If we want to properly understand any given verse of the Bible, we need to set it within its wider context. After all, words spoken to a single prophet in ancient Israel have a very different context than words spoken to an entire congregation in New Testament Rome. These different contexts mean the very same words could have very different meanings. The most immediate context for a verse is a paragraph, so Koukl recommends reading at least that much. 

Greg Koukl often passes along a cheeky little tip related to reading and understanding the Bible. “If there was one bit of wisdom, one rule of thumb, one single skill I could impart, one useful tip I could leave that would serve you well the rest of your life, what would it be? What is the single most important practical skill I’ve ever learned as a Christian? Here it is: Never read a Bible verse.” Hang on! Is he one of those people who has lost confidence in the scriptures and now looks to other sources of authority to guide him? Of course not. Here’s how he continues: “That’s right, never read a Bible verse. Instead, always read a paragraph at least.”

Now you see his point. If we want to properly understand any given verse of the Bible, we need to set it within its wider context. After all, words spoken to a single prophet in ancient Israel have a very different context than words spoken to an entire congregation in New Testament Rome. These different contexts mean the very same words could have very different meanings. The most immediate context for a verse is a paragraph, so Koukl recommends reading at least that much. He goes on to describe how he puts this principle into play in his own ministry. “When I’m on the radio, I use this simple rule to help me answer the majority of Bible questions I’m asked, even when I’m totally unfamiliar with the verse. It’s an amazingly effective technique you can use, too. I read the paragraph, not just the verse. I take stock of the relevant material above and below. Since the context frames the verse and gives it specific meaning, I let it tell me what’s going on.”

The obvious point is that meaning depends upon context. By reading a single verse you may nail the meaning and application, but it’s far more likely you will miss it. To confidently understand the meaning of any part of the Bible and to confidently apply it to your life, you need to set it in its context. Hence, never read a Bible verse!

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