Chapter 7: Context, Scope, and Plan

In order to gain a better understanding of the grammatico-historical sense of Scripture the biblical interpreter must look at the purpose of the biblical author in his writing. It must be assumed that the author has some end or scope in view for the writing. Attention must also be paid the general arrangement, or plan, of the author of the various parts of a work. Once the general scope and plan is ascertained, then attention can be paid to the particular parts of a writings noting the immediate context of the part.

Sometimes the Scripture gives the scope of the work. This is the case with the Paul’s epistle to Titus. In verse five Paul writes, “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I appointed thee.” The letter then proceeds with instructions to Titus upon this very theme to encourage and exhort him as to his work of setting things in order and ordaining elders. Other times the scope of book must be determined in other ways. Milton Terry suggests, for example, that Genesis may be ordered in ten parts with where each part begins with “These are the generations..” as a tenfold history from creation through the earliest developments of human history. Such scope is not stated by Moses, but does appear from the book. The recurrent heading through the book of Genesis hints of the author’s plan in the layout of Genesis.

Once a panoramic view of a books plan and scope is obtained, the biblical interpreter is better equipped to draw meaning from particular parts and sections paying careful attention to the context. We often hear in Christian circles that Scripture must be taken in context, but what is really meant by that? The context of a passage of Scripture or small portion may be near or remote from the passage(s) under consideration. It is best to first consider the immediate context and then move outward toward a broader context if the meaning of a verse or passage requires it for a better understanding. It is also helpful to consider how facts or events happen in the order of time, or how a certain teaching may be connected to some historical fact. Through careful study and the constant exercise of observing the text in its context, scope, and plan the biblical interpreter can grow in discerning the grammatico-historical sense of Scripture.