Love Versus Individualism

Greetings again Bibliocentrist, There are a number of ways to study Scripture and for this reason commentaries vary as to the meaning and purpose of the messages of the Bible. The whole book method looks at a passage in the context of the rest of the Biblical book it is part of. Knowing the parts of each book and being able to put them together gives a good idea of the book's theme and how it contributes to the overall theme of the whole Bible. The biographical method looks at the people and the lives they lived at the time. Lessons of character and responses to situations are the focus in this method. The topical method deals with specific subjects as they appear in relation to the themes and characters of the Bible. By considering the qualities of both visible and invisible objects mentioned their use in illustrations, as symbols, and for typology can be appreciated. The devotional method asks what is the Holy Spirit saying to me personally and how can this help others? It combines the facts and reasons discovered in passages to promote spiritual growth and heart attitudes that equip the believer to minister according to God's will. The following link provides a good commentary on the meaning and purpose of the parable of the Good Samaritan. http://www.carm.org/christianity/parables/good-samaritan-luke-1025-37

Let me share something here- For centuries, Biblical Language Scholars have argued over various Old Test. Scriptures and thier meanings, but not for the right reasons. Heres one for example- The old Hebrew word that used to mean- 10-100, restored in the new Hebrew Language now means 1,000 to as many as 10,000. So, where the "Wall of Jericho" is concerned, rather than concentrating on the fact God made the wall fall, if we follow His instructions to see Him carry out His Promise, they argue needlessly over how many people it fell on. There is also the "relational Method" I like to call it, where as we read thru God's Word and learn of differing books which cover charactors we've already read about, we can interconnect alot more understanding from God's Word because of the points God is making thru those seperated descriptions of those charactors, places, events, etc. For instance- I & II Samuel, along with "Kings". This goes for events, places mentioned, plus more. Many times, we learn much more from God's Word when we learn of and look thru all related Scriptures. Wether the man of God was headed to Jericho or not probably had nothing to do with the situation, because of two major aspects- 1- The peoples in that area did trading with all neighboring areas, Jewish or Pagan. God warned His "First Chosen" only to avoid intermarriages with Pagans, not altogether rejection of them. 2- The "Samaritan" was also a "Pagan" , not a Jew. If read all 4 Gospels, you'll find references where the Levite rejected his own kind. So, what this story represents is Christ as that man who on the way to the Pagan City- (Hell) is rejected as the Messiah by His own people, so a Samaritan is allowed to help- (Christ opening door thru Peter for gentile Salvation). Remember the King's wedding party for his son and how the Kings covenant friends rejected the invites to it? The King got angry and sent servants out to invite anyone then, to come to the party. Point is, its symbolic of Jesus coming to Earth, being rejected by His own kind, but more accepted by the Pagans. It was the Jews who mostly called out for Jesus' crucifixtion because He came to be with them, but they rejected Him as the Messiah. There were Pagans, such as that Roman Soldier who's Servant Christ healed and others who were deeply effected by that crucifixtion. God Bless!!