There’s no getting around it. The Bible is a historical book. The events it describes occurred in history. What’s more, biblical history isn’t just limited to a single period of time. No, it stretches over thousands of years. As a result, it’s critical that you always remember that you’re reading something from another time and place. You’re reading about people who lived long ago in a place that is far away–at least for most of us.
Now, if you’re anything like me, you found social studies, global studies, and history classes totally boring in high school. I never cared to learn much about American presidents or European wars. However, when I came to understand that the historical context was a major key for understanding the Bible, I discovered–to my surprise–a passion for history. Suddenly I wanted to learn about ancient empires and literature. I researched archeology, epigraphy, and paleography. I suppose my awakening occurred because I saw there was a payoff. I wasn’t just studying history to learn random facts about long ago. I was studying to learn how to understand the Bible better, and that made all the difference in the world.
Get Finnegan’s book, Kingdom Journey to learn about God’s kingdom coming on earth as well as the story of how Christianity lost this pearl of great price.
2 thoughts on “642. Restoration Theology 8: Interpreting Scripture in Its Historical Context”
New listener here. I’ve really been enjoying a lot of your content. On episode 642, I thought it was interesting that you presented Romans 13 from the perspective of governmental leadership. In its context (Romans 12) it seems to make more sense to be about authority in the church. It also seems like this would align with things you have shared relating to the new creation and authority structure within it. Are you familiar with this take on Romans 13? Or is there another reason why you tend towards the governmental interpretation?
Thanks
This is an excellent series, Sean. Well presented, methodical, clear, and logical. I just finished it (watched the sessions on the LHIM Youtube channel).
God bless,
Rob
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New listener here. I’ve really been enjoying a lot of your content. On episode 642, I thought it was interesting that you presented Romans 13 from the perspective of governmental leadership. In its context (Romans 12) it seems to make more sense to be about authority in the church. It also seems like this would align with things you have shared relating to the new creation and authority structure within it. Are you familiar with this take on Romans 13? Or is there another reason why you tend towards the governmental interpretation?
Thanks
This is an excellent series, Sean. Well presented, methodical, clear, and logical. I just finished it (watched the sessions on the LHIM Youtube channel).
God bless,
Rob