Scripture and Interpretation chap. 5-6

A discourse is made of a unit of text that is larger than a paragraph

Things to look for in a discourse.

Connections between paragraphs and episodes

Story Shifts

Interchange

Chiasm

Inclusio

Context takes two major forms: literary context and historical-cultural context (commonly referred to as “background”).

For the interpretation of any biblical text to be valid, it must be consistent with the historical-cultural context of that passage. It must be something that could be understood by the audience who received it at the time it was written.

Historical-cultural context involves the biblical audience, the biblical writer, and any historical-cultural elements touched on by the passage itself.

and any historical-cultural elements touched on by the passage itself.

introductions and surveys deal with either the Old Testament or the New Testament

Histories are most useful when you want detailed background information on particular topics within your passage.