Context – the circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood and assessed. – OR – the parts of something written or spoken that immediately precede and follow a word or passage and clarify its meaning.
When examining the Bible, it is crucial that the context of the passage you are reading is understood. For example, when I was in high school, shortly after becoming a Christian, I wrote Philippians 4:13 on the side of my baseball cleats and basketball shoes. That verse says,
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
I was understanding this verse to mean that I could hit any pitch, catch any ball, make any jump shot and defeat any opponent. I was taking the verse, not paying any attention to what it actually means, and applying my own meaning to it to fit the context of my life. Brothers and sisters, may we never use God’s word this way!
Let’s look at the entire passage and see if we can tell what Paul was talking about, Philippians 4:10-14:
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. 14 Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction.
Wow. Paul isn’t talking about hitting curve balls at all. In verse 13 Paul is explaining that Jesus enables him to be content in any and every situation he finds himself. Furthermore, Paul is thanking the church at Philippi for helping him out in his time of need. Paul wants them to understand that if they cannot help him, to not worry. He wants to communicate that he will be content either way because Christ has given him the strength to handle being hungry.
Here are some simple questions for understanding context that help me:
- Who wrote the passage and to whom was it written?
- What is the theme of the book, the chapter, the paragraph?
- When was it written? What was going on historically around this time?
- Where was the author and audience located?
There are many more questions we could address, but the main thing we’re looking for is this: What was the author saying to his intended audience? Single verses of scripture can and should be quoted, but never with meaning other than the original, God-inspired meaning. God bless you all!
- Wes LeFlore (918) 607-8489 or huskerwes1@gmail.com
