Ever wonder about the cultural norms left unsaid in the Bible? Discovering the collectivist perspective will help you better understand Scripture. 

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If we read the Bible exclusively from our Western individualist point of view, we may miss or misunderstand cultural values everybody in the ancient Mediterranean world understood. As this week’s guest, Randy Richards, reminds us, the values of kinship, patronage, and brokerage, which focus on the family or group dynamic instead of an individual, are found throughout Scripture. We also find examples of honor, shame, and boundaries in the Old and New Testaments that are used as tools to help enforce and strengthen these cultural values. 

Understanding the ancient Mediterranean culture that the Bible is set in can enrich our understanding of some Scripture passages. 

How has discovering some of the cultural backdrop of the Bible helped you gain a deeper understanding of Scripture and how the Bible applies to your life? 

What next step could you take toward learning more about the cultural context of the Old and New Testament? 

Reflect  

• Why were the Pharisees trying to shame Jesus in Matthew 9:11? 
• How was the apostle Paul trying to use shame in a positive sense in 1 Corinthians 15:34?  
• In 1 Timothy 2:9, how was the apostle Paul trying to use shame in a positive way to encourage women to stand up against the culture’s way of dressing?  
• Based on Romans 1:1, what was the role with the highest honor for the apostle Paul? 
• How were the chief priests, teachers of the law, and the elders trying to have an honor contest with Jesus in Luke 20:1–8? 
• Why did Jesus tell the parable of The Pharisee and the Tax Collector in Luke 18:9–14 to those who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else?  
• Why is the apostle Paul setting a boundary in 1 Corinthians 10:27 –28? 

Respond 

(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) 

“Dear God, thank You that as I grow in my knowledge of Scripture, I can grow deeper in my love and understanding of You! Help me to dive deeper into Your Word, so my relationship with You can grow stronger. Help me to gain wisdom that I can apply to my life.”  

Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources 

Mentioned in this episode: 

• Misreading Scripture with Individualist Eyes by our guest E. Randolph Richards  

Listen: 

• Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes (with guest Randy Richards)) 
• Understanding How to Read the Bible Today 

Read: 

• Starting in the Right Place 
• How Should We Read the Bible—and What Type of Book Is It, Anyway? 

Watch: 

• In Pursuit of Peter 
• In Pursuit of Paul