All About Cross-References, Part 2

Continued on from here. 

What about context?

Context is the key to interpreting Scripture.  The list below may seem overwhelming, but it is really just a list of questions that you can ask about a passage of Scripture to help you understand its meaning in its literary, historical, geographical, and cultural context. Not every questions applies to every passage. The best place to begin is by asking yourself, "What information is not provided in the passage that is necessary for me to understand what is being said/what is happening?"

Here are some considerations as you get started. When looking at the context of cross-references, it is important to note the following:

1. Literary Style - What type of writing is the passage?  Then ask some of the questions listed under each style.  You do not need to ask all of the questions.  In fact, some passages will not have answers to all of them.  For descriptions of the styles look here.

1. Epistle

1. Who is writing?

2. Who is the audience?

3. What is the main idea of the letter?

4. When was the letter written?

5. From/to where is the letter be written/sent?

6. Is there a purpose for the letter?  If so, what is it?

2. Genealogical

1. Whose genealogy is being traced?

2. What is important about this person’s lineage?

3. Are there any names or information that particularly stand out?

1. Well-known people from Scripture.

2. Names of women when most are of men.

3. Any extra/added information for a person that is not included for the others in the list.

3. Historical Narrative

1. Who is this about?

2. What is happening in the passage?

1. What happens before the cross-reference passage?

2. What happens during the cross-reference passage?

3. What happens after the cross-reference passage?

3. What is the significance of the event that is recorded?

4. When does the event take place?

5. Where does the event take place?

1. Did the main characters come from somewhere before the event?

2. Did they go somewhere after the event?

3. Where did other characters from the passage come from?

6. Why did this event take place?

4. Law

1. Who is giving the law?

2. To whom is the law being given?

3. What events take place or what is said before the cross-reference passage?

4. What takes place afterward?

5. When is the law being spoken?

6. Where are the speaker and the audience?

7. Is there any other historical information that is important to understanding the passage?

5. Parable

1. Who is speaking?

2. Who is the audience?

3. Did someone ask a question before the parable is told?

1. Who asked the questions?

2. What was the question?

3. Are there clues in the text that tell you why the question was asked?

4. What is the parable about?

1. What happens just before the parable is told?

2. What happens just after the parable is told?

5. What is the response of those who heard the parable?

6. Where is the parable being told?

7. Is there any historical significance to aspects of the parable?

6. Poetry

1. Who is the author?

2. Is there a clear audience?  If so, who is the audience?

3. What is the main idea of the passage?

1. Is the passage referring to a historical event?  What is that event?

2. Is the passage referring to a person?  Who is that person?  Why are they important?

7. Prophecy

1. Who is speaking/writing?

2. To whom are they speaking/writing?

3. What is the speaker saying?  What is the main idea of his message?

4. What is the historical context of the passage?

1. What has happened before the passage?

2. What happens after the passage?

5. Of whom/what is the author speaking?

6. Are any specific places mentioned in the passage?  If so, what are they and why are they significant?

7. How is the message received?

8. Is there any information about the author that will help you better understand the passage and its meaning?

8. Wisdom Literature

1. Who is the author?

2. Who is the main audience?

3. What doe the verses leading up to the cross-reference passage say?

4. What do the verses following the cross-reference passage say?

5. When is the author writing?

2. Direct Quotes - Identify when a direct quote is either found in the cross-reference, or when the cross-reference itself is a direct quote.  Make sure you know the reference of the passage that is being quoted.

3. Parallel Passages - Find other passages of Scripture that tell about the same parable or historical event.

4. Identifying People and Places - Use other passages of Scripture that give information about a specific person, place, or event.

How do I study cross-reference context?

Sometimes simply looking up the information and writing it down is enough to be familiar with the context. It is easy to think that the more context you find about a cross-reference, the better prepare you will be for the Qualifying Test. This isn't always the case. Find the points that seem most necessary for understanding the cross-reference. Some passages need little to no contextual information to understand its meaning, and some cross-references you or your child may already be familiar with. Focus on what you think is necessary and don't worry about the rest.

I usually pick one to three things per passage, focusing on what happens before and after, making sure my kids know who is speaking/writing and to whom, and knowing where an event takes place if that is relevant. Sometimes we write down the information on a print out of the cross-reference text, or other times we write it on the back of a flashcard. Other options include creating a separate set of flashcards (printable or online), a matching game, some worksheets, or a Bingo game.

What is the ultimate goal of Bible study?

The goal of studying the Bible is to know God and His Word better so that you can grow in understanding and ultimately in faith.  Always keep this in mind as you dig into studying the Bible.  Cross-references may seem overwhelming at first, but they are an important way for us to better understand God through His Word.

But his delight is in the law of the LORD,

And in His law he meditates day and night.

      He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,

Which yields its fruit in its season

And its leaf does not wither;

And in whatever he does, he prospers.

-Psalm 1:2-3