a “judgment seat” (2 Cor. 5:10)? What heathen writer does Paul quote (Titus 1:12)? What is the meaning of the “white stone” (Rev. 2:17)? Why are “dogs” excluded from the heavenly city (Rev. 22:15)? The historical background provides answers to all these questions and many more in Scripture. The interpreter ignores such help only to his own loss. The better commentaries and historical studies are rich sources of help for the interpreter. Interpret according to literary form. Do not interpret poetry