Straight Outta Context Matters
If you had told me a few years ago that Scripture taken out of context would cause me to begin questioning teaching I had sat under for nearly two decades, I would have likely dismissed the claim. After all, this was not an isolated incident. It is unpleasant to confess that I also took Scripture out of context during those years, from offering messages and blog posts to even being permitted to minister from pulpits on Sunday mornings. The error ran deep. Thank God for that fateful night in February 2019 when God used John 10:27 and John 14:15 to minister to me though straight out of context and said to be in reference to spiritual sons and daughters listening and obeying spiritual fathers. I was so Biblically illiterate yet I recognized something was wrong. Now over two years later, my love for the Word of God in its glorious context has grown and continues to grow as I desire to share with others who may have come from the same type of movement I once did or need to hear the context of verses so that God is truly glorified by the truth of His Word.
The twisting of Scripture is a common occurrence, and it is dependent upon those who will not question the teaching associated with the presented verses. Biblical illiteracy is required in order for a person to be blown around by every wind of doctrine. In order to understand the Bible and the nature of God, we must have proper understanding in the proper context. This comes from simply taking time to read the Bible for ourselves and testing what we are being taught.
While reflecting on past verses and their misappropriation, I wanted to share with you some of these verses with the intent to encourage you and to help those who want to understand the Word better but may have been left in confusion and mistrust when it comes to the meaning of Scripture. When looking at verses that are called into question from a teaching, it is important to read the verses preceding and proceeding the verse so that proper context is present. A good rule is reading ten verses before and after for the context. It is also helpful to note the author, the audience, and the application. Ask yourself if the verse is descriptive or prescriptive in following Christ. All Scripture is profitable for instruction. There are passages that are more descriptive and historical while others are prescriptive and can be applied to our lives in how we conduct ourselves as Christians. Doing simple things like this along with having a reliable study Bible in our private Bible reading and study will greatly help us in our understanding of God’s Word, which will help us to grow in spiritual maturity.
You may have some verses come to mind when you think of Scripture taken out of context. Some of the verses coming to mind are Romans 10:17, “So faith comes from hearing and hearing through the word of Christ” and 2 Corinthians 5:7, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” These verses at times are used in reference to the power of our words and our thoughts in believing for something in our lives. There may even be the belief that confessing the Word of God over yourself stirs your faith to believe and that you do not have to see what you are believing for in your life. But these verses in context are not talking about the power of our faith confession in situations and desires of our life. Romans 10:17 is talking about the gospel and salvation in context and that faith in Christ for salvation comes through the proclamation of the gospel, the word of Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:7 in context has to do with looking to the resurrection of our bodies, the glorious promise of eternal life while living in this world where we yet see that promise fulfilled this side of heaven. Context truly matters. I do not know about you, but the proper context of these verses is much more thought provoking and encouraging than the former thoughts having nothing to do with the meaning of these passages.
The power of our words was a common teaching, and such verses as Proverbs 18:21, Proverbs 23:7, and Romans 4:17 were quoted to support this belief. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and your words were said to be powerful in calling things into existence. Your thoughts even had power, and a negative faith confession could bring calamity, sickness, and even physical death. Conversely, there was teaching along these same lines that we could speak things that weren’t as though they were or that we could create with the power of our words. The truth is our words do have power to encourage and discourage people, but they do not have power to create as God does, which it is worth noting that God is the One in Romans 4:17 calling things that aren’t as though they were. The context is also focused on Abraham’s faith to believe God and His promises even in old age. How liberating it is when we understand Scripture in its intended meaning and we leave behind practices that are frankly more akin to witchcraft than to Christianity.
Luke 6:38 was a frequently quoted verse, particularly during offering messages in corporate services. This verse was used on numerous occasions to encourage people to give and to be generous in their giving. When they did, God would pour out a financial blessing for them in return, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. Not only that, but a particular translation would say that men would give into your bosom while other translations describe an overflow from the lap. The teaching went that being generous in your giving would cause men to be generous to you. However, upon reading the context of this verse, we find the preceding verse says, “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.” I noticed that semicolons follow each statement, linking each of them together in the same line of thought. Verse 38 was no exception because Luke 6:38 is talking about forgiveness being given and being reciprocated in such a way that it is abounding. This verse has nothing to do with finances or giving in order to receive monetary gain in return. Again, this is far more powerful understanding than any other misappropriated meaning.
