Faith & Reason Nexus

When studying the Bible, understanding the context of a passage is crucial for accurately interpreting its message. Here are some important factors to consider:

1. Bear in Mind Who the Author of the Text Was

• Who wrote it?
  Knowing the author helps us understand the perspective and context of the writing. For example, Paul’s letters reflect his role as an apostle, while the Psalms, written by David, often reflect personal experiences and emotions.
• Who is speaking in the text?
  Identifying the speaker is important. Is it God, a prophet, a king, or someone else? This distinction affects how we interpret the message.
• Is the speaker inspired or uninspired?
  Understanding whether the speaker is inspired by the Holy Spirit (e.g., the prophets or apostles) or offering their personal perspective helps us discern how authoritative the words are.
• Is he speaking by inspiration or merely offering his own personal judgment?
  Some parts of the Bible are explicitly inspired (such as the prophetic books), while others (e.g., Paul’s personal opinions) may be guided by wisdom but not directly inspired.

2. Know to Whom the Text Is Addressed

• What is their relation to God?
  The audience’s relationship with God (Israelites, Gentiles, believers, or non-believers) affects how the message applies. For example, some Old Testament laws were given to the Israelites, not to the broader world.
• How were they serving Him?
  Consider whether the people were faithful or rebellious, as this impacts how God’s message is framed. A message of judgment is often directed toward those who have strayed from God, while a message of encouragement is meant for the faithful.
• What were their weaknesses?
  Understanding the audience’s weaknesses (idolatry, disobedience, etc.) helps interpret the corrective nature of the message.
• What were their problems?
  The specific issues faced by the audience (persecution, false teaching, moral decline) will reveal why certain truths were emphasized in the text.

3. Know of Whom the Text Speaks

• Acts 8:34
  In Acts 8:34, the Ethiopian eunuch asks, “Who is the prophet talking about?” This question reflects a desire to understand whom the passage applies to—whether it refers to the prophet himself or someone else (in this case, Jesus Christ).
• What is their background?
  Understanding the background of the individuals mentioned in the text (e.g., the apostle Paul’s Jewish heritage, or the Samaritan woman’s relationship with societal norms) gives depth to the interpretation.

4. What Is the Nature of the Writing of the Text?

• Is it law or command?
  Commands like the Ten Commandments are prescriptive and must be followed, while laws in the Mosaic Law were given to the Israelites specifically.
• Is it prophecy?
  Prophecies predict future events or God’s plans. For example, Isaiah’s prophecy about the coming Messiah has a specific future fulfillment.
• Is it a vision?
  Apocalyptic literature, like Revelation, often uses symbolic visions to convey deeper spiritual truths.
• Is it a proverb or parable?
  Proverbs often offer general principles for living, and parables are storytelling tools Jesus used to reveal spiritual truths in a memorable way.

5. When Was the Text Written?

• Under what law was the text applicable?
  Understanding whether the text applies under the Mosaic Law, the Law of Christ, or another period helps us discern whether the message is for a specific time or still applicable today.
• Is the text applicable to today?
  While much of the Bible addresses specific situations, many principles are timeless. For instance, moral teachings about love, justice, and faithfulness are relevant today, even though some ceremonial laws were specific to Israel.

6. From Where Was the Text Written?

• Surroundings and atmosphere often contribute to its meaning.
  The environment in which the text was written can provide valuable insights. For example, the book of Daniel was written during the Babylonian exile, which frames the prophecies as messages of hope for a captive nation.
• Example: Some prophecies were made in Babylon and refer to Israel’s return from there to Judah.
  Knowing the Babylonian context of the exile allows us to see God’s promises of restoration in a more vivid light.
• Example: Some writings of Paul are better understood when one knows they were written while he was in prison.
  Understanding Paul’s imprisonment can give us insight into the letters he wrote in such circumstances, revealing themes of joy, perseverance, and faith even in difficult times.

By considering these factors, we gain a deeper understanding of the biblical text, making its application more relevant and accurate for our lives today.