If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a pastor, there are certain steps you can take to achieve your goal. One of the most important things is to gain a deep understanding of the Bible and its teachings. This involves not only reading and studying the text itself but also exploring its historical and cultural context. By understanding how the Bible was written and the cultural influences that shaped its stories, you can gain valuable insights into its teachings and how they apply to modern life. In this article, we’ll discuss how to become a pastor and the steps you can take to deepen your understanding of the Bible and its teachings.

What is the cultural context?

Cultural context refers to the values, belief systems, customs, language, themes, and symbols that form the basis of a society’s identity. It helps us to understand why certain events have happened or why people have behaved in certain ways at different times in history. In other words, exploring cultural context gives us the opportunity to look at history from a more informed perspective.

Understanding Biblical History

In order to uncover deeper truths in Scripture, it is important to understand what was happening in biblical times – the social structures in place and how different cultures interacted. For example, when reading about the ministry of Jesus during his time on earth, it is important to consider the role the Roman occupation played in his ministry, as well as Jewish religious expectations. This will give readers a better understanding of what Jesus achieved through his life and death on the cross.

Finding ancient sources

Many pastors find great value in researching extra-biblical texts – those written outside of Scripture – to gain further insight into biblical events or characters mentioned in Scripture itself. These sources often serve to corroborate biblical accounts or provide more information about specific places or people mentioned in Scripture but not elaborated upon. Examples include Josephus’ Antiquities of the Jews (37-95 AD), the Babylonian Talmud (4th century AD), and the Dead Sea Scrolls (2nd century AD).

Studying artifacts from biblical times

Archaeology plays an important role in helping us to contextualize Scripture by uncovering artifacts from biblical times that provide additional information about daily life during the periods of history referred to in Scripture. Pastors can use these findings as evidence when preaching on certain passages, or even simply look at them themselves to gain greater clarity on matters discussed in Scripture, such as the clothing worn by people of the time, or the weapons used in the battle situations described.

Gain insight into the language used

Although English is now one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, many generations ago Hebrew was used almost exclusively in parts of Asia Minor where much of the original Scripture was written, so if you really want to understand God’s Word, you also need to become familiar with that language, its nuances, syntax, etc. This will help pastors to interpret ancient texts accurately without relying solely on translations, which can be tricky because one word can mean something different depending on who wrote the original document that was translated into English.

Discovering relevant customs and beliefs

Customs, beliefs, laws, and rituals all play an integral part in how certain societies interacted with each other, so gaining knowledge of these practices provides valuable insight into relevant scriptures. For example, knowing the marriage customs of Palestine during Jesus’ lifetime helps shed light on the parables taught around the same subject, and similarly, awareness of pagan worship practices can amplify the impact of Paul’s letters to the Corinthians; their struggles against idolatry speak volumes about the temptations Christians face today.

Analyzing literary genres and styles

It’s also beneficial to explore literary styles, and conventions used by authors and scripture writers When doing so, keep in mind that there are four main types of literature found in the Bible: narrative, wisdom, poetry, and prophecy Knowing the differences between each genre reveals the purposeful structure of God’s Word, highlighting the meaning behind the message being conveyed Additionally, literary devices such as imagery, metaphors, similes, etc. should also be studied in order to gain the full scope of the power contained within scripture writings.

Conclusion.

Becoming a pastor requires deep commitment, study, exploration, true Spirit-led inquiry, delving into the depths of the scriptures, learning the culture, and contexts that gave birth to them, coming away the richer, fuller understanding of God’s divine plan, humanity, may the journey always lead to growth, wisdom, love, knowledge, presence, almighty Lord, amen.