How to Read Biblical Narrative

Episode 1

Plot

An important part of reading biblical narratives is learning how to understand the nature of how stories are arranged into a pattern of conflict and resolution. When we pick out verses and read them apart from the context of their overall plot, we can fail to interpret the intended meaning of the story.

5:13

Episode 2

Character

Most of us think of characters in the Bible as either sinners or saints, good or bad. At least that’s how Bible stories are presented to children. In this video, we’ll explore the ways biblical authors present characters as more complex and morally compromised than we usually imagine.

5:28

Episode 3

Setting

Every story has to take place somewhere, and very often locations have a special meaning or significance evoked by events that already took place there. In this video, we explore how biblical authors use settings in the narrative to meet the reader's expectations or mess with them. When we pay attention to locations and time in biblical stories, we can unlock deeper layers of meaning.

5:46

Episode 4

Design Patterns

Design patterns are one of the key ways the biblical authors have unified the storyline of the Bible. Individual stories across the Old and New Testaments have been coordinated through repeated words and parallel themes. These patterns highlight core themes of the biblical story and show how it all leads to Jesus.

6:07

Episode 5

The Gospel

The New Testament contains four ancient biographies of Jesus of Nazareth, and altogether they are called “the Gospel.” Each one tells the story as an announcement of good news that the crucified and risen Jesus is the true ruler of the nations. In this video, we explore why these accounts were written and how you can read them with greater insight.

5:47

Episode 6

The Parables of Jesus

Jesus of Nazareth was a master storyteller, and many of his most well-known teachings were told as parables. But why did Jesus use parables to communicate his message so often? Why didn't he speak in plain language so that everyone could understand him? The answer may be surprising.

5:42