Context Adds Clarity to Scripture

If you walked into a room, saw a child drop some toys on the floor and saw the mother immediately punish him, you might think her a bit harsh. 

But, if you’d been there for an hour and watched the mother repeatedly warn the child to put his toys away, you'd probably consider her patient. 

Context clarifies.

If you read a passage of Scripture where God enacts a strong punishment, you might think Him a harsh God. 

But if you read several chapters before the punishment, you always see how God has patiently and lovingly warned people. 

Context clarifies.

Understanding Scripture in context means:
1. Reading the entire passage.
2. Noting the historic setting, theme, story, and/or purpose in the passage.
3. Looking at the big picture as well as the details.
4. Studying what the rest of Scripture teaches on the subject.

Context clarifies truth. It doesn't deny it.

In the situations above, context doesn’t deny the punishment. It clarifies it.

We must properly understand context to handle God’s Word correctly (2 Timothy 2:15).

Note: I’ve been hearing people say something is "out of context" as a means to excuse or deny clear Biblical principles. It's important that we understand what "out of context" means so we can help others use it correctly. Proper use of context is an important principle for understanding Scripture, not for refuting Scripture.

------------------

Why not add some more of God's Word to your schedule by having a 1-minute devotion delivered to your email each weekday. Sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet. Find out more HERE.

Bible Love Notes