How to Study the Bible
New Lesson every Tuesday,
Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
How to Study the Bible
DBS HSB #055
Types, Symbols And Parables
Today's Lesson:
Types, Symbols And Parables
There is a clear cut justification for typology even though the critics claim it is forced exegesis or interpretation. Typology shows the relationship of the Old Testament with the New Testament. The prophetic elements of Scripture may be verbally predictive or the future may be displayed in types.
Typological interpretation is based on unity of the two Testaments. The Lord's use of Old Testament invites us to find Him in the pages of the ancient Scriptures.
There is a distinct vocabulary found in the New Testament that references the Old Testament. The Greek word HUPODEIGMA means that which is shown privately as an example or pattern. TUPOS is an impression that is left from the blow of a hammer. SKIA is a shadow or the outline cast by a real object. PARABOL8 means to place side-by-side as a comparison. An EIKWN refers to an image like found on a coin. An ANTITUPON is a counterpart like an echo.
Schools Of Typological Interpretation
The early church fathers sought to strengthen New Testament truth and they used types from the Old Testament. Many claim they were guilty of too much typology. Still others believed that all typology is forced interpretation and hence they believed there was no typology.
Some, such as Bishop Marsh, believed that one could only consider something as a type if it was designated as a type in the New Testament.
The Moderate School of interpretation though believed that both innate and inferred types existed. Solomon Glassius led this school. He defined the "innate" types as though that were specifically declared as such in the New Testament and the inferred types as those that were justified by the nature of the New Testament.
An Evaluation Of The Methods
Bishop Marsh's view becomes too limited, as it is mechanical and artificial. This is the "safest" route to pursue but as one studies the richness of Scripture it becomes apparent that not everything must be specifically declared to be a type for it to exist.
The school that believed there were no types came from a reaction to the allegorists and to liberals, who wanted to give everything a "deeper" meaning.
The Book of Hebrews, while explaining many types only points out a small part of the significance. If the whole is a type then so are its parts. When the writer of Hebrews points to the earthly Tabernacle being a type in chapter 9:23-25, or the Law being a "shadow" in 10:1, he is clearly inferring that the parts have significance as well. Too much typology can be avoided by diligent and careful study of the Scriptures under the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
Typological interpretation differs greatly from allegorical interpretation in that Allegorical interpretation introduces something foreign into the meaning, whereas Typological interpretation has limits that are set by the nature of the type.
The Nature And Interpretation Of Types
The interpretation of a type depends on the nature of the type. A type is a preordained representative relationship that certain persons, events and institutions of the Old Testament bear to corresponding persons, events and institutions in the New Testament. There must be a genuine resemblance in form or idea between the Old Testament and the New Testament. The resemblance must either be designated innately or have a clear inference. Dissimilarity is to be expected, but the truth is found at the point of similarity. One must determine how the New Testament treats the subject.
Types are inherently prophetic by their very nature as they point to the reality. Some of the mistakes of the Christian Allegorists could have been avoided had they not gone beyond simple common sense. An important principle is to not attempt to prove any doctrine or position from types unless there is clear New Testament authority. Types are illustrations of what would come.
There are several different kinds of types. Types of Persons would include such people as Adam because Jesus Christ is called the "last Adam (1 Cor 15:45)." Institutional Types would include the Sacrifices, Feasts, and Promised Land. Types concerning Offices would include Moses as the Law-giver and Prophet, Aaron as a type of the High Priest and Melchizedek as a picture of the new priesthood of Jesus Christ. Events such as the Crossing of the Red Sea and the Wilderness Wanderings are pictures for us to learn from (1 Cor 10:6). Actions can also be types such as the lifting up of brazen serpent (Nu 21:9 cf. John 3:14) and Things such as the Tabernacle (Heb 9:23-25).
The Interpretation Of Symbols
A symbol may represent a thing either past, present or future whereas a type inherently represents the future. A symbol has no inherent reference to time, but it often can be determined by the context. The names of symbols have to be understood literally first. Symbols always denote something essentially different from themselves and yet some resemblance must be traceable.
