533 Read the Bible for Yourself 3: How to Read the Bible in Context

This is part 3 of the Read the Bible For Yourself.

Today is the first of two episodes on how to understand and apply the Bible. One of the greatest problems facing Bible readers today is the lifted verse. It's so common to see a verse or even half a verse posted on social media or on a sign somewhere. When most people read a random verse, they impose their own modern context and background information on it. As a result, it's easy to accidentally give a scripture new meaning that the original author never intended. How can we overcome this problem? Context. Today you'll learn about the 5 major contexts that are important to keep in mind when reading the Bible.

Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2UQeDoPKHA

—— Links ——

• See other episodes in Read the Bible For Yourself
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• Who is Sean Finnegan?  Read his bio here

—— Notes ——

Exegesis: a careful explanation of a text

• synonyms: explanation, exposition, elucidation
• to exegete a text is to understand it correctly so that you can explain it

Hunger for Scripture

• Ask God to give you a desire to read the Bible

Two Questions

1. What did it mean to the original audience then?
2. What does it mean to you today?

Context, Context, Context

1. Immediate context
2. Canonical context
3. Historical context
4. Geographical context
5. Cultural context

Immediate Context

• Philippians 4:13  I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
• Putting this verse in context:Philippians 4:10-1410   I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.

Canonical Context

• Leviticus 11:4, 74 But among