Christianity, Part 9

Posted on April 8, 2023 by admin

There are 21 occurrences of πάντας in Acts [see Table below] the Greek word translated all people in: And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people (πάντας, a form of πᾶς) to myself.¹ As I began this study another passage was brought to my attention (Colossians 1:24-29 ESV):

Now I rejoice in my² sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone (πάντα ἄνθρωπον) and teaching everyone (πάντα ἄνθρωπον) with all (πάσῃ) wisdom, that we may present everyone (πάντα ἄνθρωπον) mature in Christ [Table]. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

This wouldn’t have been part of my search criteria limited to πάντας, but it has become the key to the passages I’ll consider in detail in Acts. In the phrase ἐν πάσῃ σοφίᾳ (ESV: with all wisdom) all is limited, or qualified, by wisdom. Will I dispute whether we actually use all wisdom? No, I understand that we use all the “wisdom, cleverness” and “skill” God provides.

Three times the Greek words translated everyone were πάντα ἄνθρωπον, which is remarkable only because πάντας was translated all people in John 12:32 without any limitation in the Greek. Here πάντα was clearly limited, or qualified, by ἄνθρωπον. And here I began to argue in my mind that we aren’t warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, but only those with whom we come into contact.

Then I recalled my own words from another essay: “Paul, through his letters preserved in the New Testament, led me to Christ. I am a recipient of his ministry as much as anyone in Corinth.” But did he intend to say that we may present (παραστήσωμεν, a form of παρίστημι) everyone mature in Christ?

The Greek word παραστήσωμεν is a verb in the subjunctive mood in a result clause. We present everyone mature in Christ is the result of: [Christ] we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom. For this I toil, Paul wrote, struggling with all³ his energy that he powerfully works within me.⁴ Somewhere along the line we have lost faith.

I was socialized into a religion in which human will is regarded above all:⁵

So, brethren, a universal attraction is raying out from Christ’s Cross, and from Himself to each of us. But that universal attraction can be resisted. If a man plants his feet firmly and wide apart, and holds on with both hands to some staple or holdfast, then the drawing cannot draw.

Paul wasn’t socialized into that religion. He had resisted the goads but the Lord prevailed despite his resistance.

He spoke in his own defense (ἀπολογίας, a form of ἀπολογία) in Jerusalem (Acts 21:40b-22:3 ESV):

Paul, standing on the steps [of the barracks], motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great hush, he addressed⁶ them in the Hebrew language, saying: “Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now⁷ make before you.”
And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he said:

“I am⁸ a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all (πάντες) of you are this day.

When [Paul] had come to Jerusalem, the brothers⁹…said¹⁰ to him (Acts 21:20b-22 ESV):

“You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews¹¹ of those who have believed. They are all zealous for the law, and they have been told about you that you teach all (πάντας) the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses,¹² telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to our customs. What then is to be done?¹³ They will certainly hear that you have come.

They came up with a scheme to placate the many thousands…among the Jews of those who have believed, but before Paul could complete it (Acts 21:27b-31 ESV):

the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole (πάντα) crowd and laid hands on him, crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who is teaching everyone (πάντας) everywhere¹⁴ against the people and the law and this place. Moreover, he even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” For they had previously seen¹⁵ Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. Then all the city was stirred up, and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut. And¹⁶ as they were seeking to kill him, word came to the tribune of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion.¹⁷

Paul’s defense continued (Acts 22:4-10 ESV)

I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, as the high priest and the whole (πᾶν) council of elders can bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed toward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished.

“As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. And I fell¹⁸ to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ And I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’ Now those who were with me saw the light¹⁹ but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me. And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all (πάντων) that is appointed for you to do.’

The Greek word translated appointed here was τέτακται, a form of τάσσω. This word was used by a Roman Centurion (Luke 7:8, 9 ESV):

For I too am a man set (τασσόμενος, another form of τάσσω) under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even²⁰ in Israel have I found such faith.”

The centurion’s simple recognition that Jesus was a man set under the authority of a higher power was regarded as faith: “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith,” Jesus said. When Saul (aka Paul) was confronted by the resurrected, ascended and glorified Jesus, he didn’t trot out his best theological arguments why Jesus wasn’t Israel’s promised Messiah. What shall I do, Lord?²¹ He said instead. In other words, he believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.²²

Luke recounted the following when Paul and Barnabas preached in Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:44-48 ESV):

The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him [Table]. And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles [Table]. For so the Lord has commanded us, saying,

“‘I have made (τέθεικα, a form of τίθημι) you a light for the Gentiles,

that you may bring salvation to the ends (ἐσχάτου, a form of ἔσχατος) of the earth.’”

And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing²³ and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed (τεταγμένοι, another form of τάσσω) to eternal life believed.

Whatever resistance these Gentiles may have had to that “universal attraction…raying out from Christ’s Cross, and from Himself” wasn’t overcome by something intrinsic to themselves. Rather, they believed because they were appointed (τεταγμένοι, another form of τάσσω) to eternal life. The Jews, those who judged themselves unworthy of eternal life, did not believe because a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.²⁴

Once that fullness (πλήρωμα) is achieved, I assume they, too, will be appointed to eternal life and believe. And this, despite the fact that from my limited perspective, they died almost 2,000 years ago. This outlook is informed less by knowledge, the breadth and length and height and depth,²⁵ and more by the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness (πλήρωμα) of God,²⁶ as Paul prayed. And his prayer continues because I pray it daily for all.

Paul’s defense continued (Acts 22:11-15 ESV):

And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus.

“And one Ananias, a devout²⁷ man according to the law, well spoken of by all (πάντων) the Jews who lived there, came to me, and standing by me said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that very hour I received my sight and saw him. And he said, ‘The God of our fathers appointed (προεχειρίσατο, a form of προχειρίζω) you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth; for you will be a witness for him to everyone (πάντας ἀνθρώπους) of what you have seen and heard.

So Paul, appointed…to know [God’s] will (τὸ θέλημα αὐτοῦ),²⁸ wrote: [Christ] we proclaim, warning everyone (πάντα ἄνθρωπον) and teaching everyone (πάντα ἄνθρωπον) with all wisdom, that we may present everyone (πάντα ἄνθρωπον) mature in Christ,²⁹ following Ananias’ prophetic word, you will be a witness for him to everyone (πάντας ἀνθρώπους) of what you have seen and heard.³⁰

After Paul appealed (Acts 25:8-12) to Caesar, the new governor Festus asked King Agrippa for advice about the charge (Acts 25:13-27) to send with Paul. Near the end of his defense before Festus and Agrippa Paul said (Acts 26:19-29 ESV):

“Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient (ἀπειθὴς) to the heavenly vision, but declared³¹ first to those in Damascus, then³² in Jerusalem and throughout³³ all (πᾶσαν) the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. For this reason the³⁴ Jews seized me in³⁵ the temple and tried to kill me. To this day I have had the help that comes from³⁶ God, and so I stand here testifying³⁷ both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses³⁸ said would come to pass: that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both³⁹ to our people and to the Gentiles.”

And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said⁴⁰ with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” But Paul⁴¹ said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but⁴² I am speaking true and rational words. For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has⁴³ not been done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” And Agrippa said⁴⁴ to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be⁴⁵ a Christian?” And Paul said,⁴⁶ “Whether short or long,⁴⁷ I would to God that not only you but also all (πάντας) who hear me this day might become such as I⁴⁸ am—except for these chains.”

