Getting into character is a crucial step for any actor preparing for a new role in a play or film. For an actor getting into character takes some work. The actor must know more about the character than just the line that character says. They need to know where they come from, where they are going, the things that motivate them, the things that scare them, what they are struggling with, what they are good at. In order to portray the character realistically the actor must in a sense become that character. In the process they loose their sense of self.
This same technique can help when studying the Bible. When interpreting a particular passage, it is helpful to get into character. Step into Paul’s shoes and think about what motivates him, his past experiences, his plans for the future, his relationship to the church or individuals with him. What motivated him to write what he did? What are his underlying concerns? What does he want for the people he is writing to? Getting into the mindset and experience of Paul (or any biblical character) will help you understand the letter he wrote or the experience described in the pages of the Bible.
In order to step into the shoes of Paul or Peter or David or Moses or the woman at the well or the roman centurion at the cross you need to understand the ancient culture, the physical surroundings, the social dynamics, the life experience of the individual. This is where the work of researching the historical background pays off. As you become more and more familiar with the ancient world and the people in it, stepping into their shoes and getting into character becomes easier.
The goal is to temporarily loose our sense of self and “become” that character. The interpretation step of inductive Bible study aims to understand the text from the perspective of the author or the individuals it was first written to or the individuals who experienced what happened in the recorded account. It is crucial to understand the text from their perspective before drawing out a meaning for ourselves since Paul’s letters were not written to you or I and neither of us experienced the events recorded. We need to step into their shoes and get into character to grasp their motivations, concerns and experiences before drawing out a conclusion regarding its relevance for us today.
Here’s some interpretation questions to think about as you study a passage and get into character:
What does this individual want? What is their goal? And why?
What happened in the past leading up to this moment?
Where are they now?
Where is the individual headed after this?
What is the individual’s mood or tone?
What is standing in the way of their goal?
If you enjoy writing, write a short story from the perspective of the author or original recipient or an individual in that day observing from the sidelines. Get creative but incorporate as much historical detail as you can to keep it accurate. In the process of writing, I’ve often found new insight and understanding of what was said in the passage and why. Explore the ancient world and the people in it by stepping into their shoes and getting into character.