understanding of a writing or discourse, it is of the utmost
doves, and the changers of money" (John 2:14). It is history that will enable him to explain such expressions as, "we are buried with him by baptism unto death" (Rom. 6:4); and, "For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us." The great significance of historical knowledge is brought to him when he encounters a passage like 1 Cor. 15:29, referring, as it does, to a custom of which we have no certain knowledge.
D. Circumstances Peculiar to the Writings
Besides the general circumstances of the author's life, there are some of a more special character that influenced his writings directly. Sound interpretation requires, of course, that they especially be taken into consideration.
1. THE ORIGINAL READERS AND HEARERS. For the correct understanding of a writing or discourse, it is of the utmost importance to know for whom it was first of all intended. This applies particularly to those books of the Bible that are of an occasional character, such as the prophetical books and the New Testament Epistles. These were naturally adapted to the special circumstances and the particular needs of the reader. The writer of necessity took into account their geographical, historical, and social position, their industrial and commercial relations, their educational and social advantages, their moral and religious character, and their personal idiosyncrasies, prejudices, and peculiar habits of thought. And his knowledge of these is reflected in his book. This accounts to a great extent for the characteristic differences of the Synoptic Gospels. The defection of the Galatians accounts for the severity of the Epistle which Paul wrote to them. And the unselfish devotion of the Philippians to the great apostle of the Gentiles, and their adherence to his doctrine, explain the fundamental note of gratitude and joy that marks the letter which they received from Paul, the prisoner. The condition of the original readers not only determines the general character of the writing, but also explains many of its particulars.