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Exegesis and interpretation are not the same. Exegesis is the first step in interpretation. Exegesis requires using all the tools of linguistic analysis to determine precisely what is being said in some particular instance of communication. Interpretation takes the product of exegesis and fits this into the larger framework of the author's message, to get to the author's meaning.

-A8

Exegesis requires using all the tools of linguistic analysis to determine precisely what is being said in some particular instance of communication.

I'm probably going to sound every which way of stupid here but I'm REALLY trying to understand! A person can analyze (linguistics, history and culture) of a certain time period but at the end of the day they are still guessing what the author means because they weren't there.

From the Catholic Encyclopedia:

With regard to the authorship of the Sacred Books, too, the exegete follows the authoritative teaching of the Church and the prevalent opinions of her theologians on the question of Biblical inspiration.

If I understand that sentence, an exegete in regards to Matt. 16:18 is going to say that Peter is the rock because that is what the Church teaches.

And regarding posts #1303:

First, you don't have the authority to determine the meaning of Scripture.

Who has the authority to determine the meaning of Scripture? Why is an exegete correct and someone like Billy Graham is wrong? Both are Bible scholars and yet they interpret Matt 16:18 so differently.

I may be way off base in my understanding of your post and other items I'm reading (I wouldn't be surprised - lol) so if I am I look forward to your reply!