Exposition
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Exposition, in the context of biblical studies, refers to the detailed explanation or interpretation of Scripture. It involves a careful analysis of the text to uncover its meaning, context, and application. Exposition is a critical component of preaching and teaching within the church, aiming to faithfully communicate the message of the Bible to its audience.

Biblical Basis for Exposition

The practice of exposition is rooted in Scripture itself. In Nehemiah 8:8, we see an example of exposition: "They read from the Book of the Law of God, clearly explaining and giving insight so that the people could understand what was being read." This passage highlights the importance of not only reading the Word but also explaining it so that the listeners can grasp its meaning.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the need for clear teaching. In 2 Timothy 2:15, he instructs Timothy, "Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth." This charge underscores the responsibility of those who teach to rightly divide and expound the Scriptures.

Purpose and Importance

The primary purpose of exposition is to convey the intended message of the biblical text. It seeks to bridge the historical and cultural gap between the ancient world and contemporary readers, allowing the timeless truths of Scripture to be understood and applied today. Exposition is essential for several reasons:

1. Faithfulness to Scripture: Exposition ensures that the teaching remains true to the original intent of the biblical authors, guided by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

2. Spiritual Growth: Through exposition, believers gain a deeper understanding of God's Word, which is vital for spiritual maturity and growth. As stated in 2 Peter 3:18, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

3. Equipping the Saints: Exposition equips believers for service and ministry. Ephesians 4:11-12 highlights the role of pastors and teachers in equipping the saints for the work of ministry, building up the body of Christ.

4. Defense of the Faith: A well-grounded understanding of Scripture through exposition enables believers to defend their faith against false teachings and misconceptions, as encouraged in 1 Peter 3:15, "Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you."

Methods of Exposition

Exposition can be approached through various methods, each with its own focus and technique:

· Verse-by-Verse Exposition: This method involves a systematic examination of Scripture, often moving sequentially through a book of the Bible. It allows for a comprehensive understanding of the text in its immediate and broader context.

· Topical Exposition: This approach focuses on a specific theme or topic, drawing from various passages across the Bible. It seeks to provide a holistic view of what Scripture teaches on a particular subject.

· Narrative Exposition: This method emphasizes the storytelling aspect of Scripture, exploring the narrative flow and its theological implications.

Challenges in Exposition

Exposition requires careful study and discernment. Interpreters must be aware of potential challenges, such as:

· Cultural and Historical Context: Understanding the cultural and historical background of the text is crucial for accurate exposition. This involves studying the customs, language, and circumstances of the time.

· Literary Genre: Different genres within the Bible, such as poetry, prophecy, and epistles, require different interpretive approaches.

· Theological Bias: Expositors must guard against imposing their own theological biases onto the text, striving instead to let Scripture speak for itself.

In summary, exposition is a vital practice for understanding and applying the Bible's teachings. It requires diligence, prayer, and reliance on the Holy Spirit to illuminate the truths of God's Word.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (n.) A formal presentation or displaying to public view.

2. (n.) The act of expounding or of laying open the sense or meaning of an author, or a passage; explanation; interpretation; the sense put upon a passage; a law, or the like, by an interpreter; hence, a work containing explanations or interpretations; a commentary.

3. (n.) Situation or position with reference to direction of view or accessibility to influence of sun, wind, etc.; exposure; as, an easterly exposition; an exposition to the sun.

4. (n.) A public exhibition or show, as of industrial and artistic productions; as, the Paris Exposition of 1878.

Strong's Hebrew
4097. midrash -- study, exposition, midrash
... 4096, 4097. midrash. 4098 . study, exposition, midrash. Transliteration: midrash
Phonetic Spelling: (mid-rawsh') Short Definition: treatise. ...
/hebrew/4097.htm - 6k

6575. parashah -- exact statement
... declaration, sum. From parash; exposition -- declaration, sum. see HEBREW
parash. 6574, 6575. parashah. 6576 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/6575.htm - 6k

Library

Exposition on the Book of Psalms
Exposition on the Book of Psalms. <. Exposition on the Book of Psalms St.
Augustine. Schaff, Philip (Editor) Table of Contents. Title Page. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/

Exposition of the Orthodox Faith
Exposition of the Orthodox Faith. <. Exposition of the Orthodox Faith John
of Damascus. Schaff, Philip (Editor) Table of Contents. Title Page. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/john/exposition of the orthodox faith/

The Gospel of Luke, An Exposition
The Gospel of Luke, An Exposition. <. The Gospel of Luke, An Exposition
Charles R. Erdman. Produced by Stephen Hope, Fox ...
//christianbookshelf.org/erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/

