The Proper First Question in Bible Study
I am really excited that one of the things we are about to restart at Central is Teens in the Word. Though our numbers have been smaller with this during the pandemic (along with everything else), it is a joy to see these young people diving a little more deeply into the Bible.
One of the things we try to emphasize with them constantly is to look at a passage and ask the “right first question.” I’ll get to what it is in a moment, but the fact is that a lot of adults need to be reminded of this, as well.
Before we get there, though, the main thing we teach our Teens is to study in context. Remember who wrote the book and to whom. Why was it written? Does this verse start with a “therefore” or “for” or “but” or “so” that reminds you to look back up and see what the writer has already been talking about? These and other similar things are talked about constantly.
But once those things are established and the passage has been read, the Bible student has two directions he or she can go. Sadly, way too many ask the wrong first question.
Too many ask this first: “What does this passage mean to me?”
Now, that’s a fine question and it is one that we need to get to eventually. After all, the Bible is all about transformation and connecting the reader with the Almighty God in a very personal way.
However, to be good Bible students we need to ask a different question first.
What is it? “What did this mean to them?”
To truly take a passage at face value I need to know what it meant when it was written. Why did Paul say that to those people? Why did Joshua tell those people that in this circumstance? Why did Jesus say that at this moment?
Those questions help us filter down to the very essence of a passage so that we know what the Holy Spirit had in mind for those people at that time.
Knowing that, then, I can ask “What does this mean to me?”
Why wait for that question until later? Because only now that I know what it meant can I truly know what it means. As some have put it before, proper application can only come after proper interpretation.
Yes, it takes work and prayerful thought. Yes, it is an “extra” step that many seem not to be willing to take. But it is the only way we can get to the proper application of Scripture and avoid making applications the text was never intended to make.
But also, taking the time and making the effort can reveal such glorious truths that we will find it rewarding to our faith. Will you ask the right first question?
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AUTHOR: Adam Faughn
