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back Back to courses catalog About Ligonier Connect

Principles of Biblical Interpretation

By R.C. Sproul

Would you like to improve your ability to interpret Scripture accurately and discover meaning behind difficult passages? In this course, you’ll learn easy-to-use skills for your own personal Bible study from Dr. R.C. Sproul.

  • Join the Worldwide Class

    or
    $45 / person

    Take this course with a class of Ligonier Connect students from around the world. Registration includes:

    • 24/7 access for 6 months to complete the course at your own pace
    • Video lectures from Dr. R.C. Sproul along with the full, downloadable study guide
    • Discuss questions and share notes with up to 30 other Ligonier Connect students in your class
    • Approved by the Association of Christian Schools International for one continuing education unit

  • Create your own group class

    or
    $24 / person

    Take this course with your own private group of friends, family, or colleagues (a minimum of 5 students is required). You’ll receive:

    • 24/7 access for 6 months for you and your group of 4 or more
    • Ability to monitor your group's progress and moderate discussion
    • Includes video lectures from Dr. R.C. Sproul along with the full, downloadable study guide
    • Approved by the Association of Christian Schools International for one continuing education unit

About this course

Christians need some basic guidance on how to interpret the Bible. Just a few principles of interpretation will go a long way toward helping the believer understand the Scriptures. Here are the easy-to-use skills for your own personal study. Through the course you will learn how to approach difficult passages, how to find the true meaning of each verse, and how to place each passage in its proper context. This course is sure to be helpful to all who seek to know God’s revelation better. The 12 course lectures are from R. C. Sproul’s "Knowing Scripture" Teaching Series.

An optional book Knowing Scripture can be purchased from the Ligonier Store here to enhance the learning experience.

Course Path Preview

  • GETTING STARTED

    • Welcome to the Principles of Biblical Interpretation

      • to-do Review course material
      • to-do Update your student profile
      • to-do Introduce yourself

  • Why Study the Bible?

    • Lesson 1: Why Study the Bible?

      • watch Lecture 1: Why Study the Bible by R.C. Sproul
      • read Chapter One - Why Study the Bible in “Knowing Scripture”
      • to-do Putting it into Practice
      • Take Lesson 1 Quiz

  • Personal Bible Study & Private Interpretation

    • Lesson 2: Private Interpretation

      • watch Lecture 2: Private Interpretation by R.C. Sproul
      • read Chapter Two - Personal Bible Study & Private Interpretation in “Knowing Scripture”
      • to-do Putting it into Practice
      • Take Lesson 2 Quiz

  • Hermeneutics: The Science of Interpretation

    • Lesson 3: The Science of Interpretation

      • watch Lecture 3: The Science of Interpretation by R.C. Sproul
      • read Chapter Three - Hermeneutics: The Science of Interpretation in “Knowing Scripture”
      • to-do Putting it into Practice

    • Lesson 4: Literal Interpretation

      • watch Lecture 4: Literal Interpretation by R.C. Sproul
      • to-do Putting it into Practice

    • Lesson 5: Literary Forms (Part 1)

      • watch Lecture 5: Literary Forms (Part 1) by R.C. Sproul
      • to-do Putting it into Practice

    • Lesson 6: Literary Forms (Part 2)

      • watch Lecture 6: Literary Forms (Part 2) by R.C. Sproul
      • to-do Putting it into Practice
      • Take Lesson 6 Quiz

  • Practical Rules for Biblical Interpretation

    • Lesson 7: Reading the Bible Existentially

      • watch Lecture 7: Reading the Bible Existentially by R.C. Sproul
      • read Chapter four - Practical Rules for Biblical Interpretation in “Knowing Scripture”
      • to-do Putting it into Practice

    • Lesson 8: The Historical Narrative

      • watch Lecture 8: The Historical Narrative by R.C. Sproul
      • to-do Putting it into Practice

    • Lesson 9: The Explicit & The Implicit

      • watch Lecture 9: The Explicit & The Implicit by R.C. Sproul
      • to-do Word study exercise
      • to-do Putting it into Practice

    • Lesson 10: Parallelisms

      • watch Lecture 10: Parallelisms by R.C. Sproul
      • to-do Putting it into Practice
      • Take Lesson 10 Quiz

  • Culture & the Bible

    • Lesson 11: Scripture & Culture

      • watch Lecture 11: Scripture & Culture by R.C. Sproul
      • read Chapter five - Culture & the Bible in “Knowing Scripture”
      • to-do Putting it into Practice

    • Lesson 12: Principle vs. Custom

      • watch Lecture 12: Principle vs. Custom
      • read Chapter six - Practical Tools for Bible Study in “Knowing Scripture”
      • to-do Putting it into Practice
      • Take Lesson 12 Quiz

  • Final Assessment

    • Final Assessment

      • to-do Putting it all together
      • Take Final Assessment for Principles of Biblical Interpretation Certificate

About the teacher

R.C. Sproul
Dr. R.C. Sproul is founder and president of Ligonier Ministries, Ligonier Academy and Reformation Bible College.

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