The 3–2–1 Context Method

What is this skill?

The 3–2–1 Method is a simple tool to help you understand the flow of a passage by looking at the scenes before and after it. It breaks down what’s happening in Scripture into three quick parts—Scene, Story, and Sense—so you can see how God’s Word fits together as one big story.

This section in your workbook is optional. It’s designed to be quick (less than 10 minutes per section) and gives you a clearer picture of the context surrounding the verses you’re studying.

Why do we do it?

We don’t study Scripture in isolation. Every verse and passage has a setting, a storyline, and a connection to the bigger picture of God’s redemptive plan. By taking a few minutes to slow down and notice what’s happening around our main passage, we:

• Avoid pulling verses out of context.

• Train our eyes to see themes, echoes, and patterns.

• Deepen our understanding of what God is doing in the passage we’re studying.

It doesn’t take long, but it makes a big difference.

How do we do it?

For each section leading up to (or following) your main passage, fill in the blanks using the 3–2–1 format:

• 3 – Scene → Who is present? Where are they? What’s happening?

• 2 – Story → What’s the main tension or problem? How is it resolved (or starting to be resolved)?

• 1 – Sense → Summarize the passage in 25 words or less.

Then jot down:

• Key Phrases → Words or phrases that stand out.

• Echo → How does this section connect to, or prepare for, the passage you’re studying?

Example: Dedication to Theophilus (Luke 1:1–4)

"1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught."

3 – Scene
Who: Luke writing to Theophilus
Where: No location, it’s a written dedication
What: Luke explains his purpose for writing

2 – Story
Tension: Many accounts of Jesus exist; Theophilus needs certainty.
Resolution: Luke carefully investigates and writes an orderly account.

1 – Sense (≤25 words)
Luke writes an orderly account so Theophilus may have certainty about the gospel.

Key Phrases

• “orderly account”

• “eyewitnesses”

• “certainty”

Echo
Because Luke investigated carefully, we can trust the words that follow—including Mary’s song—as Spirit-inspired, orderly, and true.

A Final Word

Remember: this isn’t meant to be comprehensive. Keep it short, keep it simple, and keep moving. You can do as many or as few sections as you want. Even a quick glance at the context will help you see the beauty of God’s Word more clearly.

Note: This section was added to studies beginning in September of 2025. Only studies numbered after #014 "Mary's Song" will have this added in. But feel free to grab your own piece of paper and use this format with any of our studies, or studies you are doing on your own. Do you know about our Blank DIY Bible Study Journal? You should check it out!