Why Context Matters

​    As most of you know, I am a huge proponent of looking at scripture in context. I can easily be quoted as saying, “What are the three rules to studying the Bible? 1) Context 2) Context and 3) MORE Context!” When I see people who take scripture out of context, it literally causes me to have a physical reaction. I understand how powerful Philippians 4:13 is “I can do all things through Him [Christ] who strengthens me” (Parenthesis mine). What is even more amazing is how much more powerful that verse is when understood in context. When the reader understands that Paul is in a multi-year imprisonment in Rome and he had contemplated given in the the Roman government of death just to be with Christ, but chose to stay with the people for the sake of growth (Phil. 1:21-26). It becomes exponentially more powerful to know he is talking about the Lord giving him strength to making it through this extremely oppressive time in his life. Speaking of oppression, consider the context of Romans 13. When Paul is telling the Lord’s church at Rome that “whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God;” and in chapter 12 he tells them such sobering truths like “Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” (Rom. 12:17-18) Who was doing them evil? Romans was written in the late 50’s or early 60’s of the 1st century when the evil Emperor Nero was coming into power. The same emperor who would literally set christians a flame and thrown them from the rocky cliffs of his summer palace after falsely accusing them of setting the city a blaze; just so he could make room to build onto his castle. How much more does it make you understand the truths of the scriptures? I beg you, when you study, sit down and read several scholarly accounts of the context of each book and it will help you understand and appreciate what is written so much more. I love you all!
In His service,
Steven Hugley