Here πάντας was clearly limited in Paul’s mind to those who heard him that day making that defense at that trial. And εὐξαίμην ἂν translated I would (NET: I pray) here was a 1^st person form of the verb εὔχομαι in the optative mood:

The optative is the mood of possibility, removed even further than the subjunctive mood from something conceived of as actual. Often it is used to convey a wish or hope for a certain action to occur.⁴⁹

Yet, I too am hearing and believing his defense. Paul prayed or hoped or wished or willed to God (τῷ θεῷ), who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think.⁵⁰ And as I recall all that I can see that God has done to fulfill Ananias’ prophecy concerning Paul, you will be a witness for him to everyone (πάντας ἀνθρώπους) of what you have seen and heard,⁵¹ it becomes easier to believe what I can’t necessarily see: Him we proclaim, warning everyone (πάντα ἄνθρωπον) and teaching everyone (πάντα ἄνθρωπον) with all wisdom, that we [will⁵²] present everyone (πάντα ἄνθρωπον) mature in Christ.⁵³

Why? How? And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, Jesus said, will draw all people to myself.⁵⁴

According to a note (13) in the NET Paul quoted from Genesis 15:6. The table below compares the Greek of Paul’s quotation to that of the Septuagint.

Galatians 3:6b (NET Parallel Greek)	Genesis 15:6 (Septuagint BLB) Table	Genesis 15:6 (Septuagint Elpenor)
Ἀβραὰμ ἐπίστευσεν τῷ θεῷ, καὶ ἐλογίσθη αὐτῷ εἰς δικαιοσύνην	ἐπίστευσεν Αβραμ τῷ θεῷ καὶ ἐλογίσθη αὐτῷ εἰς δικαιοσύνην	ἐπίστευσεν ῞Αβραμ τῷ Θεῷ, καὶ ἐλογίσθη αὐτῷ εἰς δικαιοσύνην
Galatians 3:6b (NET)	Genesis 15:6 (NETS)	Genesis 15:6 (English Elpenor)
Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness	Abram believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness	Abram believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness

The table mentioned above follows.

Occurrences of πάντας in Acts
Reference	NET Parallel Greek	ESV
Acts 4:33	χάρις τε μεγάλη ἦν ἐπὶ πάντας αὐτούς	great grace was upon them all
Acts 5:5	καὶ ἐγένετο φόβος μέγας ἐπὶ πάντας τοὺς ἀκούοντας	And great fear came upon all who heard of it
Acts 5:11	καὶ ἐπὶ πάντας τοὺς ἀκούοντας ταῦτα	and upon all who heard of these things
Acts 9:14	πάντας τοὺς ἐπικαλουμένους τὸ ὄνομα σου	all who call on your name
Acts 9:40	ἐκβαλὼν δὲ ἔξω πάντας ὁ Πέτρος	But Peter put them all outside
Acts 10:38	ἰώμενος πάντας τοὺς καταδυναστευομένους ὑπὸ τοῦ διαβόλου	healing all who were oppressed by the devil
Acts 10:44	ἐπέπεσεν τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον ἐπὶ πάντας τοὺς ἀκούοντας τὸν λόγον	the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word
Acts 11:23	παρεκάλει πάντας τῇ προθέσει τῆς καρδίας προσμένειν τῷ κυρίῳ	he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose
Acts 17:30	τὰ νῦν \|παραγγέλλει\| τοῖς ἀνθρώποις πάντας πανταχοῦ μετανοεῖν	but now he commands all people everywhere to repent
Acts 18:2	διὰ τὸ διατεταχέναι Κλαύδιον χωρίζεσθαι πάντας τοὺς Ἰουδαίους ἀπὸ τῆς Ῥώμης	because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome
Acts 18:23	\|ἐπι\|στηρίζων πάντας τοὺς μαθητάς	strengthening all the disciples
Acts 19:10	πάντας τοὺς κατοικοῦντας τὴν Ἀσίαν	all the residents of Asia
Acts 19:17	ἐπέπεσεν φόβος ἐπὶ πάντας αὐτοὺς	fear fell upon them all
Acts 21:21	ἀποστασίαν διδάσκεις ἀπὸ Μωϋσέως τοὺς κατὰ τὰ ἔθνη πάντας Ἰουδαίους	you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses
Acts 21:28	οὗτος ἐστιν ὁ ἄνθρωπος ὁ κατὰ τοῦ λαοῦ καὶ τοῦ νόμου καὶ τοῦ τόπου τούτου πάντας πανταχῇ διδάσκων	This is the man who is teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law and this place.
Acts 22:15	ἔσῃ μάρτυς αὐτῷ πρὸς πάντας ἀνθρώπους	you will be a witness for him to everyone
Acts 26:29	ἀλλὰ καὶ πάντας τοὺς ἀκούοντας μου σήμερον	but also all who hear me this day
Acts 27:24	κεχάρισται σοι ὁ θεὸς πάντας τοὺς πλέοντας μετὰ σοῦ	God has granted you all those who sail with you.
Acts 27:44	καὶ οὕτως ἐγένετο πάντας διασωθῆναι ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν	And so it was that all were brought safely to land.
Acts 28:2	ἅψαντες γὰρ πυρὰν προσελάβοντο πάντας ἡμᾶς	for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all
Acts 28:30	καὶ ἀπεδέχετο πάντας τοὺς εἰσπορευομένους πρὸς αὐτόν	and welcomed all who came to him

Tables comparing the Greek of Colossians 1:24; Acts 21:40; 22:1; 22:3; 21:20-22; 21:28, 29; 21:31; 22:7; 22:9; Luke 7:9; Acts 13:48; 22:12; 26:20-26 and 26:28, 29 in the NET and KJV follow.

Colossians 1:24 (NET)	Colossians 1:24 (KJV)
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my physical body—for the sake of his body, the church—what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ.	Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:

Colossians 1:24 (NET Parallel Greek)	Colossians 1:24 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)	Colossians 1:24 (Byzantine Majority Text)
Νῦν χαίρω ἐν τοῖς παθήμασιν ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν καὶ ἀνταναπληρῶ τὰ ὑστερήματα τῶν θλίψεων τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐν τῇ σαρκί μου ὑπὲρ τοῦ σώματος αὐτοῦ, ὅ ἐστιν ἡ ἐκκλησία	νυν χαιρω εν τοις παθημασιν μου υπερ υμων και ανταναπληρω τα υστερηματα των θλιψεων του χριστου εν τη σαρκι μου υπερ του σωματος αυτου ο εστιν η εκκλησια	νυν χαιρω εν τοις παθημασιν υπερ υμων και ανταναπληρω τα υστερηματα των θλιψεων του χριστου εν τη σαρκι μου υπερ του σωματος αυτου ο εστιν η εκκλησια

Acts 21:40 (NET)	Acts 21:40 (KJV)
When the commanding officer had given him permission, Paul stood on the steps and gestured to the people with his hand. When they had become silent, he addressed them in Aramaic,	And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

Acts 21:40 (NET Parallel Greek)	Acts 21:40 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)	Acts 21:40 (Byzantine Majority Text)
ἐπιτρέψαντος δὲ αὐτοῦ ὁ Παῦλος ἑστὼς ἐπὶ τῶν ἀναβαθμῶν κατέσεισεν τῇ χειρὶ τῷ λαῷ. πολλῆς δὲ σιγῆς γενομένης προσεφώνησεν τῇ Ἑβραΐδι διαλέκτῳ λέγων	επιτρεψαντος δε αυτου ο παυλος εστως επι των αναβαθμων κατεσεισεν τη χειρι τω λαω πολλης δε σιγης γενομενης προσεφωνησεν τη εβραιδι διαλεκτω λεγων	επιτρεψαντος δε αυτου ο παυλος εστως επι των αναβαθμων κατεσεισεν τη χειρι τω λαω πολλης δε σιγης γενομενης προσεφωνει τη εβραιδι διαλεκτω λεγων

Acts 22:1 (NET)	Acts 22:1 (KJV)
“Brothers and fathers, listen to my defense that I now make to you.”	Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you.

