Interpreting Accurately
by Chester A. McCalley

Always Consider Context and Harmony

To illustrate the importance of context, we can assert that the Bible specifically teaches there is no God. An exact quote from Psalm 14:1 asserts, "There is no God." However, it is taken out of context. It is prefaced by the words, "The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God.' "

Much interpretation of Scripture violates this simple rule of context. Cults often build a belief system based on verses divorced from context. Always ask, What has the author just said? and What does he say next?

Matthew 24:13 is problematic when taken out of context but clarifies itself when context is considered. "But the one who endures to the end, he shall be saved." To what does the end refer? What does Jesus mean by the word saved? Does the end refer to the end of one's life? Context tells us Jesus is not talking about the end of life but the end of the age. The end is defined in Matthew 24:3 where the disciples ask Jesus "...what will be the sign of your coming and the end of the age?" What kind of salvation is Jesus speaking of; spiritual salvation or physical salvation? Context argues for physical salvation since verse 9 speaks of their being delivered up to be killed. This would dictate the meaning of the word saved in verse 13.

In addition to considering context, one should always interpret Scripture harmonistically. The Bible is a divinely inspired book in which all teachings are consistent; one passage should never be interpreted in a way that contradicts other passages.

In Acts 2:38 does Peter teach that repentance and baptism are both required for forgiveness? If so, we have a major problem since scores of other passages do not make baptism a condition of salvation. For instance, in Acts 16:31 the jailer is told only to "believe in the Lord Jesus." Contradiction? Emphatically not! God's word never contradicts itself and no interpretation is correct that results in contradiction. Always interpret difficult or obscure passages in the light of clear passages.