Travesty

One of the greatest travesties in Bible study is ignoring the audience to whom a message was intended. Each audience had particular needs the author was addressing. When we attempt to apply what was written to one group of people to others without considering the immediate situation, we can come away with an incorrect understanding of the teaching. The Gospels reveal the same message, but to different audiences, so their presentation is slightly different. The other books of the New Testament were written by men who had slightly different viewpoints about Jesus, and to people with different interests and struggles; the writings were intended to address those issues. We can learn wonderful things about God by how He treated others in their individual situations and circumstances. However, as we study, we must focus on the fundamental element (Jesus) and accept some differences in writings. Peter said that Paul wrote some things that were hard to understand. We should not expect an easier pathway than that of an Apostle.