How To Read the BibleContextualizing the Parables

Samuel Lamerson

The Three Questions:1. What is Contextualization?2. Why do we need to

Contextualize?3. An example of a contextualized

parable.

1. What is Contextualization?1.A Contextualization is the

pointing out the relationship of the gospel or Scripture to culture, or, as it has more recently been put, the relationship of text and context

1.B Thus, contextualization is an attempt to make the Scripture applicable and understandable to modern society

1. What is Contextualization?1.C The Parables need to be

contextualized, because the contexts in which the Scripture was written are radically different from those in which it is heard today.

1.D The parables are particularly important for two reasons: stories have great power particularly in today’s culture; reading the parables today lacks the “punch” they once had

2. A Method for Contextualizing2.A Read and understand the parable in its “first

horizon”2.A.1 Note the setting within which the parable is

placed.2.A.2. Study the structure of the parable.2.A.3. Uncover the background of the earthly

details.2.A.4. Determine the main points of the parable.2.A.5. Relate the point(s) to Jesus’ kingdom teaching

and to the basic message of the individual gospel.2.A.6. Do not base doctrines upon the parables

without checking corroborative details elsewhere.

2. A Method . . .Example An example of issues in a

particular parable- Matthew 18:23-35

1 Humor in the Second-Temple period

2 Finances in the Second-Temple period

3 OT Allusions in the passage

2. A Method . . .It is highly probable that writers in second-

temple Judaism alluded to a good many biblical texts, deliberately conjuring up a world of discourse with a word or phrase. It is also highly probable that readers in the twentieth century, alert for such allusions, will hear at least some where none are intended. It is absolutely certain that modern readers who are alert to this danger, and hence unwilling to allow any allusions beyond more or less direct quotations, will radically misread important texts (italics mine). N.T. Wright

2. A Method . . . 2.B The Second Horizon2.B.1 How do we understand our

culture?2.B.2 What steps should one take to

contextualize the parable?2.B.2.a Realize the value of story2.B.2.b Don’t place the story into

propositional form.2.B.2.3 Make the details of the story live

3. An Example of A Contextualized ParableMatt. 18:23-35 (again)