Using biblical examples and textual support, discuss why knowing the cultural context of the
New Testament is important for understanding the message of the New Testament documents.
Likewise, your initial prompt should address the Old Testament as the primary historical
background to the New Testament.
The ability to know and understand the cultural context of scripture is important for
understanding the message of the New Testament documents because context is the most
important factor in understanding the full meaning of something. Context of the historical and
cultural data gives support and understanding as to why certain teachings were given, why
certain statements were made, and what is to be taken more literally or metaphorically. For
example, one of the most construed verses in scripture is Matthew 5:39 “But I tell you, don’t
resist an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to
him also.” This verse is often twisted to mean that we as Christians are called to do nothing at all
about the injustice done against us and then turn the other cheek and continue to take it with
no reaction. However, God shows us how we are to react to this in the following verses and
throughout scripture, claiming that He will set all things right and provide justice to the unjust.
In the culture of this day, one would greet another with a kiss on the cheek. In the Old
Testament, law was established that allowed “an eye for an eye” which equated legal
punishment for the crimes done.
1
When Christ commands us to turn the other cheek, we are
not commanded to respond to evil with evil rather endure and set a standard of response in
love to our enemies in showing the love of God to them that we have.
What does Matthew 5:38 mean?
. BibleRef.com. (n.d.).
https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/5/Matthew-5-38.html#:~:text=Context
%20Summary,be%20proportional%20to%20the%20crime.
