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We studied three kinds of passages that we must apply: universally applicable passages, culturally specific passages, and difficult passages. What are the differences between each kind of passage?
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12 Replies
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Universally applicable passages are timeless commands to all God’s people.
Culturally specific passages were meant for that time and place, but their main idea or principle can be applied to our own setting today.
Difficult passages may make sense in their own time and cultural contextual setting, but make no sense when we try to apply them to our current day setting.
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Universal is able to stand the test of time
Cultural is based on the culture of the passage
Difficult is based on cultural difference that can be hard to interpreted. -
Universal passages are truths that stand the test of time. They are applicable to the one written to originally and easily translate to modern day application.
Cultural specific passages are more difficult to interpret due to the nature of who it was intended for. We need to search for the broader meaning and application of the text keeping in mind it was not written to us but written for us.
Difficult passages make sense in their historical/cultural content but are confusing when we try to apply them to modern times. Talk with your pastor to help gain understanding.
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Universally applicable passages are not limited to the historical time but are truths that transcend all time in the future.
A culturally specific passage is set in a historic context, but the broader meaning can still be applicable for our times.
Difficult passages-These passages make sense in their historical context but applying them to the modern area can be challenging and there may be multiple interpretations that can confuse believers. -
Universally Specific – are easily identified and easily applicable across time. These truths are present truths that were originally addressed to one person or group but are repeated again and again in other passages.
Culturally specific – Not easy to transfer from one culture (1st century Judaism) to another (more modern or different) culture.
Difficult – these make sense in the historical/cultural context but are confusing when apply them in our modern context.
