More About These Notes
These notes were first produced for students to whom I taught New Testament Greek
(using John H Dobson's excellent book, Learn New Testament Greek).
I wanted to encourage my students to go on with their readings in the
Greek New Testament and to help them to read it regularly.
Originally, the following notes covered
the entire New Testament in 250 weekly sections, each consisting of five days. They are now being revised into 365 sets of daily notes, taking you through the New Testament in a year. These notes are now synchronised with the daily reading and reflection on the New Testament.
By following this plan
you will be introduced to the variety of literature and authors that together make
up the New Testament. The Greek of some is more straightforward than that of others.
Moreover, the Greek of a single author can vary in style and complexity as is evident
from a comparison of Luke's Gospel with the book of Acts. But this variety of styles
goes hand in hand with a singleness of message and of purpose: the intent of every
author is to declare what God has done for us in the Lord Jesus Christ and to communicate
the message in a way that would readily be understood by those who read it, capturing
their attention and speaking to their hearts. It is immensely thrilling to be able
to read the words these people actually wrote, to be able to understand what they were
writing and to find that it commands our attention today no less than it did those
for whom it was originally written
narly two thousand years ago.
Along with notes on vocabulary, grammar and style I have included a number on the interpretation of the text. In seeking to understand Scripture, originality is no great virtue, and for this reason I have often quoted directly from other writers. Careful reading of any of these sources will show that
they also are greatly indebted to the work of others – a debt which they are pleased
to acknowledge. I readily confess that the contents of these notes is therefore
far from being all my own work. Like a magpie, I have flitted from one source to
another collecting sparkling fragments that have caught my eye. I trust that you
may also find them a delight.
Lastly, please appreciate that these notes are in
a continuing state of development. Let me know of any mistakes you may spot in them
and inform me of any ways in which you believe these notes could be improved – they
are intended for your benefit.
πᾶσα γραφὴ θεόπνευστος καὶ ὠφέλιμος πρὸς διδασκαλίαν, πρὸς ἐλεγμόν, πρὸς ἐπανόρθωσιν,
πρὸς παιδείαν τὴν ἐν δικαιοσύνῃ, ἵνα ἄρτιος ᾖ ὁ τοῦ θεοῦ ἄνθρωπος, πρὸς πᾶν ἔργον
ἀγαθὸν ἐξηρτισμένος.
2 Timothy 3:16,17
Peter Misselbrook