by admin | Aug 2, 2012 | Chapter 1, Romans, Section Two
The children who came of age in a population where the worship of created things was firmly established know better than anyone that the worship of created things is a waste of time and effort. At that moment they have an opportunity to turn back to the worship of...
by admin | Aug 1, 2012 | Chapter 1, Romans, Section Two
I’m not homophobic in the sense that I find the idea so repugnant I can’t imagine it. In my twenties I was homophobic in the sense that I watched the guy I was most likely to have sex with change from slightly effeminate to flaming queer in a matter of weeks. I was...
by admin | Jul 31, 2012 | Chapter 1, Romans, Section Two
There is something important to remember about ἀσέβεια (ungodliness). If it is not overcome in people by the Spirit of God, the word of God, faith in the Lord Jesus, being born from above—it simply continues to function. That sounds so simple. But those plagued...
by admin | Jul 27, 2012 | David's Forgiveness, Forgiveness, What Kind of Carpenter is Jesus?
The irony wasn’t lost on me. I had a good laugh at myself as I realized I was frustrated with the Bible and complaining because God was too merciful. “If He would just follow the law, my life would be a whole lot simpler.” True enough, dead is a whole lot simpler...
by admin | Jul 26, 2012 | Chapter 1, Romans, Section Two
I want to consider παραδίδωμι as used by Paul in Romans and 1 Corinthians. The wrath of God…revealed from heaven against all ungodliness (ἀσέβειαν, a form of ἀσέβεια) and unrighteousness of people1 was revealed in three stages: 1) God gave them over (παρέδωκεν, a...
by admin | Jul 25, 2012 | Chapter 1, Romans, Section Two
By the time he wrote his letter to the Romans Paul was back. He abandoned all pretense of being concerned about nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.1 His letter began with a history lesson like those he preached at Pisidian Antioch and Athens. ...
by admin | Jul 24, 2012 | David's Forgiveness, Forgiveness, What Kind of Carpenter is Jesus?
How blessed are those whose actions are blameless, Psalm 119 begins, who obey the law of the Lord. How blessed are those who observe his rules, and seek him with all their heart, who, moreover, do no wrong, but follow in his footsteps. You demand that your precepts...
by admin | Jul 22, 2012 | Chapter 1, Romans, Section Two
Paul wrote to the believers in Rome before he had been there to see them (Romans 1:13-17 NET). I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I often intended to come to you (and was prevented until now), so that I may have some fruit even among you, just...
by admin | Jul 21, 2012 | Section Two
Paul1 departed from Athens and went to Corinth.2 Luke didn’t write much about Paul’s 18 months3 in Corinth, I assume because Paul wrote so much in 1 and 2 Corinthians (and one other letter4 Luke may have known about). But I have to admit I would have appreciated a...
by admin | Jul 17, 2012 | Section Two
As the Holy Spirit seemed eager to get him into Macedonia1 I am eager to get Paul to Athens. So I’m passing over the stories of Paul and Silas in Philippi, Thessalonica and Berea except to mention two things. 1) Along the way Paul picked up a young disciple named...