“'Do you understand what you are reading?' He replied, 'How can I, unless someone instructs me?'” Acts 8:31
Unfortunately, in a Twitter world where all communication is limited to 280 characters, too many believers cling to or focus on one phrase from the Gospel and use it as a lens for their spiritual lives. Doing this almost always leads to misunderstanding and confusion. The New Testament cannot be fairly read or understood when we remove it from its own cultural context and setting.
An example might help. The Ethiopian eunuch reading the scriptures alone knew he needed help and asked Philip to instruct him. There should be little doubt that Philip responded to this seeker's request using all the information and skill he had, not 280 characters, but whatever it took to help the Ethiopian seeker to know Jesus and the Good News. Blessed with so much wonderful scholarship and insight, we ought to follow Philip's example in the 21st century. Study of the Scriptures can only help us.
Today, pick up a Catholic study bible and read the introduction to one of the Gospels.
Who or what most helped you to understand the scriptures more deeply?
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