Episode 24S41 Contextual Bible Study ( 10/20/2024 written by Dr. Kip Wehrman)
I hope you had a chance to listen to the music video. The song was “stay Strong” by Danny Gokey. When troubles come and they will come. It hurts, we are challenged but we trust Jesus no matter what. And Jesus gives us peace. Not matter the trial. We have peace and assurance and joy. We have everything we need.
Let’s Pray.
First of all. I asked you to define the word “love”. This is a very complicated word in English. Generally, in the Bible the word we read as “love” is one of many words in the Greek & Hebrew. Commonly, there are three words I want to concentrate on today. “agape” in Greek, “philio” in Greek, and “hesed” in Hebrew. These are the most common Bible words that are translated Love in English. Hesed’ in Hebrew is most often used to show God’s love, it means kindness, loving-kindness or charity. We so this before with our words grace and mercy. Hesed is essentially that same characteristic of God. When God Hesed us, He shows us favor or kindness. So that’s the old testament God’s love. In the New Testament Greek the 2 words agape and philo are used. philo is a strong adoration, sometimes people say brotherly love but its deeper and stronger. It’s feeling very close. The Greek word agape is best translated into English as “goodwill” it means you want the best for the other person. It is willing to sacrifice your comforts for the good of another person. ‘agape’
Keep this is mind as we listen to the gospel of John Chapter 21.
John 21 (TCB)
John 21 (NIV)
Our focus verses this week were, John 21:15-17 (NIV). This conversation is between Jesus and one of His closest disciples Peter. Peter was “the rock on which the church would be built.” But Peter was proud and brash. Until Jesus told him “get behind me satan”, then later Jesus predicted Peter the proud would deny him. Then later Jesus is asking Peter and the others to stay awake with him to pray. But Peter sleeps instead. Then after Jesus is arrested, Peter denies Jesus three times, and he runs away weeping into the night broken. He does not stick around to se Jesus tried, tortured and crucified. Instead, Peter is cowering some place. Now we are after the resurrection. Jesus has appeared to the disciples in Galilee. Now Jesus is restoring Peter and giving Peter and us a commission.
So let’s read John 21:15-17 again, but we are going to focus on the word “love”.
Read from John 21:15-19(NIV). 15When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.
If you have been in church for a while, I’m sure you have heard this story before. Jesus asks Peter three times. Do you love me, Peter replies yes, Jesus says feed my sheep.
Some of you may have heard this idea that there are levels of love and that during this exchange between Jesus and Peter. Peter was using a lower level of love.
When we hear something like this, we should test it. How? We use Contextual Bible Study techniques.
Let me demonstrate how this works.
These are the main resources that I use. BibleHub, BibleProject, BlueLetterBible, and NET (New English Translation).
We should establish the Context of the gospel of John and specifically the back story of this passage.
…I would probably use BibleProject & BibleHub. I would look at the various Dating & Summary on BibleHub, NET, ESV, NIV. What I’ll find is great disagreement of the when this was written but the summaries would be similar. I’d probably look at some Outlines on BibleHub or BlueLetterBible. Now I would know Peter has denied Christ, Jesus was crucified and rose on the third day. Now He is talking with Peter. Peter was one of Jesus’ closest disciple. Peter is the rock the church will be built on, but Peter is broken.
DEMO BibleProject (see video for DEMO);
DEMO BibleHub (see video for DEMO)
…We need to look at the word origins and usage in BibleHub using the lexicons and maybe do some cross-referencing searches for both Greek words used in BlueLetterBible. I might even look at Other translations & opinions on BibleHub or NET Bible.
I used Bible Hub if we can. (see video for DEMO)
“agape” is goodwill and “philo” – cherish or brotherly love.
Verse 15 Jesus “agape” Peter; and Peter says I “philo” you Jesus
Verse 16 Jesus “agape” Peter; and Peter says I “philo” you Jesus
Verse 17 Jesus “philo” Peter; and Peter says I “philo” you Jesus
Now listen to me read John 21:15-19 but using these word meanings instead.