Acts 22:1 (NET Parallel Greek)	Acts 22:1 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)	Acts 22:1 (Byzantine Majority Text)
῎Ανδρες ἀδελφοὶ καὶ πατέρες, ἀκούσατε μου τῆς πρὸς ὑμᾶς νυνὶ ἀπολογίας	ανδρες αδελφοι και πατερες ακουσατε μου της προς υμας νυν απολογιας	ανδρες αδελφοι και πατερες ακουσατε μου της προς υμας νυνι απολογιας

Acts 22:3 (NET)	Acts 22:3 (KJV)
“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated with strictness under Gamaliel according to the law of our ancestors, and was zealous for God just as all of you are today.	I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.

Acts 22:3 (NET Parallel Greek)	Acts 22:3 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)	Acts 22:3 (Byzantine Majority Text)
ἐγώ εἰμι ἀνὴρ Ἰουδαῖος, γεγεννημένος ἐν Ταρσῷ τῆς Κιλικίας, ἀνατεθραμμένος δὲ ἐν τῇ πόλει ταύτῃ, παρὰ τοὺς πόδας Γαμαλιὴλ πεπαιδευμένος κατὰ ἀκρίβειαν τοῦ πατρῴου νόμου, ζηλωτὴς ὑπάρχων τοῦ θεοῦ καθὼς πάντες ὑμεῖς ἐστε σήμερον	εγω μεν ειμι ανηρ ιουδαιος γεγεννημενος εν ταρσω της κιλικιας ανατεθραμμενος δε εν τη πολει ταυτη παρα τους ποδας γαμαλιηλ πεπαιδευμενος κατα ακριβειαν του πατρωου νομου ζηλωτης υπαρχων του θεου καθως παντες υμεις εστε σημερον	εγω μεν ειμι ανηρ ιουδαιος γεγεννημενος εν ταρσω της κιλικιας ανατεθραμμενος δε εν τη πολει ταυτη παρα τους ποδας γαμαλιηλ πεπαιδευμενος κατα ακριβειαν του πατρωου νομου ζηλωτης υπαρχων του θεου καθως παντες υμεις εστε σημερον

Acts 21:20-22 (NET)	Acts 21:20-22 (KJV)
When they heard this, they praised God. Then they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all ardent observers of the law.	And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:

Acts 21:20 (NET Parallel Greek)	Acts 21:20 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)	Acts 21:20 (Byzantine Majority Text)
Οἱ δὲ ἀκούσαντες ἐδόξαζον τὸν θεὸν εἶπον τε αὐτῷ· Θεωρεῖς, ἀδελφέ, πόσαι μυριάδες εἰσὶν ἐν τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις τῶν πεπιστευκότων καὶ πάντες ζηλωταὶ τοῦ νόμου ὑπάρχουσιν	οι δε ακουσαντες εδοξαζον τον κυριον ειπον τε αυτω θεωρεις αδελφε ποσαι μυριαδες εισιν ιουδαιων των πεπιστευκοτων και παντες ζηλωται του νομου υπαρχουσιν	οι δε ακουσαντες εδοξαζον τον κυριον ειποντες αυτω θεωρεις αδελφε ποσαι μυριαδες εισιν ιουδαιων των πεπιστευκοτων και παντες ζηλωται του νομου υπαρχουσιν

They have been informed about you—that you teach all the Jews now living among the Gentiles to abandon Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs.

And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.

Acts 21:21 (NET Parallel Greek)	Acts 21:21 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)	Acts 21:21 (Byzantine Majority Text)
κατηχήθησαν δὲ περὶ σοῦ ὅτι ἀποστασίαν διδάσκεις ἀπὸ Μωϋσέως τοὺς κατὰ τὰ ἔθνη πάντας Ἰουδαίους λέγων μὴ περιτέμνειν αὐτοὺς τὰ τέκνα μηδὲ τοῖς ἔθεσιν περιπατεῖν	κατηχηθησαν δε περι σου οτι αποστασιαν διδασκεις απο μωσεως τους κατα τα εθνη παντας ιουδαιους λεγων μη περιτεμνειν αυτους τα τεκνα μηδε τοις εθεσιν περιπατειν	κατηχηθησαν δε περι σου οτι αποστασιαν διδασκεις απο μωυσεως τους κατα τα εθνη παντας ιουδαιους λεγων μη περιτεμνειν αυτους τα τεκνα μηδε τοις εθεσιν περιπατειν

What then should we do? They will no doubt hear that you have come.

What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.

Acts 21:22 (NET Parallel Greek)	Acts 21:22 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)	Acts 21:22 (Byzantine Majority Text)
τί οὖν ἐστιν; πάντως ἀκούσονται ὅτι ἐλήλυθας	τι ουν εστιν παντως δει πληθος συνελθειν ακουσονται γαρ οτι εληλυθας	τι ουν εστιν παντως δει πληθος συνελθειν ακουσονται γαρ οτι εληλυθας

Acts 21:28, 29 (NET)	Acts 21:28, 29 (KJV)
shouting, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people, our law, and this sanctuary! Furthermore he has brought Greeks into the inner courts of the temple and made this holy place ritually unclean!”	Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.

Acts 21:28 (NET Parallel Greek)	Acts 21:28 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)	Acts 21:28 (Byzantine Majority Text)
κράζοντες· ἄνδρες Ἰσραηλῖται, βοηθεῖτε· οὗτος ἐστιν ὁ ἄνθρωπος ὁ κατὰ τοῦ λαοῦ καὶ τοῦ νόμου καὶ τοῦ τόπου τούτου πάντας πανταχῇ διδάσκων, ἔτι τε καὶ ῞Ελληνας εἰσήγαγεν εἰς τὸ ἱερὸν καὶ κεκοίνωκεν τὸν ἅγιον τόπον τοῦτον	κραζοντες ανδρες ισραηλιται βοηθειτε ουτος εστιν ο ανθρωπος ο κατα του λαου και του νομου και του τοπου τουτου παντας πανταχου διδασκων ετι τε και ελληνας εισηγαγεν εις το ιερον και κεκοινωκεν τον αγιον τοπον τουτον	κραζοντες ανδρες ισραηλιται βοηθειτε ουτος εστιν ο ανθρωπος ο κατα του λαου και του νομου και του τοπου τουτου παντας πανταχου διδασκων ετι τε και ελληνας εισηγαγεν εις το ιερον και κεκοινωκεν τον αγιον τοπον τουτον

(For they had seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with him previously, and they assumed Paul had brought him into the inner temple courts.)

