Contextualization, Preaching, and Teaching

Bringing the Ancient Word into Today’s World

Introduction

In the last article we learned that faithful interpretation requires students to bring the world of the Bible into the world of today. The first step was bridging the gap between ancient text and modern reader, discerning timeless principles from Scripture. The next step is applying those principles specifically in the practices of preaching and teaching.

Contextualization is the process of expressing God’s unchanging truth in forms and language that connect with a particular culture. Preaching and teaching are the central ways this happens in the church: through proclamation and instruction, the Word of God is explained and applied. The challenge is to do this faithfully — preserving the original meaning while making it resonate in today’s context.

This article explores what contextualization means, how it relates to preaching and teaching, and provides practical guidance for students who will one day bring the Word from text to pulpit and classroom.

1. What Is Contextualization?

1.1 Definition

Contextualization means applying the gospel and biblical teaching to specific cultural contexts in a way that is both faithful to Scripture and meaningful to listeners. It is not about changing the message but about communicating it in forms that people can understand and live out.

1.2 Biblical Basis

• Paul contextualized the gospel for Jews and Gentiles. To Jews, he quoted Scripture; to Athenians, he cited Greek poets (Acts 17:28).

• Jesus used parables drawn from everyday life: farming, fishing, family. He brought eternal truths into familiar contexts.

1.3 The Balance

Contextualization requires balance:

• Too little contextualization: The message may feel irrelevant, as if it belongs only to ancient times.

• Too much contextualization: The message may be distorted, shaped by culture rather than Scripture.

Faithful contextualization bridges worlds without compromising truth.

2. Preaching as Contextualization

2.1 The Nature of Preaching

Preaching is proclamation. It is declaring the good news of what God has done in Christ and calling people to respond. Preaching is not just teaching information but announcing God’s Word with authority and passion.

2.2 Expository Preaching

Expository preaching seeks to explain and apply a specific biblical text. The preacher’s task is to bridge from ancient context to modern life, showing how the Word still speaks today.

Steps in expository preaching:

1. Exegesis: What did the text mean to its original audience?

2. Theological reflection: What timeless principle is here?

3. Application: How does this truth address us today?

4. Communication: How can I express this truth clearly and compellingly?

2.3 Contextual Strategies in Preaching

• Use illustrations from contemporary life that echo biblical themes.

• Acknowledge cultural questions people are asking and show how Scripture addresses them.

• Speak the heart language of your audience, whether academic, pastoral, or everyday speech.

2.4 Example

Preaching on the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37):

• Exegesis: In context, Samaritans were despised outsiders.

• Principle: True neighbor-love crosses social boundaries.

• Application: Who are the “outsiders” in your community?

• Contextualization: Illustrate with modern examples of prejudice and compassion.

3. Teaching as Contextualization

3.1 The Nature of Teaching

Teaching is explanation and formation. It equips learners with knowledge, skills, and habits to understand and live Scripture. Whereas preaching often aims at decision and response, teaching aims at understanding and growth.

3.2 Methods of Teaching

• Didactic instruction: Explaining concepts and doctrines.

• Discussion: Engaging learners in dialogue.

• Storytelling: Using narrative to communicate truth.

• Experiential learning: Activities, role play, or projects that embody biblical principles.

3.3 Contextual Strategies in Teaching

• Adapt methods to your audience (children, youth, adults, new believers, seminary students).

• Connect Scripture to real-life challenges: family, work, justice, technology.

• Encourage learners to see themselves as participants in God’s story.

3.4 Example

Teaching the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5–7):

• Exegesis: Jesus is presenting the ethic of God’s kingdom.

• Principle: True righteousness flows from the heart, not external performance.

• Application: How does this challenge cultural views of success or morality?

• Contextualization: Use examples from social media, politics, or consumerism to illustrate kingdom values.

4. The Role of the Holy Spirit

Contextualization in preaching and teaching is not only a human task. The Spirit who inspired the text also empowers its communication. Preachers and teachers must depend on the Spirit for illumination, boldness, and transformation of their hearers.

5. Dangers in Contextualization

5.1 Syncretism

Blending biblical truth with cultural ideas in a way that distorts the gospel.

5.2 Irrelevance

Failing to address the real concerns of people today, leaving Scripture abstract.

5.3 Moralism

Reducing Scripture to tips for living rather than the announcement of God’s saving work in Christ.

6. Encouragement for Students

Students of this course are not only learning to interpret Scripture but also preparing to proclaim and teach it. Contextualization is the bridge that ensures the Bible’s ancient words continue to speak with life-changing power.

Remember: the authority lies in the text, not in our creativity. Our task is to serve the Word faithfully, making its timeless truth accessible to contemporary hearers. Preaching and teaching, when done well, are acts of love: loving God by honoring His Word, and loving neighbor by communicating it in a way they can grasp and live.

Conclusion

Contextualization, preaching, and teaching are inseparable. To preach or teach without contextualization is to risk irrelevance. To contextualize without fidelity to the text is to risk distortion. The faithful interpreter must stand in the middle: rooted in ancient meaning, open to the Spirit, and attentive to contemporary life.

Hermeneutics is not just about understanding the Bible — it is about communicating it. Through preaching and teaching, the ancient Word becomes a living word for today.

References

Chapell, B. (2005). Christ-Centered Preaching: Redeeming the Expository Sermon (2nd ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.

Fee, G. D., & Stuart, D. (2014). How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth (4th ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Keller, T. (2015). Preaching: Communicating Faith in an Age of Skepticism. New York, NY: Viking.

Osborne, G. R. (2006). The Hermeneutical Spiral: A Comprehensive Introduction to Biblical Interpretation (2nd ed.). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

Stott, J. (1982). Between Two Worlds: The Challenge of Preaching Today. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.

Vanhoozer, K. J. (2005). The Drama of Doctrine: A Canonical-Linguistic Approach to Christian Theology. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox.