Four Biblical Foundations for Contextualization

Contextualization is the process by which the Gospel and the Church become closer and more understandable to a particular culture. Every Christian in the world is constantly engaged in contextualization, because we are not first-century Jews in Palestine. The question is not whether we will contextualize, but how we will do it. Failed contextualization can lead to syncretism.

Scripture is the standard by which all our cultural approaches should be judged. If the Bible contains a command, a prohibition, or a mandatory pattern, that question is settled. Within the boundaries set by Scripture, cultural expressions of Christianity can vary.

The process of contextualization begins in the New Testament. The following four fundamental observations for accurate contextualization come from 1 Corinthians 9.

1. Paul waived his legal rights

The key to the passage is found in verse 12: «…we have not made use of this right, but we endure everything, so that in no way we may hinder the gospel of Christ.».

Paul’s passion was to spread the gospel. He was willing to endure any inconvenience, including giving up his legal rights (e.g., receiving financial support, taking a faithful wife with him) if it helped the gospel spread more effectively. He would not have sinned by exercising these rights, but he voluntarily gave them up.

This applies to us: in a culture where we are accustomed to asserting our rights (e.g., in our free choice of dress, manners, and behavior), we must ask: does my «right» to personal comfort and convenience become an obstacle for Muslims, Hindus, or atheists to receive the Gospel? If so, we must be willing to voluntarily give them up.

2. Paul was a servant to unbelievers

Second, Paul took the position of a servant toward unbelievers: «Though I am free from all, I have made myself subject to all, that I might win as many as possible» (1 Cor. 9:19). He served those who needed to be won.

Paul not only gave up his rights, but he went further, choosing to place himself below those he was trying to reach, becoming their servant.

The servant position reflects the character of Christ (who came not to be served but to serve). It breaks down cultural stereotypes, helps break down barriers, and is an essential characteristic of effective cross-cultural ministry.

3. Paul lived like those to whom he evangelized

Third, Paul identified himself with the people he was trying to reach and adapted to their lifestyle as much as possible without compromising the law of Christ.

«To the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews… To those without the Law I became as without the Law… To the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some» (1 Cor. 9:19–22).

Paul adapted his lifestyle so that nothing would hinder them from hearing the Gospel. For him, the Gospel was more important than his rights, comfort, and culture. If there was to be any offense in his presentation of the Gospel, he wanted it to be an offense to the cross, not an offense to the foreignness of his cultural customs.

4. Paul was limited by the Bible

Fourth, Paul always stayed within the boundaries of Scripture. In the midst of his statement of adaptation, he inserts an important remark: «I was not without the law of God but under the law of Christ» (1 Cor. 9:21).

Every human culture reflects the effects of the fall. Therefore, we do not adapt to that which contradicts Scripture. Paul refused to adapt to the «wisdom» of the Hellenistic worldview if it contradicted the Gospel. He never approved of diversity or compromise in matters of doctrine.

Human culture and human traditions are subject to negotiation. The Word of God is not. Always.

Conclusion

Contextualization is both inevitable and good. We must identify with those we are trying to reach and adapt to their culture. However, the Gospel also questions and condemns every culture in some ways. When the Bible draws a line, we must draw a line.

The goal of contextualization is not comfort, but clarity. The gospel will never be comfortable. Our goal is to make sure that we don't put any obstacles in the way of the gospel, that the only stumbling block is the stumbling block, the cross, and that the meaning of that cross is clear to all.