Lifeway Women Academy - The World of the Bible: Historical and Cultural Context 101
The Bible was written thousands of years ago to, by, and about people who were very different from us today. In this course, learn to see the Bible through the lens of a different time, place, and people. Through lectures, quizzes, and downloadable resources, learn about the lifestyles, values, outlooks, and geography that shaped Scripture. Put on the lenses of the Ancient Near East and see the Word of God in its world as an invaluable influence of how you understand its impact for us and for now.
10 video teaching sessions
Approximately 30-55 minutes each
Self-graded quizzes and assignments to measure your understanding and progress
Unlimited access to course content to be completed at your own pace
Taught by:
Jen Wilkin
Katie J. McCoy
Amy Williams
Kristie Anyabwile
Dr. Courtney Veasey
Course Outline
Session 1: Introduction to the World of the Bible | Jen Wilkin
In this first session, Jen Wilkin introduces the course, explaining the importance of putting on the lens of biblical time and culture to read the Bible. In order for us to rightly interpret and apply Scripture, we need to first look at what it meant for the original audience in the time that it was written. (32 minutes)
Session 2: Old Testament Cosmology and Surrounding Religious Landscape | Jen Wilkin
We were made with a purpose. When we understand where we came from, we understand our purpose. The Bible tells us that the people of God were created by God; therefore, our purpose is to serve Him. Other peoples and cultures have tried to answer this question a different way. Knowing what they believed can help us to understand Scripture—it is set up in a way to point to the One True God and His purpose and plan for His people. (35 minutes)
Session 3: Old Testament Surrounding Culture | Amy Williams
Knowing the history of the people of Israel sheds light on passages of Scripture that may otherwise be confusing for us. The people of Israel were like us—influenced by those around them. We, just like our ancestors in the faith, have to be diligent to not let our culture dictate our faithfulness to and worship of the One True God. (52 minutes)
Session 4: Old Testament Cultural Backgrounds | Dr. Katie J. McCoy
Knowing the culture of the Old Testament can often lead us to knowing God’s character more fully. What may look strange to us today often demonstrates God’s grace, kindness, and love for His people. All of these differences help us understand the culture of the Bible. They also help reinforce to us that we, God’s children, are part of His family. We’re not only saved individually from our sins, but we are saved collectively as the Lord’s children. (39 minutes)
Session 5: Themes in the Old Testament | Dr. Katie J. McCoy
Our God is mercifully patient; He is magnificently poetic, weaving together His plan of redemption over the course of history, forgetting nothing and fulfilling all that He intends. (46 minutes)
Session 6: Biblical Languages | Dr. Courtney Veasey
While we don’t have to be fluent in the biblical languages to study Scripture, knowing a little about them and how to access them can help us to understand, interpret, and apply Scripture to our lives in a responsible way. (50 minutes)
Session 7: Biblical Literary Genres | Kristie Anyabwile
The auditory, archetypal, and autobiographical elements of genres engage us in a unique mode of communication, connecting universal human experiences across time and cultures. Anchoring ourselves within the historical-redemptive timeline allows us to witness God’s progressive revelation of Christ. Considering literary works familiar to the original audience enriches our interpretation, providing insights into the cultural backdrop. (38 minutes)
Session 8: New Testament Surrounding Culture | Jen Wilkin
The gospel comes with clarity—there is one God. He is the God of the Old Testament and the New Testament. No human philosophy is better than this philosophy and no manmade religion can give you a god who is like the God of yesterday, today, and forever. (28 minutes)
Session 9: Temple, Sects, and Festivals | Amy Williams
The world of the New Testament centered around the Temple and the Jewish feasts and festivals. Knowing about the history and importance of those places and events helps us to understand the people and stories we read in the Gospels and in the rest of the New Testament. (41 minutes)
Session 10: New Testament Cultural Norms | Dr. Courtney Veasey
When we read the New Testament, we encounter commands and challenges that are more readily understood in the context of the culture at the time. It’s helpful to ask ourselves what other writings and thoughts and lifestyles the original audience was consuming and participating in, in order to know how radical the truth of Scripture was to them—and still is to us today. (55 minutes)