Understanding the context of the bible

discernment the background of the discussion apprehensiveness the context of the book of accountIntroductionAlthough the bible is a superb composition-book, wide-eyed of exciting tales thoroughly told, notwithstanding it is more than just a collection of stories. Tt here is mavin big story told by the whole collection of individual stories. The centre of it is immortal, and altogether what he did in this world and for homophile race.1 The bible was written by race in order to be understood by people, alone there atomic number 18 some hindrances that discharges touchy for it to be understood in its original gist,2 this is a demands when you counsel it you must con mail servicementr the enormousness of historical, geographic and ethnic context for effective pr each(prenominal)ing? Beca enforce if you miss gods convey you are no longer had? Gods articulate because you squander to know what it says, understands what it mean, for this curtilage it must be con trive in order to get a message, because this creates a gap in our understanding the original nub of scriptures. The only way to get everything right on it is to consider its historical, geographical and cultural context.3So in this essay we ordain look the inflict of the bible geographical constitute the arena in which God chose uniquely to treat and act?4 Because Gods revelation touches specific times and places. Geographically account begins in the so-called Ancient move up East or the present- daylight Middle East.5 This essay will explain the wideness of understanding the geographical context of the bible for effective preaching, because the purpose of preaching is for people to get the meaning of the bible. It is very much eventful to understand the bible expiration in its historical context expression to the causations views. And place of writing as well the reason for writing who were the readers political economic social religious healthy ethically all will he lp in understanding the meaning of the passage, particular purpose and occasion. kitchen-gardening is what people believe what they say, what they do, wear, eat make or exercising with different customs would that cultural behave agree the selfsame(prenominal) signifi massce today if not is there a timeless principle that could be practised today and in a different way? Geographical it is very big to consider that the bible was written in a different land in this way it will be easy to interpret it correctly. In stressing the necessity of determining the original meaning of the bible, John Chrysostom, also called the Golden Mouth He maintained that the bible is the infallible word of God and his exegesis was both sacred and practical.6The sixty-six books of the white-haired and New will are clear infallible revelation of Gods will and His salvation. The al-Quran is the Word of God, and alone is the standard which all teach and experience must be tested (2Tim. 315, 17 Ps. 1 19105 Prov. 305, 6 Isa. 820 John 1717 2Thess. 314 Heb. 412).1. Historical meaningThe historical context provides us with the author, date, original audience, purpose, theme, and other central information about historical or background displace of the book, book of account is an authentic, reliable record of account statement and Gods acts in history. It provides the normative theological interpretation of those acts. The supernatural acts revealed in Scripture are historically true. For example, chapters 1-11 of Genesis are a factual account of historical events. The Antioch exegetes pose historical questions. They say the word in a passage of scripture must be understood and interpreted historically, that is, in harm of their ordinary meaning.7According to Augustine in Alexandrian and Antioch and methods, this means that to him each scriptural text has literal (that is, historical) and metaphorical (that, is Spiritual) meaning. The most important thing, in short, in hermeneut ical skill depends upon (1) ones knowing the bibles use of language properly and precisely, as well as distinguishing and representing to oneself the historical circumstances of a biblical discourse (2) ones being able to speak today of these matters in such a way as the changed times and circumstances of our fellow benignant demand.81.1Interpret the bible in view of historicalIt is important that each and every verse or passage of scripture to be interpreted in its historical, in historical setting we consider counterbalancely the authorWalter Kaiser, JR says Interpreters often can understand authors better than they understand themselves. The promise that this saying appears to hold is that there is a stratum of thought, an inner form of the work (Dilthey), which in the creative process bypassed the authors consciousness, but is now go forth for the interpreter to uncover.9 But for Schleiermacher, his technical and psychological interpretation (Ernestis subtilitas explicandi) i nvolved the additional step of personally larn the subject by determining or attempting to reconstruct the mental process of the author-an altogether impossible task.We maintain three divisions of the bible as well as in the New Testament is that in each case there are a number of distant of development in the formation of the Scriptures. there is original historical event in which the revelation is attested to or spoken of, then a period oral tradition, a period of fragmentary accounts, and finally books and collections of books as we have them today. Thus the meaning of a text always goes beyond what its author intended, and the true sense is an unending process which is never exhausted or puzzled by an