West Coast Baptist College



BI 212 Romans

Fall 2016 Syllabus

J. Michael Lester

I. Course Description

This course will give the student an in-depth look at one of the greatest New Testament epistles written. It is thoroughly doctrinal, yet vitally practical. We will conduct an expository study of the book, as well as its applications to the doctrines of the Christian life. Students will be given a general outline of the book as well as an understanding to some of the important doctrinal passages that will be discussed.

II. Goals

As an instructor, there are certain goals I have for each student. These goals are not the same as the Course Learning Outcomes as these are not as easy to measure. However, I would like you to keep these goals in mind as the course progresses.

A. To equip each student with a working knowledge of the doctrines contained within this book. The book of Romans contains both a doctrinal and practical aspect – both truths need to be mastered.

B. To train future leaders of the church who can accurately express what they believe about the Church, about Israel, and the relationship that each have to the other.

C. To drill into each student this thought: The whole world is guilty before God, regardless of whether they have heard the Gospel. The question should not be, “What about those who have never heard?” Instead, we must ask, “Why have I not told them?” Whichever way the question is posed, the Bible has already given us the answer.

D. To show each student that the chapters of this book are interdependent upon each other and must be interpreted contextually. To isolate a chapter (for preaching or any other purpose) is to do the book an injustice.

E. To witness within each student spiritual growth as the truths of this book take root in your thinking, and then in your behavior.

FROM THE CATALOG:

Institutional Learning Objectives (ILOs)

1. Demonstrate comprehension in major areas of Bible knowledge and doctrine.

2. Apply knowledge in practical and relevant ways to their chosen field.

3. Effectively communicate the gospel to unbelievers.

4. Regularly practice authentic spiritual disciplines.

5. Effectively serve in ministry through the local church.

6. Engage in service to the community.

Bible Program Learning Objectives (PLOs)

1. Demonstrate an accurate knowledge of the Bible (2 Tim 2:15)

2. Utilize significant interpretative data regarding historical, geographical, cultural, theological background, and themes of the Scriptures.

3. Articulate the historic Baptist faith and distinctives.

4. Communicate God’s truth lovingly and effectively to believers and unbelievers.

III. Course Objectives (CLOs)

| |The student who successfully completes this course will be able to: |Institutional |Program |Course |

| | |Objectives* |Objectives* |Requirement |

|2 |Accurately quote from memory and apply 20 separate passages from |1,2,3 |1,4 |A, B |

| |Romans. | | | |

|4 |Distinguish God’s plan for the Church and Israel. |1 |2 |C, E |

|6 |Compare and contrast between these terms: Justification, |1 |1 |Exam, E |

| |Sanctification, Glorification. | | | |

8 |Recall from memory where the major doctrinal sections are found. |1 |1 |Quizzes | |

IV. Course Requirements

A. Memory Verses: Memory verses are to be learned verbatim with correct spelling.

1. September 15 Romans 1:16, 18-20

2. September 22 Romans 2:11; 3:10

3. September 29 Romans 3:19, 24-26

4. October 6 Romans 4:3-4; 5:8

5. October 20 Romans 5:12; 6:6-7

6. October 27 Romans 6:13; 7:18

7. November 3 Romans 8:18; 10:4

8. November 10 Romans 10:13; 12:1-2

9. November 15 Romans 12:14; 13:14

10. November 29 Romans 14:16; 15:1

*What to expect for these dates?

• Quick quiz

• Write the verse out (sometimes fill in the blank; sometimes writing strictly from memory)

• Answer an application question based on that week’s verse(s)

• Provide an update on reading

• These quizzes will be graded and recorded within two class periods.