John 21:15-19(NIV/KIP). 15When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you (want good for) me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I (care deeply for) you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you (have goodwill for) me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I (care deeply for) you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you (care deeply for) me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you (care deeply for) me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I (cheerish) you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
See how proper context and linguistics destroys false narrative.
Each time Peter responded “philo” with that strong brotherly love and affection. He truly cherishes Jesus.
Jesus asked twice “agape” or do you want good for me Peter and the third time Jesus asked do you really “philo” me Peter. Do you really care deeply for me Peter. And Peter says yes. These are the appropriate responses not levels of love.
Each time Peter is telling Jesus you are my family, I love you deeply, I care deeply for you. I cherish you Jesus.
The power of proper Contextual Bible Study. All Bible study should be contextual Bible study. If it’s not then, it is an anything goes whos’ imagination is the best with no basis in truth or the intended meaning of the text.
Before we get into our lesson today. I want to share how much I love this scripture passage in John. Some of you may know some of my story. In March of 2021, I had Covid19. I was very sick and I ended up in the COVID isolation unit. I was just waiting to die. I was slowly slipping away. I thought I was dead. And for more than three days, I was in and out of consciousness. Sometime in this time, I had a vision or dream or maybe it was real. I don’t know. Anyway, I had a conversation with Jesus. I felt I had a choice to make. Live and be with my family, or die and be with Jesus. I choose Jesus. I knew God would take care of my family. I was ready. I thought it was my time to die.
Then Jesus patted me on my shoulder and said “not yet.” I imagined Him smiling. And He used this scripture. “feed my sheep” As I recovered, I could not get this scripture out of my mind. “feed my sheep”, “feed my sheep”. I have to be honest I did not even know the address, I’d heard many sermons about this. But now it was personal to me. As I studied these words and discovered the context, the meaning exploded in my mind. God was calling me to teach the Bible. A few weeks after I got out of the Hospital we started the PUNLAcoffeetable. I was changed forever. I had a purpose and my character was changed. Overtime I have continued to honor my King by doing what He told me to do. I went back to school for MA and ThD in Theology. Now I’m teaching you. I have dedicated my life to Jesus, I will “feed His sheep” until Jesus is ready for me to graduate to heaven. I’m ready to die, but I will do my best to make the most of my “NOT YET”. My close encounter with Jesus. If you ever ask yourself if this “christian thing is real”. It’s real my friends. I know for certain, it is real. And Jesus wants all of us to “feed His sheep”. Live the life that Jesus wants you to live. Amen. Okay back to our lesson.
What is Context? PAUSE These are the things not written down, that we are expected to know. They help our understanding. I sometimes call these bookends. They are the limits. If our interpretation or concepts are not within the bookends, then we have no basis, only opinion. The Truth will always fall within the bookends and context.
Minimum Contextual Background we should understand before we start trying to interpret the Bible are;
Passage Genre (literature type or types employed by author) poem, allegorical, apocalyptic, historical, narrative or a mix of two or more genre.
This is the way it was written as the author intended it to be read by the intended audience.
Author and Audience. This is critical to understanding any text Who? Wrote it and to who, Why? Was it written and why is it important to the reader, When? Was it written, Where? Was the author and intended audience, What? Was happening or what was the reason for the writing originally by the author, and How? Is the author using words from the culture. How are the reader supposed to respond. And so on. This is context of the author & audience.
Language Usage It is critical to understanding a text within its genre, and historical and cultural context. Symbolism, metaphors, hyperbole of a typical writing styles and form during the time period it was written.
Contextual Intent. This is the concept of understanding the overarching message of a passage without a complete understanding of the symbolism or metaphorical phrases. This takes a little practice but once you get this it opens up the stories in the Bible like nothing else I’ve ever seen. If your interpretation is outside of the contextual intent, then you need to be very careful you are reading your own personal meaning into the text instead letting the text speak to you as intended. Don’t get lost in the words and lose the meaning of the overall message.