There are two elements in a symbol, the mental image it represents and the image that represents it. Numerals, metals and colors may all be symbols, depending on the context in which they are found. While all of these may have significance within the scope of a study of the Tabernacle or Temple, they probably have no significance if they are found in an undesignated type. For example, the gold used in the Tabernacle represents Deity, but the gold that used as a medium of exchange in a simple historical transaction would probably have no such significance.
Symbols are usually explained somewhere in Scripture, so uninterpreted symbols need to be approached with caution. The approach is the same as for the interpretation of types. Special consideration must also be given to the context. Cross-references need to be diligently checked. The nature of the symbol must be considered, such as the "Lion" of the Tribe of Judah. There will be similarities and dissimilarities. Truth is found in the similarities.
We must be especially careful of reading meanings from our culture into the symbols. If the symbol is in a prophetic context, then the symbol may indeed be referring to something from that prophetic culture, but again, caution must be exercised and doctrine must not be built on the interpretation of symbols. Doctrines should be built on hard evidence from the Word of God and not from the opinions of man.
In the study of symbols we should be aware of "Double Imagery," where a symbol has more than one meaning. Jesus Christ is a "Lion" (Rev 5:5) and Satan is "like a lion (1 Pet 5:8)." We must guide ourselves by the General Principles of Interpretation. One entity may be represented by more than one symbol as is evident in the many symbols that are used to describe the Lord Jesus Christ, such as the "Lion" of the Tribe of Judah of Revelation 5:5 and the "Bright Morning Star" of Revelation 22:16.
We should also recognize that there is some symbolism in numbers, but this is easily abused. Let General Hermeneutics again be the guide.
Realize that each symbol has only one significant meaning and always has the same fundamental meaning.
The Interpretation Of Parables
A Parable is a narrative that is constructed for the sake of conveying important truth. It is inherently figurative language that draws an illustration from life to teach spiritual truth.
When studying parables we should seek to determine the central truth of the parable. Part of doing this is to look for contextual clues to help in the interpretation, namely, look to see if the Lord states the central principle that He wanted to communicate and then uses a parable to illustrate the principle. We should also look carefully to determine how much of the parable Christ interpreted Himself, separating the essential from what is only attendant to the theme.
We also note the time period for which the Lord designed the parable. Parables should not be made the primary or sole source for a doctrine. There should be a solid backing from elsewhere in Scripture.
Free Online Bible All Versions
"You Version" Bible Software all versions
and lots of translations including Duetsch,
Espanol, Italiano and many, many more. No d/l.
http://www.youversion.com
Today's Questions:
1- Why do we recognize Typological interpretation?
2- Consider the different schools of interpretation of types and tell why you would hold the position you do.
3- What is at the core of the interpretation of types?
4- Even though types are inherently prophetic by their very nature, what must we be careful of?
5- List and consider the different kinds of types.
6- Explain the difference between types and symbols.
7- What are the two main elements of a symbol?
8- Explain the importance of culture on the interpretation of symbols.
9- Explain what is meant by "double imagery."
10- What is a parable designed to do?
11- What is the main thing we are to look for in parables?
12- What cautions would you give to those interpreting parables?
Remember, send your answers to (PastorJeffLilley@Gmail.com), I will grade them and after the study is finished, those of you with a passing grade will receive a certificate from JJL Ministries.
Ask any questions you may have below in the comments.
Abundant Blessings
Pastor Jeff
Many of You have asked How You can Help our Ministries:
There is no charge for our JJL MInistries Bible Studies.
You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to:
JJL Ministries
1463 Senita Dr
Beaumont, CA 92223
"How to Study the Bible" is a dynamic life changing ministry of JJL Ministries Inc.
Please Support our ministry online, JJL Ministries
is a Federal 501(c)3 Org on file with the IRS.
