What Does Expository Mean?

The term “expository” may not be familiar to everyone, but it plays a crucial role in the field of biblical studies.

Derived from the Latin word “exponere,” which means “to explain” or “to set forth,” expository refers to a method of preaching and teaching that seeks to convey the intended meaning of biblical texts.

It involves a careful examination of the historical, cultural, and linguistic context of the passages, as well as a consideration of the author’s intent and the original audience’s understanding.

This article will explore the origins of expository preaching and teaching, the process involved, the difference between expository and topical preaching and teaching, and the impact of expository preaching and teaching on theology and biblical studies.

The Process of Expository Preaching and Teaching

Expository preaching and teaching are methods of biblical interpretation that seek to convey the intended meaning of biblical texts.

These methods involve a systematic approach to understanding the Bible, taking into account the historical, cultural, and linguistic context of the passages.

The process of expository preaching and teaching can be broken down into several key steps.

Selecting a Passage: The first step in expository preaching and teaching is selecting a passage from the Bible. This could be a single verse, a chapter, or even an entire book.

The goal is to choose a passage that is relevant to the audience and that can be explored in depth.

Understanding the Context: Once a passage has been selected, it is important to understand the historical, cultural, and linguistic context of the passage.

This involves considering the time and place in which the passage was written, the author’s background and intent, and the original audience’s understanding. It also involves examining the language and literary style of the passage.

Analyzing the Text: After understanding the context, the next step is to analyze the text itself. This involves a careful examination of the words, phrases, and sentences in the passage.

It may also involve considering the literary and rhetorical features of the passage, such as metaphors, similes, and parallelism.

Interpreting the Meaning: Once the text has been analyzed, the next step is to interpret the intended meaning of the passage.

This involves considering the author’s intent and the original audience’s understanding. It also involves considering the broader theological and biblical context of the passage.

Applying the Message: The final step in expository preaching and teaching is applying the message of the passage to the audience.

This involves considering the relevance of the passage to the audience’s lives and how the message of the passage can be applied in a practical way.

Expository vs. Topical Preaching and Teaching

In the world of biblical preaching and teaching, two approaches often come to the forefront: expository and topical.

While both methods have their merits, they represent different approaches to understanding and conveying the message of the Bible.

It is essential to distinguish between these methods and recognize the value of each in biblical preaching and teaching.

Expository preaching

Expository preaching and teaching, as we have discussed, involve a systematic approach to interpreting the Bible.

The focus is on conveying the intended meaning of a specific biblical passage, taking into account the historical, cultural, and linguistic context of the passage.

Expository preaching and teaching seek to draw out the meaning of the text, allowing it to speak for itself.

This approach is often characterized by a verse-by-verse or chapter-by-chapter exploration of the Bible, with the goal of uncovering the intended meaning of the text.

Topical preaching

On the other hand, topical preaching and teaching focus on a specific theme or topic, drawing from various biblical passages to support the chosen theme.

This approach is often characterized by selecting a topic, such as love, forgiveness, or faith, and exploring what the Bible has to say about that topic.

Topical preaching and teaching often involve drawing from multiple passages and books of the Bible to provide a comprehensive understanding of the chosen theme.

The Impact of Expository Preaching and Teaching

Expository preaching and teaching have had a significant impact on the fields of theology and biblical studies, shaping the way scholars, theologians, and believers understand and interpret the Bible.

By providing a systematic approach to biblical interpretation, expository preaching and teaching have contributed to a deeper and more accurate understanding of the Bible.

One of the most significant contributions of expository preaching and teaching to theology and biblical studies is the emphasis on considering the historical, cultural, and linguistic context of biblical passages.

This has led to a more nuanced and informed understanding of the Bible, allowing scholars and theologians to appreciate the richness and complexity of the biblical narrative.

By considering the historical and cultural context of the passages, scholars have been able to uncover insights that may have been overlooked or misunderstood in the past.

Expository preaching and teaching have also contributed to the development of various theological doctrines and beliefs.

By providing a systematic approach to biblical interpretation, expository preaching and teaching have helped theologians to develop a coherent and consistent understanding of the Bible.

This has led to the formulation of various theological doctrines, such as the doctrine of the Trinity, the doctrine of salvation, and the doctrine of the atonement.

These doctrines have been shaped and refined through the process of expository preaching and teaching, as theologians have sought to understand the intended meaning of biblical passages.

This has led to a greater appreciation of the literary and rhetorical features of the Bible and has contributed to a deeper understanding of the biblical narrative.

Conclusion

Expository preaching and teaching are essential tools for anyone seeking to understand the Bible.

By providing a systematic approach to interpreting the Bible, expository preaching and teaching allow us to uncover the intended meaning of the text and gain a deeper and more accurate understanding of the Bible.