Now there are lots of Other Context that is useful when you can find it. Things like other Historical or Cultural information about the time period. Other Ancient Writings from time period which can tell you more about the people or word usage and metaphor. Other ancient writings about time period (or history). People wrote about the people and time period, these can be helpful to fill in some of the gaps in our knowledge. Especially when trying to determine the Word usage intended for the audience (in time period only). These other writing can help us understand Word usage in surrounding areas (time period only). Things like mythology, legends, leaders, and other culturally relevant things.
Now your ready for Bible Interpretation which include Epistemology, Hermeneutics, and Exegesis. I know those were a bunch of seminary christian-anity terms. But they are no big deal
Epistemology is the study of the origins of the thought. There are many types but a good Bible scholar using logic, reason, and Hermeneutics when reading and interpreting the Bible. That’s all it means.
Hermeneutics comes from the Greek word for interpret. So if you hear Hermeneutics it is just fancy word for how we interpret the Bible. Good Bible interpretaton what they call literal Hermeneutics meanings as much as possible we use what the words say without making up our own meanings. This defendable rather just opinion based.
And last word I used was Exegesis which is the careful analytical study of bible passages.
It is not the same thing as Eisegesis which is reading your own meaning into a text. Eisegesis is not testable. Exegesis is what we do when we work through scripture systematically within context.
So a Bible scholar might say they interpret the Bible exegetically using Hermeneutical Epistemolgy. You can say to them me too. I carefully study the bible using logic and reason as well.
Proper Contextual Bible Study. Starts with a complete context and then applies a Literal Hermeneutics Epistemology with a systematic Exegesis of the texts. What a bunch of big words just to say “stick with what the text says and the author meant.”
Golden Rule of Interpretation –”when the plain sense of scripture makes common sense, seek no other sense.” This does not mean take every word literally in a poem. If means the plain sense within the context. If that makes sense, seek no further sense.
Let me demonstrate why this is so important.
What if you read this phrase in a book. “Today, John is gay” what do you think they are saying.
What if I told you in was written by a British author in a play. Now what do you think they are telling us
What if I told you it was written in 1892 by a British Christian in a play about the Apostle John. Did that change your thoughts
See how a correct context can change our interpretation. Context focuses us on the truth, without context anything goes. Opinions with no basis.
Interpretation in context seeks to allow the Bible to speak for itself within its original setting before drawing conclusions about how it applies in our modern setting.
In fact, without context you cannot reliably read anything and expect to understand it. The culture, time period, author and audience matter don’t they.
The last technique we should use when doing contextual Bbile Study is the First & Last which are the BookEnds for the Book or story. Read the 1st part the introduction and the last part the conclusion. Introductions tells what the author intends to say and the conclusion tells us what the main point was the author was making. Together you can establish the intent and main purpose of a writing. Any interpretation must be consistent with the purpose and intent of the author. If the topic we think is in the middle is not the main theme we should be very careful not to draw conclusions which were outside of the author’s intent. These are like guide-rails to keep inside the intended context and intent for the writing.
Let me demonstrate this a little. First and Last. What is the Story of the Bible?
Here is the first and last. First Genesis 1 Creation, Last Revelation 22:1-5 Restoration
The big picture is CREATION (It is good) Genesis 1:1(NIV) “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
HUMAN REBELLION Genesis 3 –Rev.21
RESTORATION (New Heavens & Earth)
Revelation 22:1-5 (NIV) Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light.
And they will reign for ever and ever.
Okay let’s work through a DEMO with the following real quickly
Romans (see video for DEMO)
What is Story of the Romans?
We could go to BibleProject and watch or listen to the overview of the Book. We could also go to tools like BibleHub or BlueLetterBible to get when we think the letter was written to. The author Paul. Where was he. Why did he write the letter. What were some main theme.
