I believe the best way to understand the Bible is to study it in context with much prayer and the help of the Holy Spirit our teacher.
- Context defined:
- The circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood and assessed.
- the parts of something written or spoken that immediately precede and follow a word or passage and clarify its meaning.
In other words, understanding a word, verse, or passage in scripture requires us to view it in light of the verses around it.
A proper understanding of the scriptures also requires one to ask and answer the following five common sense questions. These questions should be applied to every verse or passage one studies.
- Common Sense Questions:
- Who is speaking or writing?
- To whom or about whom is he speaking or writing?
- About what subject is he speaking or writing?
- When or about what time is he speaking or writing?
- What is the occasion for the speaking or writing?
Many fail in a proper understanding of scripture because they take passages completely out of context. This can lead to false doctrine and the embracing of ideas God never intended. Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” The words “rightly dividing” come from a compound Greek word meaning to dissect correctly. The idea is to carefully take apart the word of God and examine those parts (word by word) in light of the whole. The word “study” means to be deligent. Being deligent means having or showing care and conscientiousness in one’s work or duties. Our study of God’s Word is important. We must be careful as we consider it’s meaning, principles, and truths. What a tragidy to miss out on those truths; but what a blessing when we behold the Bible’s precious treasure.