Literary Context
How does this work fit into the whole of the Bible? (See Table of Contents/Biblical Timeline)
In what style (genre) was it written (& how does that affect my reading)?
Situational Context
Who is writing? – 1:1-7, 4:7-18
To Whom is he writing? – 1:2, 4:16
Why was it written? – 1:9, 1:27-28, 2:8, 4:12
What is the overall emphasis? – 1:15-20
Social Context
When was it written? – (See ESV Study Bible/Map/Timeline)
Where did this take place? – (See ESV Study Bible)
Three Steps to Reading an Epistle
1. Identify Arrangement: How is this letter arranged?
Epistles are usually arranged into four parts. Look for these parts in your text:
– Greeting: introduces who is writing and to whom
– Opening: usually prayer/poem, why writing, and main message/theme
– Body: “Therefore” of the letter, focused on exhortation and instruction
– Conclusion: closing greetings / instructions / blessing
2. Study Opening: What is the writer want to emphasize as the main message / purpose of the letter? Look for words that are repeated / patterns, big ideas
3. Isolate Thoughts: Go paragraph by paragraph in your Bible to summarize ideas
– Look for repeated words/patterns/big ideas
– Look for cross references to Old Testament, look up and summarize
– Highlight statements that relate/support opening thought/main message