Pointers on How to Study

This concept can really help in Job. Job was a prophet of God but what his friends said was sometimes wrong. See Jas. 5:10-11 and Job 42:7. We do well to take special note of who s talking in Job. When Job speaks, his words are the words of God s prophet. But when his friends speak, what they say may be in error.

It also helps to ask: Who is being addressed? This principle is well illustrated in the story of Simon the sorcerer. In Acts 8:13 the Bible tells us that Simon believe and was baptized. When we couple this with Mk. 16:16 we discern that Simon had to believe and be baptized in order to be saved. However, in Acts 8:22, Peter told Simon to repent and pray. So what must a person do to have their sins forgiven? Which of these two plans is the plan for us to follow? By noting the first case speaks to Simon as an alien sinner and the second as a fallen saint, we can discern the two plans speak to two different types of people. To properly understand the scriptures, take note of who s being addressed in the context.

Another question we should ask is: Does the principle apply today? In Col. 2:14-16 the Bible tells us Moses law with its Sabbath requirements was nailed to the cross. Though many Old Testament passages command to keep the Sabbath, this passage tells us those commands are no longer binding. By realizing we are no longer under Moses covenant we can discern that the Sabbath laws don t regulate us. To properly understand the scriptures, remember to divide the covenants and see if the command applies today.

It also helps to ask: What were the circumstances of the passage? In 1 Cor. 7:6-9 Paul says that most have the need to marry, though there are advantages of being single. He seems to indicate what he says is with the Spirit s permission, but not a command. A person might gather from this that Paul s words were uninspired. But in 1 Cor. 7:26 he indicates he is speaking about the present distress. The present distress was the persecution faced by the early church. By taking into account the circumstances we can better understand Paul s message. He was not speaking his own opinion. Rather he was speaking the Spirit s advice for the current situation.

A final important consideration is: What other principles speak to the subject? In 1 Jn. 3:17 the Bible tells us to give to those in need. This may sound like an open-ended requirement to help everyone that asks. However, 2 Thes. 3:10 shows there are limits to how we conduct our benevolent work. A lazy person should not be fed. By allowing principles regarding laziness to speak to our benevolent efforts we can understand the principles of the work ethic limit the principles of benevolence. When studying scripture always bring relevant principles to bear on a given subject.

These are examples of how asking the right questions about a given context can help us properly understand what the scriptures say.

This fact really bothers many of our denominational friends. They cannot comprehend why we don t allow women to speak in the church. When we appeal to this passage, many claim Paul was just speaking his own opinion. But in verse 37 Paul stresses that these are God s commands! So the prohibitions of women teachers are God s word, not Paul s prejudice.