(For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)

Acts 21:29 (NET Parallel Greek)	Acts 21:29 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)	Acts 21:29 (Byzantine Majority Text)
(ἦσαν γὰρ προεωρακότες Τρόφιμον τὸν Ἐφέσιον ἐν τῇ πόλει σὺν αὐτῷ, ὃν ἐνόμιζον ὅτι εἰς τὸ ἱερὸν εἰσήγαγεν ὁ Παῦλος.)	ησαν γαρ προεωρακοτες τροφιμον τον εφεσιον εν τη πολει συν αυτω ον ενομιζον οτι εις το ιερον εισηγαγεν ο παυλος	ησαν γαρ εωρακοτες τροφιμον τον εφεσιον εν τη πολει συν αυτω ον ενομιζον οτι εις το ιερον εισηγαγεν ο παυλος

Acts 21:31 (NET)	Acts 21:31 (KJV)
While they were trying to kill him, a report was sent up to the commanding officer of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion.	And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

Acts 21:31 (NET Parallel Greek)	Acts 21:31 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)	Acts 21:31 (Byzantine Majority Text)
Ζητούντων τε αὐτὸν ἀποκτεῖναι ἀνέβη φάσις τῷ χιλιάρχῳ τῆς σπείρης ὅτι ὅλη συγχύννεται Ἰερουσαλήμ	ζητουντων δε αυτον αποκτειναι ανεβη φασις τω χιλιαρχω της σπειρης οτι ολη συγκεχυται ιερουσαλημ	ζητουντων δε αυτον αποκτειναι ανεβη φασις τω χιλιαρχω της σπειρης οτι ολη συγκεχυται ιερουσαλημ

Acts 22:7 (NET)	Acts 22:7 (KJV)
Then I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’	And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

Acts 22:7 (NET Parallel Greek)	Acts 22:7 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)	Acts 22:7 (Byzantine Majority Text)
ἔπεσα τε εἰς τὸ ἔδαφος καὶ ἤκουσα φωνῆς λεγούσης μοι· Σαοὺλ Σαούλ, τί με διώκεις	επεσον τε εις το εδαφος και ηκουσα φωνης λεγουσης μοι σαουλ σαουλ τι με διωκεις	επεσα τε εις το εδαφος και ηκουσα φωνης λεγουσης μοι σαουλ σαουλ τι με διωκεις

Acts 22:9 (NET)	Acts 22:9 (KJV)
Those who were with me saw the light, but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me.	And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.

Acts 22:9 (NET Parallel Greek)	Acts 22:9 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)	Acts 22:9 (Byzantine Majority Text)
οἱ δὲ σὺν ἐμοὶ ὄντες τὸ μὲν φῶς ἐθεάσαντο τὴν δὲ φωνὴν οὐκ ἤκουσαν τοῦ λαλοῦντος μοι	οι δε συν εμοι οντες το μεν φως εθεασαντο και εμφοβοι εγενοντο την δε φωνην ουκ ηκουσαν του λαλουντος μοι	οι δε συν εμοι οντες το μεν φως εθεασαντο και εμφοβοι εγενοντο την δε φωνην ουκ ηκουσαν του λαλουντος μοι

Luke 7:9 (NET)	Luke 7:9 (KJV)
When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him. He turned and said to the crowd that followed him, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith!”	When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

Luke 7:9 (NET Parallel Greek)	Luke 7:9 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)	Luke 7:9 (Byzantine Majority Text)
ἀκούσας δὲ ταῦτα ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἐθαύμασεν αὐτὸν καὶ στραφεὶς τῷ ἀκολουθοῦντι αὐτῷ ὄχλῳ εἶπεν· λέγω ὑμῖν, οὐδὲ ἐν τῷ Ἰσραὴλ τοσαύτην πίστιν εὗρον	ακουσας δε ταυτα ο ιησους εθαυμασεν αυτον και στραφεις τω ακολουθουντι αυτω οχλω ειπεν λεγω υμιν ουδε εν τω ισραηλ τοσαυτην πιστιν ευρον	ακουσας δε ταυτα ο ιησους εθαυμασεν αυτον και στραφεις τω ακολουθουντι αυτω οχλω ειπεν λεγω υμιν ουτε εν τω ισραηλ τοσαυτην πιστιν ευρον

Acts 13:48 (NET)	Acts 13:48 (KJV)
When the Gentiles heard this, they began to rejoice and praise the word of the Lord, and all who had been appointed for eternal life believed.	And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

Acts 13:48 (NET Parallel Greek)	Acts 13:48 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)	Acts 13:48 (Byzantine Majority Text)
Ἀκούοντα δὲ τὰ ἔθνη ἔχαιρον καὶ ἐδόξαζον τὸν λόγον τοῦ \|κυρίου\| καὶ ἐπίστευσαν ὅσοι ἦσαν τεταγμένοι εἰς ζωὴν αἰώνιον	ακουοντα δε τα εθνη εχαιρον και εδοξαζον τον λογον του κυριου και επιστευσαν οσοι ησαν τεταγμενοι εις ζωην αιωνιον	ακουοντα δε τα εθνη εχαιρεν και εδοξαζον τον λογον του κυριου και επιστευσαν οσοι ησαν τεταγμενοι εις ζωην αιωνιον

Acts 22:12 (NET)	Acts 22:12 (KJV)
A man named Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who live there,	And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,

Acts 22:12 (NET Parallel Greek)	Acts 22:12 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)	Acts 22:12 (Byzantine Majority Text)
Ἁνανίας δέ τις, ἀνὴρ εὐλαβὴς κατὰ τὸν νόμον, μαρτυρούμενος ὑπὸ πάντων τῶν κατοικούντων Ἰουδαίων	ανανιας δε τις ανηρ ευσεβης κατα τον νομον μαρτυρουμενος υπο παντων των κατοικουντων ιουδαιων	ανανιας δε τις ανηρ ευσεβης κατα τον νομον μαρτυρουμενος υπο παντων των κατοικουντων ιουδαιων

Acts 26:20-26 (NET)	Acts 26:20-26 (KJV)
but I declared to those in Damascus first, and then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds consistent with repentance.	But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

Acts 26:20 (NET Parallel Greek)	Acts 26:20 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)	Acts 26:20 (Byzantine Majority Text)
ἀλλὰ τοῖς ἐν Δαμασκῷ πρῶτον τε καὶ Ἱεροσολύμοις, πᾶσαν τε τὴν χώραν τῆς Ἰουδαίας καὶ τοῖς ἔθνεσιν ἀπήγγελλον μετανοεῖν καὶ ἐπιστρέφειν ἐπὶ τὸν θεόν, ἄξια τῆς μετανοίας ἔργα πράσσοντας	αλλα τοις εν δαμασκω πρωτον και ιεροσολυμοις εις πασαν τε την χωραν της ιουδαιας και τοις εθνεσιν απαγγελλων μετανοειν και επιστρεφειν επι τον θεον αξια της μετανοιας εργα πρασσοντας	αλλα τοις εν δαμασκω πρωτον και ιεροσολυμοις εις πασαν τε την χωραν της ιουδαιας και τοις εθνεσιν απαγγελλων μετανοειν και επιστρεφειν επι τον θεον αξια της μετανοιας εργα πρασσοντας

For this reason the Jews, after they seized me while I was in the temple courts, were trying to kill me.