B. You are to read Romans through completely eight times

1. September 15 Romans 1x(to be done in one sitting)

2. September 22 Romans 2x

3. September 29 Romans 3x

4. October 6 Romans 4x

5. October 20 Romans 5x

6. October 27 Romans 6x

7. November 3 Romans 7x

8. December 1* Romans 8x (utilize method below)

a. Prior to reading the text, spend a few minutes in prayer, asking the Lord to help you understand the passage.

b. Carefully read the text in the Bible.

c. Spend at least 10 minutes meditating/thinking about the text.

d. Read the corresponding chapters in the textbook.

e. Answer the questions on the reading report, located at .

f. Submit reading report (Available at lester.wcbc.edu) via email to mike.lester@wcbc.edu by 5 pm on their due dates.

g. Projects may be accepted early if properly labeled. No late projects will be accepted.

1) November 10 Romans 1-5

2) November 15 Romans 6-11

3) November 22 (no class) Romans 12-14

4) December 1 Romans 15-16

C. Required Text: Exploring Romans, by John Phillips.

1. Read the book according to the detailed reading schedule above. You will mark your reading of the text on the reading report form.

2. Student shall submit a minimum of 2-page, not to exceed 4-page, critique of this text, due December 1

3. Project must be submitted by email to mike.lester@wcbc.edu by 5pm on the date due.

4. Project should include a title page.

5. Project should be submitted as one attachment in PDF or Word format. The title page should be included with your paper and not as a separate attachment.

6. Project may be submitted early, but no late projects will be accepted.

7. These projects will be graded, recorded, and returned within 1.5 weeks.

D. Selected Readings:

1. Handley Carr Glyn Moule (H.C.G. Moule) wrote a commentary on the book of Romans in the early 20th century. This book is free at .

2. The student is asked to read the following: Preface, Chapter 1, Chapter 2 by Tuesday, September 20, 2016.

3. The student will submit a 1 page summary of what was learned from the reading on that date. Format is Turabian, double-spaced, etc.

4. Summary can be emailed to mike.lester@wcbc.edu.

5. Summaries will be graded, recorded, and returned within one week.

6. Project is able to be submitted early, but will not be accepted late.

E. Research Essay

1. You will write a textual paper on one of the following topics:

1) Why the world is guilty Romans 1-3

2) Justification and Sanctification related to Security Romans 4-6

3) Identification with Christ brings victory Romans 5-8

4) God’s plan for Israel – Past, Present, and Future Romans 9-11

5) Does “grafted in” make us a spiritual Jew Romans 11

6) Proper attitude toward authority allows fruitfulness Romans 12-16

2. Research Paper Requirements

a. This paper is a textual paper, not a topical paper. This means that the bulk of material must come from Romans.

b. No more than 10% of the paper should be “cut and pasted” Bible verses. I am looking for insight from you to explain the text.

c. Look at the grading matrix provided online for you. It will show you in detail what I am looking for, how I am grading, what you can do to improve your grade, etc…

d. Projects must conform to the template found at lester.wcbc.edu

e. Projects must be 1000-1500 words.

f. The font is to be no larger than 12 Times (or Times New Romans).

g. Projects must include a title page.

h. Projects must include an outline. When doing your outline, I expect you to have at least three major thoughts, with at least two sub-points under each thought.

i. Logical progression of your own thought. Do not simply cut and paste verses in an attempt to fill the required amount of pages. To write out verse after verse in your paper is not spiritual, it is laziness.

j. Projects must include footnotes (not endnotes or in-line citations), properly done (Turabian style), when material is quoted. Footnotes are to be from respectable sources. You should look for primary sources rather than secondary sources. Additionally, the “” sites and Wikipedia would not be considered respectable resources.

k. Projects must include a bibliography page. Minimum of six sources other than the Bible, three of which should be from credible theological journals.

l. Project due November 18th by 10 pm

m. Projects must be submitted by email to mike.lester@wcbc.edu as one attachment in PDF or Word format. The title page should be included with your paper and not as a separate attachment.

n. Projects may be submitted early but no late projects will be accepted.

o. Please allow for two weeks for these projects to be graded, recorded, and returned.

