Discussion Board Replies
In almost every circumstance, the depth of human understanding will enlarge when we develop an improved understanding of historical context. This is especially true when we refer to the New Testament epistle –ancient letters that were distributed to particular individuals in particular places at particular times and handling particular problems (Bruce 20). But it is additionally true of Bible stories in general that an enhanced understanding of historical context will shed light on the actions and words that are found in narratives. Cultural contexts are additionally significant to the understanding of Bible as historical context. In the sense, the Bible provides a description of individual lives of the people who lived in distant places; we can expect to find references to customs that are not similar to our own. Description of these practices as well as devices and can challenge our understanding until we deepen the awareness we have of the Bible cultural context.
Second Response
The Bible is regarded as a collection of different texts from different historical situations that relay the thoughts as well as concerns of their authors from their own particular circumstances. Our understanding of given biblical passages such as the one mentioned in the essay -- Leviticus 1:1-9, has to depend on our ability to recover that historical context and read the text in its light, simply as it does with any other historical text. So the teaching does not address all Christians but only those whom the context is intended for. It is important to determine from the context, not from one’s theological, cultural or personal preference, the authors intended audience. People often read the Bible today in different situations than those which they were written. Neglecting historical and cultural background that the biblical books entail is a risk to misunderstanding the Bible.
Works Cited
Bruce, F. F. The book of the acts: the new international commentary on the New Testament. Elam Publications, 2007.
