Context and Continuity
It seems such a simple thing, but language – words – really do matter. The context of words within a sentence is the most important part of language. The use of idiom, metaphor, and simile are paramount to describe the conditions of the heart in words of black and white. One can only understand these concepts of language within context.
Having written this, I must express the thought that prompted this. When one studies the Bible it is important to understand the context. I don’t mean that we need to understand the cultural, or historical construct under which these works were created. I also don’t mean that we need to understand the relevant linguistics of the original text. I mean we have to understand that certain modern conventions of writing have allowed for a change in contextual flow.
In our modern Bible we have chapters and verses. This can be a handy mechanism for memorization, or reference. You will have certainly heard of someone “quoting chapter and verse” from the Bible. Sometimes this is used as a mark of derision, sometimes as a mark of spiritual achievement. The use of chapters and verses within the Bible can be a useful tool for many purposes, but they can also be a great detriment to our understanding of it’s meaning.
There are 66 books in the bible. Each of these books had no chapters, or verses. For that matter, 23 (22 if you count the Revelation) of the “books” in the New Testament aren’t books at all; they’re letters. As such they were intended to be read, start to finish, in one contiguous fashion. Contiguous, continuity – words that are paramount to the idea of context.
Each passage in the writings of Paul builds upon previous passages. If you have not grasped the thoughts expressed in chapter 1, moving on to chapter 2 takes on meanings unintended by the author. If you leave chapter 1 isolated as a concept, then move to chapter 2 as though it is a different concept, you have missed the meaning intended by the author. Segmenting these letters into distinct groups allows one to isolate thoughts and conform those thoughts to individual intent.
A good novelist will use chapters as a means of dividing up the action, or to create breaks in time or setting. This is a common mechanism of modern fiction. It also gives the reader convenient markers for stopping points. A good novelist will also use those chapters to move the story forward towards the ultimate conclusion of the work. The pervasive culture of the novel clouds our understanding of the mode of communication intended within the Bible.
Instead of looking at verses, chapters and books, try looking at the Bible as one long letter; a single letter from our creator to His creation. Try looking at the letters from Paul to the churches in one continuous flow, where each concept builds upon the previous concept and where chapters really don’t exist. As you do this, remember the one primary tenet of scripture; without it’s Author, the words have no context, or continuity.
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. – John 14:26
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