The Importance of Context

Introduction

In this session we are going to look at the importance of context.

There are two types of context that can really help us:

1. The wider historical context of when the Bible was written

2. The slightly narrower context of the particular audience

This latter context is especially relevant when studying Jesus’ teachings and the letters in the New Testament as these both had a specific audience, we will look at some of that in more detail in our next session.

The value of the wider historical understanding is that it helps form a base from which we can understand the scriptures we read.

What is "wider historical context"?

When we think about the Old Testament we are considering different types of writing. There is history, law, prophecy, and poetry. All of these were written at a particular time. That specific point in history is the context I’m referring to.

As we read, say the prophecies in Isaiah, it is good to have in mind the context the people of Israel were living in. At what point in their story was the prophecy given; were they in exile, or was that being foretold? When we read the books of law it is important to once again consider when these laws were given, what state God’s people were in, and how they were living towards him or not. Understanding these factors helps us to apply scripture to our lives today.

The other context that helps us in our study is the geography of the area. Simply knowing where places were/are and the relationships between places is very helpful.

How do we gain this understanding?

To gain this kind of understanding we need to do some wider reading. Often commentary can help, though they may be focussed on a specific book or passage. Really we are after a wider historical understanding. I actually find books like “The Lion Handbook to the Bible” really helpful. It provides some insight while remaining easy to read, there’s several such handbooks and I do find them useful.

There is also a wealth of material online, biblegateway.com, even the free version, is very helpful. Look up a specific aspect of life, say from the 1st century if you are studying the New testament, and read what researchers and scholars think.

Having this context will give you a fuller picture, a clearer understanding of what you are reading, it will help answer any questions and help you to apply what you read.

Most Bibles also contain some maps. Take a look at these maps and understand where places were, and consider how people travelled. For example, when we consider the Israelites fleeing Egypt we can consider the modes of transport they had, the sort of goods they were carrying, and then how far they were travelling.

We should, as we read, be considering what life was like, the daily struggles, the beliefs, and practices of other people groups, the geography and environment of where events take place. Having an understanding of the temple and Jewish practices, for example, helps us to see the power of God at work in building that relationship but also the power of God at work in Jesus forever changing that relationship.

It is really learning to ask questions; questions of history and geography, questions that consider the physical, societal, political, and technological aspects of the world we are reading into.

Let’s have a go

Now it’s time to have a go. I suggest reading Joshua 6, the conquest of Jericho. Consider the historical setting, the peoples, and what life may have been like.

Also, remember the tips from the last session as you read this account.

I recommend, if you haven't done this already, starting a journal for your study. A physical book, or document on your computer or phone where you can write down the results of your study.