John 4:21
Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
Word-by-Word Analysis
Analysis
The faith and obedience theme here intersects with the proper human response to divine revelation across Scripture. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.
Historical Context
This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on faith and obedience particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.
Questions for Reflection
- What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of faith and obedience, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
- In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about faith and obedience?
- How does the faith and obedience theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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