A Layperson's Guide to Biblical Interpretation

Interpreting an ancient book like the Bible can be an intimidating task. Hopefully, this book will demystify or make less complicated the task of Biblical interpretation for the layperson (or seminarian) by the use of a handy and memorable acronym 'SCAR'--where S means sitting with the text to listen to the Biblical author's words over and over again; where C means the literary and cultural-historical contexts; where A means analysis; and finally, where R means God's Redemptive Remedy. Readers are treated to some accessible theory behind Biblical interpretation in Part 1 and examples in Part 2, where SCAR is applied directly to two Old Testament and two New Testament texts. God has revealed himself on the pages of Scripture. He has revealed himself because he wants to be jealously and desperately known; so, my prayer for you is that this small book along with the True Biblical Interpreter, the Holy Spirit, will greatly and patiently escort you in this endeavor so that you fall more in love with our beautiful and gracious God who knows and loves you intimately. And may your growing and maturing love for him manifest itself in your unwavering obedience to him.With this text, Dr. Bobo has done a wonderful service to those who hunger, thirst or just wonder what the Bible is all about. Luke's wonderful burden to help and care for others crystallizes in this work of academic compassion. I am so grateful for Luke's excellent writing and Christ-like example.--Mike Higgins, Dean of Students, Covenant Theological Seminary; Senior Pastor, South City Church Dr. Luke Bobo's A Layperson's Guide to Biblical Interpretation is a profound, principled, practical, and, at many points, personal primer that will encourage exegetes in the pulpit and the pew to explore the treasured truth of the Bible more effectively. . . . This helpful guide will assuage the fears, sharpen the focus, and fortify the faith of beginning or advanced students of the Bible who desire to draw closer in head, heart, and hand to the One the Bible proclaims as both Creator and Redeemer. --T. D. Stubblefield, Senior Pastor-Teacher, First Baptist Church, Chesterfield, MissouriLuke Bobo is the Curriculum Director and Resident Theologian for Biblical Business Training (BBT) which is located in Chesterfield, Missouri. He is also an adjunct professor for several universities including the University of Kansas (Lawrence, Kansas) and Covenant Theological Seminary (St. Louis, Missouri). He is the author of Living Salty and Light-filled Lives in the Workplace (2014).