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Cross-references are powerful

Discussion in 'Baptist Theology & Bible Study' started by asterisktom, Apr 21, 2010.

  1. asterisktom

    asterisktom Well-Known Member
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    A short comment on one thing that has really helped my Bible study tremendously: Cross-references. It might seem like I'm pointing out the obvious, but it is often very much overlooked. In preparing my next article on Isaiah - chapter 60 - I noticed, for instance, 6 clear references to Rev. 21. It is this cross-tying that has helped me to come to a preterist understanding.

    I encourage everyone to be extra diligent to ferret out all those cross-references. Don't go automatically to a commentary (whether Disp. or Pret or anyone) and get their slant. Don't let anyone explain away that faint red light in your awareness.

    Study it out. It is time consuming, but it leads to a really solid foundation that will not easily be shaken.
     
  2. kyredneck

    kyredneck Well-Known Member
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    This is one of the things I love about Thomas Nelson & Sons ASV; the cross-references and marginal renderings that are provided are outstanding.

    You give some excellent advice Tom. Thanks.
     
  3. asterisktom

    asterisktom Well-Known Member
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    Thanks. I should also add that some cross-references that are printed are not real ones. And some real other cross-refs are overlooked by our editors. An example of the first is a cross-ref for Revelation 6:2 in my NKJV Bible. They give Matt. 24:5, which I would strongly object to.

    Ultimately there is no substitute for just saturating our minds and hearts with the Bible. The cross-references will then come to mind the more we do this.
     
  4. Deacon

    Deacon Well-Known Member
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    Good advice.
    One of the shortcomings of my large print bible is the lack of cross references.
    Recognise though that cross references themselves are a subtle form of commentary.

    Rob
     
  5. Grasshopper

    Grasshopper Active Member
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    Another key is having a Bible that indicates when the NT is quoting an OT passage. Critical for understanding the true interpretation of OT passages. Tom you would find this work well worth your money: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0801026938/?tag=baptis04-20
     
  6. asterisktom

    asterisktom Well-Known Member
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    Thanks. I have a section in the back of my Metzger Greek New Testament that lists OT quotes used in the NT. It even shows where the LXX was used.
     
  7. asterisktom

    asterisktom Well-Known Member
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    Yes, they certainly can be. Another form of commentary is subtitles that are insinuated into the text. Also, divisions of paragraphs should never be automatically accepted.
     
  8. thomas15

    thomas15 Well-Known Member

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    I like cross-references in a Bible and use them much. They are limited though because they are selected by the editors based their theological prespective.

    Another resource the is Treasury of Scripture Knowledge by R A Torrey. This is a huge cross reference to supplement those in your Bible. But the grandaddy of them all is The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge by Jerome Smith. This is the one I have, it has been out of print for a while. Not only does it have a gizillion references, it ties in other reference works. Buy it if you can find it. If it has a fault, that would be that it is too big.
     
  9. kyredneck

    kyredneck Well-Known Member
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    Thomas Nelson & Sons ASV does just that. Another reason I like it.
     
  10. thomas15

    thomas15 Well-Known Member

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    Off the top of my head, the NKJV and the NASB also give OT citations used in the NT. They both use different lettering (small caps on the NASB, not sure about the NKJV) to indicate quotes and marginal notes to advise the reader of what OT manuscript was used. This is probably true of most modern translations (NIV for example but I'm not sure how it is called out) --in those editions that have cross references.
     
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