FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five modern translations. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.
1. First paragraph
2. Second paragraph
3. Third paragraph
4. Etc.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.
1. Why is Joh_5:4 omitted in our modern translations?
2. Why did Jesus heal this particular man?
3. Was faith involved on the part of this man in his healing? Does physical healing imply spiritual healing?
4. Was his illness related to his personal sin? Is all illness related to personal sin?
5. Why did the Jews want to kill Jesus?
6. List the functions of God in the Old Testament which are applied to Jesus.
7. Is eternal life a present reality or a future hope?
8. Is the last judgment based on works or faith? Why?