{"id":29602,"date":"2026-04-26T06:44:22","date_gmt":"2026-04-26T11:44:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/intelligent-torvalds.74-208-171-134.plesk.page\/?p=29602"},"modified":"2026-06-01T10:26:37","modified_gmt":"2026-06-01T15:26:37","slug":"exploration-part-19","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/religiousmind.net\/?p=29602","title":{"rendered":"Exploration, Part 19"},"content":{"rendered":"

I want to continue hearing with faith<\/i>1<\/sup><\/a> the truth of the Gospel in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. A quick review follows (Ephesians 3:1-6 EXP18<\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

By reason of this grace I, Paul, the captive of Christ Jesus for your sake, the nations\u2014assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you (and by means of me unto you), how by revelation was made known to me the mystery, as I have written briefly, (which this you can read to perceive my insight into the mystery), which to other generations was not made known to the sons of men as now has been revealed by means of his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit\u2014to become the nations<\/a>, fellow heirs and of the same body and partakers of the promise by means of Christ Jesus through the gospel.<\/span><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Paul continued (Ephesians 3:7-13 ESV):<\/span><\/p>\n

Of this gospel I was made<\/a> a minister according to the gift of God\u2019s grace, which was given<\/a> me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the<\/a> saints, this grace was given, to preach to<\/a> the Gentiles the<\/a> unsearchable riches<\/a> of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan<\/a> of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things<\/a> [Table<\/a>]<\/em>, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ<\/a> Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access<\/a> with confidence through our faith in him [Table<\/a>]<\/em>. So I ask you not to lose heart<\/a> over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory [Table<\/a>].<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

<\/a>The Greek is: \u03bf\u1f57<\/a>, Of this gospel<\/i> (literally \u201cOf which\u201d), \u1f10\u03b3\u03b5\u03bd\u1f75\u03b8\u03b7\u03bd<\/a> \u03b4\u03b9\u1f71\u03ba\u03bf\u03bd\u03bf\u03c2<\/a>, I was made a minister<\/i>. The difference here between the critical texts (NA28<\/sup><\/a> \/ NET Parallel Greek<\/a>) and received texts (Stephanus Textus Receptus \/ Byzantine Majority Text<\/a>) may be worth pausing to mention. The critical texts had \u1f10\u03b3\u03b5\u03bd\u1f75\u03b8\u03b7\u03bd<\/a>, a passive form of \u03b3\u03af\u03bd\u03bf\u03bc\u03b1\u03b9<\/a>, I was made<\/i> (ESV), where the received texts had \u1f10\u03b3\u03b5\u03bd\u03cc\u03bc\u03b7\u03bd<\/a> in the middle voice (also translated I was made<\/i> in the KJV). <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Passive Voice<\/span><\/span><\/td>\nMiddle Voice<\/span><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Grammatical voice indicates whether the subject is the performer of the action of the verb (active voice), or the subject is the recipient of the action (passive voice). If the subject of the sentence is being acted upon, then the verb is referred to as being in the passive voice.<\/span><\/span>
\nFor example: “Jesus … was baptized by John in the Jordan” (Mark 1:9). “Jesus” is the subject of the sentence, but in this case He is being acted upon (i.e. He is the recipient of the action), therefore the verb is said to be in the “Passive Voice”.2<\/sup><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/td>\n		The Greek middle voice shows the subject acting in his own interest or on his own behalf, or participating in the results of the verbal action. In overly simplistic terms, sometimes the middle form of the verb could be translated as “the performer of the action actually acting upon himself” (reflexive action).<\/span><\/span>
\nFor example: “I am washing myself.” “I” is the subject of the sentence (performing the action of the verb) and yet “I” am also receiving the action of the verb. This is said to be in the “Middle Voice”. Many instances in the Greek are not this obvious and cannot be translated this literally.3<\/sup><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