V. Grading Factors

A. Quizzes/Tests 25%

B. Projects 25%

C. Romans Reading/Reading Reports 30%

D. Exams 20%

VI. Spiritual and Academic Integrity

Attendance Policy

Use your student portal to track your attendance. You should be checking this daily. If you miss more than fifteen (15) percent of this class, you will be automatically dropped from the roster and receive an “F” for the course. The amount missed includes the accumulation of tardies, cuts, and any other absences. Once an attendance has been posted, the student has one week to contest the accuracy of the record. Once a week has passed, the record will stand.

If you are absent on a quiz or test day, it is your responsibility to know what you have missed. Each student will have 48 hours (excluding weekends) from the end of class to make up his missed test or quiz. If these are not made up within that time frame, they will be recorded as a 0. Make-up tests may be more difficult and comprehensive than the test given in class.

Academic Honesty

Cheating, plagiarism, collusion, and any act designed to give an unfair advantage to the student (such as, but not limited to, submitting the same written assignment for two courses or providing false or misleading information in an effort to receive a postponement or an extension on a test, quiz, exam, or other assignment) is considered cheating and will not be tolerated.

Plagiarism:

Plagiarism is “the unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one’s own original work.” Common forms of plagiarism are copying words or ideas and not giving the author credit for them by providing proper reference. Another author’s specific words must be placed within quotation marks with an appropriate reference given. Another author’s ideas must include an appropriate reference.

Classroom Behavior

As part of this class, you are an integral part of a learning community. Please be aware of your behavior and its effects on others. Talking, coming in late, leaving early, sleeping in class, and being discourteous can all diminish classmates’ learning experiences. Realize that everyone in this class might be in a position someday to recommend you professionally. Earn and keep their respect.

VII. Contact Info

I have an open door policy! If you are having problems, questions, or just want to talk, I encourage you to contact me in person, on the phone, or via email. If you need anything, please communicate with me!

Email mike.lester@wcbc.edu

Cell 661.466.3429

Office Hours In office every weekday until 5pm

Projects emailed to lesterprojects@wcbc.edu

Additional Resources

Romans Commentaries Bibliography

Abernathy, David. An Exegetical Summary of Romans 1-8. 2nd ed. Dallas, TX: SIL International, 2008.

Anderson, Robert. A Practical Exposition of St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. London: J. Hatchard and Son, 1833.

Barrett, C. K. The Epistle to the Romans. Rev. ed. Black's New Testament Commentary. London: Continuum, 1991.

Bence, Clarence L. Romans: A Bible Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. Indianapolis, IN: Wesleyan Publishing House, 1996.

Boa, Kenneth and William Kruidenier. Vol. 6, Romans. Holman New Testament Commentary. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000.

Brown, John. Analytical Exposition of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Romans. Edinburgh; London: William Oliphant and Sons; Hamilton, Adams & Co., 1857.

Challis, James. A Translation of the Epistle of the Apostle Paul to the Romans, With an Introduction and Critical Notes. Cambridge; London: Deighton, Bell, and Co.; Bell and Daldy, 1871.

Chalmers, Thomas. Lectures on the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Romans. New York: Robert Carter & Brothers, 1874.

Forbes, John. Analytical Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans, Tracing the Train of Thought by the Aid of Parallelism, With Notes and Dissertations. Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1868.

Fry, John. Lectures, Explanatory and Practical, on the Epistle of Saint Paul to the Romans. Second Edition. London: James Duncan, 1825.

Gaebelein, Frank E., Everett F. Harrison, W. Harold Mare et al. The Expositor's Bible Commentary, Volume 10: Romans Through Galatians. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1976.

Godwin, John H. The Epistle of the Apostle Paul to Romans: Notes. London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1873.

Gore, Charles. St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans: A Practical Exposition, Vol. 1-2. London: John Murray, 1902-1904.

Haldane, Robert. Exposition of the Epistle to the Romans; With Remarks on the Commentaries of Dr. MacKnight, Professor Moses Stuart, and Professor Tholuck. New York: Robert Carter & Brothers, 1858.

