Out of Context is a practical guide to important skills for interpreting the Bible - practical enough to encourage you that growth as a student of Scripture is really possible. Richard Schultz also offers a good example of truly constructive criticism: his treatment of problematic interpretations is humble, restrained, and forward-looking, helping readers not just to see what's wrong but also to pursue what's right. This book therefore models the harmony of truth and love we need to see more often in the body of Christ.

Richard Schultz has produced a most compelling and winsome discussion of some of the wrong turns that are often made in interpreting Scripture. While he rightfully expresses his concern for those who properly desire to apply these texts to our contemporary scene, he also tries to guide lay readers and professionals in a better way to accomplish the same task when their attempts go wrong. This book is a delightful read that will bring both tears and outbursts of laughter as examples of poor interpretations are shared. Here is a book that is a must for all readers of the Bible, which I recommend for each person's enlightenment and enjoyment.

Having a correct view of God and living a faithful life are dependent on hearing God's voice accurately, and Schultz helps sort out the good, the bad, and the ugly in the world of interpretation and application. He exposes the inherent danger of misusing Scripture and leads us into a more careful approach to interpreting and applying Scripture in a way that is faithful to the text's original meaning and context. This book will help wean us off of the false conclusions of sloppy interpretation and will help us sort out the confusion that is so prevalent in so many Christian circles. It is a book that will inspire and teach at the same time, leading us to hunger and thirst for God's Word all the more.