I found no English translations<\/a> that went full middle voice (reflexive action)\u2014\u201cI made myself\u201d\u2014but several were translated I became<\/i>, including the NET (which was supposedly a translation of \u1f10\u03b3\u03b5\u03bd\u1f75\u03b8\u03b7\u03bd<\/a> rather than \u1f10\u03b3\u03b5\u03bd\u03cc\u03bc\u03b7\u03bd<\/a>. Paul was quite specific about how he was made<\/i> or became<\/i>: \u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u1f70<\/a> \u03c4\u1f74\u03bd<\/a> \u03b4\u03c9\u03c1\u03b5\u1f70\u03bd<\/a> \u03c4\u1fc6\u03c2<\/a> \u03c7\u1f71\u03c1\u03b9\u03c4\u03bf\u03c2<\/a> \u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6<\/a> \u03b8\u03b5\u03bf\u1fe6<\/a>, according to the gift of God\u2019s grace<\/i>, \u03c4\u1fc6\u03c2<\/a> \u03b4\u03bf\u03b8\u03b5\u1f77\u03c3\u03b7\u03c2<\/a> \u03bc\u03bf\u03b9<\/a>, which was given me<\/i>, \u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u1f70<\/a> \u03c4\u1f74\u03bd<\/a> \u1f10\u03bd\u1f73\u03c1\u03b3\u03b5\u03b9\u03b1\u03bd<\/a>, by the working<\/i>, \u03c4\u1fc6\u03c2<\/a> \u03b4\u03c5\u03bd\u1f71\u03bc\u03b5\u03c9\u03c2<\/a> \u03b1\u1f50\u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6<\/a>, of his power<\/i>. In other words, this was God’s doing not Paul’s, regardless how offensive that may be to the old human (\u03c4\u1f78\u03bd<\/a> \u03c0\u03b1\u03bb\u03b1\u03b9\u1f78\u03bd<\/a> \u1f04\u03bd\u03b8\u03c1\u03c9\u03c0\u03bf\u03bd<\/a>), your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires<\/i>.4<\/sup><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Paul continued: \u1f18\u03bc\u03bf\u1f76<\/a>, To me<\/i>, \u03c4\u1ff7<\/a> \u1f10\u03bb\u03b1\u03c7\u03b9\u03c3\u03c4\u03bf\u03c4\u1f73\u03c1\u1ff3<\/a>, the very least<\/i> (or \u201cless than the least\u201d), \u03c0\u1f71\u03bd\u03c4\u03c9\u03bd<\/a> \u1f01\u03b3\u1f77\u03c9\u03bd<\/a>, of all saints<\/i>, \u1f10\u03b4\u1f79\u03b8\u03b7<\/a>, was given<\/i>, \u1f21<\/a> \u03c7\u1f71\u03c1\u03b9\u03c2<\/a> \u03b1\u1f55\u03c4\u03b7<\/a>, this grace<\/i>, \u03c4\u03bf\u1fd6\u03c2<\/a> \u1f14\u03b8\u03bd\u03b5\u03c3\u03b9\u03bd<\/a>, to the Gentiles<\/i>, \u03b5\u1f50\u03b1\u03b3\u03b3\u03b5\u03bb\u1f77\u03c3\u03b1\u03c3\u03b8\u03b1\u03b9<\/a>, to preach<\/i> (or \u201cto announce good news\u201d), \u03c4\u1f78<\/a> \u1f00\u03bd\u03b5\u03be\u03b9\u03c7\u03bd\u1f77\u03b1\u03c3\u03c4\u03bf\u03bd<\/a> \u03c0\u03bb\u03bf\u1fe6\u03c4\u03bf\u03c2<\/a> \u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6<\/a> \u03a7\u03c1\u03b9\u03c3\u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6<\/a>, the unsearchable riches of Christ<\/i>, \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76<\/a> \u03c6\u03c9\u03c4\u1f77\u03c3\u03b1\u03b9<\/a>, and to bring to light<\/i>, [\u03c0\u1f71\u03bd\u03c4\u03b1\u03c2<\/a>], for everyone<\/i>… I want to pause here to review since what follows is somewhat problematic to unravel.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God\u2019s grace which was given me by the working of his power. To me, less than the least of all saints, was given this grace to the Gentiles to announce good news (or, to announce good news to the Gentiles): the unsearchable riches of Christ and to bring to light for everyone\u201d \u03c4\u1f77\u03c2<\/a> \u1f21<\/a> \u03bf\u1f30\u03ba\u03bf\u03bd\u03bf\u03bc\u1f77\u03b1<\/a>, what is the plan<\/i>. The received texts have \u03c4\u1f77\u03c2<\/a> \u1f21<\/a> \u03ba\u03bf\u03b9\u03bd\u03c9\u03bd\u1f77\u03b1<\/a> here, what is the fellowship<\/i> (KJV). But that’s only part of the difficulty.<\/span><\/p>\n

If \u03ba\u03bf\u03b9\u03bd\u03c9\u03bd\u1f77\u03b1<\/a> was not original and \u03bf\u1f30\u03ba\u03bf\u03bd\u03bf\u03bc\u1f77\u03b1<\/a> was Paul’s and the Holy Spirit’s intent, they had already used \u03bf\u1f30\u03ba\u03bf\u03bd\u03bf\u03bc\u1f77\u03b1\u03bd<\/a>, a form of \u03bf\u1f30\u03ba\u03bf\u03bd\u03bf\u03bc\u1f77\u03b1<\/a> in the accusative case<\/a>, translated of the stewardship<\/i> in: assuming that<\/a> you have heard of the stewardship of God\u2019s grace that was given to me for you<\/i>.5<\/sup><\/a> If Paul and the Holy Spirit actually meant plan<\/i>, \u03c0\u03c1\u03cc\u03b8\u03b5\u03c3\u03b9\u03c2<\/a> was readily available rather than a word which hearkens back to Paul’s stewardship of God\u2019s grace<\/i>.6<\/sup><\/a> And frankly, I would prefer a translation that doesn’t force me to choose between \u03ba\u03bf\u03b9\u03bd\u03c9\u03bd\u1f77\u03b1<\/a> (fellowship<\/i>) and \u03bf\u1f30\u03ba\u03bf\u03bd\u03bf\u03bc\u1f77\u03b1<\/a> (stewardship<\/i>). Looking ahead to what follows, why<\/i>, another possible translation of \u03c4\u1f77\u03c2<\/a>, seems to be the question that is answered, rather than what is<\/i>. <\/span><\/p>\n

So, \u201cto announce good news to the Gentiles: the unsearchable riches of Christ and to bring to light for everyone why the stewardship\u201d or \u201cwhy the fellowship\u201d \u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6<\/a> \u03bc\u03c5\u03c3\u03c4\u03b7\u03c1\u1f77\u03bf\u03c5<\/a>, of the mystery<\/i>, \u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6<\/a> \u1f00\u03c0\u03bf\u03ba\u03b5\u03ba\u03c1\u03c5\u03bc\u03bc\u1f73\u03bd\u03bf\u03c5<\/a> \u1f00\u03c0\u1f78<\/a> \u03c4\u1ff6\u03bd<\/a> \u03b1\u1f30\u1f7d\u03bd\u03c9\u03bd<\/a>, hidden for ages<\/i> (or \u201chidden from the ages\u201d), \u1f10\u03bd<\/a> \u03c4\u1ff7<\/a> \u03b8\u03b5\u1ff7<\/a>, in God<\/i> (or \u201cby means of God\u201d), \u03c4\u1ff7<\/a>, who<\/i>, \u03c4\u1f70<\/a> \u03c0\u1f71\u03bd\u03c4\u03b1<\/a> \u03ba\u03c4\u1f77\u03c3\u03b1\u03bd\u03c4\u03b9<\/a>, created all things<\/i> (or, \u201cthe whole created\u201d), \u1f35\u03bd\u03b1<\/a>, (e.g.<\/i>, this is why) so that<\/i>, \u03b3\u03bd\u03c9\u03c1\u03b9\u03c3\u03b8\u1fc7<\/a> \u03bd\u1fe6\u03bd<\/a>, might now be made known<\/i>,7<\/sup><\/a> \u03c4\u03b1\u1fd6\u03c2<\/a> \u1f00\u03c1\u03c7\u03b1\u1fd6\u03c2<\/a>, to the rulers<\/i>, \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76<\/a> \u03c4\u03b1\u1fd6\u03c2<\/a> \u1f10\u03be\u03bf\u03c5\u03c3\u1f77\u03b1\u03b9\u03c2<\/a>, and authorities<\/i>, \u1f10\u03bd<\/a> \u03c4\u03bf\u1fd6\u03c2<\/a> \u1f10\u03c0\u03bf\u03c5\u03c1\u03b1\u03bd\u1f77\u03bf\u03b9\u03c2<\/a>, in the heavenly places<\/i>, \u03b4\u03b9\u1f70<\/a> \u03c4\u1fc6\u03c2<\/a> \u1f10\u03ba\u03ba\u03bb\u03b7\u03c3\u1f77\u03b1\u03c2<\/a>, through the church<\/i>, \u1f21<\/a> \u03c0\u03bf\u03bb\u03c5\u03c0\u03bf\u1f77\u03ba\u03b9\u03bb\u03bf\u03c2<\/a> \u03c3\u03bf\u03c6\u1f77\u03b1<\/a> \u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6<\/a> \u03b8\u03b5\u03bf\u1fe6<\/a>, the manifold wisdom of God<\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The truth to be hearing with faith<\/i>8<\/sup><\/a> so far is (Ephesians 3:7-10 EXP19): <\/span><\/p>\n

