Out-of-context texts (extended version)

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." That sounds wonderful! But what is "all"? To be a soccer champion? Or a nuclear physicist? Or a supermodel? Or a rich magnate? Or the next president of my country? After all, the text says "all," doesn't it? So why limit God? Something tells us that there must be a mistake in this interpretation, or otherwise, there would be an excess of soccer players, nuclear physicists, supermodels, and rich magnates. But many Christians do not think about them with due attention.

Such deductions often arise because interpreters overlook the context of a passage, misuse historical background, or misunderstand the structure of a language. For each text studied, a key spokesperson of the Latin American church describes the popular and incorrect interpretation, and then carefully interprets the passage within the appropriate context. Special attention is given to sound principles of biblical interpretation, in order to guide readers through the process and arrive at a more accurate understanding of the text's meaning.

Misinterpreting a text is not just a problem, it's a tragedy. God intends for His Word to be understood...

"In Texts out of Context, some of the most influential voices in the church today analyze some of the most misinterpreted biblical passages in our times. If we pay attention to the chapters of this important book, we will not only improve our understanding of God's Holy Word but also honor God by taking His Word seriously and growing in discipleship" D.A. Carson, Author and Professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School