Understanding the context of a passage of scripture is so important when you want to understand the meaning.
This is a process.
There have been many times when I have believed a particular passage of scripture meant something when it meant something else. Taking a passage of scripture out of context can lead you down a path of believing that the Bible states certain promises when the Bible does no such thing. This can lead to inaccurate theology. When we think a promise is for us and it is not, then we could become disillusioned and start to doubt God.
There are different contextual views on how to read and study the Bible.
General context
Literary context
Historical Context
Cultural Context
Geographical Context
Understanding the Bible from these contexts helps to know better than the author of the text conveys to his audience.
Over the next couple of posts, we will look at each of the ones listed above.
Today we will look at the general context.
When you see or read a verse of scripture, it is important to look and read the chapter in which the verse is taken. Then, read the verses before and after. This will provide you with a reference for the specific topic of the author. Even looking at the theme and outline of the book helps to understand the context.
Here are some examples of scriptures I have taken out of context.
Matthew 18:20,“For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” (NLT)
I have heard this many times when people would talk about prayer. For example, God will be with us when there are two or three beliefs joined together in prayer.
However, the context of this verse is actually referring to the correction of another believer.
Matthew 18:15-20, “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.
“I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”“I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”
Another one, which is a favorite of believers and nonbelievers Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:1
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged.” (NLT) You are not to judge other people. It’s wrong.
That is a common belief. In part, that is true, but Jesus was referring to hypocritical judgment. When you read until verse 5, Jesus talks about judging when you have the same sin. We are in no position to do so.
Take a look,
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye. . . . . . . Matthew 7:1-5 (NLT)
Take one more look.
If you read the whole chapter when you come to verse 15, what does it state?
“Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way, they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions. Matthew 7:15-20 (NLT)
How would you know a false prophet? How would you know that is good and bad fruit? You would have to make some type of judgment, right?
See the value of reading verses in context? It shed light on the meaning of a verse. It’s so important not to pick a verse out of a passage unless you know its meaning in its context. It can lead you to believe doctrines or promises that were not given to us as a believer but to the person or audience in which the text was written.
When you see a single verse or verse, always look to see the context of the passage. You won’t understand the meaning of the author’s message to his audience. From there, you can discern what the verse or verses in question mean.
“Lord, thank you for your Word. It helps to understand your Word through your Holy Spirit and apply it rightly to our lives. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.”
