In a previous post, we saw a supposed sage fail at the ‘one job’ he had, something a bit more worrying, but no less amusing than a misplaced tile. It is probably worthwhile following up with a practical example of how the who, what, when, where and why questions (5Ws) may serve a modern day Bible reader.
Consider one of Apostle Paul’s sayings – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. Arguably one verse that is sure to make it to the top ten of favourite Bible verses in many a Christian circle. Understandably so, who has time for nay-sayers?
It is often the case that a speaker would quote this verse in a literal and personal sense, taking an optimistic stance on a challenging situation. Yet, whilst such a positive outlook is commendable, could it be that what we’ve got in hand is a proof text? Remember the saying – ‘a text without context is a pretext for a proof text’.
Could it also be that beneath the veneer of optimism and a can-do attitude lays the bigger worry of a ‘me-centred theology’? “Hang on a minute!” You may object, “but it is through Christ I’m able to do it do it all – how’s that centred on me?”
A contextual reading of Philippians 4:11-14
“11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.
13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.”
Who is speaking? Paul
To whom is he speaking? All the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi.
When was the letter written? At a time of Roman domination.
What is the occasion? Paul wrote from prison to encourage the Philippians and also acknowledge their concern and provision for him.
Why did he make the statement? He was making clear that he wasn’t in need, having learnt the secret of contentment in whatever situation – plenty and abundance or hunger and need.
Putting all the above answers together, one cannot miss the writer’s point – Christ strengthens him to live with contentment such that he knows how to be brought low, and how to abound.
Having established what this verse is really about, it seems somewhat far-fetched to rip one verse out of a flow of thought, and treat it like a pass for human omnipotence. We must remember that the Bible is not a collection of isolated sentences, and a given text is more meaningful when read in light of both its immediate context and the wider context of the Bible as a whole.
So the next time we’re tempted to re-echo that verse, let’s ask if omnipotence is really up for grabs, bearing in mind that to be on the right side of grammar, it’s got to be all or nothing – we either can do all things or we can’t do all things.
Thanks for reading!
Sike Osinuga
Very precise, simple yet thought provoking.
Amazing!!!
Oh wow. Thank you Sike. I never saw the ‘I can do all things…’ verse the way you just explained it. Thank you for enlightening me.
Wow! Thank You for the enlightenment on this particular verse, ‘ l can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’. I’ve never seen it in the full content of the context the way you’ve brought it to light.
Thank You and God bless
@Wunmi, Amazing – Yes! Even more so is the God who inspired Scripture in its entirety.
Thanks for reading, Uzezi and Sheri. I marvel at the richness of the Bible, and how I so often miss out on that… yet God is ever gracious, leading us into His truth.
I like how you were able to use the Who, to whom, when , why & what application to the text within the context! God bless you!