Pharisee vs. Tax Collector

Another danger associated with studying historical-cultural context is that of elevating the background of the biblical text above the meaning of the text.  When studying the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18:9-14, for example, you may be tempted to spend all your time learning about Pharisees and tax collectors.  You certainly need to know something about these two groups and their role and reputation in Jesus’ day.  Yet, you don’t want to let your fascination with background information cause you to miss the point of the Scripture- God judges the proud and exalts the humble.

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Grasping God’s Word

J. Scott Duvall

J. Daniel Hays