What should you determine first when reading a portion of Scripture?
When reading any portion of Scripture, the first thing to determine is who wrote it, to whom it was written, and what the circumstances were. This three-part inquiry always establishes the biblical context for correctly interpreting and applying the passage.
Les explains that from day one he has taught that when reading a portion of Scripture, you must first determine who wrote it, to whom it was written, and what the circumstances were. In the case of Corinthians, Paul wrote to believers in Corinth who had recently come out of paganism. They had no Sunday school or catechism as children, lacked the New Testament, and were ignorant, so they wrote a batch of questions to Paul. This letter answers them one by one, including the question of whether it is right for men and women to marry. Recognizing the author, audience, and circumstances helps clarify why Paul addresses the marriage relationship at that point.