For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.

Acts 26:21 (NET Parallel Greek)	Acts 26:21 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)	Acts 26:21 (Byzantine Majority Text)
ἕνεκα τούτων με Ἰουδαῖοι συλλαβόμενοι [ὄντα] ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ ἐπειρῶντο διαχειρίσασθαι	ενεκα τουτων με οι ιουδαιοι συλλαβομενοι εν τω ιερω επειρωντο διαχειρισασθαι	ενεκα τουτων οι ιουδαιοι με συλλαβομενοι εν τω ιερω επειρωντο διαχειρισασθαι

I have experienced help from God to this day, and so I stand testifying to both small and great, saying nothing except what the prophets and Moses said was going to happen:

Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:

Acts 26:22 (NET Parallel Greek)	Acts 26:22 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)	Acts 26:22 (Byzantine Majority Text)
ἐπικουρίας οὖν τυχὼν τῆς ἀπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ ἄχρι τῆς ἡμέρας ταύτης ἕστηκα μαρτυρόμενος μικρῷ τε καὶ μεγάλῳ οὐδὲν ἐκτὸς λέγων ὧν τε οἱ προφῆται ἐλάλησαν μελλόντων γίνεσθαι καὶ Μωϋσῆς	επικουριας ουν τυχων της παρα του θεου αχρι της ημερας ταυτης εστηκα μαρτυρουμενος μικρω τε και μεγαλω ουδεν εκτος λεγων ων τε οι προφηται ελαλησαν μελλοντων γινεσθαι και μωσης	επικουριας ουν τυχων της παρα του θεου αχρι της ημερας ταυτης εστηκα μαρτυρομενος μικρω τε και μεγαλω ουδεν εκτος λεγων ων τε οι προφηται ελαλησαν μελλοντων γινεσθαι και μωυσης

that the Christ was to suffer and be the first to rise from the dead, to proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”

That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.

Acts 26:23 (NET Parallel Greek)	Acts 26:23 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)	Acts 26:23 (Byzantine Majority Text)
εἰ παθητὸς ὁ χριστός, εἰ πρῶτος ἐξ ἀναστάσεως νεκρῶν φῶς μέλλει καταγγέλλειν τῷ τε λαῷ καὶ τοῖς ἔθνεσιν	ει παθητος ο χριστος ει πρωτος εξ αναστασεως νεκρων φως μελλει καταγγελλειν τω λαω και τοις εθνεσιν	ει παθητος ο χριστος ει πρωτος εξ αναστασεως νεκρων φως μελλει καταγγελλειν τω λαω και τοις εθνεσιν

As Paul was saying these things in his defense, Festus exclaimed loudly, “You have lost your mind, Paul! Your great learning is driving you insane!”

And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.

Acts 26:24 (NET Parallel Greek)	Acts 26:24 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)	Acts 26:24 (Byzantine Majority Text)
Ταῦτα δὲ αὐτοῦ ἀπολογουμένου ὁ Φῆστος μεγάλῃ τῇ φωνῇ φησιν· μαίνῃ, Παῦλε· τὰ πολλά σε γράμματα εἰς μανίαν περιτρέπει	ταυτα δε αυτου απολογουμενου ο φηστος μεγαλη τη φωνη εφη μαινη παυλε τα πολλα σε γραμματα εις μανιαν περιτρεπει	ταυτα δε αυτου απολογουμενου ο φηστος μεγαλη τη φωνη εφη μαινη παυλε τα πολλα σε γραμματα εις μανιαν περιτρεπει

But Paul replied, “I have not lost my mind, most excellent Festus, but am speaking true and rational words.

But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.

Acts 26:25 (NET Parallel Greek)	Acts 26:25 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)	Acts 26:25 (Byzantine Majority Text)
ὁ δὲ Παῦλος· οὐ μαίνομαι, φησίν, κράτιστε Φῆστε, ἀλλὰ ἀληθείας καὶ σωφροσύνης ρήματα ἀποφθέγγομαι	ο δε ου μαινομαι φησιν κρατιστε φηστε αλλ αληθειας και σωφροσυνης ρηματα αποφθεγγομαι	ο δε ου μαινομαι φησιν κρατιστε φηστε αλλα αληθειας και σωφροσυνης ρηματα αποφθεγγομαι

For the king knows about these things, and I am speaking freely to him because I cannot believe that any of these things has escaped his notice, for this was not done in a corner.

For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.

Acts 26:26 (NET Parallel Greek)	Acts 26:26 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)	Acts 26:26 (Byzantine Majority Text)
ἐπίσταται γὰρ περὶ τούτων ὁ βασιλεὺς πρὸς ὃν \|καὶ\| παρρησιαζόμενος λαλῶ, λανθάνειν γὰρ αὐτόν [τι] τούτων οὐ πείθομαι οὐθέν· οὐ γάρ ἐστιν ἐν γωνίᾳ πεπραγμένον τοῦτο	επισταται γαρ περι τουτων ο βασιλευς προς ον και παρρησιαζομενος λαλω λανθανειν γαρ αυτον τι τουτων ου πειθομαι ουδεν ου γαρ εστιν εν γωνια πεπραγμενον τουτο	επισταται γαρ περι τουτων ο βασιλευς προς ον και παρρησιαζομενος λαλω λανθανειν γαρ αυτον τι τουτων ου πειθομαι ουδεν ου γαρ εν γωνια πεπραγμενον τουτο

Acts 26:28, 29 (NET)	Acts 26:28, 29 (KJV)
Agrippa said to Paul, “In such a short time are you persuading me to become a Christian?”	Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

Acts 26:28 (NET Parallel Greek)	Acts 26:28 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)	Acts 26:28 (Byzantine Majority Text)
ὁ δὲ Ἀγρίππας πρὸς τὸν Παῦλον· ἐν ὀλίγῳ με πείθεις Χριστιανὸν ποιῆσαι	ο δε αγριππας προς τον παυλον εφη εν ολιγω με πειθεις χριστιανον γενεσθαι	ο δε αγριππας προς τον παυλον εφη εν ολιγω με πειθεις χριστιανον γενεσθαι

Paul replied, “I pray to God that whether in a short or a long time not only you but also all those who are listening to me today could become such as I am, except for these chains.”