There are many other verses that many of us could share where the presentation was straight out of context. It may not seem important to address such practices, but when the Word of God is not presented in its proper context, it does not glorify God and another gospel is potentially presented to people. Another concern I see is the lack of reverence and respect for God and His Word when it is taken out of context and used to perpetuate contrary or even self-serving teaching. I believe the fear of the Lord is lost when this occurs.
The Word of God is to be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). It is to guide us in God’s instruction and to provide illumination to the ways of God. When His Word is not taught and presented in truth, this poses a problem in fulfilling such a purpose. We need to get back to proper Biblical understanding and to being students of the Word of God. Do not rely on others to do the studying for you. Be a good Berean. Read the Bible. Read before and after the highlighted verse. Go to your leaders. Ask questions. Spiritually mature and Godly leaders and pastors welcome questions and they enjoy seeing the flock engaged in the Word of God in its proper context. I wish I could rewind those eighteen years, but I cannot do that. I am thankful for the time I now have to understand the Bible more, and I am thankful that God is now being glorified by the truth of His holy Word.
6 thoughts on “Straight Outta Context Matters”
Much of what you shared today is true, but you missed it concerning the context of Luke 6:38. Within the Greek text of this verse, it shows that it is not held primarily to forgiveness. How can forgiveness be given into ones bosom? Which in the Greek is actually the pocket of the robe. The original text, as well as numerous commentators point to Jesus pivoting and speaking on giving financially. I believe though Jesus isnt ONLY speaking of money, though every bible translation I looked at holds to that belief. We understand often times scripture can have more than one meaning. Such is the case here I think, where Jesus is revealing a principle that applies to every area of our life. While this verse can apply to money and I believe it does, it also can apply to forgiveness, mercy, understanding, and patience. I think Jesus is talking about the general principle of giving. The key is that we are generous in our giving, whether that is money, forgiveness, mercy, or grace. Where we err is when we attempt to fit scripture into our belief system, which is kind of what you did by equating verse 38 with 37. Just because theres a semicolon doesnt mean Jesus can’t or didnt pivot in a different direction, which I think He did, yet with a broader view and meaning in mind. Another example would be in Phil. 4:19 where Paul says “And my God shall supply all of your need according to His riches in glory, by Christ Jesus.” We know Paul is talking about finances, because of the previous verses, but it would be true and correct to say that that verse applies to more than money. I’m so glad for God bringing you out of the over the top prophetic and hyper grace movement, but you seem at times to be on a personal mission to attack every belief that a charismatic or Pentecostal holds to. Season your blog with much salt and grace, and realize that some things are open to interpretation. When I study the scriptures I not only look at verses before and after, but the setting, the time period, what other scholars say about it, written commentary, and whether it violates scripture as a whole. I hope you as well do something similar. In Bible college, I questioned my teachers when I felt they were towing the line. It fostered good debate and discussion. Blessings on you and your ministry.
Hi, Jesse! Thank you for the comment and for the insight. I admit I do not know Greek so if you could expound on your statement about the Greek text of the verse does not hold primarily to forgiveness, I would love to hear it! When reading through at least three different study Bibles, the notes talk of the man folding his arms with his robe and forming a container of sorts with the fabric in reference to this verse. One of my study Bibles states that it will be given by God in good measure as described in verse 38. I do have commentaries, and I enjoy referring to them for different perspectives, and I have found that some do not agree with me and some do not agree with you on this interpretation.
As for the use of semicolons, I recalled learning about them and that when used, they link closely related ideas or thoughts. Even a list or series of items linked by semicolons seems to correlate with that same pattern. Logically, the verses before and after verse 38 mention nothing about financial giving, just as you cited the example from Philippians 4:19 and its surrounding passages.
I greatly appreciate the insight from others, particularly those who have studied the Word and who have had academic training. It is a blessing to me and it helps me to learn and to grow while keeping me humble and learning how to discuss topics in a mature and gracious way.
