Issue 876 – The Main Point – October 8, 2022

Recently I picked up a 1945 edition of Matthew Halton’s book, Ten Years to Alamein, at a local thrift store. As a Canadian news reporter (Toronto Star) and then a war correspondent for the British Eighth Army, Halton covered Europe and parts of Africa from the mid-1930s – the end of WW2. So far, it has been a fascinating read.

Tucked inside the book was the letter in today’s image. It is short, but the story of the swiped socks made me very curious. I’ll never know. Like any letter, this one was written to a particular audience in a certain period for a specific purpose. It seems this one was to accompany the gift of the book, offer thanks for some hospitality and apologies for the accidentally stolen socks.

Like this letter, the Bible was not written to us. Unlike the letter in the book, the Bible was written for us. That is an important fact to remember when interpreting Scripture.

When we analyze the Scriptures, we must consider to whom and by whom they were written, the circumstances surrounding them, and the reason for writing. Too often, we try and interpret Scripture by what it means to us or by what we want it to say without considering what the author wanted his audience to understand.

If our understanding contradicts the author’s intention, our analysis is in error.

When interpreting Scripture, we must be careful to understand the literary genre. Epistles are letters and should be read and studied as such. The first step is to read them through in their entirety to get the big picture. 

We don’t want our understanding skewed by taking passages out of context. Chapter and verse numbers are not inspired and can often lead us astray in terms of what a passage means if taken in isolation. They are helpful for finding a text, but they shouldn’t form part of our interpretive efforts.

Look for what the author wants to communicate. This intent is often laid out clearly at some point, not just in the epistles but in other biblical writings.

At times the author will clearly lay it out.

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:30-31

Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught. Luke 1:1-4

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place Revelation 1:1

Other times you might have to look for central repeated themes.

In Hebrews, look for the sufficiency and supremacy of Christ. In 1 Thessalonians, look for clarification about the return of Christ. In 1 Timothy, we see Paul encouraging and mentoring young Timothy and clarifying some doctrinal issues.

As you read through the various New Testament books, particularly the epistles, look for the central theme. It will help you understand what the author intended to communicate.

Read the Word.

Be blessed

Hallelu Yah / Praise God 

Kevin

Gleanings From The Word

Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life. 

Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)

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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2022 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin Gleanings From The Word.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV). 

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