Interpretation: Step 2 in Bible Study

By Micah Colbert

Interpretation is the process of understanding 1) what a Biblical text means and 2) how the text was meant to be applied. Once you have gathered the necessary information to discover what a passage is saying, you can then begin to understand its meaning through careful study of the book’s historical context, literary context, and actual content.

1. Historical Context

“Why did the author write this book?” This is a hugely important question that needs to be answered. Each Bible text…

Christians: Yes, Let’s Vote Our Values

By Aaron Blumer

On the whole, I’ve written a lot less about the voting choices before us in this particular election cycle. From my point of view, it’s pretty much 2020 all over again, only with more clarity about the cultural and character factors.

More clarity? I’m sure many don’t see it that way. I’m not saying people are seeing more clearly. Subjectively, things seem more muddled than ever. Objectively, though, the character and positions of the candidates are even more clear than in 2020.

In this post, I’m reacting a bit to…

When You’re Tempted to Hate People, Part 5: Patience

By DOlinger

Read the series.

God’s primary description of himself begins with his compassion, and then his grace. Next is the phrase “slow to anger” (Ex 34.6). The KJV renders that as “longsuffering”; the God’s Word…