Exposition of Genesis: Volume 1
Exposition of Genesis: Volume 1. <. Exposition of Genesis: Volume 1 Herbert
Carl Leupold. Table of Contents. Title Page. INTRODUCTION. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/

The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12
The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12. <. The Beatitudes: An Exposition
of Matthew 5:1-12 Thomas Watson. Table of Contents. Title Page. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/

Exposition of the Parable.
... Book X. 2. Exposition of the Parable. "After these things He answered
and said to them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/2 exposition of the parable.htm

The Exposition Continued.
... Book X. 6. The Exposition Continued. And at this point you will inquire, whether
the kingdom of heaven is likened only to the treasure ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/6 the exposition continued.htm

Exposition of the Details of the Miracle.
... Book XI. 2. Exposition of the Details of the Miracle. Jesus, then, because
of the power which He gave to the disciples, even the ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/2 exposition of the details.htm

Exposition of the Doctrines of Grace
... Exposition of the Doctrines of Grace. Nos.385-88. Thursday, April 11th, 1861.
EDITOR'S NOTE: These messages are part of the inaugural ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/exposition of the doctrines of.htm

Of the Exposition of the Resurrection, the Judgment, and Other ...
... Chapter 7."Of the Exposition of the Resurrection, the Judgment, and Other
Subjects, Which Should Follow This Narration. 11. On ...
/.../on the catechising of the uninstructed/chapter 7 of the exposition of.htm

Thesaurus
Exposition (2 Occurrences)
... Situation or position with reference to direction of view or accessibility to influence
of sun, wind, etc.; exposure; as, an easterly exposition; an exposition...
/e/exposition.htm - 7k

Dogma
... Each had its origin in the opinion of some great teacher; each rested upon revelation
and claimed its authority; each meant an exposition of a particular truth ...
/d/dogma.htm - 10k

Teaching (372 Occurrences)
... NEW TESTAMENT TERMS 1. Instruction 2. Acquisition 3. Presentation 4. Elucidation
5. Exposition 6. Authority 7. Care 8. Supervision III. ...
/t/teaching.htm - 62k

Teacher (103 Occurrences)
... NEW TESTAMENT TERMS 1. Instruction 2. Acquisition 3. Presentation 4. Elucidation
5. Exposition 6. Authority 7. Care 8. Supervision III. ...
/t/teacher.htm - 61k

Teach (172 Occurrences)
... NEW TESTAMENT TERMS 1. Instruction 2. Acquisition 3. Presentation 4. Elucidation
5. Exposition 6. Authority 7. Care 8. Supervision III. ...
/t/teach.htm - 65k

Jesus (10891 Occurrences)
... Life, Blessedness. His exposition of the last of these, at the commencement
of the Sermon on the Mount, is highly instructive. Seldom ...
/j/jesus.htm - 101k

Exorcism
... Attention should be called again to the incantation texts of the Babylonians and
Assyrians (see, for translations and full exposition of texts, Rogers ...
/e/exorcism.htm - 14k

Creeds
... cannot be traced before the age of Charlemagne, and that its origin may probably
be ascribed to then existing demand for a more detailed exposition of the ...
/c/creeds.htm - 28k

Exorcist (1 Occurrence)
... Attention should be called again to the incantation texts of the Babylonians and
Assyrians (see, for translations and full exposition of texts, Rogers ...
/e/exorcist.htm - 15k

Deuteronomy (1 Occurrence)
... Taken as a whole the book is an exposition of the great commandment, "Thou shalt
love Yahweh thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all ...
/d/deuteronomy.htm - 44k

Resources
What is expository preaching? | GotQuestions.org

Should Christians be concerned about the idea of Sharia Law? | GotQuestions.org

What is the difference between exegesis and eisegesis? | GotQuestions.org

Exposition: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Exposition (2 Occurrences)

Hebrews 9:2
For a tabernacle was set up; the first, in which were both the candlestick and the table and the exposition of the loaves, which is called Holy;
(DBY)

2 Peter 1:20
this first knowing, that no prophecy of the Writing doth come of private exposition,
(YLT)

Subtopics

Exposition

Related Terms

Notorious (16 Occurrences)

Tax-gatherers (16 Occurrences)

Exposure (1 Occurrence)

Exposition (2 Occurrences)

Drinking (114 Occurrences)

Phinehas (24 Occurrences)

Party (47 Occurrences)

Led (260 Occurrences)

Eating (151 Occurrences)

Exposing a Lie
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