And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

Acts 26:29 (NET Parallel Greek)	Acts 26:29 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)	Acts 26:29 (Byzantine Majority Text)
ὁ δὲ Παῦλος· εὐξαίμην ἂν τῷ θεῷ καὶ ἐν ὀλίγῳ καὶ ἐν μεγάλῳ οὐ μόνον σὲ ἀλλὰ καὶ πάντας τοὺς ἀκούοντας μου σήμερον γενέσθαι τοιούτους ὁποῖος καὶ ἐγώ εἰμι παρεκτὸς τῶν δεσμῶν τούτων	ο δε παυλος ειπεν ευξαιμην αν τω θεω και εν ολιγω και εν πολλω ου μονον σε αλλα και παντας τους ακουοντας μου σημερον γενεσθαι τοιουτους οποιος καγω ειμι παρεκτος των δεσμων τουτων	ο δε παυλος ειπεν ευξαιμην αν τω θεω και εν ολιγω και εν πολλω ου μονον σε αλλα και παντας τους ακουοντας μου σημερον γενεσθαι τοιουτους οποιος καγω ειμι παρεκτος των δεσμων τουτων

Christianity, Part 10

Back to Romans, Part 27

Back to Keep Yourselves From Idols, Part 3

Back to Christ-Centered Preaching, Chapter 1

¹ John 12:32 (ESV)

² The Stephanus Textus Receptus had μου here. The NET parallel Greek text, NA²⁸ and Byzantine Majority Text did not.

³ Here, all was added by the translators apparently. NET: Toward this goal I also labor, struggling according to his power that powerfully works in me.

⁴ Colossians 1:29 (ESV)

⁵ From THE UNIVERSAL MAGNET, Alexander Maclaren’s Expositions of Holy Spripture, John 12:32

⁶ The NET parallel Greek text, NA²⁸ and Stephanus Textus Receptus had προσεφώνησεν here, where the Byzantine Majority Text had προσεφωνει.

⁷ The NET parallel Greek text, NA²⁸ and Byzantine Majority Text had νυνὶ here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus had νυν.

⁸ The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had μεν (KJV: verily) here. The NET parallel Greek text and NA²⁸ did not.

⁹ Acts 21:17a (ESV) Table

¹⁰ The NET parallel Greek text, NA²⁸ and Stephanus Textus Receptus had εἶπον here, where the Byzantine Majority Text had ειποντες.

¹¹ The NET parallel Greek text and NA²⁸ had ἐν τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had ιουδαιων (KJV: of Jews).

¹² In the NET parallel Greek text, NA²⁸ and Byzantine Majority Text Moses was spelled Μωϋσέως, and μωσεως in the Stephanus Textus Receptus.

¹³ The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had δει πληθος συνελθειν…γαρ (KJV: the multitude must…come together: for) here. The NET parallel Greek text and NA²⁸ did not.

¹⁴ The NET parallel Greek text and NA²⁸ had πανταχῇ here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had πανταχου (KJV: every where).

¹⁵ The NET parallel Greek text, NA²⁸ and Stephanus Textus Receptus had προεωρακότες here, where the Byzantine Majority Text had εωρακοτες.

¹⁶ The NET parallel Greek text and NA²⁸ had τε (NET: While) here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had δε.

¹⁷ The NET parallel Greek text and NA²⁸ had συγχύννεται here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had συγκεχυται (KJV: was in an uproar).

¹⁸ The NET parallel Greek text, NA²⁸ and Byzantine Majority Text had ἔπεσα here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus had επεσον.

¹⁹ The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had και εμφοβοι εγενοντο (KJV: and were afraid) here. The NET parallel Greek text and NA²⁸ did not.

²⁰ The NET parallel Greek text, NA²⁸ and Stephanus Textus Receptus had οὐδὲ here, where the Byzantine Majority Text had ουτε.

²¹ Acts 22:10a (ESV)

²² Galatians 3:6b (ESV)

²³ The NET parallel Greek text, NA²⁸ and Stephanus Textus Receptus had ἔχαιρον here, where the Byzantine Majority Text had εχαιρεν.

²⁴ Romans 11:25c (ESV) Table

²⁵ Ephesians 3:18b (ESV) Table

²⁶ Ephesians 3:19b (ESV) The NET reads: so that you will be filled up to all the fullness of God. Here, the translators chose to translate πληρωθῆτε, a form of the verb πληρόω in the subjunctive mood (ESV: you may be filled), as if it were in the future tense and indicative mood (NET: you will be filled up) because it is in a result clause.

²⁷ The NET parallel Greek text and NA²⁸ had εὐλαβὴς here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had ευσεβης.

²⁸ Acts 22:14a (ESV)

²⁹ Colossians 1:28 (ESV) Table

³⁰ Acts 22:15 (ESV)

³¹ The NET parallel Greek text and NA²⁸ had ἀπήγγελλον here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had απαγγελλων (KJV: shewed).

³² The NET parallel Greek text and NA²⁸ had τε καὶ (NET: and then) here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had simply και (KJV: and).

³³ The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had εις (KJV: throughout) here. The NET parallel Greek text and NA²⁸ did not.

³⁴ The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had οι here. The NET parallel Greek text and NA²⁸ did not.

³⁵ The NET parallel Greek text and NA²⁸ had ὄντα (NET: while I was) preceding in. The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text did not.

³⁶ The NET parallel Greek text and NA²⁸ had ἀπὸ here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had παρα (KJV: of).

³⁷ The NET parallel Greek text, NA²⁸ and Byzantine Majority Text had μαρτυρόμενος here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus had μαρτυρουμενος (KJV: witnessing).

³⁸ In the NET parallel Greek text, NA²⁸ and Byzantine Majority Text Moses was spelled Μωϋσῆς, and μωσης in the Stephanus Textus Receptus.

³⁹ The NET parallel Greek text and NA²⁸ had τε here. The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text did not.

⁴⁰ The NET parallel Greek text and NA²⁸ had φησιν (NET: exclaimed) here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had εφη (KJV: said).

⁴¹ The NET parallel Greek text and NA²⁸ had Παῦλος (NET: Paul) here. The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text did not.

⁴² The NET parallel Greek text and Byzantine Majority Text had ἀλλὰ here, where the NA²⁸ and Stephanus Textus Receptus had ἀλλ’.

⁴³ The NET parallel Greek text, NA²⁸ and Stephanus Textus Receptus had ἐστιν here. The Byzantine Majority Text did not.

⁴⁴ The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had εφη here. The NET parallel Greek text and NA²⁸ did not.

⁴⁵ The NET parallel Greek text and NA²⁸ had ποιῆσαι (NET: to become) here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had γενεσθαι (KJV: to be).

⁴⁶ The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had ειπεν here. The NET parallel Greek text and NA²⁸ did not.

⁴⁷ The NET parallel Greek text and NA²⁸ had μεγάλῳ (NET: a long time) here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had πολλω (KJV: altogether).

⁴⁸ The NET parallel Greek text and NA²⁸ had καὶ ἐγώ here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had καγω.

⁴⁹ Optative Mood, Verbal Moods, Greek Verbs (Shorter Definitions), Resources for Learning New Testament Greek

⁵⁰ Ephesians 3:20b (ESV) Table

⁵¹ Acts 22:15 (ESV)

⁵² “The subjunctive mood indicates probability or objective possibility. The action of the verb will possibly happen, depending on certain objective factors or circumstances. It is oftentimes used in conditional statements (i.e. ‘If…then…’ clauses) or in purpose clauses. However if 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.”
From Subjunctive Mood, Verbal Moods, Greek Verbs (Shorter Definitions), Resources for Learning New Testament Greek

⁵³ Colossians 1:28 (ESV) Table

⁵⁴ John 12:32 (ESV)

Funeral, Part 3

Posted on September 4, 2021 by admin

A friend asked for the transcript of the prayer I prayed at my mother’s funeral. I should apologize to my sister. She asked for the same thing many months ago and I never got around to it. So, finally, here it is.