Hendriksen, William and Simon J. Kistemaker. Vol. 12-13, Exposition of Paul's Epistle to the Romans. New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953-2001.

Hinton, John Howard. An Exposition of the Epistle to the Romans on the Principles of Scripture Parallelism. London: Houlston and Wright, 1863.

Hughes, R. Kent. Romans: Righteousness from Heaven. Preaching the Word. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1991.

Johnson, Luke Timothy. Reading Romans: A Literary and Theological Commentary. Reading the New Testament Series. Macon, GA: Smyth & Helwys Publishing, 2001.

Joseph, Oscar L. The Expositor’s Bible, Volume 5: Luke to Galatians. Edited by Nicoll, W. Robertson. Expositor’s Bible. Hartford, CT: S.S. Scranton Co., 1903.

Kelly, William. Notes on the Epistle of Paul, the Apostle, to the Romans, With a New Translation. London: G. Morrish, 1873.

Lange, John Peter, Philip Schaff, F. R. Fay et al. A Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: Romans. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2008.

Lenski, R. C. H. The Interpretation of St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. Columbus, Ohio: Lutheran Book Concern, 1936.

Liddon, H. P. Explanatory Analysis of St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. Fourth Edition. London; New York; Bombay: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1899.

MacArthur, John. Romans: Grace, Truth, and Redemption. MacArthur Bible Studies. Nashville, TN: W Publishing Group, 2000.

Meyer, Heinrich August Wilhelm. Critical and Exegetical Hand-Book to the Epistle to the Romans. Translated by Moore, John C., Edwin Johnson and William P. Dickson. New York: Funk & Wagnalls, 1884.

Moo, Douglas J. Encountering the Book of Romans : A Theological Survey. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2002.

Morris, Leon. The Epistle to the Romans. The Pillar New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: W.B. Eerdmans; Inter-Varsity Press, 1988.

Moule, H. C. G. The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Romans, With Introduction and Notes. The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1891.

Mounce, Robert H. Vol. 27, Romans. The New American Commentary. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1995.

Newell, William R. Romans Verse-by-Verse. Grand Rapids: Christian Classics Ethereal Library, n.d.

Nicoll, W. Robertson. The Expositor's Greek Testament, Volume II: Commentary. New York: George H. Doran Company.

Plumer, Wm. S. Commentary on Paul’s Epistle to the Romans With an Introduction on the Life, Times, Writings and Character of Paul. New York: Anson D. F. Randolph & Co., 1870.

Pridham, Arthur. Notes and Reflections on the Epistle to the Romans. Second Edition, enlarged. London: John Farquhar Shaw, 1858.

Purdue, Edward. A Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans With a Revised Translation. Dublin; London; Edinburgh: Samuel B. Oldham; Seeley, Jackson, and Halliday; R. Grant and Son, 1855.

Robinson, Thomas. A Suggestive Commentary on St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans, With Critical and Homiletical Notes, Volume 1-2. Edited by Van Doren, W. H. A Suggestive Commentary on the New Testament. New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1873.

Schreiner, Thomas R. Vol. 6, Romans. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1998.

Shields, Bruce. Romans: Unlocking the Scriptures for You. Standard Bible Studies. Cincinnati, OH: Standard, 1988.

Sproul, R. C. The Gospel of God: An Exposition of Romans. Great Britain: Christian Focus Publications, 1994.

Stifler, James M. The Epistle to the Romans: A Commentary Logical and Historical. New York; Chicago; Toronto: Fleming H. Revell, 1897.

Stuart, Moses. A Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans. Edited by Robbins, R. D. C. Fourth Edition. Andover; Boston; Philadelphia: W. F. Draper; William H. Halliday and Company; Smith, English, & Co., 1868.

Terrot, C. H. The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Romans; With an Introduction, Paraphrase, and Notes. London: J. Hatchard and Son, 1828.

