Whole Bible
Where does the letter fit in God’s story?
Read Paul within the Bible’s unfolding story of creation, fall, promise, Christ, church, and new creation. Paul assumes and draws upon the Old Testament even when he does not quote it directly.
Our interpretive framework
How to Read Paul’s Letters
Application is the destination, but context is the road.
Paul’s letters are letters, but inside them we find prayers, hymns, confessions, arguments, warnings, and instructions—and each one needs to be read for what it is.
Whole Letter
Who wrote to whom—and why?
Read the letter in one sitting when possible. Notice repeated words, transitions, problems, changes in tone, and the developing argument. Ask how each section serves the whole.
Passage
What is Paul doing here?
Ask what comes before and after. Is Paul explaining, arguing, praying, warning, confessing, praising, or commanding? Do not treat every sentence as though it functions the same way.
Then ask
What truth about God’s work in Christ governs this passage, and what faithful response does it call for today?
Five questions for every passage
Read slowly enough to hear the argument
- What do I know about the writer, recipients, setting, and occasion?
- What problem, question, or need is being addressed?
- How does this paragraph function in Paul’s developing argument?
- What does Paul say God has done, is doing, or will do in Christ?
- What faithful response flows from that gospel truth?