Of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God\u2019s grace which was given me by the working of his power. To me, less than the least of all saints, was given this grace to announce good news to the Gentiles: the unsearchable riches of Christ and to bring to light for everyone why the stewardship, or the fellowship, of the mystery hidden from the ages by means of God, who the whole created, so that now may be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places through the church the manifold wisdom of God.<\/span><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Paul continued: \u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u1f70<\/a>, This was according to<\/i> (or \u201caccording to\u201d), \u03c0\u03c1\u1f79\u03b8\u03b5\u03c3\u03b9\u03bd<\/a> \u03c4\u1ff6\u03bd<\/a> \u03b1\u1f30\u1f7d\u03bd\u03c9\u03bd<\/a>, the eternal purpose <\/i>(or \u201cthe purpose of the ages\u201d), \u1f23\u03bd<\/a>, that<\/i>, \u1f10\u03c0\u03bf\u1f77\u03b7\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd<\/a>, he has realized<\/i> (or \u201che has accomplished\u201d), \u1f10\u03bd<\/a> \u03c4\u1ff7<\/a> \u03a7\u03c1\u03b9\u03c3\u03c4\u1ff7<\/a> \u1f38\u03b7\u03c3\u03bf\u1fe6<\/a>, in Christ Jesus<\/i> (or \u201cby means of Christ Jesus\u201d), \u03c4\u1ff7<\/a> \u03ba\u03c5\u03c1\u1f77\u1ff3<\/a> \u1f21\u03bc\u1ff6\u03bd<\/a>, our Lord<\/i>, \u1f10\u03bd<\/a> \u1fa7<\/a>, in whom<\/i> (or \u201cby means of whom\u201d), \u1f14\u03c7\u03bf\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd<\/a>, we have<\/i>, \u03c4\u1f74\u03bd<\/a> \u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03c1\u03b7\u03c3\u1f77\u03b1\u03bd<\/a>, boldness<\/i>, \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76<\/a> \u03c0\u03c1\u03bf\u03c3\u03b1\u03b3\u03c9\u03b3\u1f74\u03bd<\/a> \u1f10\u03bd<\/a> \u03c0\u03b5\u03c0\u03bf\u03b9\u03b8\u1f75\u03c3\u03b5\u03b9<\/a>, and access with confidence<\/i>, \u03b4\u03b9\u1f70<\/a> \u03c4\u1fc6\u03c2<\/a> \u03c0\u1f77\u03c3\u03c4\u03b5\u03c9\u03c2<\/a> \u03b1\u1f50\u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6<\/a>, through our faith in him<\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Translating \u03b4\u03b9\u1f70<\/a> \u03c4\u1fc6\u03c2<\/a> \u03c0\u1f77\u03c3\u03c4\u03b5\u03c9\u03c2<\/a> \u03b1\u1f50\u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6<\/a> through our faith in him<\/i>, sounds like the Christian version of a works religion to me: \u201cOur faith is the work we accomplish to achieve Christ’s salvation.\u201d9<\/sup><\/a> The plural possessive pronoun our<\/i> is neither found nor implied in the phrase \u03b4\u03b9\u1f70<\/a> \u03c4\u1fc6\u03c2<\/a> \u03c0\u1f77\u03c3\u03c4\u03b5\u03c9\u03c2<\/a> \u03b1\u1f50\u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6<\/a>: \u201cthrough the faith of Him\u201d or \u201cthrough his faithfulness.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Jesus corrected the misconceptions of those who chased him around the Sea of Galilee after they ate a free meal (John 6:25-29 ESV):<\/span><\/p>\n

When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, \u201cRabbi, when did you come here?\u201d Jesus answered them, \u201cTruly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.\u201d Then they said to him, \u201cWhat must we do<\/a>, to be doing the works of God?\u201d Jesus<\/a> answered them, \u201cThis is the work of God, that you believe<\/a> in him whom he has sent\u201d [Table<\/a>].<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

They asked: \u03c4\u1f77<\/a> \u03c0\u03bf\u03b9\u1ff6\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd<\/a>, What must we do<\/i> (or \u201cWhat might we do\u201d). The verb \u03c0\u03bf\u03b9\u1ff6\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd<\/a> is a form of \u03c0\u03bf\u03b9\u03ad\u03c9<\/a> in the subjunctive mood<\/a>. The verb was \u03c0\u03bf\u03b9\u03bf\u1fe6\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd<\/a> in the indicative mood<\/a> in the Stephanus Textus Receptus<\/a>: \u201cWhat do we do.\u201d I’m not finding a 1st<\/sup> person plural form of \u03c0\u03bf\u03b9\u03ad\u03c9<\/a> in the present tense active voice and imperative mood<\/a>\u2014What must we do<\/i>\u2014but perhaps this was the ESV translators’ way of indicating a preference for the indicative \u03c0\u03bf\u03b9\u03bf\u1fe6\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

