Importance of Context in Biblical Storytelling and Teaching
The importance of context in biblical storytelling and teaching is underscored by the Bible's own methods of communication and its instructions for understanding. The word "parable" itself, derived from the Greek parabole, signifies "placing beside or together," indicating a comparison or illustration of one subject by another [1]. This inherent comparative nature of parables highlights the need to understand the surrounding elements to grasp the intended meaning.
Biblical narratives and teachings are not isolated statements but are deeply embedded in historical, cultural, and literary contexts. For instance, Jesus frequently taught in parables, a method that fulfilled Old Testament predictions [8]. Psalm 78:2, which states, "I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter hidden things, things from of old," was quoted by Jesus to explain his use of parables [4, 8]. This demonstrates that even Jesus's teaching style was rooted in a broader biblical tradition, requiring an understanding of that tradition for full comprehension. Matthew Henry notes that Christ used parables to keep people engaged and expecting further revelation, suggesting that the parables were part of a larger, unfolding divine plan [5].
Understanding the context of biblical stories involves recognizing the specific circumstances and audiences to whom they were originally addressed. For example, Jesus's parables often employed "surprising, evocative imagery" to emphasize themes like the growth of the Kingdom of God from humble beginnings or to encourage patience among his disciples [7]. Without considering these specific aims and the cultural references within the parables, their full impact might be lost.
The Old Testament Scriptures, which Timothy learned from childhood, provided the wisdom necessary to understand and receive Christ Jesus [3]. This suggests a continuous narrative where later revelations build upon earlier ones, making the historical and theological context of the Old Testament crucial for understanding the New Testament. The Tyndale House commentary on 2 Timothy 3:14-15 emphasizes that Timothy's Jewish grandmother and mother educated him in the Old Testament, and their lives reinforced this teaching, highlighting the importance of both textual and lived context [3].
Furthermore, the Bible itself is presented as a source of light and understanding. Matthew Henry, commenting on Psalm 119:130, states that "even the entrance of God's word gives light," implying that engaging with the text, even initially, begins to illuminate understanding [2]. This "light" is not merely intellectual but is intended to guide individuals through their lives [2]. The efficacy of Scripture is further elaborated in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, which explains that "all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" [6]. While Paul was primarily referring to the Hebrew Scriptures, this principle extends to all Scripture, including the New Testament, emphasizing its comprehensive utility for spiritual formation [6]. This utility is best realized when the Scriptures are interpreted within their proper contexts, allowing their intended meaning to emerge.
Moses, in Deuteronomy 32:7, urged the Israelites to "Remember the days of old," appealing to historical records and God's providences concerning their ancestors [9]. This instruction underscores the importance of historical memory and the continuity of God's actions throughout generations as a foundation for understanding their present circumstances and future obligations [9]. Without this historical context, the significance of God's covenant and their identity as a people would be diminished.
Sources
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Parable — (The word parable is in Greek parable (parabole) which signifies placing beside or together, a comparison, a parable is therefore literally a placing beside, a comparison, a similitude, an illustration of one subject by another.--McClintock and Strong. As used in the New Testament it had a very wide application, being applied sometimes to the shortest proverbs, (1 Samuel 10:12; 24:13; 2 Chronicles 7:20) sometimes to dark prophetic utterances, (Numbers 23:7,18; 24:3; Ezekiel 20:49) sometimes to enigmatic maxims, (Psalms 78:2; Proverbs 1:6) or metaphors expand”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 119:130: Here is, 1. The great use for which the word of God was intended, to give light, that is, to give understanding, to give us to understand that which will be of use to us in our travels through this world; and it is the outward and ordinary means by which the Spirit of God enlightens the understanding of all that are sanctified. God's testimonies are not only wonderful for the greatness of them, but useful, as a light in a dark place. 2. Its efficacy for this purpose. It admirably answers the end; for, (1.) Even the entrance of God's word gives light. If we begi”
- 2 Timothy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Timothy 3:14: 3:14-15 from childhood: Timothy’s Jewish grandmother and mother, Lois and Eunice (see Acts 16:1-3), provided his education in the Old Testament Scriptures (see 2 Tim 1:5), and their lives reinforced their teaching. • The Old Testament Scriptures give the wisdom to receive . . . Christ Jesus. In turn, Jesus Christ is needed to understand the Old Testament Scriptures fully.”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 78:2: 78:2 The psalmist recites Israel’s story (78:5-72) in a parable in order to teach wisdom and insight. • Jesus quoted this verse to explain why he taught in parables (Matt 13:35).”
- Matthew (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Matthew 13:24: In these verses, we have, I. Another reason given why Christ preached by parables, Mat 13:34, Mat 13:35. All these things he spoke in parables, because the time was not yet come for the more clear and plain discoveries of the mysteries of the kingdom. Christ, to keep the people attending and expecting, preached in parables, and without a parable spake he not unto them; namely, at this time and in this sermon. Note, Christ tries all ways and methods to do good to the souls of men, and to make impressions upon them; if men will not be instructed and influenced by ”
- 2 Timothy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Timothy 3:16: 3:16-17 These verses elaborate on 3:15 by explaining Scripture’s effectiveness, its source, and the ways that it gives wisdom to live out our salvation. Paul was speaking of the Hebrew Scriptures (the Old Testament), but his statement can now apply to all Scripture, including the New Testament (see, e.g., 2 Pet 3:15-16). 3:16 The fact that Scripture is inspired by God (literally God-breathed, breathed out by God’s own speech; see also Heb 4:12-13; 2 Pet 1:20-21) does not negate the active involvement of the human authors. But it does affirm that God is fully re”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 13:31: 13:31-33 Jesus used surprising, evocative imagery in these parables, either to emphasize the inevitable growth of the Kingdom through proclamation of the gospel or, more probably, to emphasize the contrast between insignificant beginnings and glorious consummation, and to exhort the disciples to patience (see also 16:24–17:13).”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 13:34: 13:34-35 Even Jesus’ manner of teaching fulfilled Old Testament predictions. Psalm 78:2-3 speaks of passing down the history of God’s revelation to children of the next generation. Jesus’ revelation is the climax of that history (Matt 13:10-17; 1 Cor 2:7).”
- Deuteronomy (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Deuteronomy 32:7: Moses, having in general represented God to them as their great benefactor, whom they were bound in gratitude to observe and obey, in these verses gives particular instances of God's kindness to them and concern for them. 1. Some instances were ancient, and for proof of them he appeals to the records (Deu 32:7): Remember the days of old; that is, "Keep in remembrance the history of those days, and of the wonderful providences of God concerning the old world, and concerning your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; you will find a constant series of mercies at”