Friday, April 26, 2024

Previously we learned about some overarching considerations when reading the Bible, as well as five questions, known as “the envelope” to ask before you begin. Just as you react differently to an envelope from the IRS than you would to something that looks like a birthday card, having some basic knowledge about the book of the Bible you are reading will help you get the most out of your time in God’s word.

This article explores the benefit of knowing the author, audience and when it was written*.

Author
If the author is known, it's something to pay attention to, as the author of the book determines the meaning. It helps explain why certain things are included or excluded. Each author offers their own particular flavor. For example, Luke, who was a doctor, gives elaborate detail. Knowing Paul was a devout Jew prior to conversion clarifies both his familiarity with the Hebrew Scriptures and shows his radical transformation. He was well versed in the Law and would have disdained Gentiles, yet now he is reaching out to the very people he once hated.

Audience
Understanding who the author is writing to is also helpful. For example, if Jesus is speaking to a Jewish audience, there are certain things he likely would not address as that audience wouldn’t have required clarification. However, if writing to the Gentiles Paul may have explained Jewish law that would have been implied in the first example. Understanding the audience will help you better appreciate the what and the how behind what is being conveyed.

When written
Recognizing when it was written gives insight to the issues the original audience was experiencing. It brings clarity to why certain things were included or excluded and can help us appreciate the struggles the ancient people were experiencing, or how the book would have been perceived.

Using 1 Peter as our example:

The Author of this book is Peter, an apostle of Christ. This close relationship would mean he had intimate knowledge of what Jesus said and did. In this book, Peter’s audience is the church during the reign of Nero. Nero, a merciless Roman emperor, persecuted Christians and they suffered severely.

These few points alone can enrich our understanding and enhance our relationship with Scripture. When we add in the other reference points our clarity around Scripture crystalizes. We’ll continue the adventure next week.

*A good study Bible or commentary is a great resource for this information.