It is a prayer that Jesus has taught, and continues to teach, me. I pray it back to Him every day. It alludes to, paraphrases or quotes from various Scriptures. It changes from time to time as He teaches me more.

After I prayed it at Mom’s funeral a man commented on it and invited me to his church. His church has become my church. This version is slightly altered from the prayer I prayed at the funeral because the Pastor has been teaching Matthew 6:9-15 for the past three weeks.

Our Father in heaven, may your name be honored^[1] as holy by me, by all who believe and by all. [M]ay your kingdom come, may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven^[2] in and through me, in and through all who believe and in and through all. Give us this day our daily bread.^[3] [F]orgive us our debts, as we…have forgiven our debtors.^[4] Lead us not into temptation,^[5] but deliver us from the evil…^[6] For…the kingdom and the power and the glory [are Yours] forever.^[7]

My persistent prayer for justice^[8] is for the mercy on which everything depends, for it does not depend on human desire or exertion, but on [You] who shows mercy.^[9] And You have consigned all to disobedience, [so] that [You] may have mercy on all.^[10]

Grant us according to the wealth of [your] glory…to be strengthened with power [by the Holy] Spirit in the inner person,^[11] that Christ [dwells] in [our] hearts through faith, [that we being] rooted and grounded in love,^[12] comprehend with all the saints^[13] the height, the depth, the length, the breadth, and…know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge…that [we] will be filled up to all the fullness of God.^[14]

Thank you for this eternal life.

Thank you for people. I pray for all people, especially those in authority, from the least to the greatest across every field of human endeavor all over the world, that we lead quiet, peaceful lives with all dignity and godliness.^[15] I ask that we know by faith^[16] your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control^[17] [Table] springing up within us to eternal life from your Holy Spirit.^[18]

I ask on behalf of those who have not yet received^[19] you, or have wandered off,^[20] please open the eyes blinded^[21] by the prince of the power of the air.^[22] Please send laborers into your harvest.^[23] Thank you for those who are already there. Please convince,^[24] convict,^[25] prove the world wrong concerning sin, righteousness and judgment.^[26] Please return, Lord Jesus.^[27]

I am believing you. Thank you. Please continue to help my unbelief.^[28] Thank you.

Back to Psalm 22, Part 11

Back to Westworld, Part 3

Back to Christianity, Part 2

Back to Christianity, Part 9

Back to Christ-Centered Preaching, Chapter 4, Part 3

^[1] Matthew 6:9b (NET)

^[2] Matthew 6:10 (NET) Table

^[3] Matthew 6:11 (KJV)

^[4] Matthew 6:12 (NET) Table

^[5] Matthew 6:13a (ESV)

^[6] Matthew 6:13b (NET) Table

^[7] Matthew 6:13c (NKJV) The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had οτι σου εστιν η βασιλεια και η δυναμις και η δοξα εις τους αιωνας αμην (KJV: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.) here. The NET parallel Greek text and NA²⁸ did not.

^[8] Luke 18:1-8

^[9] Romans 9:16 (NET) Table

^[10] Romans 11:32 (ESV)

^[11] Ephesians 3:16 (NET) Table

^[12] Ephesians 3:17 (NET)

^[13] Ephesians 3:18b (NET) Table

^[14] Ephesians 3:19 (NET)

^[15] 1 Timothy 2:1-6

^[16] Hebrews 11

^[17] Galatians 5:22b, 23a (NET)

^[18] John 4:14

^[19] John 1:12, 13

^[20] 1 Timothy 6:10, 20-21

^[21] 2 Corinthians 4:3, 4

^[22] Ephesians 2:1-3

^[23] Matthew 9:37, 38

^[24] John 16:7, 8 (Douay-Rheims)

^[25] John 16:7, 8 (ESV)

^[26] John 16:8 (NET)

^[27] Revelation 22:20

^[28] Mark 9:14-24

A Monotonous Cycle Revisited, Part 2

Posted on March 18, 2019 by admin

Moses wrote (Genesis 3:22-24 Tanakh):

And HaShem (y^ehôvâh, יהוה) G-d (ʼĕlôhı̂ym, אלהים) said: ‘Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil; and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever’ [Table]. Therefore HaShem (y^ehôvâh, יהוה) G-d (ʼĕlôhı̂ym, אלהים) sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken [Table]. So He drove out the man; and He placed at the east of the garden of Eden the cherubim, and the flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way to the tree of life.

John wrote in the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must happen very soon. He made it clear by sending his angel to his servant John, who then testified to everything that he saw^[1] concerning the word of God and the testimony about Jesus Christ^[2] (Revelation 22:1, 2 NET):

Then the angel showed me the river^[3] of the water of life – water as clear as crystal – pouring out from the throne of God and of the Lamb, flowing down the middle of the city’s main street. On each side^[4] of the river is the tree of life producing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding^[5] its fruit every^[6] month of the year. Its leaves are for the healing of the nations.

Placing the cherubim and the flaming sword to keep (shâmar, לשמר; Septuagint: φυλάσσειν, a form of φυλάσσω) the way to the tree of life from Adam and Eve was never about withholding life from humanity. Though Adam and Eve knew (y^edaʽ, וידעו; Septuagint: ἔγνωσαν, a form of γινώσκω) that they were naked,^[7] y^ehôvâh ʼĕlôhı̂ym knew what it meant when sin entered the world through one man.^[8] Consider Jesus’ teaching (John 8:31, 32 NET):

Then Jesus said to those Judeans who had believed him, “If you continue to follow my teaching, you are really my disciples and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Jesus addressed those Judeans (KJV: Jews) who had believed him, arguably the best of the best. Though they were hardened they were among the most spiritually cultivated (Romans 9-11) people to have walked the earth to that time, and they had begun to believe Jesus, and Jesus told them to continue to follow his teaching (μείνητε ἐν τῷ λόγῳ τῷ ἐμῷ). Now hear with faith how He described these most spiritually cultivated people who had believed Him (John 8:44 NET):

You people are from your father^[9] the devil, and you want to do what your father desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not^[10] uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of lies.

Spiritually cultivated they were and they had begun to believe Jesus but they were not yet born from above, not yet led by the Spirit of God, not yet the sons of God: For all who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God.^[11] No one born of Adam, whether confessing some sin or not, wants to hear, you people are from your father the devil, or you want (θέλετε, a form of θέλω) to do what your father desires (ἐπιθυμίας, a form of ἐπιθυμία). But I’ll consider the story of Abel, a keeper of sheep and his elder brother Cain, a tiller of the ground in this light (Genesis 4:2b-5 Tanakh).

And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto HaShem [Table]. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And HaShem had respect unto Abel and to his offering [Table]; but unto Cain and to his offering He had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell [Table].

It seems that Cain got the bright idea to bring y^ehôvâh an offering. His little brother Abel just tagged along. Each brought the fruit of his labor. Who does y^ehôvâh think he is, discriminating this way between them? After all, it’s the thought that counts!^[12] That, by the way, was not my thought.