The Greek continues: \u1f35\u03bd\u03b1<\/a> \u1f10\u03c1\u03b3\u03b1\u03b6\u1f7d\u03bc\u03b5\u03b8\u03b1<\/a>, to be doing<\/i> (or \u201cso that we might do\u201d), \u03c4\u1f70<\/a> \u1f14\u03c1\u03b3\u03b1<\/a> \u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6<\/a> \u03b8\u03b5\u03bf\u1fe6<\/a>, the works of God?<\/i> Jesus answered: \u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6\u03c4\u03bf<\/a> \u1f10\u03c3\u03c4\u03b9\u03bd<\/a> \u03c4\u1f78<\/a> \u1f14\u03c1\u03b3\u03bf\u03bd<\/a> \u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6<\/a> \u03b8\u03b5\u03bf\u1fe6<\/a>, This is the work of God<\/i>, \u1f35\u03bd\u03b1<\/a> \u03c0\u03b9\u03c3\u03c4\u03b5\u1f7b\u03b7\u03c4\u03b5<\/a>, that you believe<\/i> (or \u201cthat you may believe\u201d), \u03b5\u1f30\u03c2<\/a> \u1f43\u03bd<\/a>, in him<\/i>, \u1f00\u03c0\u1f73\u03c3\u03c4\u03b5\u03b9\u03bb\u03b5\u03bd<\/a> \u1f10\u03ba\u03b5\u1fd6\u03bd\u03bf\u03c2<\/a>, whom he has sent<\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Did Jesus just redefine faith<\/i> as the work we must…do to be doing the works of God<\/i>? The translators of the NET seem to have thought that: \u201cThis is the deed God requires\u2014to believe<\/a> in the one whom he sent.\u201d<\/i>10<\/sup><\/a> But the Greek word translated to believe<\/i> was not \u03c0\u03b9\u03c3\u03c4\u03b5\u03cd\u03b5\u03b9\u03bd<\/a>, an infinitive form of \u03c0\u03b9\u03c3\u03c4\u03b5\u03cd\u03c9<\/a>. It was certainly not \u03c0\u03b9\u03c3\u03c4\u03b5\u03cd\u03b5\u03c4\u03b5<\/a>, a 2nd<\/sup> person plural imperative\u2014\u201cyou must believe\u201d\u2014\u201ca command or instruction given to the hearer, charging the hearer to carry out or perform a certain action.\u201d11<\/sup><\/a> It is \u03c0\u03b9\u03c3\u03c4\u03b5\u1f7b\u03b7\u03c4\u03b5<\/a> in the critical texts, and \u03c0\u03b9\u03c3\u03c4\u03b5\u03c5\u03c3\u03b7\u03c4\u03b5<\/a> in the received texts. Both are in the subjunctive mood<\/a>\u2014\u201cso that (\u1f35\u03bd\u03b1<\/a>) you may believe in Him whom He has sent.\u201d Both12<\/sup><\/a> are subjunctive verbs in a purpose or result clause: \u201cthe action should not be thought of as a possible result, but should be viewed as a definite outcome that will happen as a result of another stated action.\u201d13<\/sup><\/a> The other \u201cstated action\u201d is: This is the work of God<\/i>, \u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6\u03c4\u03bf<\/a> \u1f10\u03c3\u03c4\u03b9\u03bd<\/a> \u03c4\u1f78<\/a> \u1f14\u03c1\u03b3\u03bf\u03bd<\/a> \u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6<\/a> \u03b8\u03b5\u03bf\u1fe6<\/a> (or, \u201cThis is God’s work\u201d).<\/span><\/p>\n

Jesus addressed those who<\/i> (by and large) pursued a law that would lead to righteousness<\/i>14<\/sup><\/a> as if it were based on works<\/a><\/i>; they did not pursue it by faith<\/i>.15<\/sup><\/a> This \u201ccultivated old human<\/a>\u201d may have sinned somewhat less and done somewhat more good things than the old human (\u03c4\u1f78\u03bd<\/a> \u03c0\u03b1\u03bb\u03b1\u03b9\u1f78\u03bd<\/a> \u1f04\u03bd\u03b8\u03c1\u03c9\u03c0\u03bf\u03bd<\/a>) who made no attempt to mitigate its corruption through deceitful desires<\/i>.16<\/sup><\/a> But the \u201ccultivated old human\u201d is not the new human (\u03c4\u1f78\u03bd<\/a> \u03ba\u03b1\u03b9\u03bd\u1f78\u03bd<\/a> \u1f04\u03bd\u03b8\u03c1\u03c9\u03c0\u03bf\u03bd<\/a>), the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness<\/i>.17<\/sup><\/a> In a similar way, turning Christian<\/i> into an adjective governing what people should and should not do is just pursuing another law as if it were based on works<\/i>. It is the absolute antithesis of what God has accomplished by means of Christ Jesus our Lord: Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?<\/i>18<\/sup><\/a> You are severed from Christ<\/a>, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace<\/i>.19<\/sup><\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n

And finally: \u03b4\u03b9\u1f78<\/a>, So<\/i>, \u03b1\u1f30\u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6\u03bc\u03b1\u03b9<\/a>, I ask you<\/i>, \u03bc\u1f74<\/a> \u1f10\u03b3\u03ba\u03b1\u03ba\u03b5\u1fd6\u03bd<\/a>, not to lose heart<\/i>, \u1f10\u03bd<\/a> \u03c4\u03b1\u1fd6\u03c2<\/a> \u03b8\u03bb\u1f77\u03c8\u03b5\u03c3\u03b9\u03bd<\/a> \u03bc\u03bf\u03c5<\/a> \u1f51\u03c0\u1f72\u03c1<\/a> \u1f51\u03bc\u1ff6\u03bd<\/a>, over what I am suffering for you<\/i> (or \u201cby means of what I am suffering for you\u201d), \u1f25\u03c4\u03b9\u03c2<\/a> \u1f10\u03c3\u03c4\u1f76\u03bd<\/a>, which is<\/i>, \u03b4\u1f79\u03be\u03b1<\/a> \u1f51\u03bc\u1ff6\u03bd<\/a>, your glory<\/i>. Since I’ve questioned<\/a> whether Paul was incarcerated at the time he wrote this letter, I should point out some of the other sufferings to which he may have alluded. <\/span><\/p>\n

