As I completed the master’s program in Biblical Exposition, I became increasingly intrigued by the complex and multidimensional field of hermeneutics, particularly the significant role of cultural context in interpreting the Bible. This interest is not just academic but deeply connected to my experiences in cross-cultural ministry. Having come from a South American country over two decades ago, I am still influenced by cultural differences and their impact on interpreting the biblical text.
I have seen firsthand the profound impact of understanding the cultural nuances of biblical authors and their original audiences on our interpretation and application of Scripture. Exploring this area often revolutionizes our approach to biblical exposition, leading to more nuanced, culturally sensitive, and ultimately more faithful interpretations of the text. This reality excites me to pursue this field.
Speaking of influence, I have certainly been influenced by various critical scholars in hermeneutics and exegesis. For instance, Kenneth Bailey’s extensive writings on the cultural background of the Bible, specifically his “Oriental exegesis” approach and his exploration of the beatitudes, have provided valuable insights into understanding Middle Eastern culture and its impact on biblical narratives. His book “Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes” is an excellent example of the significance of cultural understanding. Additionally, Richard Bauckham’s thorough exploration of the historical and cultural context of the New Testament has laid a strong foundation for comprehending the environment in which the early Christian texts were written and circulated. Co-authors Richards and O’Brien also impacted my understanding of reading the Scriptures in their proper context. One of the phrases that stuck with me is, “We still think the universe centers around us. The assumption is naïve; but worse, it influences the way we read the Bible.”
As I delve further into this area of study, I am mainly motivated to engage deeply with the works of N.T. Wright, Walt Kaiser Jr., and Moises Silva. Wright’s emphasis on understanding the biblical text within its historical and cultural context and his “critical realism” approach offers a compelling framework for navigating the complex relationship between ancient texts and modern interpretation. His research on the New Testament’s Jewish context and Second Temple Judaism’s influence on early Christianity is especially relevant to my research interests. Kaiser’s belief in the importance of the Old Testament for interpreting the New Testament and Silva’s collaboration in the fields of hermeneutics and lexicons is essential to my studies.
Within the broad field of cultural context in biblical interpretation, several specific issues and sub-topics have captured my attention and will likely form the core of my research. I am intrigued by the impact of Hellenistic culture on the development of early Christianity. The intricate interplay between Jewish traditions and Greek philosophical and cultural influences in forming Christian theology and practice is a rich area for exploration. I anticipate examining how this cultural fusion affected the writing and interpretation of New Testament texts and how it continues to shape our understanding of these texts today.
The role of patronage in the Roman Empire is of particular interest. As explained by Richards and O’Brien, this has implications for understanding biblical texts. The patron-client relationships common in Roman society are essential for interpreting many New Testament passages, especially in Paul’s letters. I want to explore how a better understanding of this social structure can help us understand texts dealing with themes such as grace, obligation, and social relationships within the early church.
Furthermore, I look forward to exploring the importance of the cultural context of the biblical authors’ audiences. This involves not only understanding the cultural background of the writers themselves but also delving into the diverse cultural backgrounds of the various communities to whom they wrote. This approach can yield valuable insights into the rhetorical strategies employed by biblical authors and how they adapted their message to resonate with specific cultural contexts.
As I envision my research, I anticipate challenges in analyzing conflicting scholarly work on ancient cultures. I will use interdisciplinary approaches—anthropology, sociology, and linguistics—to examine cultural contexts in my research. This could lead to more nuanced interpretations and contribute to broader discussions in biblical studies, cross-cultural ministry, interfaith dialogue, and hermeneutics. I hope this research will enhance our understanding of Scripture and improve our ability to communicate its truths in diverse cultural settings.
As I consider potential dissertation mentors, I am drawn to individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of cultural and historical context in biblical interpretation, with emphasis on Hellenistic influence, Second Temple Judaism, and Christianity, as well as the use of the Old Testament in the New Testament. Although I do not have anyone specific in mind to discuss, I would also appreciate mentors with extensive work on the cultural background of the New Testament, as it is particularly relevant to my research. Mentors who pay meticulous attention to detail and have vast knowledge of ancient sources would provide invaluable guidance in navigating the complex terrain of first-century cultural studies.
In addition to the scholars I mentioned above, experts such as Michael Licona and Craig Keener, who may not be directly affiliated with Liberty University, would be invaluable in shaping and refining my research. I am open to exploring opportunities for external mentorship or collaboration that could complement the guidance provided by Liberty’s faculty. Unfortunately, I am not surrounded by other scholars or anyone in my family who has done extensive research, so I will need to rely on provided resources and reading materials. Most importantly, with prayer and guidance from the Holy Spirit, I am encouraged to press on.
-Thiago