Interpreting Scripture
The most basic level of interpretation that focuses on the historical meaning of the text.
What is the Literal Meaning?
St. Paul calls Christ this title in contrast to Adam.
Who is the Last Adam?
Aphrahat says this gave the righteous access to heaven through Christ.
What is Jacob’s Ladder?
Joseph being sold by his brothers foreshadows this event.
What is Christ’s Betrayal?
This word literally means “Thanksgiving.”
What is the Eucharist?
This spiritual interpretation studies Old Testament shadows that point to Christ.
What is Typology?
Her obedience reversed Eve’s disobedience.
Who is the Virgin Mary (the New Eve)?
This burned without being consumed and became a type of Christ’s incarnation.
What is the Burning Bush?
Isaac carrying this object up Mount Moriah foreshadows Christ on Good Friday.
What is the wood for the sacrifice (the Cross)?
Melchizedek foreshadowed the Eucharist by offering these two elements.
What are bread and wine?
This spiritual sense asks, “Where am I in the story?”
What is the Moral Sense?
This mediator between God and Israel foreshadowed Christ.
Who is Moses?
Augustine explains this sign of Gideon as pointing first to Israel and then to the Gentiles.
What is Gideon’s Fleece?
Moses lifting this in the wilderness prefigured Christ being lifted up.
What is the Bronze Serpent?
According to the study guide, the Eucharist creates this among believers.
What is the Unity of the Church?
This spiritual sense focuses on heaven and eternal life.
What is the Anagogical Sense?
Sharing the same name as Jesus, he led Israel into the Promised Land.
Who is Joshua?
The Theotokias compare the Virgin Mary to this object that blossomed without being planted.
What is Aaron’s Rod?
This prophet’s three days in the fish became Christ’s own sign of His burial and resurrection.
Who is Jonah?
The Eucharist is described as the Christian’s true ______.
What is the Sabbath?
According to St. Cyril, Scripture progresses through these three stages.
What are Historical → Type (Shadow) → Mystery of Christ?
This king-priest offered bread and wine and foreshadowed Christ’s eternal priesthood.
Who is Melchizedek?
Since the Council of Ephesus, many Old Testament types of Christ’s incarnation were also understood as types of this person.
Who is the Virgin Mary?
Noah emerging from this symbolizes Christ bringing about the New Creation.
What is the Ark?
The Lord’s Day fulfills this Old Testament institution.
What is the Sabbath?