Paul \u201cboasted\u201d about his sufferings to the Corinthians. It only seems fair to quote that boasting in its own context (2 Corinthians 11:16-33 ESV):<\/span><\/p>\n

I repeat, let no one think me foolish. But even if you do,20<\/sup><\/a><\/em> accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little. What I am saying with this boastful confidence, I say not as the Lord would but as a fool. Since many boast according to the flesh, I too will boast. For you gladly bear with fools, being wise yourselves! For you bear it if someone makes slaves of you, or devours you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or strikes you in the face. To my shame, I must say, we were too weak21<\/sup><\/a><\/em> for that!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

But whatever anyone else dares to boast of\u2014I am speaking as a fool\u2014I also dare to boast of that. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one\u2014I am talking like a madman\u2014with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty<\/a> lashes less one [Table<\/a>]<\/em>. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in<\/a> toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me<\/a> of my anxiety for all the churches [Table<\/a>]<\/em>. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the22<\/sup><\/a><\/em> Lord Jesus,23<\/sup><\/a><\/em> he who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. At Damascus, the governor under King Aretas was guarding the city of Damascus in order24<\/sup><\/a><\/em> to seize me, but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his hands. <\/span><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The truth to be hearing with faith<\/i>25<\/sup><\/a> is:<\/span><\/p>\n

By reason of this grace I, Paul, the captive of Christ Jesus for your sake, the nations\u2014assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you (and by means of me unto you), how by revelation was made known to me the mystery, as I have written briefly, (which this you can read to perceive my insight into the mystery), which to other generations was not made known to the sons of men as now has been revealed by means of his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit\u2014to become the nations, fellow heirs and of the same body and partakers of the promise by means of Christ Jesus through the gospel.26<\/sup><\/a><\/em><\/span><\/span>
\nOf which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God\u2019s grace which was given me by the working of his power. To me, less than the least of all saints, was given this grace to announce good news to the Gentiles: the unsearchable riches of Christ and to bring to light for everyone why the stewardship, or the fellowship, of the mystery hidden from the ages by means of God, who the whole created, so that now may be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places through the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the purpose of the ages that he has accomplished by means of Christ Jesus, by means of whom we have boldness and access with confidence through his faithfulness. So I ask you not to lose heart by means of what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.27<\/sup><\/a><\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Tables comparing 2 Corinthians 11:16<\/a>; 11:21<\/a> and 11:31, 32<\/a> in the KJV and NET follow.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\n

<\/a>2 Corinthians 11:16 (NET)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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2 Corinthians 11:16 (KJV)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

I say again, let no one think that I am a fool. But if you do, then at least accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little.<\/span><\/span><\/td>\nI say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little.<\/span><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n
\n

2 Corinthians 11:16 (NET Parallel Greek)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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2 Corinthians 11:16 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

2 Corinthians 11:16 (Byzantine Majority Text)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\u03a0\u1f71\u03bb\u03b9\u03bd \u03bb\u1f73\u03b3\u03c9, \u03bc\u1f75 \u03c4\u1f77\u03c2 \u03bc\u03b5 \u03b4\u1f79\u03be\u1fc3 \u1f04\u03c6\u03c1\u03bf\u03bd\u03b1 \u03b5\u1f36\u03bd\u03b1\u03b9\u0387 \u03b5\u1f30 \u03b4\u1f72 \u03bc\u1f75<\/a> \u03b3\u03b5<\/a><\/b>, \u03ba\u1f70\u03bd \u1f61\u03c2 \u1f04\u03c6\u03c1\u03bf\u03bd\u03b1 \u03b4\u1f73\u03be\u03b1\u03c3\u03b8\u03b5 \u03bc\u03b5, \u1f35\u03bd\u03b1 \u03ba\u03b1\u03b3\u1f7c \u03bc\u03b9\u03ba\u03c1\u1f79\u03bd \u03c4\u03b9 \u03ba\u03b1\u03c5\u03c7\u1f75\u03c3\u03c9\u03bc\u03b1\u03b9<\/span><\/span><\/td>\n\u03c0\u03b1\u03bb\u03b9\u03bd \u03bb\u03b5\u03b3\u03c9 \u03bc\u03b7 \u03c4\u03b9\u03c2 \u03bc\u03b5 \u03b4\u03bf\u03be\u03b7 \u03b1\u03c6\u03c1\u03bf\u03bd\u03b1 \u03b5\u03b9\u03bd\u03b1\u03b9 \u03b5\u03b9 \u03b4\u03b5 \u03bc\u03b7\u03b3\u03b5<\/a> \u03ba\u03b1\u03bd \u03c9\u03c2 \u03b1\u03c6\u03c1\u03bf\u03bd\u03b1 \u03b4\u03b5\u03be\u03b1\u03c3\u03b8\u03b5 \u03bc\u03b5 \u03b9\u03bd\u03b1 \u03bc\u03b9\u03ba\u03c1\u03bf\u03bd \u03c4\u03b9 \u03ba\u03b1\u03b3\u03c9 \u03ba\u03b1\u03c5\u03c7\u03b7\u03c3\u03c9\u03bc\u03b1\u03b9<\/span><\/span><\/td>\n\u03c0\u03b1\u03bb\u03b9\u03bd \u03bb\u03b5\u03b3\u03c9 \u03bc\u03b7 \u03c4\u03b9\u03c2 \u03bc\u03b5 \u03b4\u03bf\u03be\u03b7 \u03b1\u03c6\u03c1\u03bf\u03bd\u03b1 \u03b5\u03b9\u03bd\u03b1\u03b9 \u03b5\u03b9 \u03b4\u03b5 \u03bc\u03b7\u03b3\u03b5 \u03ba\u03b1\u03bd \u03c9\u03c2 \u03b1\u03c6\u03c1\u03bf\u03bd\u03b1 \u03b4\u03b5\u03be\u03b1\u03c3\u03b8\u03b5 \u03bc\u03b5 \u03b9\u03bd\u03b1 \u03ba\u03b1\u03b3\u03c9 \u03bc\u03b9\u03ba\u03c1\u03bf\u03bd \u03c4\u03b9 \u03ba\u03b1\u03c5\u03c7\u03b7\u03c3\u03c9\u03bc\u03b1\u03b9<\/span><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n
\n

