Context Adds Clarity to Scripture

It’s important to understand the context of a Scripture passage, and it’s important to use it correctly to support, not refute Scripture. This 1-minute devotion explains.

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.

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It’s important to understand the context of a Scripture passage, and it’s important to use it correctly to support, not refute Scripture. This 1-minute devotion explains.


Bible Love Notes

3 comments:

  1. Thank you Gail! This post has really encouraged me! I appreciate all that you do and I pray for God's blessings in your life! I hope you have a great day and God Bless you!

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  2. Excellent, Gail, thank you for this (and all your other Bible Love Notes!) May God bless you abundantly!

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  3. So important to rightly divide the word of God!

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