Remember donations are Tax Deductible.
http://bit.ly/19PY0f
Who We Are at JJL Ministries
Pastor Jeff & Janette Lilley
PastorJeffLilley@gmail.com
JanetteLilley@gmail.com
Copyright © 1999-2009
All Rights Reserved
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New Lesson every Tuesday,
Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
How to Study the Bible
DBS HSB #055
Types, Symbols And Parables
Today's Lesson:
Types, Symbols And Parables
There is a clear cut justification for typology even though the critics claim it is forced exegesis or interpretation. Typology shows the relationship of the Old Testament with the New Testament. The prophetic elements of Scripture may be verbally predictive or the future may be displayed in types.
Typological interpretation is based on unity of the two Testaments. The Lord's use of Old Testament invites us to find Him in the pages of the ancient Scriptures.
There is a distinct vocabulary found in the New Testament that references the Old Testament. The Greek word HUPODEIGMA means that which is shown privately as an example or pattern. TUPOS is an impression that is left from the blow of a hammer. SKIA is a shadow or the outline cast by a real object. PARABOL8 means to place side-by-side as a comparison. An EIKWN refers to an image like found on a coin. An ANTITUPON is a counterpart like an echo.
Schools Of Typological Interpretation
The early church fathers sought to strengthen New Testament truth and they used types from the Old Testament. Many claim they were guilty of too much typology. Still others believed that all typology is forced interpretation and hence they believed there was no typology.
Some, such as Bishop Marsh, believed that one could only consider something as a type if it was designated as a type in the New Testament.
The Moderate School of interpretation though believed that both innate and inferred types existed. Solomon Glassius led this school. He defined the "innate" types as though that were specifically declared as such in the New Testament and the inferred types as those that were justified by the nature of the New Testament.
An Evaluation Of The Methods
Bishop Marsh's view becomes too limited, as it is mechanical and artificial. This is the "safest" route to pursue but as one studies the richness of Scripture it becomes apparent that not everything must be specifically declared to be a type for it to exist.
The school that believed there were no types came from a reaction to the allegorists and to liberals, who wanted to give everything a "deeper" meaning.
The Book of Hebrews, while explaining many types only points out a small part of the significance. If the whole is a type then so are its parts. When the writer of Hebrews points to the earthly Tabernacle being a type in chapter 9:23-25, or the Law being a "shadow" in 10:1, he is clearly inferring that the parts have significance as well. Too much typology can be avoided by diligent and careful study of the Scriptures under the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
Typological interpretation differs greatly from allegorical interpretation in that Allegorical interpretation introduces something foreign into the meaning, whereas Typological interpretation has limits that are set by the nature of the type.
The Nature And Interpretation Of Types
The interpretation of a type depends on the nature of the type. A type is a preordained representative relationship that certain persons, events and institutions of the Old Testament bear to corresponding persons, events and institutions in the New Testament. There must be a genuine resemblance in form or idea between the Old Testament and the New Testament. The resemblance must either be designated innately or have a clear inference. Dissimilarity is to be expected, but the truth is found at the point of similarity. One must determine how the New Testament treats the subject.
Types are inherently prophetic by their very nature as they point to the reality. Some of the mistakes of the Christian Allegorists could have been avoided had they not gone beyond simple common sense. An important principle is to not attempt to prove any doctrine or position from types unless there is clear New Testament authority. Types are illustrations of what would come.
There are several different kinds of types. Types of Persons would include such people as Adam because Jesus Christ is called the "last Adam (1 Cor 15:45)." Institutional Types would include the Sacrifices, Feasts, and Promised Land. Types concerning Offices would include Moses as the Law-giver and Prophet, Aaron as a type of the High Priest and Melchizedek as a picture of the new priesthood of Jesus Christ. Events such as the Crossing of the Red Sea and the Wilderness Wanderings are pictures for us to learn from (1 Cor 10:6). Actions can also be types such as the lifting up of brazen serpent (Nu 21:9 cf. John 3:14) and Things such as the Tabernacle (Heb 9:23-25).
The Interpretation Of Symbols
A symbol may represent a thing either past, present or future whereas a type inherently represents the future. A symbol has no inherent reference to time, but it often can be determined by the context. The names of symbols have to be understood literally first. Symbols always denote something essentially different from themselves and yet some resemblance must be traceable.
