Reading the Bible in its proper context is so important that I (apparently) cannot stop writing about it. I’ve explained the dangers of ignoring context, and I’ve shown that we can still share Scripture responsibly.
I know I am arguing for a more difficult path. Verse-of-the-day calendars are easier and more inspiring. Studying the Bible takes work.
I hear other objections too. For example, it’s possible to conclude something true from the Bible despite missing a verse’s context. What’s the big deal? Only a real stick-in-the-mud would get worked up about this, right?
Accidental Truths
In our Context Matters series, we have tackled passages where the popular interpretation can be found in the Bible, just not (as we argue) from that passage.
Many people take the “where two or three are gathered in my name” verse as a promise by Jesus to be present with a small group of his followers when they seek him. In fact, God promises in many places never to leave his children, but this passage is about church leadership and the removal of a member.
So, it is possible to arrive at a legitimate destination through less-than-careful means. But this should make us praise God for his grace, not continue on in recklessness.
We Broadcast Our Method
When we share portions of the Bible with others, we are not only sharing our conclusions. We are sharing our method. We are teaching people how to use God’s holy word.
So, when we pluck out a verse and tack it to our email signatures, we’re modeling this behavior. We’re encouraging onlookers to use the Bible in this à la carte way. If we inspire people to walk blindfolded, some of them just might do so on a cliff. And quickly.
You might not see the effects first-hand. But using Bible verses out of context can have damnable consequences.
An Example: Jehovah’s Witnesses
Jehovah’s Witnesses differ from Christians in important doctrinal matters, some of which are the direct result of ignoring Scriptural context.
This article is not intended to be a complete refutation of Jehovah’s Witness theology, so we will look at just two examples.
Is Jesus Almighty God?
Jehovah’s Witnesses agree that Jesus is the Son of God but do not believe that he is God Almighty. Here is one of their arguments.
Jesus’ early followers did not view him as being equal to Almighty God. For example, the apostle Paul wrote that after Jesus was resurrected, God “exalted him [Jesus] to a superior position.” Obviously, Paul did not believe that Jesus was Almighty God. Otherwise, how could God exalt Jesus to a superior position?
As with many other doctrines, this interpretation depends in part on the translation Jehovah’s Witnesses use. A more common way to translate the relevant phrase in Philippians 2:9 is “God has highly exalted him.” But even if we put this quibble aside, we reach quite a different conclusion when we consider this passage in context.
Paul writes that Jesus “was in the form of God” but “did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped” (Phil 2:6). Instead, he “emptied himself,” “being born in the likeness of men” (Phil 2:7). So, Jesus refused to grasp his God-nature tightly, and as a humble servant he took on human nature.
Paul is not making an argument against the divine nature of Jesus in Philippians 2. He is showing that the sacrificial love he urges was demonstrated by God himself in the incarnation and life of Jesus.
An Ethical Example
In addition to theological matters, Jehovah’s Witnesses also play fast and loose with Scripture when it comes to ethical considerations. Consider the following argument they make for why they do not go to war.
Jesus’ disciples obey his command to be “no part of the world” by remaining strictly neutral in political matters. (John 17:16) They do not protest against military actions or interfere with those who choose to serve in the armed forces.
A quick look at the verse in question reveals that Jesus is giving a description, not a command. His disciples are “not of the world, just as [he is] not of the world” (John 17:16).
Further, Jesus is not praying that his disciples would stay out of political matters. In the previous breath, Jesus asks his Father, “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one” (John 17:15). Just two verses later, Jesus prays, “As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world” (John 17:18). Jesus wants his disciples in the world, but protected.
It is not my goal to argue anything specific about politics. I simply observe that, while making their argument, Jehovah’s Witnesses yank this phrase entirely out of its context.
Context Matters
It might seem bold or encouraging to share a Bible verse out of context with your followers or friends on social media.
Please remember: There’s a better way! You are not only sharing God’s word, you’re showing others how to handle it. And handling the Bible out of context is a dangerous business, potentially leading to heresy and hell itself.
Can there be any doubt that context matters?
B. Johnson says
The idea of modeling the concept of Biblical context is a great one. Though I teach it in Bible studies, how often am I guilty of the error in conversations and correspondence? Thanks for this—I’ll keep it in mind.
SPENCER M TUTTLE says
Greetings! Youre points are well taken. Sometimes believers quote a verse out of context like it’s a fortune cookie! One of my “pet peeve” verses is Jeremiah 29:11
(For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.), a wonderful promise to exiles in Babylon, but not a guaranteed promise of “prosperity” to whomever “claims” the promise of that verse! Why don’t the people who print Jeremiah 29:11 on graduation cards instead cite God’s word to Baruch in Jeremiah 45:5?
“Should you then seek great things for yourself? Seek them not. For I will bring disaster on all people, declares the LORD, but wherever you go I will let you escape with your life.’ ”