Context Part III

Maintaining or restoring the original culture is essential to the effectiveness of an instruction, in the prior cases: England's fondness for baths, some households' affections for dogs, and America's familiarity with history and the Bible.

My real intention is to say that just as the culture of the late eighteenth century was essential not only to the interpretation, but also to the success of the government instituted for that time, so many parts of the culture of the first century after Christ are essential for the comprehension and effectiveness of the instructions given in the New Testament. I say ‘many parts’ because it is possible that some cultural pieces do not affect the matrix of the whole. Perhaps we would do better to study which of those pieces are essential to the success of the biblical system than to strive for a melted and conformed set of man-manipulated instructions to apply to our modern state of rebellion.

Instead of saying that women were not allowed to speak in church “back then” because of the cultural stigma against women drawing public attention to themselves, and therefore trying to shove meanings into the words of Paul which he did not intend or foresee, we should see whether that piece of their culture contributed to the harmony of the early Christian families and Church. Rather than assuming that our wisdom is more enlightened than the wisdom that God imparted to the apostles and early church, we should study that wisdom and put into practice as much of it as possible.

This is not to deny the eternal relevance of the Bible. It is much more. I intend to picture the live and powerful nature of the Bible, its effectiveness to transform lives and cultures.

The Church needs to remember the context in which the Scriptures were written, not as an excuse to abandon the writings, but as an instruction to understand them. To know that the Jews were horrified that Jesus would say, "Before Abraham was, I am," is to add to our understanding of Scripture: the significance of His claim and the various reactions of Jesus' enemies and followers. When we are familiar with shepherds and vine-tenders, we understand what Jesus meant when He said He is the Door of the sheep, and that His Father is the Vinedresser. Knowing that the Church was under persecution when Paul wrote to Rome instructing the Church there to subject themselves to all governing authorities leaves us without excuse in our subjection to the government of America.

Man’s attempts at reforming culture are falling utterly short. In many cases, Christians have surrendered, and have embraced the fallen culture in which they live. It is time to forsake the wisdom of men and return to the wisdom of God, whatever the cost. It is time to ignore the scorn of the world and be different. It is time to take God at His word and see what He will accomplish.

To God be all glory.

Please read Introduction.