Biblical Context in Theological Discourse and Debate
Biblical context is crucial for understanding theological discourse and debate, as it provides the framework within which Christian doctrines are formed and discussed. The term "discourse" itself can refer to speaking or conversing [1], and in a biblical sense, it often relates to the proclamation of the Gospel or the arguments for the Christian faith [4, 5].
The importance of careful communication in theological discussions is highlighted in various biblical texts. For instance, Paul's instruction in 2 Timothy 2:14 to "strive not about words" emphasizes that disputes over terminology can be a significant source of contention, even when participants might essentially agree on the underlying concept [3]. Adam Clarke notes that "words, not things, have been a most fruitful source of contention in the Christian world," and he advises preachers and divines to clearly explain their terms to avoid animosity [3]. This suggests that a lack of contextual clarity in language can lead to misunderstandings and unnecessary conflict.
Theological debates often arise from differing interpretations of scripture or doctrine. For example, the concept of "offence" (or "stumbling block") is presented in scripture as something that can arise from various situations, such as persecution, the low status of Christ, or even the righteousness of faith [2]. Understanding the specific context in which "offence" is discussed in passages like Matthew 13:21 or Romans 9:32 helps to clarify its meaning and application [2]. Similarly, the "conversation" or "behavior" of believers is a recurring theme, with 1 Peter 2:12 emphasizing that conduct should be "honorable, becoming, proper" [6]. This "conversation" is not merely verbal but encompasses the entire manner of life, reflecting a broader biblical context for ethical living [6].
When controversies arise, particularly concerning doctrines, modes of worship, or rules of discipline, some traditions suggest that these should be addressed within the church community, with ministers presiding over the discussion and judgment [7]. This approach underscores the idea that theological discourse is not merely an academic exercise but has practical implications for the life and order of the church.
The manner in which the Gospel is presented is also a key aspect of biblical discourse. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 2:1, states that he declared the "testimony... of God, not with excellency of speech" or rhetorical arts, but with a focus on the message itself [8]. This highlights a distinction between human eloquence and the inherent power of the Gospel message, suggesting that the content and truth of the message are paramount, regardless of the oratorical style [8].
Sources
- Hitchcock's Bible Names “Hitchcock's Bible Names: Syntyche — that speaks or discourses”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Offence — Occasions of, must arrive -- Mt 18:7. Occasions of, forbidden -- 1Co 10:32; 2Co 6:3. Persecution, a cause of, to mere professors -- Mt 13:21; 24:10; 26:31. The wicked take, at The low station of Christ. -- Isa 53:1-3; Mt 13:54-57. Christ, as the corner-stone. -- Isa 8:14; Ro 9:33; 1Pe 2:8. Christ, as the bread of life. -- Joh 6:58-61. Christ crucified. -- 1Co 1:23; Ga 5:11. The righteousness of faith. -- Ro 9:32. The necessity of inward purity. -- Mt 15:11,12. Blessedness of not taking, at Christ -- Mt 11:6. Saints warned against taking -- Joh 16:1. Saints ”
- 2 Timothy (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 2 Timothy 2:14: That they strive not about words - Words, not things, have been a most fruitful source of contention in the Christian world; and among religious people, the principal cause of animosity has arisen from the different manner of apprehending the same term, while, in essence, both meant the same thing. All preachers and divines should be very careful, both in speaking and writing, to explain the terms they use, and never employ them in any sense but that in which they have explained them. The subverting of the hearers - This is the general tendency of all polemical d”
- 2 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Timothy 4:15: our words--the arguments of us Christians for our common faith. Believers have a common cause.”
- 2 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Timothy 4:2: Preach--literally, "proclaim as a herald." The term for the discourses in the synagogue was daraschoth; the corresponding Greek term (implying dialectial style, dialogue, and discussion, Act 17:2, Act 17:18; Act 18:4, Act 18:19) is applied in Acts to discourses in the Christian Church. JUSTIN MARTYR [Apology, 2], describes the order of public worship, "On Sunday all meet and the writings of the apostles and prophets are read; then the president delivers a discourse; after this all stand up and pray; then there is offered bread and wine and water; the”
- 1 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Peter 2:12: conversation--"behavior"; "conduct." There are two things in which "strangers and pilgrims" ought to bear themselves well: (1) the conversation or conduct, as subjects (Pe1 2:13), servants (Pe1 2:18), wives (Pe1 3:1), husbands (Pe1 3:7), all persons under all circumstances (Pe1 2:8); (2) confession of the faith (Pe1 3:15-16). Each of the two is derived from the will of God. Our conversation should correspond to our Saviour's condition; this is in heaven, so ought that to be. honest--honorable, becoming, proper (Pe1 3:16). Contrast "vain conversation”
- Ezekiel (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ezekiel 44:24: And in controversy they shall stand in judgment,.... When any controversy arises among the saints concerning civil things, this shall not be carried into a court of judicature, of the men of the world; but it shall be brought before the church, and there heard, tried, judged, and determined; the ministers of the word there presiding, who shall give the definitive sentence, and stand to it, and abide by it, Co1 6:1 and when any controversy arises about the doctrines of the Gospel, or modes of worship, or rules of discipline, they shall rise up, discuss the point, det”
- 1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 2:1: When I came to you - Acting suitably to my mission, which was to preach the Gospel, but not with human eloquence, Co1 1:17. I declared to you the testimony, the Gospel, of God, not with excellency of speech, not with arts of rhetoric, used by your own philosophers, where the excellence of the speech recommends the matter, and compensates for the want of solidity and truth: on the contrary, the testimony concerning Christ and his salvation is so supremely excellent, as to dignify any kind of language by which it may be conveyed. See the Introduction, Section 2.”