1. Introduction

Some parts of the Bible describe people, places, events, journeys, and circumstances.

These passages help us understand what happened and how events unfolded. However, we must distinguish between what Scripture reports and what it commands us to do.

The Bible sometimes records actions performed by people without presenting those actions as examples we should follow.

2. Scripture Reading

1 Corinthians 10:11 (KJV)

Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

Romans 15:4 (KJV)

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

These passages show that events recorded in Scripture can teach us. We must still examine each event carefully to understand the lesson it communicates.

3. Understanding the Teaching

When reading historical accounts, ask:

• Who was involved?
• What happened?
• Where and when did it happen, if the text tells us?
• What circumstances surrounded the event?
• What does the surrounding passage reveal about its meaning?
• Does the passage explain the event, command something, or draw a lesson from it?

For example, the Bible records both faithful and unfaithful actions. The fact that an action appears in Scripture does not automatically mean God approves of it.

We should not turn every recorded action into a command for believers.

4. Practical Example

Suppose you read an account about someone who lied and later suffered consequences.

You should not conclude that lying is acceptable simply because the Bible records someone doing it.

Instead, examine the full account and its context to understand what happened and what the passage teaches.

5. Remember

Historical writing reports events. We must examine the context to understand what those events teach rather than assuming every recorded action is an instruction to follow.