Scripture tells us that God’s Word is alive. Through Scripture, the Holy Spirit frees us from thinking, feeling, and acting in ways that are not pleasing to Him. The first part of the sorting process is studying Scripture in context. Understanding and correctly applying Scripture requires effort on our part. The Holy Spirit is faithful to reveal Truth as we diligently seek it. Christ is faithful to answer our prayers when we ask for wisdom. Our responsibility is to be serious students of God’s Word and deepen our understanding of who God is, His ways, and His call on our lives.

We can use a helpful, step-by-step process in seeking insight from God’s Word about particular topics. We start with identifying the topic we need God’s guidance on. Most Bibles have a subject index in the back where topics are listed alphabetically. Underneath the topic, there is a listing of applicable Scripture verses. For example, the topic of anger is listed in the subject index. Many Scriptures from the Old and New Testaments are identified underneath the word anger.

Choosing appropriate Scripture for your biblical process requires more than a topical look-up and cursory reading of the Scriptures. Read the passages in the context of surrounding passages. View the passages within the historical, cultural, and literary context of the surrounding content. Numerous online Bible study tools are available for studying Scripture in context –  in depth by topic and key contexts.

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12 ESV

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

Understanding the original meaning of a passage is crucial to correctly determining how to apply it to our lives today. The most critical control is recognizing that Scripture cannot mean for you today what the author did not intend with the original writing. Uncovering the original intent and meaning of the author at the time of the writing is critical to accurate interpretation.

Studying Scripture in context requires us to examine the historical context  to better understand the Scripture. We uncover the original meaning by examining the following:

Who and Where: Who is speaking? To whom? If the speaker is not the author, to whom is the author writing? For example, this is true of the Gospels. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are the authors of the four Gospels. In many instances of the Gospels, Jesus is the speaker.

It is also important to note what location the author is writing from. The location of the author helps provide additional insights into the message. For example, the Apostle Paul wrote a joyful letter to the Philippian church while in a Roman prison. How does knowing this impact the strength of Paul’s message? 

Who and Where: Who is the audience that the author is addressing? Where is the audience located?

What and When: When was the Scripture written? What was going on at the time of the writing? What is the circumstance or situation the author is addressing?

CULTURAL CONTEXT

Is there a specific cultural meaning that can shed further light on the subject? For example, at the time of Jesus, Jewish people thought they were highly generous if they forgave someone seven times. Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive someone. When Jesus replied with “seventy times seven,” Peter was absolutely astonished. Understanding cultural context helps us understand the full impact of the author’s message.

LITERARY CONTEXT

Words have meanings in sentences, sentences in paragraphs, etc.  Studying Scripture in context includes examining the context around the sentences, paragraphs, and overall passages that provide substantial insight into the author’s original meaning and intent.

Understanding the genre, or writing style, of the Bible’s books is very helpful in grasping the original meaning. For example, the Book of Leviticus is a historical narrative that chronicles events. The Book of Revelation is apocalyptic literature full of symbolism that should be understood within the writing’s historical, cultural, and literary contexts.

Identifying the keywords of the passage and examining the words in their original language is extremely helpful. We look at the Hebrew words for the Old Testament. For the New Testament, we look at the Greek keywords.

PASSAGE POINTS – THE ORIGINAL MEANING

After examining the historical, cultural, and literary context of the passage(s), the crucial question is, “What are the primary points of the passage?” Don’t create your own points. Identify the key messages of the author to understand the original meaning.