I just completed my final project for Hermeneutics (how to properly interpret scripture) and thought to emphasize the same point and maybe share a couple more related to the topic. The best way I saw fit to do so was to exercise some of the principles right here on this blog... and for that I selected your favorite verse:
Lets look at Phil 4:13 - I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
What does Paul mean by he can do all things through Christ? Is he simply saying he can do anything he put's his mind to, or was he being specific? Did he mean to lead Christians to believing they have the power to do anything they want because of Jesus? If so, like what?- Swim across the pacific ocean? Become wealthy? Play their best and win games if they're an athlete?..... What then? The answer can be found in at least a couple places; (a) historical background of the letter and (b) the immediate 'context' of this particular statement. For the sake of time i'll cut to the chase and fill in some of the blanks.
Remember our Who What Where When Why tools from Never Read A Bible Verse? Let's put a couple of them in action:
Who wrote it and to who? Paul the Apostle(and Timothy), to the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi. History records that Timothy often visited Paul in prison and handwrote letters as Paul dictated. This letter is addressed to God's people in Philippi- the first town in Macedonia where Paul established a church after a woman named Lydia was converted to Christ(Acts 16:14) and opened her home as the location for the church gatherings(Acts 16:40). [Read the whole 16th chapter of Acts for more info]
Where is the setting of the author and reader? Paul wrote this letter while in prison- this info can be confirmed in Ch 1 verses 12-13 among other places: "I want you to know brethren that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel so that my imprisonment for the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole governors palace and to everyone else"
... note that Paul said his bondage turned out for "greater progress of the gospel"- the news of it had spread to what may have been a local/modern day equivalent to the White House(the governors palace), and "to everyone else"- the whole city of Rome knew Paul was in jail for preaching Jesus and His gospel.
Next lets look at the immediate context surrounding the verse in question:
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.
11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.
13 I can do all hings through him who strengthens me.
To summarize- Paul rejoiced that the Philippians were concerned for him while he was in jail even though they had no way of assisting him financially. He wanted to encourage them and let them know that he could handle all things, pertaining to going hungry or having abundance, being in need or having plenty, because God taught Him that he is to be content in every situation and Christ gave him the strength to do so.
Did you notice that before I summarized it? In this case the surrounding verses alone should have pretty much corrected any other other assumptions... but further study (the 'Who' and 'Where') were also helpful in understanding why Paul would be talking the way he was and why it's so noteable that he had such a good attitude.
It's kind of like if I'd told you that a church had a retreat where the members and leaders played one another in a basketball tournament before I had you just read the title of this blog huh???...
Did you feel what just happened in your brain when you looked back at the title? That's called understanding. It immediately followed your introduction to the proper context of the title. That's how we must read and study Scripture... 'in context'. I have yet to meet a person who doesnt mind their words being taken out of context to suit the intentions of someone else. God is no different. The least He demands is that you treat His Word how you want yours to be treated. Besides it's only then that you will know God intimately and experience the life changing power of His Bible.
Be like the Bereans!
