Using New Testament Greek (David A. Black)-Part XIII

This is my last post concerning D.A. Black's short work, Using New Testament Greek. Here are the final steps for exegesis, but remember, these really constitute the start of hard exegetical work rather than the end:

6. Determine the structure (understand the flow of the argument and major ideas)
7. Look for any significant rhetorical features (literary devices)
8. Observe how the author made use of sources (any editorial features the document contains)
9. Determine the key thought of your passage (sum up the main idea in one sentence)
10. Develop a homiletical outline or talk (make application of the text)

A) In conclusion, I would say that one could apply these steps by tracking the flow of an argument in the biblical text. For instance, try to determine the structure of Philippians 2:1-30. Where are the textual breaks? How would you divide that section of verses up into paragraphs?

B) Next, what literary devices are used in Philippians 2:1-30? How do the rhetorical features contribute to the writer's overall argument? Paul A. Holloway writes in the Hermeneia commentary on Philippians:

The four short clauses in 2:1 are a clear instance of rhetorical amplification. Paul’s aim is not to produce a list of finely nuanced reasons for action but to create pathos, which he does by painting in very broad strokes: “consolation . . . comfort . . . love . . . fellowship . . . deep affection and compassion.”

C) Is there any reason to believe that Paul employs older sources in Philippians 2:1-11? Many commentators insist that the apostle reworked a primal hymn in his discussion about the kenosis of Christ. What features of those verses might lead one to conclude older hymnic material underlies the current textual version? This matter is highly contentious.

D) How would you sum up Philippians 2:13? What is the main point of the passage?

E) Finally, how would you apply what you study or exegete? At this point, one of Jehovah's Witnesses would work up his/her study into a talk or meeting part. Black concentrates more on homiletic outlines but the principle can be applied to other projects.

I hope my discussion of Black's book has yielded some positive results; may it help you to exegete more efficiently and study more carefully.