infinite line of interpreters So, as we read the bible, we need to keep asking ourselves what did the author intend to convey by this?What is he actually asserting? What will his original hearers have understood him to have meant? As we attempt to transport ourselves back into the authors mind and times, and to listen to his words as if we were among his first readers, we shall need particularly to consider the situation, the style and the language in which 101.1.1 The date of writingIf we are to understand the text it is important to know the times in which he wrote. On the other side to know something of the conditions in which these books were written is to better understand the text itself.11 A list of significant biblical dates to provide a framework for the flow of biblical History, The Patriarchal Era (1800-1290), Exodus and the Period of the decide (1290-1050), Early Israelite Monarchy (1050-750), Assyrian Dominance (750-640 BC), The wage hike of Babylon and Exile (640-538), the Persian Period and Return (538-323), the Greek Wars/Maccabean Period (323-63), the Rise of Rome (63-3)Chart of the reigns of kings of the United Monarchy and the Divided Kingdoms of Israel and Judah to the fall of Jerusalem (1050 586 BC), colours coded to show great a nd bad kings, as well as those deposed or assassinated.121.1.2 Place of writingIts context in scripture is the place where it is found. So each text must be understood both its historical and its scriptural background. Like the first testimony to the revelation of God was often wedded long before the written document this where Jacob called the place where God appear to him Bethel13 Gen2817)1.1.3 Reason for writingWho wrote it and to whom? In what circumstances, for what reason it is the situation in which it was written.1.1.4 ReadersAlthough it was given to those who bed in an ancient Near Eastern/Mediterranean context, the al-Quran transcends its cultural backgrounds to serve as Gods Word for all cultural, racial, and situational contexts in all ages.141.1.5 PoliticalThe bible gives relatively little direction on specific political and legitimate models. As a result delivery boyianity is (or should be) politically non-partisan in the sense that no particular political trunk or philosophy can be truly defined as biblical or Christian. The bibles centering is on the ethical and sense of smellual relationships which inform the individuals of any given society.15 Therefore individual Christians are thaw to choose and endorse political and legal systems (or parts of) which promote justice and good governance, so that people everywhere have their God-given dignity respected. As part of these two key political outcomes should be of limited interest to ChristiansFirst, (1 Tim 2) calls Christians to pray for (and support) government which allows people to hear the good news about Jesus Christ I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be make for everyone 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all men to be deliver and to come to cognition of the truth.Second, while love of neighbour is a univ ersal command (Matt 2237-40 Luke 1025-37 Rom 138-10) the bible has particular fear for the needy and marginalized. Neglect of these groups is frequently a reason for Gods judgment upon the ancient nation of Israel. For instance the prophet Zechariah delivered this message of condemnation Thus says the Lord of hosts demonstrate true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another do not oppress the widow, the orphan, the alien, or the poor and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another 11 But they refused to listen 12 Therefore great wrath came from the Lord of hosts. (Zechariah 79 -12)1.1.6 SocialWhat are the respective(a) reconstructions of the specific context to which your text is addressed or in which it has been written? (The story behind the text) What alter reconstructions have been suggested? E.g., the different theories about Pauls opponents in Galatians16 or, the identification of large parts of Deuteronomy with the scroll found in the Temple as described i n 2 Kings. (Note Reconstructing a specific context is more difficult for the Pentateuch than for a prophetic book like Jeremiahor a letter of Paul where the specific situation is clearer.)1.1.7 ghostlikeLike circumcision of the Jewish nation (Gen 3414-17, 22) and the term uncircumcised for the Gentiles Galm27-8 Col311. These are the historical religion of the bible that demand to be understood and interpreted in their context, so that the message of the bible will give a meaning to people.171.1.8 LegalAn eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth (Exodus 2123-25)John 1910-11Do you refuse to speak to me? Pilate said. Dont you stool I have power either to free you or to crucify you? Jesus answered you would have no power over me if it were not given to you from supra.The eye for an eye principle can be seen as a legal application of the golden rule (Matt 712) Do to others what you would have them do to you. twain principles assume that we humans are equal and should treat each other in a n equal and reasonable manner.If we harm another fellow human we at the same time admit that according to the spirit of these principles that others (i.e. the state governed by law) can do the If a womanhood has intercourse before marriage (Deut 2220-21).Same to us.For the Lord is a God of retribution he will repay in full. Jer 5156)1.1.9 honestMany of the major problems in our time have to do with morals. In public life we have witnessed a breakdown of ethical standards. What is right? What is wrong? If the Bible gives an accurate