|
|
No tool is more valuable in biblical exegesis
than the diligent and consistent practice of outlining. There
are several reasons for this, some of which will be addressed
in this article. However, the most practical reason is obvious,
i.e. it forces the reader to try to get inside the writer's mind.
This will be demonstrated below as we look at a working outline
of the book of Galatians.
In outlining, one tip is to look for a consistent
theme throughout a book or section of text. If one knows the general
content of a passage, it is usually fairly simple to detect the
writer's theme. Generally speaking, it is best to outline around
the theme. For instance, in the book of Galatians, there is much
said concerning the concept of rank. An outline revolving around
this thematic concept can go a long way towards simplifying the
book as well as facilitating the memorization of the top level
outline. Armed with this simple tool, it is a fairly small step
to be able to recall specific passages as they fit into the outline
and hence, possess a comprehensive grasp of the book as well as
a significant level of detail within every chapter. Our outline
of the book will demonstrate each of these advantages.
Please note that it is not always possible to
outline in a manner that synchronizes with the chapter and verse
divisions of a book. However, memorization is much simpler if
this can be done. If fact, it is advisable to slightly "bend"
the rules of outlining to achieve this end so long as the understanding
and cohesiveness of the book is not compromised by such. The book
of Galatians lends itself to a useful working outline that is
consistent with the common divisions of the book. Note the following
outlines and how they lend themselves to grasping the content
of the book and committing it to memory.
A Concise Outline of GalatiansChapter 1 The Gospel of Christ, the Superior Rank Gospel
Chapter 2 Paul, the Equal Rank Apostle
Chapter 3 The Inferior Rank Law
Chapter 4 Christians Rank as Sons
Chapter 5 Rank may be Lost through Adherence to False Doctrine
Chapter 6 Our Equal Rank One with Another
Almost anyone can memorize the level of outlining
demonstrated above. From there it is but a small step to "flesh
out" the skeleton into a full outline.
An Expanded Outline of Galatians I. Chapter 1 The Gospel of Christ, the Superior
Rank Gospel
A. The apostolic greeting (1.1-5)
B. There is but one true gospel (1.5-9)
C. The one true gospel was the one that Paul received
and preached (1.10-24)
II. Chapter 2 Paul, the Equal Rank Apostle
A. Demonstrated at the Jerusalem conference (2.1-10)
B. Demonstrated in his open rebuke of Peter, his
fellow apostle
III. Chapter 3 The Inferior Rank Law
A. They began by faith and should end in faith
(3.1-5)
B. Faith justifies while the law condemns (3.6-14)
C. The law cannot modify the Covenant made with
Abraham (3.15-18)
D. The law was a temporary method used to bring
the covenant to fruition (3.19-25)
E. Faith in Christ, the means by which one becomes
an heir of the promise (3.26-29)
IV. Chapter 4 Christians Rank as Sons
A. The difference in servants and sons (4.1-7)
B. If sons by faith, then do not go back to the
law (4.8-11)
C. Emulate Paul as a son through faith (4.12-15)
D. Zeal must be directed by truth (4.16-18)
E. The symbology of Hagar and Sarah (4.19-31)
V. Chapter 5 Rank may be Lost through Adherence
to False Doctrine
A. Judaizing troublers threaten Christians liberty
(5.1-11)
B. The works of the flesh and the fruit of the
Spirit (5.12-26)
VI. Chapter 6 Our Equal Rank One with Another
A. Mutual responsibilities of all Christians (6.1-10)
B. Faith is Christ, the only basis for boasting
(6.11-17)
C. A closing commendation of grace (6.18)
Conclusion For the serious student of God's word, outlining
is an essential tool. It can be used to condense and memorize
large sections of scripture content. It forces the reader to attempt
to think as the writer was thinking when he penned the words,
thus resulting in more faithful exegetical practices. Never neglect
this valuable tool!