Atmosphere
	...until one has discovered the mood of a portion of Scripture, one has not come into vital contact with its author's mind and spirit. -R.A. Traina

Atmosphere

Atmosphere refers to the mood of the writing. There is a tone to each book. Sometimes it is urgent, sometimes joyful, sometimes sorrowful, sometimes reflective, etc. The mood may change throughout the book, so don't get locked into one mood, observe any changes. If there are changes in mood, what brought about those changes?

Consider John 18:33-40. When Pilot asks, "What is truth?" is this a genuine question? Was Pilot really seeking after truth? Or is this a mere brushing away of Jesus' claim that everyone who is of the truth hears his voice? Discerning the mood helps answer this question. Consider also 1 Cor 4. In verse 8, is Paul expressing a real desire for kingship, or is something else in view here? What does the mood or tone of the writing suggest as the proper interpretation?

At times the atmosphere of a passage will determine the correct interpretation, but beyond the academic, the tone of a passage may help with a fuller understanding. In Luke 18:13 Jesus tells a story of a Pharisee and a tax collector. There is a sense of desperation on the part of the tax collector. Some time when you are alone, do what he did. Beat on your chest and cry out "Lord be merciful on me!" Be loud! In this case the actual interpretation does not really depend on the mood, but at the same time we miss the depth of the repentance if we miss the tone.

Do you feel the rage of our Lord as he cleanses the temple? Do you sense Paul's frustration and passion in Galatians? Do you tremble with the Israelites when the mountain begins to smoke? Can you feel the heartbeat of God that pulses through every page of scripture?

Homework

As you do your own Bible reading, devotionals, Bible studies, or as you listen to sermons and radio programs, try to sense the mood of the passage.