description of Moses views, then by groundbreaking standards some of his commands might amount to calls for murder, war crimes or slavery. For instance, according to Numbers 3115-18, he called for the massacre of boys and the enslavement of female children to Israelite veterans of the Midian war (kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman that hath cognize man by lying with him.But all the little girls among the women, that have no t known a man by lying with him, keep alive for you).It is important to note, however, that such ethical dilemmas can be cited without an adequate understanding of the historical context. In contrast, believers in the accuracy of the Bible can use assumptions to discourage exploration. But religions opponents can also discourage further exploration by making arguable assumptions about a text, classifying the intent of the text as immoral, and thereby dismissing the text as unreliable. In the above example some readers may infer an implied equality between slavery under Mosaic uprightness and slavery as understood in the New World.The political context of rights (individual v the state) doesnt appear to capture the bibles emphasis on responsibility. Despite these limitations, human rights have proven an extremely useful way to defend the dignity, freedom and equality of individuals. Equality is sometimes controversial but the bible underlines the inherent equality of all people in several ways Every person is made in the image of God.18 (Gen 127) All are sinners and equally in need of redemption (Rom 319-26, esp. there is no distinction) Hierarchies found on social rank, ethnic background and gender are counter to the gospel (Gal 328 throng 21-10) In fact, God frequently favours people who are regarded as lesser in the eyes of people But the LORD said to Samuel, Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him for the LORD does not see as mortals see they look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart. (1 Samuel 167)2. GeographicalThe bible was written in a different land, it is impossible to understand the meaning of the bible without some knowledge of its geographical setting, and the story of the bible touches specific times and places. Geographically, the account begins in the so-called Ancient Near East or present-day Middle East. It includes the area known today as Iraq, Iran, Turkey, Jordan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.19 It is important to understand that the whole bible takes place in a rough rectangle of land five cytosine miles from north to south and one thousand miles from east to west. Yet the very mention of geography especially bible geography, is teeming to switch some people off.Some people who have no taste for geography if the bible gives a list o Kings of Israel and Judah in their chronological order. May ask sooner impatiently why God did not reveal himself in a rather remote geographical context, so that we have to struggle to understand the context, so that we have to struggle before we can stab the revelation?20 God want to deal with us in our situation of time and place, as he dealt with the biblical characters in theirs. To understand his ways, we must understand this, we must know something of both where and when it all happened thats the importance of understanding and interpreting the bible in its geographical context, we must be able to visualise it. imagine the land of the bible including terrain, topography, weather, transportation, distance, cities, and agri socialisation, the land of the bible was highly with mountains, desert and seas, rivers, plains and coastline, Luke 1030-37Jesus story of a good Samaritan this road made travellers to be vulnerable to robbers they could easily hide in the rocky place we see the valuable geographical context for the meaning of the story, preaching or giving the meaning of the passage it necessarily an understanding of the context in which the authors was writing on.Geographical contextConsider the land of the bible including terrain, topography, weather, transportation, distance, cities, and agri market-gardening, the land of the bible was highly with mountains, desert and seas, rivers, plains and coastline, Luke 1030-37) Jesus story of a good Samaritan this road made travellers to be vulnerable to robbers they could easily hide in the rocky place we see the valuable geograp hical context for the meaning of the story, preaching or giving the meaning of the passage it needs an understanding of the context in which the authors was writing on.3. cultural settingsIt is very important that the bible to be interpretation including its cultural institutions and terms, and to make them into normative teaching on a par with any other in- junction of Scripture. Consider the culture in which author lived in order to understand what he meant. coating is valuable only if the culture is in the passage. For instance Jesus conversation with the woman in the well is culturally significant because the bible says Jews had no dealings with Samaritans John 49) Contrast of ancient tribal cultures concern with community and common ways of thinking with modern individualism, and its implications for understanding Scripture. A paper dealing with the Israelite appropriation of metaphors, symbols, and conceptual categories from the jackpot of ancient Middle Eastern culture, n oting both the similarities and differences, and the implications both for understanding the OT, as well as for addressing the modern conflict of science and religion, to further complicate things, the original authors, while writing under the inspiration of the beatified Spirit, wrote