For years, we have read the Bible to find out what the scriptures mean to us. Before we do this, we should first discover the message biblical authors were trying to convey and their purpose/intent in writing. I believe we must approach the Bible from the proper perspective to understand the writers’ true intent and message through the Holy Spirit. As we see the Bible in its truest historical light, we can assemble its content, context, and message appropriately.

WHO? - Who is the book written to? Who are the people illustrated in the book?

WHAT? - What are the cultures/people surrounding the timeframe of the book? What message is the biblical author trying to communicate?

WHEN? - When was the book written?

WHY? - Why was the book written?

HOW? - How do the surrounding cultures/people affect the message of the book?

Questions like these and others will help us understand the basis and proper context of each biblical book. As these questions are answered and our understanding solidifies, we can accurately answer the question of how the message of the biblical book or Bible as a whole can be applied to our lives.

May we strive to understand the Holy Scriptures in a manner that does not comfort our personal desires or doctrine, but preserves the message which has been handing down to us by the Lord.