In Its Context

II Peter 1:20 declares, “Knowing this first, that no prophecy [none of that which is foretold or forthtold in the Word of God]...is of any private interpretation.” Since I dare not interpret it, or you, or any other person in the world, all Scripture must interpret itself either in the verse or in the context or in previous usage. We have so far exclusively studied the first point that Scripture interprets itself in the verse where it is written. For these Scriptures we noted that the verses not only interpreted themselves, but that (1) the words in the verses must be interpreted according to the meaning of the words at the time of the translation, (2) that any one verse must always be in harmony with all Scripture relating to the identical subject and (3) that one Scripture may not tell all the details; other Scriptures may add to it without contradicting each other. The second point of how Scripture interprets itself is in its context. If Scripture does not interpret itself in its own verse, then read the verse in its context. The context is that which makes up the whole story, the enveloping idea. For an example read Psalms 2:8. Missionaries have often used this text when talking about winning the heathen for the Lord Jesus Christ. Psalms 2:8: As of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Isn’t this a tremendous missionary sermon? Not if it is read in the context. Read the next verse. Psalm 2:9: Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel. Psalms 2:8 does not make a good missionary sermon because in context the verse is, to say the least, inappropriate. In Matthew 22 is a verse of Scripture that is frequently used at the memorial service for a saint of God who has worked diligently for the local church. This person was a fine influence in the community and, having passed away, the minister selects Matthew 22:32 as his text at the funer