I understand what you are saying and that it may seem I have an axe to grind. My goal is to help others at this point and to encourage others back into the Word of God, especially those who have come out of such movements like WOF and the hyper Charismatic. The sad truth is that there are verses like this one we are discussing that have been abused to manipulate others into giving while making promises of financial abundance and taking advantage of people monetarily. I can see what you are saying about this passage and it having more than one meaning. I still question the context surrounding this verse before and after as well as when studying, finding verses such as Matthew 7:2 and Mark 4:24 which correlate with the same wording used regarding measuring. Is it possible that Jesus used this type of language in their time to help have a visual with regards to being given forgiveness, judgment, or condemnation? I ask that because of his use with the robe, which would not be relevant to our current Western culture. The translations I also read say “into your lap” rather than into your bosom.
Again, I do appreciate your comment, and though tone is difficult to decipher at times when writing, I do want to convey my love and concern for others when writing about topics such as this, knowing that there will be disagreement or misunderstanding on either side.
Grace and peace to you, Jesse. I look forward to your response.
Hi Dawn, I appreciate your gracious response. As students of the Word we can at best grope along and attempt to come to as clear a meaning to scripture as is possible for us living as we do over a thousand plus years after Jesus walked the earth. I had never heard a commentary state the bosom was the folds made by the folding of ones arms. But thank you for the insight. Even that being the case I would still have to question how such a thing could hold forgiveness if that were the only intent of Luke 6:38. The fact that some commentaries mention forgiveness and some finances shows that those who wrote them are in no better a position than you and I, students of the Word attempting to convey Christ’s intent in a passage. An interesting point to think about, punctuation marks did not appear until around the 6th century forward, like periods, comma’s, and semicolons. So those who organized the current scriptures into sentences, paragraphs, and chapters did so based upon how Jewish rabbi’s attempted to do that with the Hebrew scriptures. Relying on tradition and certain breaks in the text that allowed for a breath before continuing. One reason I read commentaries and bible notes on passages is because somewhere between what the Word says, my understanding of it and what others have written on the topic, is Gods actual intent. And I pray as a student of the Word and as a pastor I get it right, knowing that I will be judged for what I teach those that I am privileged to lead. Which is why I do enjoy your blogs as someone who has come out of the hyper grace movement and has a perspective I dont. Though I may not always agree, I do investigate your points and dig in further into the scriptures. Blessings upon you, and I pray God will continue to use you, even if I do think you have an axe to grind at times, lol.
Thank you, Jesse! I appreciate the response and the explanation. It is very helpful. Blessings to you as well!
Great message Dawn,
Please keep sharing as the Spirit of God gives you utterance, I agree that many times scripture is being taken out of context and not only that many times are adding their own scriptures and saying, “the word says,”
for example, “anybody due the time of day” it cracks me up and I have asked some to tell me the chapter and book that is in. And yes their are times when I get something more extra from a scripture I’ve read more than once. As long as we keep Jesus message and mission, this is what matters. I can respect that also I see that you’re not to proud to admit previous errs when you started with Christ…this is the mark of true growth and trying to reach that place in God where to whom much is given, much is required. Jesus said in order to be his follower we must give up our own way, our own thoughts, our own agenda, I’m paraphrasing here. We should not be conformed to what everyone else is saying and doing, only to Jesus the Christ.
A well stated article with pinpoint accuracy on just a scant few ways in which the post modern church uses the words of God for personal gain and drawing a following unto themselves, not Jesus.
These practices are damaging and can be damnable to both the deceiver and the deceived.
We don’t “allow” politicians and leaders to slice, dice and reinterpret the Constitution, laws and legal documents. The natural result is personal gain for the one exercising “illegal” means through which they steal from others through trickery and deception.
Sadly seminaries and schools no longer teach or prioritize Hermeneutics and sound doctrine.
Two safe rules to live and study by are (1) context, context, context and (2) 2 Tim. 2:15 “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
Every book in the NT has warnings from Jesus and others to “be not deceived.” Scripture tells us their God is their “belly” and that they serve not the Lord Jesus Christ: Rom. 16:18, Phil. 3:19.
Although I had a decent background from solid teachers who taught context and sound doctrine, I fell prey to those with smooth words who mishandled the Scriptures. Satan’s oldest trick in the book started with Eve and serves him well today: “hath God said?” The fruit is laced with good and evil as it is pleasing to the eyes, soulish desires, and it certainly tastes good as it feeds the flesh. It may feed but it never nourishes.
After coming out from among them and data dumping much mixture learned from these self serving proselytes, it is refreshing, restoring and liberating to allow God to be God and to allow His word to say exactly what He meant to say…no help needed from the peanut gallery.
Comments are closed.