IS THAT REALLY WHAT IT MEANS?
As we have stressed, it is important when we read the Bible to set things into their context. Here are a few guidelines to help to help us set a verse in context:
- Read at least 7 verses before and after, to give a 15 verse span. That is usually sufficient to set a verse in it’s literary context.
- Who was the original recipient of the text? Make sure our understanding or application of the verse 1. doesn’t ignore its significance to them. Are we in a similar situation to the original recipient?
- What are the historical circumstances surrounding the text? Noting this will sometimes help us see the limitation or scope of a verse.
