Without Context, the Bible Is a Proof Text // Veracity Fount

Editors’ note:

TGC Africa creates faithful Christian content to strengthen African believers. Through this process ministry friendships develop with like-minded churches and parachurch organisations across Africa. We long to amplify the presence of gospel centered ministries in their home countries, pointing local Christians to trustworthy, edifying resources available on their doorstep.

This series of Word Bite videos were created by Veracity Fount, a parachurch organisation operating in the city of Kampala, Uganda. In short video clips Joseph Byamukama answers a few common questions Christians ask from a biblical standpoint, that is also concerned with historic theology. To find out more about Veracity Fount please visit their website or visit their offices at Plot 2, Musuubire Henry Close, Bukoto Kampala, Uganda.

D. A. Carson loves quoting the old saying, ‘A text without a context is a pretext for a proof text.’ Sometimes we abandon context out of neglect. At other times it’s in order to make the text say something we want it to. Either way, isolating a Bible verse from its context tends towards misunderstanding—towards proof texting. A sentence or verse can say almost anything, when we separate it from its surroundings.

Isolating a Bible verse from its context tends towards misunderstanding—towards proof texting.

Without context, the Bible says: “There is no God.” No, it doesn’t. For the fool says there’s no God (Psalm 14:1). But that verse alone proves the significance and necessity of context. Consider the fact that Jesus says both: “come to me” (Matthew 12:28); and “depart from me” (Matthew 7:23). Which is it? Well, context provides the backdrop and meaning to each of those commands.

Towards Reading the Bible in Context

We wouldn’t understand God’s word unless we study it in context.

If we desire to grow in our faith and deepen our understanding of God’s truth, we need to hear from him. We must study his word to us; we must listen carefully to God in the Bible. Context is indispensable to our faith and spiritual growth. For it is integral to the knowledge of God, given to us in his word. Bible proof texts cannot sustain this kind of growth. Bible passages reduced to the length of fridge magnets cannot properly support a solid faith.

Because God is a person, he speaks. Not in snippets or flashes. No. He has given us a text, inspired by his Spirit from beginning to end. The whole is the backdrop to the parts. Chapters explain passages. Passages explain verses. And verses explain words. If it’s our desire to understand what God says we must consider what he says in context, embedded within his whole word to us. If you long to have a richer understanding of the Bible, then, beware proof texts.