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What is isagogics?

Answered by Gene Cunningham, Basic Training Bible Ministries · from The Basics

Isagogics is the study of the historical and cultural background of biblical passages. Derived from the Greek words eis ("into") and ago ("to lead"), it is the part of theology that serves as an introduction to exegesis.

Because the Bible must be interpreted in light of the time in which it was written, history is essential to understanding what the writer wanted his readers to understand. While all Scripture was written for every believer (2 Tim. 3:16), not all Scripture was written to every believer.

For example, isagogics reveals that the four Gospels were written to different audiences for different purposes: Matthew wrote for Jews to present Christ as king, Mark for Romans to present Christ as servant, Luke for Greeks to prove the humanity of Christ, and John for the world to prove the deity of Christ.

Also asked: What is the purpose of studying the historical context of the four Gospels? · What is the study of the historical and cultural background of biblical passages called?
Also asked, more loosely
How does understanding where the Bible was written help me interpret it?

Source: The Basics The Basics -- Subject Index entry 'Isagogics' (printed pp. 59, 60) · Read this lesson in the book →

What this answer is about

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ExegesisGreekIsagogicsMatthew

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Scripture this answer rests on

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Matthew 5:31-32What BTBM teaches from this chapter →Read it on Blue Letter Bible →
p.60
Matthew 19What BTBM teaches from this chapter →Read it on Blue Letter Bible →
p.60
Also printed on these pages
Deuteronomy 24:1-4What BTBM teaches from this chapter →Read it on Blue Letter Bible →
p.60
Malachi 2:16What BTBM teaches from this chapter →Read it on Blue Letter Bible →
p.60
1 Corinthians 7:26-28What BTBM teaches from this chapter →Read it on Blue Letter Bible →
p.60
2 Timothy 3:16What BTBM teaches from this chapter →Read it on Blue Letter Bible →
p.60

Where this is taught in the book

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p.59p.60

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