When someone discusses how to understand the Bible, we often hear the admonition that ‘context rules.’ But what does that mean? Merriam-Webster defines context as:
The first definition given by Webster is often referred to as the ‘Literary Context.’ To understand the meaning of a verse we should not study it in isolation. Think of the verse you are interested in as the bullseye of a target and the rings around the bullseye as representing the context. Context can be ever expanding but most of the time we can understand a passage from the immediate literary context, just remember that neither the verse numbers nor the chapter numbers are inspired.
An example of how the literary context can help us to understand a passage can be seen in the parable of the ‘Wedding Banquet’ Mt 22:1. When we look at the context, we will notice that Jesus tells three parables in a row addressed to the Jewish leaders. The parable of the ‘Two Sons’ Mt 21:28, the parable of the ‘Vineyard Owner’ Mt 21:33, and this parable of the ‘Wedding Banquet.’ All three parables are addressed to the same group. In Mt 21:45 we notice the chief priests and the Pharisees even realized that Jesus was speaking about them. Understanding the first two parables will help in understanding the third parable. Notice also that our context crossed chapter divisions.
The second definition given by Webster is often referred to as the ‘Historical Context’ or ‘Cultural Context.’ The historical context may help us understand why Pilate might have followed the wishes of the Jewish leaders in crucifying Jesus when Josephus and other historians record Pilate’s hatred for the Jewish people. A theologically correct answer to this question would be the Sovereignty of God. Jesus was going to die for our sins and God was in control. But how does that work? How could God make Pilate do something against his will?
We still have unanswered questions about Pilate’s history, but several scholars believe he was given his appointment in Judea by Sejanus, the commander of the Praetorian Guard. Sejanus was also known for his hatred of the Jews. While Sejanus had power and influence in Rome, Pilate was protected by his mentor. In A.D. 31 Sejanus was executed for treason, leaving Pilate in a precarious position. He no longer had a powerful sponsor in Rome to protect him.
Paul Maier, a professor of ancient history, has written a historical fiction novel titled Pontius Pilate that gives a wealth of information on Pilate and 1st century Palestine. It’s far more enjoyable reading historical fiction than a fact only history article. The church library has a copy.
1Merriam-Webster, Inc. 2003. In Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary., Eleventh ed. Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, Inc.
- The parts of a discourse that surround a word or passage and can throw light on its meaning
- The interrelated conditions in which something exists or occurs: environment, setting (the historical context of the war)1
The first definition given by Webster is often referred to as the ‘Literary Context.’ To understand the meaning of a verse we should not study it in isolation. Think of the verse you are interested in as the bullseye of a target and the rings around the bullseye as representing the context. Context can be ever expanding but most of the time we can understand a passage from the immediate literary context, just remember that neither the verse numbers nor the chapter numbers are inspired.
An example of how the literary context can help us to understand a passage can be seen in the parable of the ‘Wedding Banquet’ Mt 22:1. When we look at the context, we will notice that Jesus tells three parables in a row addressed to the Jewish leaders. The parable of the ‘Two Sons’ Mt 21:28, the parable of the ‘Vineyard Owner’ Mt 21:33, and this parable of the ‘Wedding Banquet.’ All three parables are addressed to the same group. In Mt 21:45 we notice the chief priests and the Pharisees even realized that Jesus was speaking about them. Understanding the first two parables will help in understanding the third parable. Notice also that our context crossed chapter divisions.
The second definition given by Webster is often referred to as the ‘Historical Context’ or ‘Cultural Context.’ The historical context may help us understand why Pilate might have followed the wishes of the Jewish leaders in crucifying Jesus when Josephus and other historians record Pilate’s hatred for the Jewish people. A theologically correct answer to this question would be the Sovereignty of God. Jesus was going to die for our sins and God was in control. But how does that work? How could God make Pilate do something against his will?
We still have unanswered questions about Pilate’s history, but several scholars believe he was given his appointment in Judea by Sejanus, the commander of the Praetorian Guard. Sejanus was also known for his hatred of the Jews. While Sejanus had power and influence in Rome, Pilate was protected by his mentor. In A.D. 31 Sejanus was executed for treason, leaving Pilate in a precarious position. He no longer had a powerful sponsor in Rome to protect him.
Paul Maier, a professor of ancient history, has written a historical fiction novel titled Pontius Pilate that gives a wealth of information on Pilate and 1st century Palestine. It’s far more enjoyable reading historical fiction than a fact only history article. The church library has a copy.
1Merriam-Webster, Inc. 2003. In Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary., Eleventh ed. Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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