There are two elements in a symbol, the mental image it represents and the image that represents it. Numerals, metals and colors may all be symbols, depending on the context in which they are found. While all of these may have significance within the scope of a study of the Tabernacle or Temple, they probably have no significance if they are found in an undesignated type. For example, the gold used in the Tabernacle represents Deity, but the gold that used as a medium of exchange in a simple historical transaction would probably have no such significance.
Symbols are usually explained somewhere in Scripture, so uninterpreted symbols need to be approached with caution. The approach is the same as for the interpretation of types. Special consideration must also be given to the context. Cross-references need to be diligently checked. The nature of the symbol must be considered, such as the "Lion" of the Tribe of Judah. There will be similarities and dissimilarities. Truth is found in the similarities.
We must be especially careful of reading meanings from our culture into the symbols. If the symbol is in a prophetic context, then the symbol may indeed be referring to something from that prophetic culture, but again, caution must be exercised and doctrine must not be built on the interpretation of symbols. Doctrines should be built on hard evidence from the Word of God and not from the opinions of man.
In the study of symbols we should be aware of "Double Imagery," where a symbol has more than one meaning. Jesus Christ is a "Lion" (Rev 5:5) and Satan is "like a lion (1 Pet 5:8)." We must guide ourselves by the General Principles of Interpretation. One entity may be represented by more than one symbol as is evident in the many symbols that are used to describe the Lord Jesus Christ, such as the "Lion" of the Tribe of Judah of Revelation 5:5 and the "Bright Morning Star" of Revelation 22:16.
We should also recognize that there is some symbolism in numbers, but this is easily abused. Let General Hermeneutics again be the guide.
Realize that each symbol has only one significant meaning and always has the same fundamental meaning.
The Interpretation Of Parables
A Parable is a narrative that is constructed for the sake of conveying important truth. It is inherently figurative language that draws an illustration from life to teach spiritual truth.
When studying parables we should seek to determine the central truth of the parable. Part of doing this is to look for contextual clues to help in the interpretation, namely, look to see if the Lord states the central principle that He wanted to communicate and then uses a parable to illustrate the principle. We should also look carefully to determine how much of the parable Christ interpreted Himself, separating the essential from what is only attendant to the theme.
We also note the time period for which the Lord designed the parable. Parables should not be made the primary or sole source for a doctrine. There should be a solid backing from elsewhere in Scripture.
Free Online Bible All Versions
"You Version" Bible Software all versions
and lots of translations including Duetsch,
Espanol, Italiano and many, many more. No d/l.
http://www.youversion.com
Today's Questions:
1- Why do we recognize Typological interpretation?
2- Consider the different schools of interpretation of types and tell why you would hold the position you do.
3- What is at the core of the interpretation of types?
4- Even though types are inherently prophetic by their very nature, what must we be careful of?
5- List and consider the different kinds of types.
6- Explain the difference between types and symbols.
7- What are the two main elements of a symbol?
8- Explain the importance of culture on the interpretation of symbols.
9- Explain what is meant by "double imagery."
10- What is a parable designed to do?
11- What is the main thing we are to look for in parables?
12- What cautions would you give to those interpreting parables?
Remember, send your answers to (PastorJeffLilley@Gmail.com), I will grade them and after the study is finished, those of you with a passing grade will receive a certificate from JJL Ministries.
Ask any questions you may have below in the comments.
Abundant Blessings
Pastor Jeff
Many of You have asked How You can Help our Ministries:
There is no charge for our JJL MInistries Bible Studies.
You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to:
JJL Ministries
1463 Senita Dr
Beaumont, CA 92223
"How to Study the Bible" is a dynamic life changing ministry of JJL Ministries Inc.
Please Support our ministry online, JJL Ministries
is a Federal 501(c)3 Org on file with the IRS.
Remember donations are Tax Deductible.
http://bit.ly/19PY0f
Who We Are at JJL Ministries
Pastor Jeff & Janette Lilley
PastorJeffLilley@gmail.com
JanetteLilley@gmail.com
Copyright © 1999-2009
All Rights Reserved
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