I recommend checking out BibleHub Romans OUT & TIM and BlueLetterBible Romans INTROS
First Romans 1:7-12(NIV) To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being proclaimed all over the world. God, whom I serve with my spirit in preaching the gospel of His Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times, asking that now at last by God’s will I may succeed in coming to you. For I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you, that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.
First Romans 1:13-17(NIV) I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, how often I planned to come to you (but have been prevented from visiting until now), in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles. I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome. I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek. For the gospel reveals the righteousness of God that comes by faith from start to finish, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”
LAST Romans 16:7-9 (NIV) Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring glory to God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs, so that the Gentiles may glorify God for His mercy.
So you can see there is some sort of tension between Jews and Gentile
So what context do we know. Romans must have been written b before AD59 because Paul is not in prison on his way to Rome yet. (the BibleHub Timeline is useful resource) There is trouble in the Roman church between Jews & gentiles. We know from History that the church began in Rome sometime before AD54. We know this because Roman Emperor Claudius had expelled all the Jews form Rome in but he died in AD54 allowing them to return. Now the Christian Jews and Christian gentiles were in conflict over doctrines. Paul’s Purpose was to show that both the Jews & Gentiles are one in Christ. There is one gospel of Jesus is being preached in ALL the world. AD54-59 and Paul is saying the gospel of Jesus is being preached everywhere.
Now whatever we do, we must keep any interpretation of passages in Romans within this context. Paul trying to unify the Jews & gentiles in the Roman church.
Here is another one I used this in my dissertation Isaiah 14:12 (lucifer)
Let’s look at the verse in BibleHub.
Read from NIV Oops not Lucifer, show parallel … oh there it is in the KJV or NKJV. So what is the deal. Let’s look at what we can find to help our contextual understanding.
KJV Lexicon – Lucifer is from Hebrew word “Heylel”
Strongs Heylel – “Shining one”
NET Bible Notes – ” These verses, which appear to be spoken by other pagan kings to a pagan king (cf. vv. 9-11), contain several titles and motifs that resemble those of Canaanite mythology, including references to Helel son of Shachar, the stars of El, the mountain of assembly, the recesses of Zaphon, and the divine title Most High. Apparently these verses allude to a mythological story about a minor god (Helel son of Shachar) who tried to take over Zaphon, the mountain of the gods. His attempted coup failed and he was hurled down to the underworld. The king of Babylon is taunted for having similar unrealized delusions of grandeur. Some Christians have seen an allusion to the fall of Satan here, but this seems contextually unwarranted (see J. Martin, “Isaiah,” BKCOT, 1061).”
Isaiah 13-14 is a Prophecy of judgement against Babylon. Is.13:1 tells of this. Isaiah 14:4 is the beginning of the Taunt of King of Babylon because that is what the Bible says. I thought this was the fall of satan or lucifer. Well. Lucifer comes from the Latin word Luciferos which is the Latin name for Venus. In Hebrew it is the word Heilel which means shining one or morning star – probably Venus. Modern Bible don’t use Lucifer, because it is not the proper translation of the Hebrew word. Further context background can be found in sources like the NET Bible where the Cannanite Mythology is explained. No textual modern scholar believes this is about satan. Rather a taunt of the king of Babylon when the exile return. Remember when Isaiah wrote this Babylon had not conquered Judea yet. In fact the power at the time was the assyrians who would destroy the northern kingdom of Israel.
What about Jude. Jude 9 is one of the two bible verses in the Bible that has archangel in it. We need to build our context for Jude looking at BibleProject & BibleHub. We can find Dating & Summaries information on BibleHub, NET, ESV, NIV. We can find Outlines on BibleProject & BibleHub. Then we can check the Word origins and usage using BibleHub. What does archangel mean?
The we can do a quick Word Search using BlueLetterBible to verify that archangel only occurs in two verses in the Bible. Jude 9 and 1TH4:16. We can always read Other translations & opinions using BibleHub or NET Bible
So what do we find.
Archangel is used only in Jude 9 & 1Th4:16. Jude 9 names Michael as the archangel, but 1 Thessalonians does not name the archangel.
