Understanding the Purpose of Scripture's Historical Context
The historical context of Scripture is essential to understanding its purpose. The biblical texts were written in specific times and places, addressing particular issues and audiences. For instance, the Gospel of John was written around A.D. 78-100, primarily for Christians, to supplement the narratives of the other evangelists, which focused on Jesus' life in Galilee [3].
The Scripture's historical context is rooted in its development over time. The Old Testament texts were originally written on skins, rolled into volumes, and preserved [1]. The process of writing and preserving Scripture was guided by God's inspiration, as seen in 2 Timothy 3:16, where it is written that "all Scripture is God-breathed" [4]. This divine inspiration is not limited to the Old Testament; the New Testament writings were also considered inspired and were read alongside the Old Testament in early Christian worship [5].
Understanding the historical context of Scripture is crucial for interpreting its meaning. The biblical authors wrote in response to specific historical situations, and their messages were shaped by the cultural, social, and political contexts in which they lived. For example, the book of Deuteronomy was written to remind the Israelites of God's laws and covenant with them, with the purpose of proving their character and teaching them to obey God's commands [7].
The early Christian church recognized the importance of Scripture's historical context. The apostle Paul encouraged Timothy to continue in the things he had learned, knowing from whom he had learned them, and to remain faithful to the Scriptures, which were able to make him wise for salvation [8]. The historical context of Scripture also informs its application to later generations. As the Tyndale House commentary on Romans 15:4 notes, "all that God caused to be recorded in the Old Testament has supreme relevance to believers, who experience the fulfillment of God's plan" [6].
The historical context of Scripture is not just a backdrop for understanding its content; it is an integral part of its meaning. By examining the historical setting of the biblical texts, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the authors' intentions, the original audience's reception, and the ongoing relevance of Scripture for contemporary faith and practice. As Matthew Henry comments on Psalm 119:130, "the entrance of God's word gives light" [9].
The purpose of Scripture's historical context is multifaceted, serving to illuminate the divine plan, guide the community of faith, and testify against sin [2]. By engaging with the historical context of Scripture, readers can appreciate the richness and complexity of the biblical narrative, as well as its enduring significance for Christian theology and practice.
Sources
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Old Testament — I. TEXT OF THE OLD TESTAMENT.-- + History of the text. -A history of the text of the Old Testament should properly commence from the date of the completion of the canon. As regards the form in which the sacred writings were little doubt that the text was ordinarily were preserved, there can be written on skins, rolled up into volumes, like the modern synagogue rolls. (Psalms 40:7; Jeremiah 36:14; Ezekiel 2:9; Zechariah 5:1) The original character in which the text was expressed is that still preserved to us, with the exception of four letters, on the M”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Inspiration of the Holy Spirit, The — Foretold -- Joe 2:28; Ac 2:16-18. All Scripture given by -- 2Sa 23:2; 2Ti 3:16; 2Pe 1:21. Design of To reveal future events. -- Ac 1:16; 28:25; 1Pe 1:11. To reveal the mysteries of God. -- Am 3:7; 1Co 2:10. To give power to ministers. -- Mic 3:8; Ac 1:8. To direct ministers. -- Eze 3:24-27; Ac 11:12; 13:2. To control ministers. -- Ac 16:6. To testify against sin. -- 2Ki 17:13; Ne 9:30; Mic 3:8; Joh 16:8,9. Modes of Various. -- Heb 1:1. By secret impulse. -- Jdj 13:25; 2Pe 1:21. By a voice. -- Isa 6:8; Ac 8:29; Re 1:10. By visions”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: John, Gospel Of — This Gospel was probably written at Ephesus about A.D. 78. (Canon Cook places it toward the close of John's life, A.D. 90-100.--ED.) The Gospel was obviously addressed primarily to Christians, not to heathen. There can be little doubt that the main object of St. John, who wrote after the other evangelists, is to supplement their narratives, which were almost confined to our Lord's life in Galilee. (It was the Gospel for the Church, to cultivate and cherish the spiritual life of Christians, and bring them into the closest relations to the divine Savio”
- 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”
- 1 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Timothy 4:13: Till I come--when Timothy's commission would be superseded for the time by the presence of the apostle himself (Ti1 1:3; Ti1 3:14). reading--especially in the public congregation. The practice of reading Scripture was transferred from the Jewish synagogue to the Christian Church (Luk 4:16-20; Act 13:15; Act 15:21; Co2 3:14). The New Testament Gospel and Epistles being recognized as inspired by those who had the gift of discerning spirits, were from the first, according as they were written, read along with the Old Testament in the Church (Th1 5:21”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 15:4: 15:4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us: All that God caused to be recorded in the Old Testament has supreme relevance to believers, who experience the fulfillment of God’s plan.”
- Deuteronomy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Deuteronomy 8:2: 8:2 to prove your character (literally to know what is in your heart): God already knew the Israelites’ innermost thoughts (Pss 51:6; 139:1, 4, 23); he wanted their character to come out in their actions. • to find out whether: The Old Testament often describes God in human terms, even in ways that appear to limit God. Anthropomorphism (assigning human characteristics to God) and anthropopathism (assigning human feelings or emotions to God) are ways of representing God on a human level so the human mind can better grasp his ways, but God is not limited in his ”
- 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 (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”