Among the definitions Webster gives for the word "context" is "the circumstances surrounding an act or event." I'm becoming more and more aware how feeble our understanding of the Scriptures is, especially the historical portions like the gospels, because there is little or no understanding of the context of the acts and events we read about. I'm well aware, that according to documented studies, most Christians do not read and study the Scriptures. Even those who do study seem to do it in a vacuum, with little or no knowledge of the times of which they read.
Just in the ministry of Jesus alone, knowing the context of his actions and teachings would shatter any unscriptural traditions that have been embraced as gospel. Being acquainted with the culture, the values, customs and languages of the day enables us to perceive a realistic flesh and blood Jesus, and not some elusive ethereal figure that is difficult to relate to.
My sense is, based on my experience, that too often we read the Bible and miss the depth of truth that is there because we are ignorant of the context. We read it from a narrow and isolated spiritual perspective instead of a whole life perspective.
I have this sneaking suspicion that we live our lives the same way we read the Bible, out of context. Whatever spirituality is present is manifested in a vacuum, apart from the everyday circumstances, whether it's job, family, entertainment, finances, recreation, relationships, etc.
Could it be that if we were to start reading the Scriptures in context, we would start to live them more in context?