Canonical structure can help us with interpreting the Bible. The shape in which the Bible comes to us appears to have a theology behind it. Though we do not believe that inspiration extends to the shape of the canon, this does not mean that we cannot gain insight from it in terms of how the books were viewed by those who put them together in the form that we have received them.[1] The first thing we should do is take note of the structure of the canon, then seek to explore why the canon might be so structured and how that might assist us in the process of interpretation.[2] In the posts ahead of us in this series, we will discuss two issues: A. Canonical Structure and B. Hermeneutical Implications of Canonical Structure.
[1] We will not discuss the historical issues related to the formation of the canon. That subject is discussed in OTI, NTI, and Doctrine of the Word.
[2] In one sense, canonical structure and hermeneutics is an historical issue. It is a consideration of the theology behind the shape of the canon, which itself is outside of the canon. But in another sense, it is inner-canonical and so very much a theological issue because we possess the Bible in the form it comes to us. Again, we are discussing the final shape of the canon not its process.
Dr. Richard Barcellos is associate professor of New Testament Studies. He received a B.S. from California State University, Fresno, an M.Div. from The Master’s Seminary, and a Th.M. and Ph.D. from Whitefield Theological Seminary. Dr. Barcellos is pastor of Grace Reformed Baptist Church, Palmdale, CA. He is author of Trinity & Creation, The Covenant of Works, and Getting the Garden Right. He has contributed articles to various journals and is a member of ETS.
Courses taught for CBTS: New Testament Introduction, Biblical Hermeneutics, Biblical Theology I, Biblical Theology II.
