Episode What Goes Without Being Said | Week 1
How does our Western/individualistic perspective limit our understanding of the Bible that was written from an Eastern/collectivist perspective? Discover some cultural norms left unsaid in Scripture.
Chapter 1
Whether we recognize it or not, we all view the world through a lens, influenced greatly by the culture in which we live. Be part of the Discover the Word group as Elisa Morgan, Bill Crowder, Daniel Ryan Day, and special guest Randy Richards discuss the difference between individualistic and collectivist cultures . . . and how those differences affect our understanding of Scripture. Begin a series called “What Goes Without Being Said” with Dr. Randy Richards.
Chapter 2
Every culture has different gift-giving customs. And the Ancient Near East was no exception! In this edition of Discover the Word, Elisa Morgan, Bill Crowder, Daniel Ryan Day, and special guest Randy Richards discuss how gift-giving differs between East and West. . . and explain how understanding the related idea of patronage can deepen our understanding of Scripture.
Chapter 3
Jesus freely offers His gift of salvation to whoever will accept it. But does He expect anything in return? In this episode of Discover the Word, guest Randy Richards joins the group to look at the importance of reading Scripture through the lens of Middle Eastern culture. Discover the importance of understanding the culture in which the Bible was written and “What Goes Without Being Said.”
Chapter 4
These days, some businesses are all about cutting out the middleman . . . to get the customer the cheapest price. But in ancient Israel, brokers or mediators—middlemen—played an indispensable role. Join the Discover the Word group of Elisa Morgan, Bill Crowder, Daniel Ryan Day, and special guest Randy Richards as they look at ancient middlemen . . . and the Holy Spirit’s similar role on our behalf.
Chapter 5
You’ve likely heard that the Holy Spirit “intercedes” on our behalf. But you may not realize that that description of the Holy Spirit’s role is rooted in the ancient Eastern idea of brokerage. In this edition of Discover the Word, Elisa Morgan, Bill Crowder, Daniel Ryan Day and special guest Randy Richards consider how understanding “brokerage” enhances our reading of the Bible. Another fascinating conversation in our series “What Goes Without Being Said.”
About This Episode
- Show Notes
Receive
As we read Scripture through the lens of our Western culture, this week’s guest, Randy Richards, reminds us that we may miss or misread some key values embedded in the Ancient Near Eastern culture the Bible was written in. Our Western individualist culture values “me” over “we,” but the Eastern collectivist culture that the Bible was set in values kinship, patronage, and brokerage that emphasize the family or group dynamic rather than an individual.
Understanding the ancient Mediterranean culture that serves as the backdrop for the Bible can add rich context that can shed a whole new light on some passages of Scripture.
How can discovering the cultural context of the Bible help you better understand and apply Scripture to your life?
What could your next step toward learning more about the cultural context of the Old and New Testament look like?
Reflect
- What can you learn about the family dynamics between Joseph and his father and brothers by reading Genesis 37 through the lens of valuing kinship, which emphasizes strong family ties and parents mediating between siblings?
- How does Ephesians 2:8 model the value of patronage, which emphasizes a patron giving a gift to help rescue a loyal friend?
- How do 1 Timothy 2:5 and 1 John 2:1 model the value of brokerage, which emphasizes having a mediator speak on your behalf?
- How do you feel reading John 1:12 and 1 Thessalonians 1:4 knowing you are part of God’s family?
- Based on Matthew 6:3 and Luke 6:35, how are Jesus’ disciples supposed to differ from the patronage culture of that time?
- How significant is it that Jesus calls His disciples, including you, His friends in John 15:15?
- Based on Romans 1:20–21 and Psalm 50, how are we to respond to God’s gifts?
- In Luke 7:1–10, why did the centurion send Jewish elders and then friends to Jesus instead of going to Jesus on his own?
Respond
(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)
“Dear God, thank You that understanding more of the Bible’s cultural context can help me get a deeper understanding of You! Help me grow in my knowledge of Scripture so I can grow in my love for You! Help me to apply Your words to my life.”
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This Week's Featured Resource
Misreading Scripture with Individualist Eyes
After exploring how our Western/individualistic perspective limits our understanding of the Bible, Misreading Scripture with Individualist Eyes by E. Randolph Richards and Richard James will help you dive deeper into this topic. Discover unspoken social structures and values of the ancient Mediterranean that biblical authors lived in and that lie below the surface of each text.