The Importance of Context
by Ken McGarvey
I learned in college Bible classes that the Bible can never be understood without an understanding of context. Verses do not stand on their own. If words, phrases or verses did, we could make all kinds of ridiculous statements. Many of the verses Christians often quote don’t really mean what they think, because they have been removed from their context.
Does God want us to multiply like crazy because He told us to be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth? Are we saved by selling all that we have and giving the money to the poor? Are we really told not to plan what we are going to say when we preach? Is it wrong for women to wear slacks because of something said in Deuteronomy? These and all other biblical statements must be understood in their historical, local and biblical context.
When we look up a verse somebody has quoted, or when we find something good in our reading, we must look at who said it, on what occasion, to whom was it said, why, what point was he or she trying to make? Does this have a direct correlation to me and my situation? If so, how do I understand it and how do I apply it? How does it fit into the teachings of the entire Bible? How do we harmonize it with other scriptures?
But the importance of context goes even beyond study of scriptures. The lawyer defending the slaves who had overpowered the crew of the Amistad, when he asked John Quincy Adams for help, was asked, “What is their story?” Adams added, “You cannot know anything about them until you know their story.” Without a personal and historical context, we cannot understand history, politics, people, or the Bible.
When Bill Clinton was elected President, he privately sought counsel from Richard Nixon on foreign relations. One of the things Nixon told him was, “Never criticize another world leader until you understand what he faces at home.” In other words, understand the context of his beliefs and actions.
Many Christians are quick with opinions on political, social, economic and philosophical matters. But often what I hear or read is an attack on those we disagree with by people who have no understanding of the context of others’ beliefs or actions. Life today is incredibly complex. Oversimplification cannot help. Life is not lived in a vacuum.
Opinion show hosts entertain their audiences by using sound bites (brief statements removed from their context) to condemn those with whom they disagree. They define issues in black and white and ignore the complexities that exist in all of life. They condemn those who hold opposing viewpoints and ridicule them. Their aim is to get their audience to experience fear and/or anger, so they will keep on tuning in (and supporting their sponsors).
We cannot fully understand the statements of leaders in any field without an understanding of the life context of their remarks. A person raised in an abusive home will likely reach adulthood with a different view of parents’ rights than one raised in a healthy home environment. And both will have valid contributions to make on the subject.
The powerless will usually have a different view of government than the powerful. The idea of fairness is seldom brought up by those with the upper hand. In fact, in almost all societies in world history, the weak were neglected or abused, seen as a burden on the “real people” of the society. Only since the gospel of Christ was brought to societies have protections arisen for the weak, the very young, the very old, the poor, the disabled, the sick. It is said that history is written by the victors. It may also be said that societies are governed by the strong, and in ways that support them.
Jesus did not give the same message to the rich ruler that he gave to Nicodemus. He did not give the same message to the Samaritan woman that he gave to Zacchaeus. He spoke to each of them on the basis of their own life experiences. So Paul’s message never changed, but his approach differed at Antioch, at Corinth and at Athens, based on the cultural and historical context of these places.
The scriptures are plain in urging us to respond with obedience to God first, rather than yielding to the pressures of our culture. Nevertheless, a study of history (including the Old and New Testaments) indicates that in every age, followers of God tend to think and act largely in keeping with the pressures of the prevailing philosophies of their day. This in no way excuses them or us for disobeying the Word of God because of our customs; however, it should give us a little understanding of the pressures others have faced or even face today.
Whenever we share the good news of Jesus with others, we must use open ears to learn their story, and understand the life context into which Jesus must come. We can then share in love and with understanding and compassion the love of God.
