While the last post (available here) focused on the original context, these questions concern the canonical context, addressing the question: Where does this passage fit within the canon of Scripture?Here goes:
Is the original speaker also the author of the written record? For example, Jesus taught, but as far as we know, didn't right anything down... okay, other than when he wrote in the dust in the woman caught in adultery encounter.
If not, who did record the original speaker's words?
To whom was he writing?
What was the intended message for the author's audience?
Identify the genre: history, speech, poetry, prophecy, apocalyptic, gospel, etc. It wouldn't be fair to interpret apocalyptic literature the same way one would interpret a love poem.
Consider the literary context. What comes before the passage? What comes after? Which stories are grouped together? Why?
Our next group of questions will explore God's message for us today.
No comments:
Post a Comment