Frederick Bruce wrote, "Any part of the human body can only be properly explained in reference to the whole body. And any part of the Bible can only be properly explained in reference to the whole Bible." Dr. Bruce understood the danger of taking a verse out of context. It must be interpreted in the context of the chapter and book where we read it, as well as the context of the whole Bible.
Interpret the Bible by comparing Scripture with Scripture. Look at the other verses in the same chapter, as well as the book and the whole Bible. That is to say, you interpret Scripture with Scripture. A verse in the Bible is not properly interpreted when taken out of context.
Interpret the Bible within the context. The Bible is given by inspiration of God the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16). When you interpret a verse with other verses, you are being taught by the Spirit of God. He will guide you into all truth (John 16:13).
Satan tempted Jesus, quoting a verse taken out of context (Luke 4:3-8). Other Scripture was ignored. Jesus overcame this temptation, quoting another Scripture to interpret Scripture. That's a warning for us today not to take verses in the Bible out of context. Remember that Scripture interprets Scripture. The Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth.
