{"id":3425,"date":"2014-01-22T08:50:14","date_gmt":"2014-01-22T00:50:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/jacksonwu\/?p=3425"},"modified":"2014-01-22T08:50:14","modified_gmt":"2014-01-22T00:50:14","slug":"what-is-the-context-of-scripture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/jacksonwu\/2014\/01\/22\/what-is-the-context-of-scripture\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the "Context" of Scripture?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<\/head>

\"Bakerloo_line_-_Waterloo_-_Mind_the_gap\"<\/a>
Credit: CC 2.0\/wikimedia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>

Studying context is the single most important step<\/a> in the interpretation process<\/a>. If so, we have to ask, \u201cWhat is context?\u201d<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve been proposing a 5-step process to interpret Scripture that anyone can use, even if they have no other resources except the Bible. In Chinese, I summarize them in this way: \u8ff0-\u5370-\u5883-\u63d0-\u91ca (sh\u00f9-y\u00ecn-j\u00ecng-t\u00ed-sh\u00ec)<\/strong>. In English, \u201cRestate-Impressions-Context-Questions-Explain.\u201d I have a bookmark (in color<\/a> or black-white<\/a>) that reminds people of the entire process.<\/p>\n

Mind the Gap<\/h2>\n

Most of the methods I\u2019ve seen do not give adequate and balanced attention to \u201ccontext.\u201d As a result, preconceived theological ideas can subtle take over our reading of the text. This a major gap<\/em> in the process<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\u4e0a\u4e0b \u4e3b\u8109 \u6bd4\u55bb (sh\u00e0ngxi\u00e0 zh\u01d4m\u00e0i b\u01d0y\u00f9)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u4e0a\u6587 (sh\u00e0ngw\u00e9n) \u2013\u2013 Prior Context<\/span><\/h1>\n

What comes before the passage we\u2019re studying? How does what came before lead to our present passage? Most important is the immediately prior paragraph(s), then the more distance preceding sections.<\/p>\n

This prior context also includes quotes and allusions to events in the Old Testament. We need to first understand what a line meant in its original OT context we can grasp its full significance in the passage that we are studying now.<\/p>\n

\u4e0b\u6587 (xi\u00e0w\u00e9n) \u2013\u2013 Post Context<\/span><\/h1>\n

How does our passage lead to and support what follows? As best as possible, we need to be familiar with the key ideas and message of the paragraphs (and chapters) that follow. Various writers repeat certain ideas, words, and themes throughout their book(s). Additionally, the theology in the first part of an epistle will inform the applications in the letters\u2019 second half.<\/p>\n

\u4e3b\u9898 (zh\u01d4t\u00ed) \u2013\u2013 Themes<\/span><\/h1>\n

What are the big themes that the passage references? Interpreters often struggle to distinguish primary and secondary ideas. If we want to have any hope of doing so, we need to slow ourselves down and identify the range of concepts and ideas presented in the text.\"ConTeXt_Unofficial_Logo\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\u8109\u7edc (m\u00e0i lu\u00f2) \u2013\u2013\u2013 Sequence of Thought<\/span><\/h1>\n

This step makes a big difference in finding exceptional insights that go beyond whatever seems to be the plain meaning of the text.<\/p>\n

As much as it possible<\/em>, our goal must constantly be to think the Bible\u2019s thoughts after it<\/em>. This means that we insist on grasping the flow of the author\u2019s argument or story. Where are the logical transitions? How does one thought stem from and lead to other ideas?<\/p>\n

In every class I teach, I ask my students the same question: \u201cWhat are the most important words in the Bible?\u201d It\u2019s not \u201clove\u201d, \u201ccross,\u201d \u201csalvation,\u201d etc . . . I tell them that the most important words in the Bible are conjunctions<\/a>!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

(By way of reminder, conjunction is \u201ca word that connects (conjoins) parts of a sentence<\/a>.\u201d These are words like \u201ctherefore\u201d, \u201cbecause\u201d, \u201csince\u201d, \u201cin order to\u201d, \u201cbut\u201d, \u201cso that\u201d, \u201cif\u201d, etc.)<\/p>\n

Additionally, we want to identify the \u201cunits of thought\u201d within the passage. A story or argument is usually put together in idea chunks; typically, 4-8 sentences will assert or defend a thought before giving way to another chunk of sentences designed to make a particular point.<\/p>\n

No one can retain all the individual words, phrase and sentences of a book. Therefore (\u2190 this is a conjunction), it is critical that we group ideas in units of thought that help us grab hold of the big picture, the author\u2019s broad flow of thought. That is something we can remember and apply much easier.<\/p>\n

\u6bd4\u8f83\uff08or \u5bf9\u6bd4\uff09(b\u01d0ji\u00e0o or du\u00ecb\u01d0) \u2013\u2013 Comparison (or Contrast)<\/span><\/h1>\n

It nearly every page of the Bible, one will find a flurry of comparisons and\/or contrasts aimed to drive home a point or provoke a response. Sometimes they are subtle\u2013\u2013mere images or perhaps they are separated by a few sentences. Very often, when identifying a passage\u2019s themes, you will notice that a comparison\/contrast is being made.<\/p>\n

This is an easy step that easily gets overlooked.<\/p>\n

In the next post, I\u2019ll touch on the last part of \u201ccontext\u201d and what one needs (and doesn\u2019t need) to interpret the Bible.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n

Photo Credit (Context): CC 2.0\/wikipedia<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Studying context is the single most important step in the interpretation process. If so, we have to ask, \u201cWhat is context?\u201d I\u2019ve been proposing a 5-step process to interpret Scripture that anyone can use, even if they have no other resources except the Bible. In Chinese, I summarize them in this way: \u8ff0-\u5370-\u5883-\u63d0-\u91ca (sh\u00f9-y\u00ecn-j\u00ecng-t\u00ed-sh\u00ec). In […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2368,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,9],"tags":[251],"class_list":["post-3425","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-interpretationexegesis","category-missiology","tag-when-you-only-have-a-bible"],"yoast_head":"\nWhat is the "Context" of Scripture?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Studying context is the single most important step in the interpretation process. 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