ASSIGNMENT ON:

NEW TESTAMENT GREEK

QUESTION:

GREEK LANGUAGE AS A TOOL FOR APOLOGETICS AND

EVANGELISM

PREPARED BY:

ADEWOLE OLUWASEUN MICHAEL

MATRIC NO.

EXT 4459

SUBMITTED TO:

MRS RHODA

LIFE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, AKURE STUDY CENTER

29TH MAY, 2024.

INTRODUCTION
The Greek language is very important in Christianity because the New Testament
was originally written in Koine Greek. Knowing Greek can greatly help in explaining
and spreading the Christian faith. This is because it allows for a more accurate
understanding of the Bible, helps us connect with the historical and cultural
background of early Christianity, and improves how we talk about and teach our
beliefs.
Understanding Greek can reveal deeper meanings in the New Testament that might
be missed in translations. It also helps us better understand the world of the early
Christians, making our explanations of the Bible more complete and convincing.
Additionally, being able to read Greek allows us to engage more deeply with
scholarly works and address questions and doubts about the Bible more effectively.
This assignment will explore how learning Greek can make apologetics (defending
the faith) and evangelism (spreading the faith) more effective. By looking at various
examples and practical uses, we will see how knowing Greek can deepen our
understanding of Christian teachings, clarify important doctrines, and help us
communicate our faith more clearly and convincingly to others.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE NEW TESTAMENT IN ITS ORIGINAL LANGUAGE

• ACCURACY IN INTERPRETATION
- Avoiding Mistranslations: Translations can sometimes obscure the original
meaning of the text. For instance, in John 21:15-17, Jesus asks Peter three
times if he loves Him, using different Greek words for "love" (agape and
phileo). This distinction highlights different nuances of love, often lost in
English translations where both are rendered simply as "love."

- Grammatical Precision: Greek syntax and verb tenses can affect the meaning
significantly. For example, Ephesians 2:8-9 uses the perfect tense in Greek
("you have been saved"), indicating a completed action with ongoing results,
which emphasizes the permanence of salvation.

• NUANCES AND DEPTH

- Multiple Words for Single Concepts: Greek has a richer vocabulary than
English, offering multiple words for concepts that in English might have only
one term. For exaple:
Love: Agape (selfless, unconditional love), phileo (brotherly love), eros
(romantic love).
Word: Logos (reason, word, principle), rhema (spoken word).

- Subtle Theological Implications: In John 1:1, "In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God, and the Word was God," the term Logos
integrates both philosophical and theological dimensions, enriching our
understanding of Christ’s divine nature and eternal existence.

2. HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL CONTEXT

• FIRST-CENTURY CONTEXT
- Early Christian Writings: Understanding Greek allows direct engagement
with the writings of the early Church Fathers, such as Ignatius, Polycarp, and
Justin Martyr. These texts provide insights into early Christian theology and
apologetics.
- Hellenistic Influence: The New Testament was written in a Hellenistic
context. Understanding Greek helps contextualize the New Testament within
the broader Hellenistic world, enhancing comprehension of its philosophical
and cultural milieu.

3. ENGAGING WITH SCHOLARLY WORK

• BIBLICAL SCHOLARSHIP
- Critical Commentaries: Scholars such as N.T. Wright, D.A. Carson, and F.F.
Bruce often refer to the Greek text to explain their interpretations. Familiarity
with Greek enables apologists to engage with these commentaries more
effectively.
- Lexical and Syntactical Studies: Greek language study involves
understanding the meanings of words (lexicon) and how they function in
sentences (syntax). This knowledge allows for a more profound
understanding of the biblical text.
• INTERTEXTUAL ANALYSIS
- Septuagint Studies: The Septuagint (LXX) is the Greek translation of the Old
Testament. New Testament writers frequently quoted it. Understanding the
LXX can illuminate how the New Testament fulfills Old Testament prophecies,
such as Isaiah 7:14's "virgin" (parthenos) prophecy in Matthew 1:23.

4. EVANGELISTIC OUTREACH
• CROSS-CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
- Greek Orthodox Contexts: In regions where Greek Orthodoxy is dominant,
speaking Greek and understanding the nuances of their biblical texts can
facilitate respectful and informed dialogue.
- Greek-Speaking Individuals: Engaging with Greek-speaking individuals in
their native language can break down barriers and demonstrate deep respect
for their cultural and religious background.

• ADDRESSING SKEPTICISM
- Textual Credibility: Skeptics often question the reliability of the Bible. By
showing a deep knowledge of the Greek text and its transmission, apologists
can provide robust defenses. For example, explaining the textual evidence for
the resurrection accounts using the original Greek manuscripts.

5. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS IN APOLOGETICS

• TEXTUAL CRITICISM
- Addressing Variants: Apologists can explain how textual variants do not
undermine the Bible's reliability. For instance, differences in manuscripts
often involve minor spelling variations that do not affect doctrinal content.
- Manuscript Evidence: Demonstrating the wealth of Greek manuscript
evidence (over 5,800 complete or fragmented New Testament Greek
manuscripts) compared to other ancient texts bolsters the case for the New
Testament’s reliability.

• DOCTRINAL CLARITY
 - Key Theological Terms: Understanding Greek helps in clarifying doctrinal
issues. For example:
- The Trinity: The term homoousios (of the same substance) used in the Nicene
Creed to describe the relationship between Jesus and the Father is better
understood with a grasp of Greek.
- Justification: The Greek word dikaioo (to justify) is central to discussions on
justification by faith, as seen in Romans 3:24.

6. TEACHING AND PREACHING

• DEPTH OF TEACHING
- Expository Preaching: Pastors who know Greek can offer deeper expository
preaching, revealing layers of meaning in the text that might otherwise
remain hidden.
- Word Studies: Conducting word studies on key Greek terms can illuminate
their meaning and application. For instance, exploring the different Greek
words for "power" (dynamis, exousia, kratos) can enrich sermons on God’s
power.

• MODELING SCHOLARSHIP
- Inspiring Others: By demonstrating the value of studying the Bible in its
original languages, teachers can inspire others to pursue deeper biblical
studies, fostering a community that values and seeks theological depth.

CONCLUSION
Mastering Greek significantly enhances the effectiveness of apologetics and
evangelism. It provides the tools necessary for a deeper and more accurate
understanding of the New Testament, equips one to engage with scholarly work,
and enhances the ability to communicate effectively across cultural and linguistic
barriers. It also strengthens doctrinal clarity and enriches teaching and preaching,
ultimately aiding in the defense and proclamation of the Christian faith.