The Use of Didactic Materials from the Bible in Spiritual Formation: Part Two

The Use of Didactic Materials from the Bible in Spiritual Formation

Part Two

“All that glitters is not gold” was a phrase William Shakespeare applied to making decisions based on external appearance. The idea is equally true when reading through the New Testament letters; not every word weighs equally. The joy lies in finding the words with true weight. Therein lies our first predicament-where shall we look? So often Bible studies I have done earlier in my life take a painstakingly slow course through a biblical passage examining each and every word as if under a microscope, turning it vertically and horizontally, hoping to find a glimmer of gold within those letters. Yet we would be appalled if someone took each word we uttered throughout the day and examined it with such detail. The sad part is how often our words are misunderstood by the one we speak with, as he or she takes a meaning from it which we never intended. We would be quick to play the C card, context.

Each of the New Testament writings has a context in which it was written, an audience it was directed to, and a language with associated meanings and ideas. Recovering these is a long, arduous task that sometimes yields a bounty and at other times only a bone. Yet, when it comes to the letters of the New Testament there is much value found on the surface if you and I know where to look. Context is key to guiding our eyes, ears, heart and mind.

Ancient letters had some structural elements that varied based on the type of letter or the audience for the letter. Searching for these common elements as we read will help us determine the nuggets of gold from the rocks and pebbles. As with most writings the first place to look is at the beginning, the introduction to the letter, or more formally the Salutation. Due to the lack of envelopes, the Salutation would include as first and foremost the name of the writer so that the recipients could quickly associate the writing with him. That is why Paul’s letters begin with “Paul.” The Salutation also included the recipient of the letter. Lacking a mail delivery service for non-imperial communication, letters were hand delivered by a traveler going in the same direction. It would be important to readily distinguish between one papyri sheet and another. Finally, the Salutation included a greeting, usually “Grace to you and Peace.”

Writer:

• Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, (Rom 1:1)
• Paul, called as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, (1 Cor 1:1)
• Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, (2 Cor 1:1)

Recipient:

• To the church of God which is at Corinth with all the saints who are throughout Achaia (2 Cor 1:1)
• To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi (Phil 1:1)
• To Philemon our beloved brother and fellow worker (Philm 1)

Greeting:

•  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philm 1:3)
•  Greetings (James 1:1)
•  May grace and peace 2be yours in the fullest measure. (1 Peter 1:2)

It was customary to include a few religious acknowledgements in these ancient letters also. In the period of the New Testament many gods were recognized and petitioned, but the New Testament letters reflect the monotheism of Judaism and Christianity.

Prayer

•  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, (2 Cor 1:3)
•  always offering prayer with joy in amy every prayer for you all, (Phil 1:4)
•  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, (1 Pet 1:3)

Thanksgiving

•  I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God given you in Christ Jesus (1 Cor 1:4)
• I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, (Phil 1:3)
• I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, (Philm 3)

Recognizing these customary practices helps our reading and study by comparing and contrasting the language between letters rather than continuously focusing on the individual word choices within a single letter. We can also notice those times when more is added, as in Romans, 

set apart for the gospel of God, which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among call the Gentiles for His name’s sake, among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; (Rom 1:1-6)

or when something is left out, as in Galatians.

I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; (Gal 1:6)

These customary elements to ancient letters are practical more than they are theological. Yet in the comparison of language used in various letters, the sensitive reader can identify a difference in the author’s tone, purpose, or familiarity with the audience, thus influencing how the remainder of the letter should be heard.