RST | HE04 — Case Studies: John 3, Peter, and the Magnificat
Redemption School of Theology: Hermeneutics & Exegesis · Fall 2026
Class 4 · September 20, 2026 · Session B · Kevin R. Amundson
Students read John 3 (Nicodemus). New birth is not a novelty. Ezekiel’s new heart is what Israel’s teacher should have known. Peter’s confession and “Get behind me, Satan” in one scene: revelation from the Father, then a mind set on the things of man. Mary’s Magnificat as interpretation of history she did not personally see, applied to the Messiah. Closes with an Ecclesiastes teaser, “under the sun” vs. “under heaven,” and a warning against hermeneutics according to our own vision.
Key texts: John 3:1–8 · Ezekiel 36:26–27 · Matthew 16:16–23 · Luke 1:46–55 · Ecclesiastes (“under the sun” / “under heaven”)
Outline
John 3 — Nicodemus, new birth, water and Spirit
Ezekiel imagery: new heart of flesh; “Are you the teacher of Israel?”
Matthew 16 — blessed confession, then rebuke
Magnificat — interpreting God’s acts in history
Ecclesiastes: under the sun vs. under heaven
Questions; temptation to interpret by our own vision
Chapters
00:00 John 3 — Nicodemus
10:30 New heart; teacher of Israel
20:30 Peter’s confession and rebuke
30:30 Magnificat as interpretation of history
40:00 Ecclesiastes teaser and questions
Resources
Course page: https://www.redemptionrochester.com/redemption-school-of-theology
Syllabus: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19HuTO5gVQUG0veD2j6LwwgcWLbWb_D7CIKqD14LOmF8/edit
Class page: https://www.redemptionrochester.com/2026-hermeneutics-exegesis
Audio archive: https://www.redemptionrochester.com/2026-hermeneutics-exegesis-audio