Sometimes I am stunned by the sheer paradox of Bible verses if I read them at face value, in the literal sense of the words.

Reading the Bible requires sufficient understanding of the context, but up to what point will this contextualisation cloud our translation or interpretation of those words?

Given that context, did the author mean X or Y? Is there a possibility for a different context? How does the wording translation affect all of this: Aramaic to Greek to English? Is there any gap due to my own personal upbringing and cultural background?

What went through early church leaders minds as they got together and chose which letters to form the books in the New Testament?

Dear God,
I do not understand many things
please help me listen to your Spirit
and obey