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QUESTION 13
Title:
meaning and significance
Paper Details
Write a paper (500-750 words) that explains how the application of a biblical text must arise from, and be consistent with, the biblical author's statements and intentions.
Use the passage of Scripture covered in the "Full Exegesis of a Passage" assignment in Topic 8.
Summarize the meaning and function of the text for the original readers (what Paul said, what he meant, how they were to apply it).
Discuss the transferable significance. What comparable life situations? What comparable faith commitments? What comparable applications?
Use 2-5 scholarly sources.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
You are required to submit this assignment to Turnitin. Please refer to the directions in the Student Success Center.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
| Subject | Religion | Pages | 3 | Style | APA |
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Answer
Meaning and Significance of a Text
Discovery of God’s truth as found in the Bible is challenging as different authors who existed in different times wrote scriptures in the Bible. Additionally, the Bible was written in three different languages and with various forms of literature and genre (Klein, Hubbard, & Blomberg, 2017). Hermeneutics serves to advance the various ways in which the Bible can be interpreted. A need arises for readers to not only know what the Bible talks about but also what it means when it states certain things. Although different texts will have different meanings and significances, the two cannot be confused. Unless a reader can demonstrate that authors intended multiple meanings of a single text, it is wrong to assume that they actually did (Klein, Hubbard, & Blomberg, 2017). As such, readers should distinguish between the apparent meanings of words and the intended meanings of scriptures. This paper provides the meaning and significance of Paul’s text in Colossians 2:16-17
Meaning and Function of the Text for the Original Readers
Paul states in Colossians 2:16-17 that people should not let others judge them based on what they eat or drink nor should it be their different religious festivals whether in the form of Sabbath day or new moon celebration. The reason given for this is that such practices are just, but shadows of the things prophesied. However, according to Paul, the reality will be found in the person of Christ. Paul meant that people should not be judged on the typical things they do as these were foreseen. Specifically, they should not be judged on how they consume certain foods or drinks. Additionally, it was Paul is meaning that the celebration of specific days and events should not be used as the basis for determining the character of people. Christians can apply these meanings from Paul through not judging people just because they obey some of the days considered holy by the Biblical scriptures.
Discussion of the Transferable Significance
The meaning of the original text by Paul can be transferred to real-life situations. The scripture can be transferable to the situation whereby some people are judged as true Christians because they attend church services on Sabbath day (Colossians 2:16). The act of obeying such a day should not be used to measure the Christianity of such people. Additionally, the scripture can be compared to those who judge others based on their faiths. Paul stated that the reality is with Christ as He is the one who knows their hearts. Their outward actions cannot be used as a measure of their faith. The scripture by Paul can be applied to those who pretend be walking in Christ through their lifestyles but deep in their hearts are not.
In conclusion, Biblical interpretation is a challenging task as different people wrote the scriptures, in different times, and using various types of literature and genre. As such, meanings should not be assumed unless an individual can demonstrate that a certain passage was intended to have multiple meanings. In the scripture by Paul in Colossians 2:16-17, individuals should not judge other people based on their foods and drinks or their abeyance of religious festivals. This scripture can be compared to people in the contemporary society who are outwardly convincing, but their hearts are not. Paul states that the reality is only with Christ who is the ultimate judge.
References
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Klein, W., Hubbard, R., & Blomberg, C. (2017). Introduction to biblical interpretation. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan. |