Using New Testament Greek (David A Black)-Part III

On page 70 of the version I'm using, Black now explains what he means by the "view from under." Up to this point, he's been discussing various ways to approach the biblical text through the use of Hebrew/Aramaic or Greek. Now he explains that the view from under the text means applying the biblical text to contemporary life. How can I apply the text? How does the Bible affect my life? For example, how can I apply Ephesians 5:33?

Secondly, to view the text from under encompasses "theological analysis" and homiletical analysis": the former asks what type of truth resides in the text under consideration? The latter approach queries how to best proclaim this truth. While Black has pastors or church ministers chiefly in mind, these forms of analysis could easily be modified for other types of ministering.

If we go back and reflect on the task set for the minister or exegete, just what is involved? The exegete must try to establish the original reading of the text: this work yields probable results, but is essential for drawing meaning from Scripture. For example, does 1 John 5:7 belong in the biblical text? If it does, what reasons are there for including the famed Comma? If the verse does not belong, why not? That is a question for the exegete. Other examples of texts that can be examined are 1 Timothy 3:16 and John 7:53-8:11.

Another job incumbent upon the exegete is the reconstruction of historical settings. I mentioned the Hebrews letter earlier, but another example of working out the historical setting is Paul's letter to Philemon. This epistle raises all sorts of questions pertaining to historical setting, the ancient institution of slavery, and other questions revolving around the ancient world. We could even pose questions about the nature of ancient houses and apartments, but the point is that the exegete has these responsibilities as he seeks to draw meaning from the text.

From this point onward in his book, Black will clarify to an even greater extent what each type of analysis entails. I will continue to explicate these forms of analysis in posts that follow this one.