How to Read the Bible with Understanding. Chapter 7. Homework

Oscar Feucht suggests three questions for Bible study: what does the passage say, what does it mean, and what does it mean to us.

The first question, "What does the passage say," requires understanding the meanings of individual words, which can have multiple meanings depending on usage and context.

The word "cat," for instance, can refer to a domestic house cat, a large predator, or a person with a certain attitude and dress.

Similarly, the word "prayer" has different meanings: communication with God, or the amount sought in a lawsuit.

When Jesus says "Your faith has saved you," He may be referring to physical healing or salvation from condemnation, depending on the context.

In Bible study, it's essential to know the text's exact meaning, which can involve researching historical or cultural background.

For example, in Matthew 1:18-19, Mary and Joseph were engaged, which was a legally binding contract, explaining why they could be called husband and wife without living together.

It's important to note that our understanding of the text may differ significantly from that of the original audience due to historical and cultural differences.

As a result, we must do thorough research and interpretation to understand the intended meaning of the text.

In the example from Matthew, the engagement contract's significance may not be clear to modern readers without additional context, highlighting the importance of interpretation.

Oscar Feucht suggests three questions for Bible study: what does the passage say, what does it mean, and what does it mean to us.

The first question, "What does the passage say," requires understanding the meanings of individual words, which can have multiple meanings depending on usage and context.

The word "cat," for instance, can refer to a domestic house cat, a large predator, or a person with a certain attitude and dress.

Similarly, the word "prayer" has different meanings: communication with God, or the amount sought in a lawsuit.

When Jesus says "Your faith has saved you," He may be referring to physical healing or salvation from condemnation, depending on the context.

In Bible study, it's essential to know the text's exact meaning, which can involve researching historical or cultural background.

For example, in Matthew 1:18-19, Mary and Joseph were engaged, which was a legally binding contract, explaining why they could be called husband and wife without living together.

It's important to note that our understanding of the text may differ significantly from that of the original audience due to historical and cultural differences.

As a result, we must do thorough research and interpretation to understand the intended meaning of the text.

In the example from Matthew, the engagement contract's significance may not be clear to modern readers without additional context, highlighting the importance of interpretation.

Oscar Feucht suggests three questions for Bible study: what does the passage say, what does it mean, and what does it mean to us.

The first question, "What does the passage say," requires understanding the meanings of individual words, which can have multiple meanings depending on usage and context.

The word "cat," for instance, can refer to a domestic house cat, a large predator, or a person with a certain attitude and dress.

Similarly, the word "prayer" has different meanings: communication with God, or the amount sought in a lawsuit.

When Jesus says "Your faith has saved you," He may be referring to physical healing or salvation from condemnation, depending on the context.

In Bible study, it's essential to know the text's exact meaning, which can involve researching historical or cultural background.

For example, in Matthew 1:18-19, Mary and Joseph were engaged, which was a legally binding contract, explaining why they could be called husband and wife without living together.

It's important to note that our understanding of the text may differ significantly from that of the original audience due to historical and cultural differences.

As a result, we must do thorough research and interpretation to understand the intended meaning of the text.

In the example from Matthew, the engagement contract's significance may not be clear to modern readers without additional context, highlighting the importance of interpretation.

Matthew writes that Joseph did not father the baby Mary is carrying, as they had not yet had sexual intercourse.

The law at the time prescribed death by stoning for adultery, but the Romans ruled Palestine and would not allow local people to try capital cases, making the law inapplicable.

Joseph, a righteous man, decides to divorce Mary quietly to minimize shame for both parties.

Joseph and Mary were engaged, a legally binding relationship.

Mary became pregnant through the miracle of the Holy Spirit.

Mary would have been considered an adulteress in Jewish law, but Joseph, a law-abiding man, would have been required to divorce her.

Despite the public embarrassment, Joseph chooses to divorce Mary quietly to protect her from further shame.

The text also emphasizes the importance of understanding the original meaning of the passage and seeking guidance from knowledgeable Bible teachers.

Some people interpret the text to mean whatever they want it to mean, leading to inaccurate applications. Others stay close to the original meaning to apply it accurately.

The passage teaches that God is at work in the world and in our lives to accomplish His will, our salvation, even in difficult or challenging circumstances.