Doctrine
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Doctrine in the Bible?
The term doctrine refers to both the act of teaching and the content taught, appearing with varied nuances in the Old and New Testaments. In the New Testament, it frequently designates the authoritative instructions of Jesus and the early Christian community.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the dual meaning of doctrine as both instruction and content helps readers trace how early Christian communities structured their beliefs, maintained continuity with Jewish traditions, and established distinct theological identities.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Doctrine. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Doctrine in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Doctrine clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Doctrine." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/doctrine/