How (Not) to Read the Bible

1. Never read a Bible verse in isolation; context is crucial

"Never read a Bible verse. That's right, never read a Bible verse. Instead, always read a paragraph at least."

Understanding context is paramount. When interpreting the Bible, it's essential to consider the surrounding text, the book's overall message, and its place within the larger biblical narrative. This approach helps prevent misunderstandings and misinterpretations that often arise from cherry-picking individual verses.

Historical and cultural context matters. The Bible was written in specific times and places, addressing particular audiences with unique concerns. Understanding these contexts helps readers grasp the intended meaning and application of biblical passages.

Literary context is key. The Bible contains various genres, including history, poetry, prophecy, and letters. Each genre requires different interpretive approaches. For example, poetic language in Psalms should not be read the same way as historical narrative in Chronicles.

2. The Bible was written for us, not to us; understand original audience

"The Bible was written for us, but not to us."

Original audience perspective. The Bible's authors wrote to specific people in particular times and places. Understanding their worldview, cultural norms, and historical context is crucial for accurate interpretation.

Modern application requires bridging contexts. While the Bible's message is timeless, its specific instructions often addressed issues relevant to its original audience. Readers must discern the underlying principles and apply them thoughtfully to contemporary situations.

Avoid anachronistic interpretation. Don't impose modern scientific, cultural, or philosophical concepts onto ancient texts. Instead, seek to understand what the text meant to its original hearers before considering its relevance today.

3. The Bible is a library, not a single book; diverse genres matter

"The Bible is a library, not a book."

Diverse collection of writings. The Bible comprises 66 books written by numerous authors over more than a thousand years. This diversity contributes to its richness but also necessitates careful interpretation.

Genre awareness is crucial. The Bible contains various literary types:

• Historical narratives
• Poetry and wisdom literature
• Prophetic writings
• Gospels
• Letters
• Apocalyptic literature

Each genre employs different literary devices and requires specific interpretive approaches.

Unity amidst diversity. Despite its varied nature, the Bible presents a unified message about God's relationship with humanity and his plan for redemption through Jesus Christ.

4. All of Scripture points to Jesus as the fulfillment of God's plan

"From the beginning in Genesis to the end in Revelation, all of the Bible points to Jesus."

Progressive revelation. The Bible unfolds God's plan gradually, with each part building on what came before. The Old Testament lays the foundation for understanding Jesus' role and significance.

Typology and foreshadowing. Many Old Testament events, people, and institutions prefigure or anticipate aspects of Christ's life, death, and resurrection. For example:

• The Passover lamb foreshadows Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice
• The Davidic kingship points to Jesus as the eternal king
• The temple system anticipates Jesus as the final mediator between God and humanity

Jesus as the interpretive key. Understanding how Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies and expectations helps readers interpret difficult passages and see the coherence of Scripture's overall message.

5. Apparent conflicts between science and the Bible often stem from misinterpretation

"The Bible teaches us how to go to heaven, not how the heavens go."

Purpose of biblical texts. The Bible's primary aim is to convey theological and spiritual truths, not to provide detailed scientific explanations of natural phenomena.

Genre and context matter. Many perceived conflicts arise from reading poetic or symbolic language as literal scientific descriptions. For example, the creation account in Genesis 1 employs a literary framework to convey theological truths about God's role as creator and humanity's place in creation.

Multiple interpretive options. Christians who take the Bible seriously have proposed various ways to harmonize biblical teaching with scientific discoveries:

• Day-Age interpretation
• Framework hypothesis
• Theistic evolution
• Gap theory

These approaches demonstrate that accepting modern scientific findings doesn't necessarily require rejecting biblical authority.

6. Christianity's claim of exclusivity is rooted in its historical narrative

"If there is one key to my home, a place where I am cared for and loved by my family, it isn't intolerant for me to say there is only one key."

Unique claims about Jesus. Christianity asserts that Jesus is the incarnate God who died for human sin and rose from the dead. This historical claim sets Christianity apart from other religions.

Fulfillment of prophecy. The New Testament presents Jesus as the culmination of Old Testament promises and expectations, providing a coherent narrative that spans both Testaments.

Logical implications. If Christianity's claims about Jesus are true, it follows that other religious systems that contradict these claims cannot also be true. This isn't a matter of intolerance but of logical consistency.

Invitation, not exclusion. Christianity's exclusive claims are coupled with an inclusive invitation for all people to find forgiveness and relationship with God through Jesus.

7. God's violence in the Old Testament must be understood within its larger context

"Even in the parts where God is actively behind violence and death, it is not done without first pleading for change, giving warnings, waiting for change, and showing great patience."

God's character remains consistent. The Old Testament repeatedly describes God as compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love. This foundational understanding should inform interpretations of difficult passages.

Judgment as a last resort. In most cases of divine judgment, God gives ample warning and opportunity for repentance before executing judgment. Examples include:

• The 120-year warning before the flood
• Multiple prophets sent to warn Israel and Judah before exile
• Jonah's mission to Nineveh

Cultural and historical context. Many violent passages reflect the brutal realities of ancient Near Eastern warfare. God works within these cultural norms while gradually revealing higher ethical standards.

Theological significance. Stories of judgment often carry deeper theological meanings about God's holiness, human sin, and the need for redemption. They shouldn't be read simply as historical accounts of violence.

Last updated: October 3, 2024