Hermeneutics

Keys to interpreting the Scriptures

Context of the Four Gospels

Matthew, Mark, and Luke contain 83 of the same accounts.

(Twenty-four of these accounts are found also in John.)

Matthew, an accountant, was writing to the Jewish world.

Mark, an interpreter in Latin for Peter, was writing to the Roman world.

Luke, a physician and scholar, was writing to the Greek world.

John is not written to any particular culture but is a universal Gospel.

Once, I tried reading an old family recipe, and I just couldn't make sense of it! My grandmother’s handwriting was a mix of cursive, shorthand, and a few doodles. It made me realize that interpreting scripture can be similar; context matters! Just like I needed my grandma to explain that recipe, sometimes we need a little help from knowledgeable friends to understand the richness of God's Word. Let's not shy away from asking for insights when we feel lost!

In my teenage years, I discovered a comic book that was adapted from a classic novel. The illustrations simplified the story but also made it goofy! Just like these adaptations can skew a narrative, sometimes our interpretations of scripture can miss the mark if we focus too much on our perspectives alone. When we interpret scripture, let’s remember to look at the whole picture—context, culture, and the original intent—so we don’t end up in a cartoon version of the truth!

I once attended a study group where we were tasked with finding the most bizarre interpretations of famous movies. You wouldn't believe the wild theories we came up with! Yet this reminds me of how we can sometimes bring our own preconceived notions into the interpretation of scripture. Just as we should approach movie interpretations with joy, let’s enjoy diving into God’s Word with fresh eyes, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our insights instead of overlaying our own agendas!

During my first week learning to cook, I decided to make a cake from a well-loved recipe. I misread the instructions and added double the sugar. The result? A cake so sweet, it was practically dessert for a candy factory! Much like that cake, misinterpreting scripture can lead us to unexpected outcomes. It seems sweet at first but can turn out to be unappetizing. Therefore, let’s ensure we read the instructions correctly so that we don’t miss the genuine advice God provides!

Once, I tried reading an old family recipe, and I just couldn't make sense of it! My grandmother’s handwriting was a mix of cursive, shorthand, and a few doodles. It made me realize that interpreting scripture can be similar; context matters! Just like I needed my grandma to explain that recipe, sometimes we need a little help from knowledgeable friends to understand the richness of God's Word. Let's not shy away from asking for insights when we feel lost!

In my teenage years, I discovered a comic book that was adapted from a classic novel. The illustrations simplified the story but also made it goofy! Just like these adaptations can skew a narrative, sometimes our interpretations of scripture can miss the mark if we focus too much on our perspectives alone. When we interpret scripture, let’s remember to look at the whole picture—context, culture, and the original intent—so we don’t end up in a cartoon version of the truth!

I once attended a study group where we were tasked with finding the most bizarre interpretations of famous movies. You wouldn't believe the wild theories we came up with! Yet this reminds me of how we can sometimes bring our own preconceived notions into the interpretation of scripture. Just as we should approach movie interpretations with joy, let’s enjoy diving into God’s Word with fresh eyes, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our insights instead of overlaying our own agendas!

During my first week learning to cook, I decided to make a cake from a well-loved recipe. I misread the instructions and added double the sugar. The result? A cake so sweet, it was practically dessert for a candy factory! Much like that cake, misinterpreting scripture can lead us to unexpected outcomes. It seems sweet at first but can turn out to be unappetizing. Therefore, let’s ensure we read the instructions correctly so that we don’t miss the genuine advice God provides!

I remember a family road trip where we relied on a printed map instead of GPS. It was great until we misread a crucial fork in the road! We ended up miles off course, laughing at our silly mistake. In interpreting scripture, if we don't pay close attention to the context—and sometimes little road signs, like testimonies and commentaries—we too can go off track. It's essential to stay focused on God's guidance, ensuring we travel the path He laid out for us!