Father, Forgive Them – Part 4

I have attempted to cleanse Jesus’ words of the crime/punishment motif I think the translators of the NET and NASB superimposed upon them, so that his mercy—planning the offspring of vipers’ escape from being condemned to hell—shines through (Matthew 23:33-35 NET;...

Romans, Part 68

This will conclude my consideration of Rejoice in hope, endure in suffering, persist in prayer[1] as a description of love rather than as rules to obey.  I’ll continue with the aftermath of the war between Israel and Benjamin. So the people came to Bethel and sat...

Romans, Part 60

Rejoice in hope, endure in suffering, persist in prayer.[1]  I want to look at this as a description of love rather than as rules to obey.  To begin I’ve made the following table. The Fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:22, 23 (NET) Joy (χαρὰ) I have told you these things...

My Reasons and My Reason, Part 6

There is another way I might view the wrath of God…revealed from heaven against [my] ungodliness and unrighteousness,[1] a way more in keeping with my normal method of Bible study—superficially more in keeping with it.  I confess that, Although [I] claimed to be wise,...

Paul in Corinth

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...