<\/a>2 Corinthians 11:21 (NET)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

2 Corinthians 11:21 (KJV)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

(To my disgrace I must say that we were too weak for that!) But whatever anyone else dares to boast about (I am speaking foolishly), I also dare to boast about the same thing.<\/span><\/span><\/td>\nI speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.<\/span><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n
\n

2 Corinthians 11:21 (NET Parallel Greek)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

2 Corinthians 11:21 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

2 Corinthians 11:21 (Byzantine Majority Text)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

(\u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u1f70 \u1f00\u03c4\u03b9\u03bc\u1f77\u03b1\u03bd \u03bb\u1f73\u03b3\u03c9, \u1f61\u03c2 \u1f45\u03c4\u03b9 \u1f21\u03bc\u03b5\u1fd6\u03c2 \u1f20\u03c3\u03b8\u03b5\u03bd\u1f75\u03ba\u03b1\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd<\/a><\/b>.) \u1f10\u03bd \u1fa7 \u03b4\u1fbf \u1f04\u03bd \u03c4\u03b9\u03c2 \u03c4\u03bf\u03bb\u03bc\u1fb7 (\u1f10\u03bd \u1f00\u03c6\u03c1\u03bf\u03c3\u1f7b\u03bd\u1fc3 \u03bb\u1f73\u03b3\u03c9), \u03c4\u03bf\u03bb\u03bc\u1ff6 \u03ba\u03b1\u03b3\u1f7d<\/span><\/span><\/td>\n\u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u03b1 \u03b1\u03c4\u03b9\u03bc\u03b9\u03b1\u03bd \u03bb\u03b5\u03b3\u03c9 \u03c9\u03c2 \u03bf\u03c4\u03b9 \u03b7\u03bc\u03b5\u03b9\u03c2 \u03b7\u03c3\u03b8\u03b5\u03bd\u03b7\u03c3\u03b1\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd<\/a> \u03b5\u03bd \u03c9 \u03b4 \u03b1\u03bd \u03c4\u03b9\u03c2 \u03c4\u03bf\u03bb\u03bc\u03b1 \u03b5\u03bd \u03b1\u03c6\u03c1\u03bf\u03c3\u03c5\u03bd\u03b7 \u03bb\u03b5\u03b3\u03c9 \u03c4\u03bf\u03bb\u03bc\u03c9 \u03ba\u03b1\u03b3\u03c9<\/span><\/span><\/td>\n\u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u03b1 \u03b1\u03c4\u03b9\u03bc\u03b9\u03b1\u03bd \u03bb\u03b5\u03b3\u03c9 \u03c9\u03c2 \u03bf\u03c4\u03b9 \u03b7\u03bc\u03b5\u03b9\u03c2 \u03b7\u03c3\u03b8\u03b5\u03bd\u03b7\u03c3\u03b1\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd \u03b5\u03bd \u03c9 \u03b4 \u03b1\u03bd \u03c4\u03b9\u03c2 \u03c4\u03bf\u03bb\u03bc\u03b1 \u03b5\u03bd \u03b1\u03c6\u03c1\u03bf\u03c3\u03c5\u03bd\u03b7 \u03bb\u03b5\u03b3\u03c9 \u03c4\u03bf\u03bb\u03bc\u03c9 \u03ba\u03b1\u03b3\u03c9<\/span><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n
\n

<\/a>2 Corinthians 11:31, 32 (NET)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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2 Corinthians 11:31, 32 (KJV)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is blessed forever, knows I am not lying.<\/span><\/span><\/td>\nThe God and Father of our<\/strong> Lord Jesus Christ<\/strong>, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.<\/span><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n
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2 Corinthians 11:31 (NET Parallel Greek)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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2 Corinthians 11:31 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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2 Corinthians 11:31 (Byzantine Majority Text)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\u1f41 \u03b8\u03b5\u1f78\u03c2 \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u03c0\u03b1\u03c4\u1f74\u03c1 \u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6 \u03ba\u03c5\u03c1\u1f77\u03bf\u03c5 \u1f38\u03b7\u03c3\u03bf\u1fe6 \u03bf\u1f36\u03b4\u03b5\u03bd, \u1f41 \u1f62\u03bd \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03b7\u03c4\u1f78\u03c2 \u03b5\u1f30\u03c2 \u03c4\u03bf\u1f7a\u03c2 \u03b1\u1f30\u1ff6\u03bd\u03b1\u03c2, \u1f45\u03c4\u03b9 \u03bf\u1f50 \u03c8\u03b5\u1f7b\u03b4\u03bf\u03bc\u03b1\u03b9<\/span><\/span><\/td>\n\u03bf \u03b8\u03b5\u03bf\u03c2 \u03ba\u03b1\u03b9 \u03c0\u03b1\u03c4\u03b7\u03c1 \u03c4\u03bf\u03c5 \u03ba\u03c5\u03c1\u03b9\u03bf\u03c5 \u03b7\u03bc\u03c9\u03bd<\/a><\/b> \u03b9\u03b7\u03c3\u03bf\u03c5 \u03c7\u03c1\u03b9\u03c3\u03c4\u03bf\u03c5<\/a><\/b> \u03bf\u03b9\u03b4\u03b5\u03bd \u03bf \u03c9\u03bd \u03b5\u03c5\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03b7\u03c4\u03bf\u03c2 \u03b5\u03b9\u03c2 \u03c4\u03bf\u03c5\u03c2 \u03b1\u03b9\u03c9\u03bd\u03b1\u03c2 \u03bf\u03c4\u03b9 \u03bf\u03c5 \u03c8\u03b5\u03c5\u03b4\u03bf\u03bc\u03b1\u03b9<\/span><\/span><\/td>\n\u03bf \u03b8\u03b5\u03bf\u03c2 \u03ba\u03b1\u03b9 \u03c0\u03b1\u03c4\u03b7\u03c1 \u03c4\u03bf\u03c5 \u03ba\u03c5\u03c1\u03b9\u03bf\u03c5 \u03b9\u03b7\u03c3\u03bf\u03c5 \u03c7\u03c1\u03b9\u03c3\u03c4\u03bf\u03c5<\/b> \u03bf\u03b9\u03b4\u03b5\u03bd \u03bf \u03c9\u03bd \u03b5\u03c5\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03b7\u03c4\u03bf\u03c2 \u03b5\u03b9\u03c2 \u03c4\u03bf\u03c5\u03c2 \u03b1\u03b9\u03c9\u03bd\u03b1\u03c2 \u03bf\u03c4\u03b9 \u03bf\u03c5 \u03c8\u03b5\u03c5\u03b4\u03bf\u03bc\u03b1\u03b9<\/span><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
In Damascus, the governor under King Aretas was guarding the city of Damascus in order to arrest me,<\/span><\/span><\/td>\nIn Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous<\/b> to apprehend me:<\/span><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n
\n

