Three Rules for Sound Bible Study

3 Rules for Sound Bible Study

Rule number 1. Context
Rule number 2. Context
Rule number 3. Context

How many times have you had something you said or written taken out of context and it skews your original intent? We see contextual violations all the time occurring in our society. I remember the Trayvon Martin 911 tapes where MSNBC edited the tape, took George Zimmermans statements out of context and made him out to be a white racist. I was once declared a heretic by an old pastor friend of mine after he took statements I made to him out of context and presented them to his church board.

Historical context is equally important. When I hear or read about the atrocities of how slaves were whipped and beaten we are left with the impression that only blacks were treated this way, therefore it must be racially motivated. When Denzel Washington is whipped in the movie Glory they want to give the impression that whitey is racist. This type of punishment is being taken out of context. Any soldier in that day regardless of color who deserts his post is subject to public whipping. In fact, he should have received a courts martial and been executed. Whipping was a very light sentence. In 1860, any sailor who was insubordinate, not rendering proper respect to an officer, would be flogged before the whole crew. It did not matter what his race was. Historical context is important for understanding history.

When we read the scripture or hear scripture preached or taught we must be careful to consider textual context.

I think the following scripture is taken out of context more than any other:

“And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.”

A friend of mine just the other day quoted this verse out of context. Many people know the truth and they are not free. I know of people who sit in churches and hear truth all the time and they are not free. Judas knew the truth and was not free. The Pharisees knew the truth and they were in bondage.

“There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.” John 3

Even Satan knows the truth and will always be in bondage, “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” James 2:19

Knowing the truth does NOT make you free. We must consider the context to understand what makes us free.

31Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8
Continuing in Christs word is what makes us free. It is vital for the Christian to be in the word of God. This is fruit of discipleship in Christ and remaining in all of Gods word, contextually, will make us free.

False doctrines and cults are started by taking a verse out of context and building a theology around it. Its called proof texting. I Corinthians 13:1 is used as a proof text for the Charismatics who claim a “prayer language”.

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. “ I Cor. 13:1

The context of this passage and even the context of the entire chapter encompasses 3 chapters. The love chapter, I Cor. 13 is sandwiched in between chapters 12 and 14 where Paul is chastising the Corinthians for their misuse of the gifts of the spirit. Paul is not endorsing a “prayer language” but rebuking them. The word, “though” can be translated, “If”.

Context is vitally important to much of how we interpret life. Context of a crime is important in a court of law. Context is important in politics. The context of your physical being is important for your doctor to accurately diagnose your condition and context is important for our eternal souls when studying the scriptures.

When reading the scriptures you may find a verse curious. Read over the passage again within context. This can be done by reading several verses before and after the passage in question. Sometimes you may need to read an entire chapter. A good study Bible will often provide the context with a heading at each chapter. For example, Colossians establishes its context in the first chapter with the supremacy of Christ. Everything else in the book is a result of and points back to the supremacy of Christ.

In the Old Testament historical context is important to understanding much of what is written, especially with the prophets. Some study aids that can be helpful in understanding the Old Testament is a bible encyclopedia or a survey of the O.T. I would be cautious about running to your local bookstore and buying the latest O.T. survey. If you want recommendations just respond to this post and I would be glad to oblige.

Keep the scripture in context to keep yourself out of error.