Scriptural Context & Background Helps Christians Go Deeper Into God’s Word

Key Takeaways

• Grasping the historical and scriptural background transforms Bible reading from simple reading to deep spiritual nourishment.
• Samuel Brengle outlined eight specific benefits of contextual Bible study, including stronger faith, clearer divine correction, and better prayer life.
• Understanding the cultural background of biblical texts helps us see Jesus more clearly and build genuine closeness with God.
• Contextual Bible study prepares believers to share biblical truth more effectively with others in today's world.
• Historical background, as in "The Bible In Brief" by Betty Johansen, helps Christians apply ancient wisdom to modern challenges in their spiritual journey.

The Power of God's Word Understood Through Background

The Bible isn't just another book—it's divine revelation authored by God Himself through human vessels. As 2 Peter 1:21 tells us, "holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." Yet many Christians miss the transformative power of Scripture by reading it without understanding its background.

Reading Scripture with proper background requires more than casual reading—it demands thoughtful engagement with the text. Betty Johansen at Wordsmith World notes that when we approach the Bible with awareness of its historical setting, literary style, and overall narrative, passages that seemed difficult or irrelevant suddenly come alive with meaning and application.

Samuel Brengle (1860-1936), a spiritual giant whose insights continue to guide believers today, identified eight powerful benefits that come from studying Scripture in context. These benefits aren't just intellectual—they're deeply practical and transformative for our spiritual lives.

Why Historical Background Is Essential for Bible Understanding

Have you ever read a Bible passage and wondered, "What did this mean to the original audience?" That question marks the beginning of deeper Bible study. When we understand the historical circumstances surrounding a biblical text, we gain valuable insights that surface reading simply cannot provide.

Historical background involves understanding the cultural norms, political situations, geographical settings, and religious practices of biblical times. It means recognizing that Paul's letters addressed specific situations in actual communities, that the prophets spoke to particular historical circumstances, and that Jesus' parables used imagery familiar to His first-century audience.

Without this contextual understanding, we risk imposing our modern worldview onto ancient texts, potentially missing their intended meaning entirely. For example, Jesus' command to "go the extra mile" in Matthew 5:41 takes on richer meaning when we understand that Roman soldiers could legally compel civilians to carry their equipment for one mile—Jesus was calling His followers to surprising generosity in the face of oppression.

How Background Connects Ancient Text to Modern Life

One of the most significant challenges for modern Bible readers is the vast cultural and historical gap between our world and the ancient Near East. How do we make sense of agricultural parables in our digital age? How do we apply instructions given to first-century churches to our contemporary situations?

Background serves as the connection that links these worlds. When we understand the original context of Scripture, we're better equipped to identify the timeless principles that apply across all cultures and eras. These principles become the foundation for application in our modern lives.

This contextual understanding doesn't diminish Scripture's authority—it enhances it. By recognizing the Bible as both divinely inspired and historically situated, we honor both its divine origin and its human delivery system. As we'll see in Samuel Brengle's insights, this approach leads to transformative encounters with God's Word.

8 Ways Contextual Understanding Transforms Bible Study

1. Building Stronger Faith Through Historical Insight

Samuel Brengle wisely noted that faith doesn't appear magically—it comes through engagement with God's Word. As Romans 10:17 states, "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." When we understand Scripture in its proper context, our faith is built on solid ground.

Brengle shared the example of a mighty man of God who initially prayed for more faith but found breakthrough when he discovered this verse and began studying the Bible's promises in their proper context. Though without formal education, this man became filled with God's wisdom, won thousands to Christ, and saw millions of dollars provided for God's work. His testimony reinforces the idea that belief follows honest searching of the Scriptures in context.

2. Receiving Divine Correction With Greater Clarity

The Bible has always served as God's instrument for correction. When we understand the specific situations being addressed in Scripture, correction becomes more precise and applicable.

Brengle shares examples of individuals whose lives were transformed when they encountered Scripture in its proper context. One woman, constantly complaining despite kind treatment, read Philippians 2:14-15: "Do all things without murmurings and disputings; that ye may be blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish." This passage, understood in context, gave her both conviction and clarity, leading to humility and changed behavior.

3. Gaining Wisdom That Surface Reading Misses

Scripture itself testifies to its instructional value: "The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding to the simple" (Psalm 119:130). Contextual study reveals wisdom that surface reading often misses.

Brengle cited David's testimony: "Thou through Thy commandments hast made me wiser than my enemies. I have more understanding than all my teachers; for Thy testimonies are my meditation" (Psalm 119:98-100). He also shared the story of a young Minnesota farm worker who prioritized Bible study in every spare moment. Though lacking formal education, this young man developed remarkable wisdom that helped others work through complex theological questions simply through his contextual understanding of Scripture.

4. Developing Deeper Intimacy With God

Perhaps one of the most profound benefits of contextual Bible study is how it reveals God's character more fully. Brengle confessed that certain portions of Scripture became so precious through deep study that they moved him to tears.