The Greek word is “Archangelos” which is a compound word “Arch” which is chief or ruler and “angelos” which is messenger. So simply “archangelos” is the chief angel or ruler of the angels. We can also find that the name Michael means the one like God. This could be a name or description. Neither Hebrew or Greek have capitalizations so proper names are just inferred. In Rev.12:7 it has Michael & his angels. Another very odd thing we find by cross-reference every occurrence of Michael in the old and new testament, is Michael is never call an angel “angelos”, only the “archarngelos.” In the old testament angel is translated from the word “Malek” meaning representative. Angels are representative of God in the Old Testament and Messengers of God in the New Testament.
There is no plural archangel terms in the Bible. So there are many theological perspectives based on non-Bible sources, but in the Bible Michael seems to be the only archangel or at least only named archangel. So, yes Gabriel is not called an archangel in the Bible, neither is the fallen evil one.
Now that is context, now you can begin to interpret within those guiderails. Any interpretation outside of the context is not a Biblical interpretation but rather opinion based on things outside of the Bible.
What about Hebrews. What is Story of the Hebrews?
We could go to BibleProject and watch or listen to the overview of the Book.
We could also go to tools like BibleHub or BlueLetterBible to get when we think the letter was written to. The author is unknown and why. Where was he. Why did he write the letter. What were some main theme.
First Hebrews 1:1-4(NIV) On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. So He became as far superior to the angels as the name He has inherited is excellent beyond theirs.
LAST Hebrews 13:20-25 (NIV) Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. I urge you, brothers, to bear with my word of exhortation, for I have only written to you briefly. Be aware that our brother Timothy has been released. If he arrives soon, I will come with him to see you. Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy send you greetings. Grace be with all of you.
So what is the context of Hebrews? We know it was written before AD66 because there is no mention of siege of Jerusalem or destruction of the Temple in AD70. The Author is unknown but travels with Timothy. Meaning the author knows Timothy and most likely Paul and the rest of the Apostles. He might even be an apostle. The purpose is to show Jews who are consider returning to the Jew religious practices that Jesus > angels, Moses, priests, etc. And the old way is ending soon. Which is probably referring to the destruction of the temple worship in AD70 and massacre of Jews in Judea. Scattering them to the four winds.
Contextual study takes time and effort but you can see there are plenty of resources available. You don’t need to know Greek and Hebrew, to figure out what the original words meant without the translator bias. There are lots of opinions about scriptures. These opinions are not the same. Even summaries, dating, outlines are different. We must use multiple sources to derive an answer that makes sense based on our knowledge and understanding. Dating is one of my favorite things to make fun of in these sources. No one knows for sure but there are strong indicators. We know roughly when Paul began his missionary journeys and when he was arrested in Jerusalem and when he went to Rome as a prisoner. We have to have this timeline when we look at what people say. I’ve seen dating that is ridiculous, like Paul writing one of his letters after, after the romans cut off his head. Or I once saw a dating of the letter to the romans after we know Paul was already in Rome as a prisoner. These prove the scholars can make obvious mistakes based on their agendas. We should not do this however. Truth is more important than our opinions or feelings. Truth is always the best. The purpose of Contextual Bible Study is to allow the Bible to speak for itself. Christians are truth seekers. I diligently search for weaknesses in my views so that I can better align myself with Jesus, the source of truth.
Let’s close and pray.
Let me leave you with this. I love the Bible. This may seem hard or complicated but its not. We have lots of resources to help us today. We have no excuse. Challenge yourself to know the Bible better. It’s worth it.
Don’t forget to do your homework for next week. Read 1 Peter Chapter 1 with a focus on 1 Peter 1:16 and Define Holy. See you next week.
Before we end. I want you to watch the music video Its called it will be alright. This is a multi-language performance. English and Spanish. I think you’ll like it. It will be alright. Just trust in Jesus.
Thank you and God’s Blessing my friends.
