word of God is for the glory of God and the joy of God’s people as they follow His Word as their guide for all life, faith, and practice. Sola Scriptura! I think one of the things that’s shifted so much of my thinking is that everything— everything—deserves closer examination. Just because a particular passage doesn’t seem troublesome doesn’t mean it is as straightforward as I might think it is. I think we all probably have our “pet” verses, and we desperately want them to mean what helps us to feel better.Understanding the Bible isn’t for the few, the gifted, the scholarly. The Bible is accessible. It’s meant to be read and comprehended by everyone from armchair readers to seminary students. A few essential insights into the Bible can clear up a lot of misconceptions and help you grasp the meaning of Scripture and its application to your 21st-century life. Authors Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart have provided the evangelical community with a salient and veridical overview of hermeneutical principles that, when applied, are of great import to the study of Scripture. How to Read the Bible for All It's Worth is replete with concepts applicable to every believer, regardless of their level of theological acumen. Layman and seasoned theologians alike will find this book to be one that has lasting value as they exegete God's Word. In the current theological milieu, a conspectus of the proper application of hermeneutics is sorely needed and in this regard, Fee and Stuart have answered the call.