Introduction
The Bible contains passages where several instructions are given together. Some passages teach believers how to live, how to treat others, or how to conduct themselves within a particular situation.
When we encounter a list of instructions, we should not read each statement in isolation. We need to examine the audience, the purpose of the instructions, and the surrounding teaching to understand how the instructions relate to one another.
We must also distinguish between instructions given to particular people in a specific situation and teachings that apply more broadly. Careful interpretation helps us avoid taking instructions out of context.
1. Scripture Reading (KJV)
Colossians 3:12–13
“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”
Paul gives the believers several instructions concerning their relationships with others.
Notice the qualities he mentions: mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forbearance, and forgiveness.
These instructions belong together. They describe conduct that reflects the character Paul is teaching believers to demonstrate.
Verse 13 also provides an important foundation for forgiveness: believers are instructed to forgive one another in light of Christ’s forgiveness.
2. Understanding the Teaching
When studying a list of biblical instructions, consider four things.
A. Identify the audience.
Ask who received the instructions. Were they addressed to Israel, a particular church, an individual, or a wider audience?
The audience helps us understand the original setting and intended application.
B. Examine the purpose of the instructions.
Ask what the writer wants the readers to understand or do.
In Colossians 3:12–13, Paul addresses how believers should relate to one another. His instructions encourage kindness, patience, and forgiveness.
C. Read the instructions together.
Sometimes, several instructions form one larger teaching. Reading them together helps us recognise the relationship between them.
For example, Colossians 3:12–13 connects inward qualities, such as humility and meekness, with practical actions, such as bearing with and forgiving one another.
D. Consider the surrounding context.
Read the verses before and after the list. They may explain the foundation, purpose, or practical application of the instructions.
Do not assume that every list has the same purpose or that every instruction should be applied without considering its setting.
3. Another Example from Scripture
Ephesians 4:31–32 (KJV)
“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
Paul contrasts harmful attitudes and behaviour with kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.
The two verses work together: verse 31 identifies what should be put away, while verse 32 describes the conduct believers should demonstrate instead.
This shows why we must examine the relationship between instructions rather than treating every sentence as an unrelated statement.
4. Practical Example
Imagine reading a passage that gives several instructions about how to treat other people.
Instead of selecting only one instruction and ignoring the rest, ask:
- Who received these instructions?
- What situation was being addressed?
- How do the instructions relate to one another?
- Does the surrounding passage explain their purpose?
- What principle can I correctly apply to my own situation?
For example, when studying Ephesians 4:31–32, you should recognise both the instruction to put away harmful attitudes and the instruction to practise kindness and forgiveness.
Understanding the complete teaching helps you apply it more faithfully.
5. Remember
Lists of instructions should be studied in their original context. Identify the audience, understand the purpose, examine how the instructions relate to one another, and read the surrounding verses before applying the teaching.