Reading someone else’s mail
Years ago, I picked up a book on World War Two from a thrift store. 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 it accompanied the gift of the book, offered thanks for hospitality and apologized 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 Scripture, we must consider to whom and by whom it was written, the circumstances surrounding it, and the reason for writing. Too often, we try to 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 ESV
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 ESV
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 Christ’s return. In 1 Timothy, Paul encourages and mentors young Timothy and clarifies 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. Study the Word. Live its teaching.
Kevin
SUMMARY
The Bible was not written to us, but it was written for us. We read each book whole, look for what its author meant to say, and let that shape how we live.
TAKEAWAY
The Bible was not written to us, but it was written for us. If our understanding contradicts the author’s intention, our analysis is in error.
Epistles are letters, so read them through in their entirety first. Chapter and verse numbers help us find a text, but they shouldn’t shape how we interpret it.
Look for what the author wants to communicate. Sometimes he lays it out clearly, and other times you’ll find it in a central repeated theme.