He shared the story of Swedish officers found weeping with joy after reading Jesus' statement that "the very hairs of your head are all numbered" (Matthew 10:30). Their contextual understanding of this passage revealed God's intimate care in ways that overwhelmed them emotionally. Similarly, a young man whose heart had been hardened through losing both parents found his heart softened through Jesus' promise of rest in Matthew 11:28-29, understood in its full context.

5. Seeing Jesus More Fully Through Biblical Background

"Do you want to know Jesus better? Read the Bible," Brengle advised. The Bible, when read with contextual understanding and under the Holy Spirit's guidance, reveals Jesus in His fullness.

Through contextual study, we see Jesus as a tender babe born in humble circumstances, a carpenter, one who fasted and prayed, who was tempted yet without sin. We witness His compassion, His teaching, and ultimately His sacrifice for our sins. We see His resurrection and ascension, and understand the authority given to Him for our benefit. This comprehensive picture of Christ emerges only through studying Scripture in its proper context.

6. Improving Your Prayer Life With Contextual Knowledge

Do you want to pray with more faith and power? Brengle's simple advice was to read the Bible. Understanding Scripture in its context directly improves our prayer life by revealing God's will, character, and promises.

When we study the Bible contextually, we learn how God has answered prayers throughout history, what He promises to His people, and how to align our requests with His purposes. This knowledge doesn't just inform our prayers—it transforms them. We move from vague, uncertain petitions to confident, faith-filled communion with God based on His revealed Word.

As we gain a deeper understanding of who God is through contextual study, our approach to Him in prayer naturally becomes more reverent, intimate, and expectant. Our prayers begin to reflect biblical patterns and priorities rather than merely personal preferences.

7. Speaking Biblical Truth More Effectively to Others

Brengle emphasized that those who want to speak effectively to the hearts of both believers and unbelievers should immerse themselves in Scripture. Contextual Bible study equips us with "truth that is sharper than a two-edged sword, that is like a fire and a hammer."

When we understand the Bible in its original context, we can more accurately apply its timeless principles to contemporary situations. We avoid misapplying Scripture or taking verses out of context. Instead, we develop the ability to comfort mourners, arouse the careless, instruct the ignorant, and lead the perplexed through properly interpreted biblical truth.

This benefit extends beyond formal teaching or preaching. Even in everyday conversations, those with contextual biblical understanding can address life's challenges with wisdom that has stood the test of time. Rather than offering mere opinions, they can share God's perspective with confidence and clarity.

8. Maintaining Lifelong Spiritual Growth and Faithfulness

Do you want to "hold out faithful to the end, and not make shipwreck of faith"? Brengle's final benefit speaks to the long-term impact of contextual Bible study: it helps believers remain faithful to the end. He points to Joshua 1:8, which promises that those who observe God's Word will "make thy way prosperous" and "have good success."

Brengle wisely noted that it's "much easier, and therefore much more agreeable to our spiritual laziness, to go to a convention or revival meeting and claim a filling of the Holy Spirit than it is to peg along day after day, month after month, year after year, digging into the Word of God." Yet a spiritual experience not maintained by persistent study of the Word will soon vanish—just as a fire without fresh fuel goes out.

Contextual Bible study creates a sustainable pattern of spiritual growth that carries believers through every season of life, protecting them from fads, false teaching, and spiritual stagnation.

Practical Steps to Add Background to Daily Bible Reading

Adding contextual understanding to daily Bible reading doesn't require advanced theological training. Start by learning the Bible's overall storyline before studying specific passages. When reading a particular book, take a few minutes to learn about its author, recipients, and historical setting.

Rather than reading isolated verses, try to read complete sections or even entire books in one sitting to understand the flow of thought. Notice different levels of context: the surrounding verses, the themes of the entire book, and how the passage fits into the Bible's complete message.

Use study resources like Bible dictionaries or commentaries that provide valuable historical and cultural background. Reading with others can also show insights you might miss on your own.

Above all, be patient. As Brengle observed, some biblical passages that once seemed confusing often become clear through continued study and the Holy Spirit's guidance over time.

From Knowledge to Transformation: The Ultimate Goal of Contextual Study

While contextual understanding increases our knowledge of Scripture, knowledge alone isn't the goal. The ultimate purpose is transformation—becoming more like Christ through our encounter with God's Word.

As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us, Scripture is "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." Contextual study serves this purpose by ensuring we're building our lives on the true meaning of God's Word rather than our misconceptions.

Samuel Brengle's eight benefits all point to this transformative purpose. Faith grows stronger, correction becomes clearer, wisdom increases, intimacy with God deepens, Christ is seen more fully, prayer becomes more powerful, communication becomes more effective, and faithfulness endures—all because we've encountered God's Word as He intended it to be understood.

In our information-filled age, the practice of careful, contextual Bible study stands as a counter-cultural activity that produces lasting spiritual fruit. By taking time to understand Scripture in its proper context, we position ourselves to experience its full transformative power in our lives.

For Christians seeking to deepen their understanding of Scripture through historical and literary context, "The Bible in Brief" by Betty Johansen, published by Wordsmith World, provides resources that bring clarity to God's Word for meaningful spiritual transformation. Grab your copy today!