2 Corinthians 11:32 (NET Parallel Greek)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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2 Corinthians 11:32 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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2 Corinthians 11:32 (Byzantine Majority Text)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\u1f10\u03bd \u0394\u03b1\u03bc\u03b1\u03c3\u03ba\u1ff7 \u1f41 \u1f10\u03b8\u03bd\u1f71\u03c1\u03c7\u03b7\u03c2 \u1f09\u03c1\u1f73\u03c4\u03b1 \u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6 \u03b2\u03b1\u03c3\u03b9\u03bb\u1f73\u03c9\u03c2 \u1f10\u03c6\u03c1\u03bf\u1f7b\u03c1\u03b5\u03b9 \u03c4\u1f74\u03bd \u03c0\u1f79\u03bb\u03b9\u03bd \u0394\u03b1\u03bc\u03b1\u03c3\u03ba\u03b7\u03bd\u1ff6\u03bd \u03c0\u03b9\u1f71\u03c3\u03b1\u03b9 \u03bc\u03b5<\/span><\/span><\/td>\n\u03b5\u03bd \u03b4\u03b1\u03bc\u03b1\u03c3\u03ba\u03c9 \u03bf \u03b5\u03b8\u03bd\u03b1\u03c1\u03c7\u03b7\u03c2 \u03b1\u03c1\u03b5\u03c4\u03b1 \u03c4\u03bf\u03c5 \u03b2\u03b1\u03c3\u03b9\u03bb\u03b5\u03c9\u03c2 \u03b5\u03c6\u03c1\u03bf\u03c5\u03c1\u03b5\u03b9 \u03c4\u03b7\u03bd \u03b4\u03b1\u03bc\u03b1\u03c3\u03ba\u03b7\u03bd\u03c9\u03bd \u03c0\u03bf\u03bb\u03b9\u03bd \u03c0\u03b9\u03b1\u03c3\u03b1\u03b9 \u03bc\u03b5 \u03b8\u03b5\u03bb\u03c9\u03bd<\/a><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/td>\n\u03b5\u03bd \u03b4\u03b1\u03bc\u03b1\u03c3\u03ba\u03c9 \u03bf \u03b5\u03b8\u03bd\u03b1\u03c1\u03c7\u03b7\u03c2 \u03b1\u03c1\u03b5\u03c4\u03b1 \u03c4\u03bf\u03c5 \u03b2\u03b1\u03c3\u03b9\u03bb\u03b5\u03c9\u03c2 \u03b5\u03c6\u03c1\u03bf\u03c5\u03c1\u03b5\u03b9 \u03c4\u03b7\u03bd \u03b4\u03b1\u03bc\u03b1\u03c3\u03ba\u03b7\u03bd\u03c9\u03bd \u03c0\u03bf\u03bb\u03b9\u03bd \u03c0\u03b9\u03b1\u03c3\u03b1\u03b9 \u03bc\u03b5 \u03b8\u03b5\u03bb\u03c9\u03bd<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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Exploration, Part 20<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n
Back to Justice and Mercy Revisited, Part 5<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n
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1<\/sup><\/a> Galatians 3:2b (ESV)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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2<\/sup><\/a> From “Grammatical Voice of Verbs: Passive Voice<\/a>,” Greek Verbs (Shorter Definitions)<\/a> on Resources for Learning New Testament Greek<\/a> online.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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3<\/sup><\/a> From “Grammatical Voice of Verbs: Middle Voice<\/a>,” Greek Verbs (Shorter Definitions)<\/a> on Resources for Learning New Testament Greek<\/a> online.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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4<\/sup><\/a> Ephesians 4:22b (ESV)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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5<\/sup><\/a> Ephesians 3:2 (ESV) Table<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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6<\/sup><\/a> And \u03c0\u03c1\u1f79\u03b8\u03b5\u03c3\u03b9\u03bd<\/a>, an accusative form of \u03c0\u03c1\u03cc\u03b8\u03b5\u03c3\u03b9\u03c2<\/a>, occurs later when that is what Paul and the Holy Spirit intended.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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7<\/sup><\/a> This is not as iffy in Greek as it sounds in English. It is quite clearly a purpose or result clause following the conjunction \u1f35\u03bd\u03b1<\/a>. The verb \u03b3\u03bd\u03c9\u03c1\u03b9\u03c3\u03b8\u1fc7<\/a> is a passive form of \u03b3\u03bd\u03c9\u03c1\u03af\u03b6\u03c9<\/a> in the aorist tense<\/a> and subjunctive mood<\/a>. It will be made known<\/i> at an unspecified time in the present (\u03bd\u1fe6\u03bd<\/a>): \u201cif the subjunctive mood is used in a purpose or result clause, then the action should not be thought of as a possible result, but should be viewed as a definite outcome that will happen as a result of another stated action\u201d (e.g.<\/i>, \u03c4\u1ff7<\/a> \u03b8\u03b5\u1ff7<\/a> \u03c4\u1ff7<\/a> \u03c4\u1f70<\/a> \u03c0\u1f71\u03bd\u03c4\u03b1<\/a> \u03ba\u03c4\u1f77\u03c3\u03b1\u03bd\u03c4\u03b9<\/a>, \u201cby means of God who the whole created\u201d).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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8<\/sup><\/a> Galatians 3:2b (ESV)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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9<\/sup><\/a> An interesting article online, \u201cSalvation is Reached through works, Not by Faith Alone: A Complete Path to God<\/a>,\u201d attempts to balance faith and works in a biblical way. And it begins well, though I would quibble with the statement: \u201cbut humans, created with free will, must actively cooperate through their works for this grace to bear fruit (from “The Historical Debate: From the Reformation to the Council of Trent”). Calling the corruption of deceitful desires \u201cfree will\u201d bothers me. And \u201ccooperation\u201d can be misleading: for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure<\/i> (Philippians 2:13 ESV). One’s \u201ccooperation\u201d is primarily to stop kicking against the goads<\/i> (Acts 26:14 ESV), if and only if one is \u201ccooperating\u201d by putting off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires<\/i> (Ephesians 4:22 ESV), and putting on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness<\/i> (Ephesians 4:24 ESV) through the renewing of the mind, by his word and by his indwelling Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:23). The rest of the article devolved into a \u201cfake it ’til you make it\u201d scheme, which may work for some. The Lord is patient with, and accommodating to<\/a>, the old human. \u201cFrom a Catholic perspective, salvation is an ongoing process of sanctification, where each step brings us closer to God…It is our daily lives, our decisions, and our works that shape our relationship with Him\u201d (from \u201cSalvation as a Path of Personal Transformation\u201d). I never experienced \u201cthis relationship as a growth in charity, in the love that God offers,\u201d but only as a persistent assurance that I was in charge and everything about my sanctification depended on me, which in retrospect sounds like the old human kicking and screaming against the goads<\/i>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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10<\/sup><\/a> John 6:29 (NET) Table<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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11<\/sup><\/a> From \u201cVerbal Moods: Imperative Mood<\/a>,\u201d Greek Verbs (Shorter Definitions)<\/a> on Resources for Learning New Testament Greek<\/a> online.