Dr. Heiser: “Any other context than that in which the Biblical writer wrote and did their work … is foreign to the Bible” [1].
That means that every denominational context, whether it be Catholicism, Baptist, or Mennonite leanings, is foreign to the Bible. The Reformation or the Puritan movements are part of the foreign context often wrongly attributed as context for interpretation of Scripture.
Biblical context is the Bible; it is the Scripture, the collection of manuscripts, copied exactly from the originals, and gathered together as the official Canon, that form the inerrant, infallible, authoritative Holy Bible. If the Professional Theologist is going to correctly interpret Scripture, it must be free of the contexts often mixed with denominational belief and historical ideas that do not derive from the Bible, but rather, from extra ideas originating from denominational interpreters to order and apply the Bible to their unique beliefs.
The original context of the original authors in their original time must be found, if the full truth of Scripture is revealed in our interpretation. No matter if it is grammatical-historical interpretation, or if it is advanced typological studies with in-depth ideas magnified, it must always be in context first with the original writings. Interpretation in context is much more involved than reading a paragraph before and after the focused Scripture inquiry (immediate context). Professional Theologists must consider the original authors’ intentions in the context of his life, times, and purpose as well as the intentions for the reader. Only when this basic foundational effort is made, can interpretation begin in search of the full Truth of God in His writings.
When a reliable text, and access to the original text are at hand, exegesis can begin. Exegesis is the task of studying the Bible to determine the original context of the writing with the author’s intended meaning. Exegesis is interpretation on steroids! Exegesis is connected to context through two very important principles according to I. Howard Marshall:
1. All exegesis requires examining the text in the light of its context [2] - This requires interpreters to examine a wider area of Scripture to connect its full meaning, from word, to phrase, to sentence, to paragraph to broader event capture.
2. The relation between the text and context is a dialectical one [3] - This means that the Truth of God must be rationally searched in the text to ensure its conformance to the context. Exegesis principle of this relationship requires two different texts in the area to fit harmoniously together; if they do not, then the context is undetermined.
This class will offer detailed instruction on how to properly interpret text and context together later on in our lessons. But, right now, it is important for you to recognize that this obstacle is a very frequent mistake that is made by many untrained interpreters. Professional Theologists are advised to consider this obstacle of context when confronting faulty interpretations that create bigger problems in general text than just the problems contained within the specific Scripture focus.
Bibliography
Heiser, Michael S. BI101 Lecture Introducing Biblical Interpretation: Contexts and Resources: LOGOS Bible Software.
Footnotes
[1] Michael S. Heiser, BI101 Lecture Introducing Biblical Interpretation: Contexts and Resources (LOGOS Bible Software), 00:45-51.
[2] I. Howard Marshall, "How Do We Interpret the Bible Today?," Themelios 2, (1980): 6.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Marshall, I. Howard. "How Do We Interpret the Bible Today?" Themelios 2, (1980).
Links
About the Author
Kathy L. McFarland is President and Founder of Becker Bible Ministries, Inc. and the Becker Professional Theology Academy. She is also a Becker Bible Studies Teacher and author of Guided Bible Studies for Hungry Christians. She has received her Bachelor of Science degree in Religious Studies from Liberty University, is on track for the Master of Divinity (Professional Ministries Track) degree from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary & Graduate School in 2016 and will be seeking a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Theology and Apologetics beginning in the fall of 2016. She is the originator of the newest theological movement to encourage Christian leaders to minister within the modern-day marketplace as Professional Theologists. She is also the Curriculum Developer for Becker Professional Theology Academy and a teaching faculty member. Kathy's favorite studies to teach include the connections between Old Testament exegesis, Christian Apologetics, and Bible typology and mysteries.
©2014-2015 Kathy L. McFarland. All Rights Reserved.