in their own personal style using illustrations relating to their particular culture and history. Distinguishing between Scripture that is cultural relative and that which is relative for all times can sometimes be very difficult.21 Theres not enough space here to deal with it adequately, but generally, to find the timeless principles, look to the Bibles core message (those messages that persist in consistent across many cultures), the inherently moral or immoral items, and the items that are expressly original or forbidden (those which the Scriptures merely acknowledge).Guidelines for determining whether a passage is culturally bound or applicable today What was the purpose of the cultural practic e or teaching?Would that cultural practice have the same significance today but in a different way? Assume every teaching or practice of scripture is applicable today unless-but Mark 218-21 every cultural practice and tradition must be measured against the teaching of Gods word. Culture is what people believe say do wear eat make practice and how they think or process information22. Since God revelation was given in particular cultural setting and the social customs which from the background of some biblical training are entirely foreign to those of our day. Are we then rejecting the teachings because are culturally dated? It is better to accede the biblical instruction itself as permanently binding, but to translate it into contemporary cultural terms.John Stott mentions one of the more difficult examples which caused a tension between the permanently valid and culturally dated concerns the status, demeanor and dress of women. More especially when Paul addresses the church in Co rinth the veiling of women, head covering when prophesying, here Stott says we must find other social customs which express a womans acceptance of the authority which God has given to man.23 Consider the culture in which the author lived in order to understand what he meant. Culture is valuable only if the culture is in the passage. For instance Jesus conversation with the woman in the well is culturally significant because the bible says Jews had no dealings with Samaritans John 49).Contrast of ancient tribal cultures concern with community and communal ways of thinking with modern individualism, and its implications for understanding Scripture.ConclusionThis essay describes the bible as superb story-book, full of exciting tales well told. It shows it as more than just a collection of stories but what is centred one big story which told by the whole collection of individual stories. The centre of it is God, and all what he did in this world and for human race.Since God revelation w as given in particular cultural setting and the social customs which from the background of some biblical instruction are entirely foreign to those of our dayBibliographyBurden, J.J., E.E, Deist., scriptural Studies (Honours) biblical exposition (South Africa University of Pretoria, 1992)Kaiser. Walter Jr., Toward An Exegetical Theology (Michigan Baker book house, 1987)Stott, R.W John., Understanding The Bible (London Scripture union, 1973)Schroeder, David., Learning to Know the Bible (Pennsylvania Faith and life press, 1967)Towns, R.L Elmer., Bible Answers for almost all your questions (Nashville Thomas Nelson, Inc, 2003)William, H.Green., general Introduction to the Old Testament (Michigan Baker book House, 1980)Gorder, P.R., The Old Testament Present (Michigan Radio Bible Class 1982)Kaiser, Otto., Introduction to the Old Testament (Great Britain , 1973)Drane,John., Introduction the Old Testament (England Lion Publishing, 1987)Dyer, Charles., Eugene, Merrill., Old Testament Surve y (Nashville Word Publishing,2001)Purkiser, W.T Exploing The Old Testament (Kansas City Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, 1940)John Macquarrie., pack Childress., A New Dictionary of Christian Ethics(LondonSCM,1993)Harris, Marvin., Cultural Anthropology (New York Harper Row, Publishers,1987)1 Alexandra,Pat,.David Alexandra .,Zondervan Handbook To The Bible(Michigan Lion publishing,1999),p.182 Burden, Deist., Biblical Studies (Honours) Biblical Exposition,p.33 Burden, Deist., Biblical Studies(Honours) Biblical exposition ,p.44 Stott., Understanding The Bible (London Scripture union,1973 ),p.355 Stott., Understanding The Bible (London Scripture union,1973 ),p.376 Burden, Deist., Biblical Studies(Honours) Biblical exposition (South Africa University of Pretoria,1992),p.47 Burden., Deist., Biblical studies (Honours) Biblical exposition,p.38 Walter,C.Kaiser Jr., Toward An Exegetical Theology (Michigan Baker book house,1987) ,p.279 Kaiser Jr., Toward An Exegetical Theology,p.3510 John, R.W, Stott., Understanding The Bible,p.22511 David, Schroeder., Learning To Know The Bible (Pennsylvania Faith and life press, 1967),p.8412 American Academy of Religion,195513 David, Schroeder., Learning To Know The Bible,p.3915John,Macquarrie., James Childress., A New Dictionary of Christian Ethics(LondonSCM,1993),p.48416William, Hendriksen., Galatians Ephesians(EdinbuburghThe banner of truth,1999),P.2217 Elmer, R. L. Towns., Bible Answers for almost all your questions (Nashville Thomas Nelson, inc,2003),p.818 Dyer, Charles., Eugene, Merrill., Old Testament Survey (Nashville Word Publishing,2001) ,p.719 David, Schroeder., Learning To Know The Bible (Pennsylvania Faith and life press, 1967),p.1720 John, R.W, Stott., Understanding The Bible,p.3321 Harris, Marvin., Cultural Anthropolog ( New York Harper Row,Publishers,1987),P.4622 Harris, Marvin., Cultural Anthropology,P.4723 John, R.W, Stott., Understanding The Bible (London Scripture union,1973 ),p,229