HOW TO STUDY HISTORY

Written over a 1500 year period, the Bible reflects the culture of its day. Today we’re inclined to interpret Scripture through the lens of our Western individualistic culture, which is very different from the culture of the Bible’s day. Journey into the ancient world and watch the text come alive as you grasp the history of the people of that time period. 

Ask these questions when studying History:

Who was it written to and who was it written about? How does the Bible describe them?  

Where does the narrative take place and where was it written? What can you learn about their town and travel?

When did the events take place and when was it written? What was going on in history at that time?

Why was this message given to those people at that time? Why is it included in the Bible? 

What worldview, cultural, religious, political factors and experiences were a part of their world and how did that influence them? What was their understanding of God at that time? (Study Bibles and commentaries can help!)

How would the original audience have heard this message? How does this fit into the big story of the Bible? 

KEY PRINCIPLE

Before you understand it today, understand it back then.

Practice exegesis (think exit), to pull out how the original audience would have heard its message. Avoid eisegesis, which is reading into the text your own presuppositions and bias

RESOURCES TO HELP STUDY HISTORY

WHAT TO STUDY NEXT