What Resources Can Help Me Understand Context?

Learning to read the Bible in context doesn't require a seminary education. It starts with asking better questions and using resources that help you understand what the biblical authors were trying to communicate.

Here are a few resources I'd recommend.

1. The Berean Project Context Checklist

If you're reading a passage of Scripture and wondering where to begin, start with our Context Checklist.  It walks you through the key questions every reader should ask, including:

  • Who wrote this?
  • Who was the original audience?
  • Why was it written?
  • What is happening before and after this passage?
  • What historical or cultural details matter?
  • How does this fit into God's larger story?

Before jumping to application, learn to understand the passage in its original setting.

2. How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth

By Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart

This classic book is one of the best introductions to reading the Bible well. It explains the different types of biblical literature and teaches practical principles for interpreting Scripture in context.  If you're serious about learning to read the Bible better, this is an excellent place to start.

3. Saving the Bible from Ourselves

By Glenn Packiam

This book explores how many Christians have inherited assumptions about the Bible that deserve another look. It encourages readers to approach Scripture with humility, curiosity, and a desire to understand God's story rather than simply defending long-held traditions.

4. Read the Whole Passage

One of the simplest habits you can develop is reading more than a single verse.Instead of stopping at one sentence, read the entire chapter—or even the entire book if possible. Context often becomes much clearer when you see the bigger picture.

5. Keep Asking Questions

Good Bible study begins with curiosity.  Ask questions like:

  • What did this mean to the original audience?
  • Why did the author include this?
  • What problem is being addressed?
  • What does this teach me about God?

The better your questions become, the better your understanding will become.

5. Bema Discipleship Podcast

The first few seasons are rich in exploring the Bible in context.  To get the most out of the podcast you need to start with episode 0 and go in order.  They walk you through developing great reading habits and how to approach the text with respect.  The Podcast is an excellent source of learning and it takes some time to assemble all your puzzle piece questions.  In our opinion this is a must listen to podcast and their audience span proves they are as much relevant as they are spot on in their Bible knowledge.

The Goal

The goal isn't simply to collect more information.  The goal is to understand God's story more clearly so that it shapes the way you think, live, and follow Jesus.  Learning context isn't about making the Bible more complicated.  It's about reading it more faithfully.