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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12<\/sup><\/a> The difference is that \u03c0\u03b9\u03c3\u03c4\u03b5\u1f7b\u03b7\u03c4\u03b5<\/a> is in the present tense\u2014\u201cso that you may believe in Him whom He has sent now\u201d\u2014and \u03c0\u03b9\u03c3\u03c4\u03b5\u03c5\u03c3\u03b7\u03c4\u03b5<\/a> is in the aorist tense<\/a>\u2014\u201cso that you may believe in Him whom He has sent at some unspecified time.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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13<\/sup><\/a> From \u201cVerbal Moods: Subjunctive Mood<\/a>,\u201d Greek Verbs (Shorter Definitions)<\/a> on Resources for Learning New Testament Greek<\/a> online.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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14<\/sup><\/a> Romans 9:31b (ESV) Table<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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15<\/sup><\/a> Romans 9:32a (ESV) Table<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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16<\/sup><\/a> Ephesians 4:22 (ESV)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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17<\/sup><\/a> Ephesians 4:24b (ESV)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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18<\/sup><\/a> Galatians 3:3 (ESV)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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19<\/sup><\/a> Galatians 5:4 (ESV) Table<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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20<\/sup><\/a> The NET parallel Greek<\/a> text and NA28<\/sup><\/a> had \u03b5\u1f30<\/a> \u03b4\u1f72<\/a> \u03bc\u1f75<\/a> \u03b3\u03b5<\/a> (NET: But if you do<\/i>…at least<\/i>) here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus<\/a> and Byzantine Majority Text<\/a> had \u03b5\u03b9<\/a> \u03b4\u03b5<\/a> \u03bc\u03b7\u03b3\u03b5<\/a> (KJV: if otherwise<\/i>).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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21<\/sup><\/a> The NET parallel Greek<\/a> text and NA28<\/sup><\/a> had \u1f20\u03c3\u03b8\u03b5\u03bd\u1f75\u03ba\u03b1\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd<\/a> (NET: were too weak<\/i>) here, a form of \u1f00\u03c3\u03b8\u03b5\u03bd\u03ad\u03c9<\/a> in the perfect tense<\/a>, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus<\/a> and Byzantine Majority Text<\/a> had \u03b7\u03c3\u03b8\u03b5\u03bd\u03b7\u03c3\u03b1\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd<\/a> (KJV: had been weak<\/i>) in the aorist tense<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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22<\/sup><\/a> The Stephanus Textus Receptus<\/a> had \u03b7\u03bc\u03c9\u03bd<\/a> (KJV: our<\/i>) here. The NET parallel Greek<\/a> text, NA28<\/sup><\/a> and Byzantine Majority Text<\/a> did not.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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23<\/sup><\/a> The Stephanus Textus Receptus<\/a> and Byzantine Majority Text<\/a> had \u03c7\u03c1\u03b9\u03c3\u03c4\u03bf\u03c5<\/a> (KJV: Christ<\/i>) following Jesus<\/i>. The NET parallel Greek<\/a> text and NA28<\/sup><\/a> did not.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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24<\/sup><\/a> The Stephanus Textus Receptus<\/a> and Byzantine Majority Text<\/a> had \u03b8\u03b5\u03bb\u03c9\u03bd<\/a> (KJV: desirous<\/i>), a present participle of the verb \u03b8\u03ad\u03bb\u03c9<\/a>, at the end of this clause. The NET parallel Greek<\/a> text and NA28<\/sup><\/a> did not.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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25<\/sup><\/a> Galatians 3:2b (ESV)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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26<\/sup><\/a> Ephesians 3:1-6 (EXP18<\/a>)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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27<\/sup><\/a> Ephesians 3:7-13 EXP19<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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, … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6342,6341],"tags":[6791,6758,6761,6789,6788,5920,3608,409,410,535,6790,2876,6561,1339],"class_list":["post-29602","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-explorations","category-section-seven","tag-2-corinthians-1116-33","tag-ephesians-31-6","tag-ephesians-32","tag-ephesians-37-10","tag-ephesians-37-13","tag-ephesians-422","tag-ephesians-424","tag-galatians-32","tag-galatians-33","tag-galatians-54","tag-john-625-29","tag-john-629","tag-romans-931","tag-romans-932"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/religiousmind.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29602","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/religiousmind.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/religiousmind.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/religiousmind.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/religiousmind.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=29602"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/religiousmind.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29602\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":30028,"href":"https:\/\/religiousmind.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29602\/revisions\/30028"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/religiousmind.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=29602"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/religiousmind.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=29602"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/religiousmind.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=29602"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}