Who is a Christian? Part 1

In this thread I want to begin to consider the meaning of χριστιανός, Christian, forms of which occur only three times in the New Testament. The first occurrence of the plural form χριστιανούς corresponds to the first time the disciples (τοὺς μαθητὰς, a form of...

Antichrist, Part 6

I’ve been working slowly through older essays, upgrading footnotes and hyperlinks, making sure tables or links to tables are up-to-date. I discovered an unpublished addition to these essays. It wasn’t published earlier, I assume, because it doesn’t...

Exploration, Part 20

I want to continue hearing with faith1 the truth of the Gospel in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. But first, a quick review follows: By reason of this grace I, Paul, the captive of Christ Jesus for your sake, the nations—assuming that you have heard of the...

Justice and Mercy Revisited, Part 5

This is a continuation of a consideration of “Matthew’s and the Holy Spirit’s word choices”1 in Matthew 12:18-21. I’ll continue to mine the rich vein of רָצָה (rāṣâ) encountered in another essay in its Qal perfect 3rd person feminine form רָצְתָה (ESV:...

Exploration, Part 19

I want to continue hearing with faith1 the truth of the Gospel in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. A quick review follows (Ephesians 3:1-6 EXP18). By reason of this grace I, Paul, the captive of Christ Jesus for your sake, the nations—assuming that you have heard...

Justice and Mercy Revisited, Part 4

This is a continuation of a consideration of “Matthew’s and the Holy Spirit’s word choices”1 in Matthew 12:18-21. I’ll continue with the comparison and contrast of Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved2 to Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my...

Exploration, Part 18

I want to continue hearing with faith1 the truth of the Gospel in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians (Ephesians 3:1-6 ESV). For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles—assuming that2 you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace...

Hebrews 10:1-4

This is a homily for communion for the preaching course I’m taking. We’ve backed away for a time from full sermon preparation to homilies. For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can...