Tholuck, Fred. Aug. Gottreu. Exposition of St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. Translated by Menzies, Robert. Second Revised and Corrected Edinburgh Edition. Philadelphia: Sorin and Ball, 1844.

Toews, John E. Romans. Believers Church Bible Commentary. Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 2004.

Utley, Robert James. Vol. Volume 5, The Gospel According to Paul: Romans. Study Guide Commentary Series. Marshall, Texas: Bible Lessons International, 1998.

Vaughan, C. J. St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans With Notes. Third Edition, Revised and Enlarged. London; Cambridge: Macmillan and Co., 1870.

Wardlaw, Ralph. Lectures on the Epistle to the Romans, Vol. 1-3. Edited by Wardlaw, J. S. Posthumous Works of the Rev. Ralph Wardlaw, D. D. Edinburgh; London: A. Fullarton & Co., 1861.

Williams, Henry W. An Exposition of St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. London: Wesleyan Conference Office, 1869.

The Church Pulpit Commentary: Acts 11–Romans. London: J. Nisbet & Co., 1908.

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Romans. Edited by Parry, R. St. John. Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1921.

The Expositor’s Greek Testament, Volume II: Text. Edited by Nicoll, W. Robertson. New York: George H. Doran Company.

The Pulpit Commentary: Romans. Edited by Spence-Jones, H. D. M. The Pulpit Commentary. London; New York: Funk & Wagnalls Company, 1909.

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WEST COAST BAPTIST COLLEGE

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SAMPLE BOOK CRITIQUE

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A PROJECT SUBMITTED TO

BROTHER MIKE LESTER

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF

THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COURSE

BI 212

ROMANS

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BY

JOE STUDENT

BOX #

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LANCASTER, CALIFORNIA

7 OCTOBER 2016

Wiersbe, Warren. Preaching and Teaching with Imagination: The Quest for Biblical Ministry. Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing, 1994.

Summary

Warren Wiersbe has written Preaching and Teaching with Imagination: The Quest for Biblical Ministry in order to challenge preachers to “proclaim the Word [so] that the people who hear us will experience the power of God’s truth changing lives.”

Wiersbe writes with a style that is easy to digest. As a lover of words, he has the ability to proclaim profound truths in a simply eloquent manner. From Wiersbe’s own admission, this book is meant to be a primer, an introduction that will begin a conversation. He does not write as an expert, nor does he expect to have the final word. He writes with concern that preachers are taking the truth of Scriptures and presenting them as lifeless and dull. He believes that preaching with imagination is at least a partial solution to redirect the presentation of truth.

Throughout part one, Wiersbe addresses Imagination and Life in chapters 1-8. His opening illustration concerning the approaches of Hushai and Ahithophel counseling Absalom is captivating. It serves his purpose of showing the importance of using creativity in one’s presentation. Though he is quick to recognize the divine element in protecting David, from a human perspective, Hushai’s approach utilizes a “right-brain” approach – a creative approach. Rather than use words, he created pictures so that Absalom could “see” what he was “hearing.” This sets the foundation for the rest of the book as he admonishes and challenges preachers to let the audience “see” the sermon.

In part two, he addresses Imagination and Scripture within chapters 9-16. Frankly, this section reads as fluff and excess material. Wiersbe walks through each section of both testaments highlighting metaphors and creative approaches. While it is important to illustrate one’s point and defend it biblically, the writer fails to recognize the weakness in his approach. In detailing example after countless example, Wiersbe has robbed his readers of the opportunity to discover these truths for themselves. Rather than providing a platform to develop one’s creativity, he has stifled it by providing the “answers to the question.”

In part three, he addresses Imagination and Biblical Preaching. Chapters 17-25 form the bulk of his argument. The first two sections have given a foundation and a core sampling; now he is dealing with practical preaching instruction.

Finally, Wiersbe provides three appendices in which he discusses Questions Preachers and Teachers Ask, A Short History of the Imagination, and Imagination and Myth. His 400-page book has provided much food for thought and has made a start into opening up a discussion concerning the role of imagination in biblical preaching.

Evaluation

Preaching and Teaching With Imagination: The Quest for Biblical Ministry is an attempt to repair a deficiency in today’s role of expository preaching. From Wiersbe’s perspective, preaching has become stale, dry, dull, and ineffective – not because of the truth of the content. Rather, the problem lies in the style of the presentation. The living Word is preached as though it is dead words from an ancient book. This ought not to be.

Wiersbe states, “Biblical preaching means declaring God’s truth the way He declared it, and that means with imagination.” When hermeneutics is equal to analyzing, homiletics is equal to organizing, and preaching equals catechizing, then Wiersbe is right to speak up and be heard. Yet in addressing these legitimate concerns, the writer makes statements that are concerning: “These and other examples demonstrate that it takes more than a left-brain exegesis and analysis, important as they are, to open up the treasures of the Bible.” Should the reader take this to mean that the normal, historical-grammatical approach to interpreting Scriptures is insufficient to discover a text’s meaning?

Wiersbe quotes Tozer approvingly when he states, “He could see the soul of the text while the Pharisee could see only the body, and he could always prove Christ wrong by an appeal to the letter of the law or to an interpretation hallowed by tradition.” Tozer is discoursing upon the value of a sanctified imagination. Yet the reader is left with a disturbing question, “How does the interpreter know that his imagination has led him to the soul of the passage? How is this any different from allegorizing?” Statements that move an interpreter away from a historical-grammatical approach removes boundaries meant to help one arrive at the single meaning of a text.

Again, consider this final statement from Wiersbe that generates the same concern: “Suppose Nathan had preached a doctrinal homily to David, dealing with such abstractions as sin, marriage, and injustice? Would the king have responded as he did? Probably not.” Wiersbe enters an assumption that cannot be validated or invalidated. In effect, the assumption implies that doctrinal preaching cannot bring about a conviction of the heart like telling a story can. From what has been written by this writer on numerous occasions, this implication seems out of character. Yet, it reinforces a reoccurring concern found throughout the book.

Another weakness stems from Wiersbe’s overestimated importance of metaphors. The task of preaching is to “weld together imagination and experience and metaphor is one of the tools we can use to accomplish this purpose…this kind of preaching will give the Holy Spirit something to work with…” The implications provide a strong accusation: the preacher who refuses to preach creatively (with imagination) does not provide the Spirit the tools needed to bring about change – that is, the Word of God is insufficient by itself.

For the types of statements that provide genuine concern, one should not get the idea that the book has no merit or value. Perhaps the concerning statements stem from the fact that the writer is outside his field. This book is not the normal “Be…” commentary or the expositional outlines with which his readers are accustomed. Yet, one of the strengths of this book comes from the fact that Wiersbe is willing to leave his comfort zone to at least begin the discussion. He seems to implore some other writer to polish what he has started. Expert or no, he has determined that he cannot sit idly by while Christians are bored to death in the pews.

Wiersbe states that there is a difference between treating your facts with imagination and imagining your facts. He is not advocating creating a “fantasy world of preaching.” Instead, he is seeking to cause preachers and teachers to flesh out some of the pictures that the original languages convey. He is asking communicators and expositors of the word to not be satisfied with having their sermons heard. No – Wiersbe believes that the living Word of God when it is preached deserves to be seen. The ear should be transformed into an eye that visualizes the sermon. The audience is taking a journey with the preacher.

One final strength of this book is that Wiersbe is pulling for the preacher. He knows that if a sermon can come alive for the members, they will not forget it. If it is a picture that is indelibly impressed upon their minds, then they can meditate upon it long after Sunday is over. If they can meditate upon it, then they can act upon it. If they act upon it, then the preacher has accomplished what Paul prayed for the Galatians: “that Christ be formed in you.” If preachers can utilize their God-given creative juices to preach these types of sermons, then the price of Wiersbe’s book is but a small investment to pay for that type of life change.

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