Oh, I wrote it. Yes, I heard the thought in my mind. But by faith I no longer recognize such thoughts as me (Galatians 2:20, 21) or mine. I recognize—again, by faith in the word of God—that there is something in me—call it what you will, sin in the flesh, the old man—something that hates y^ehôvâh, everything He says, everything He does. He can do nothing right. Paul described this phenomenon in his letter to believers in Rome (Romans 7:21-25 NET Table1 Table2).

So, I find the law that when I want to do good (καλόν, a form of καλός), evil (κακὸν, a form of κακός) is present with me. For I delight in the law of God in my inner being (ἄνθρωπον, a form of ἄνθρωπος). But I see a different law in my members waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that is in my members. Wretched man (ἄνθρωπος) that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks^[13] be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.

Then the Lord (y^ehôvâh, יהוה) said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why is your expression downcast?^[14] I’ve approached the next verse incidentally, tangentially, judgmentally and, curiously enough in retrospect, lawfully in other essays. Here, I wanted to approach it directly.

Genesis 4:7 (Tanakh)	Genesis 4:7 (NET)
If thou doest well, shall it not be lifted up? and if thou doest not well, sin coucheth at the door; and unto thee is its desire, but thou mayest rule over it.’	Is it not true that if you do what is right, you will be fine? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door. It desires to dominate you, but you must subdue it.”

Another version of the Tanakh reads: Is it not so that if you improve, it will be forgiven you? If you do not improve, however, at the entrance, sin is lying, and to you is its longing, but you can rule over it.^[15] In another essay I wrote, “you must subdue it looks and sounds to me like a religious mind trying to turn a word into a law long before the law was given.” That wasn’t quite fair.

Hebrew	Tanakh (Jewish Virtual Library)	Tanakh (Chabad.org)	NET
לפתח (pethach)	at the door	at the entrance	at the door
חטאת (chaṭṭâʼâh)	sin	sin	sin
רבץ (râbats)	coucheth	is lying	is crouching
ואליך (ʼêl)	and unto thee	and to you	to dominate you
תשוקתו (t^eshûqâh)	is its desire	is its longing	It desires
ואתה (ʼattâh)	but thou	but you	but you
תמשל (mâshal)	mayest rule	can rule	must subdue
בו (bōw)^[16]	over it	over it	it

I was surprised that תמשל (mâshal)—translated mayest rule, can rule (Tanakh), must subdue (NET), BibleHub.com offers should rule—was so uncertain. It makes sense to me that knowing good and evil makes each of us individually responsible for choosing good, but mayest rule and especially can rule imply the ability to do so as well. Struggling with this I perused the commentaries. Alexander MacLaren pointed out the similarity here to what y^ehôvâh had said to Eve after she had led Adam astray (Genesis 3:1-6): and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.^[17]

Hebrew	Tanakh (Jewish Virtual Library)	Tanakh (Chabad.org)	NET
ואל (ʼêl)	and…to	And to	to control
אישך (ʼı̂ysh)	thy husband	your husband	your husband
תשוקתך (t^eshûqâh)	thy desire shall be	will be your desire	You will want
והוא (hûʼ)	and he	and he	but he
ימשל (mâshal)	shall rule	will rule	will dominate
בך (bāḵ)^[18]	over thee	over you	you

There was no equivocation here, no wiggle room in the translation of ימשל (mâshal). Surely man’s experience ruling over a wife has been at least as perplexing as ruling over sin. Of course, male Bible expositors present the latter part of y^ehôvâh’s word to Eve as a rule for women to obey. I haven’t heard the latter part of his word to Cain abstracted that way. The translations divide here along party lines: those who have accepted Jesus as the Christ hear responsibility (must subdue, should rule), those who have not hear a promise of ability (mayest rule, can rule).

I thought at first that the rabbis who translated the Septuagint eschewed any personification of sin lying, crouching, desiring or longing.

Genesis 4:7 (Septuagint BLB)	Genesis 4:7 (Septuagint Elpenor)
οὐκ ἐὰν ὀρθῶς προσενέγκῃς ὀρθῶς δὲ μὴ διέλῃς ἥμαρτες ἡσύχασον πρὸς σὲ ἡ ἀποστροφὴ αὐτοῦ καὶ σὺ ἄρξεις αὐτοῦ	οὐκ ἐὰν ὀρθῶς προσενέγκῃς, ὀρθῶς δὲ μὴ διέλῃς, ἥμαρτες; ἡσύχασον· πρὸς σὲ ἡ ἀποστροφὴ αὐτοῦ, καὶ σὺ ἄρξεις αὐτοῦ.
Genesis 4:7 (NETS)	Genesis 4:7 (English Elpenor)
If you offer correctly but do not divide correctly, have you not sinned? Be still; his recourse is to you, and you will rule over him.”	Hast thou not sinned if thou hast brought it rightly, but not rightly divided it? be still, to thee shall be his submission, and thou shalt rule over him.

I had rejected the Septuagint here because it seemed to refer back to Abel. Charles Ellicott offered a similar interpretation in his commentary:

“At present thou art vexed and envious because thy younger brother is rich and prosperous, while thy tillage yields thee but scanty returns. Do well, and the Divine blessing will rest on thee, and thou wilt recover thy rights of primogeniture, and thy brother will look up to thee in loving obedience.”

I can’t assume that Abel was “rich and prosperous” while Cain’s “tillage yields…but scanty returns,” or that yehôvâh was concerned with Cain’s “rights of primogeniture” from what is written in the text. I’ve assumed that HaShem had respect unto Abel and to his offering because yehôvâh foreknew that a Passover lamb would become important to his people rather than a Passover kumquat. (No, I have no idea what kind of produce Cain offered Him.) But if I consider now that the referent of his and him was sin rather than Abel, I get a different picture.

The rabbis understood רבץ (râbats) as an imperative ἡσύχασον (Be still) directed to Cain rather than as a description of sin lying or crouching. Had Cain believed y^ehôvâh’s command to be still, he would have realized y^ehôvâh’s promise—you will rule (NETS), thou shalt rule (Elpenor) over sin—without equivocation. I called this “yehôvâh at his most aloof,”^[19] relative to the time and attention He lavishes on me. (The philosophical bent of my mind still longs for a thousand page discourse where y^ehôvâh sits down with Cain and explains his understanding of sin, righteousness and redemption.) Be still as y^ehôvâh’s command to Cain reminds me of Peter (Matthew 14:28 NET).

Peter said to [Jesus], “Lord, if it is you, order me to come to you on the water.”

Here is an example of what I meant by the spiritual cultivation of Israel. Peter wasn’t a priest, a scribe or a religious professional of any sort. He was a fisherman. But he believed that if Jesus the Christ ordered or commanded him to come to Him on the water it would be so. But this is probably too facile an explanation. Peter’s lack of religious sophistication may have enhanced his spiritual cultivation. Of his more religiously sophisticated (Philippians 3:5-7) brethren, Paul wrote (Romans 10:2, 3; 9:31, 32 NET Table):

…I can testify that [my fellow Israelites] are zealous for God, but their zeal is not in line with the truth (ἐπίγνωσιν, a form of ἐπίγνωσις). For ignoring the righteousness that comes from God, and seeking instead to establish their own righteousness, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.

…Israel even though pursuing a law of righteousness did not attain it.^[20] Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but (as if it were possible) by works.^[21] They stumbled over the stumbling stone…

In my zeal for God,^[22] Paul wrote of his own religious sophistication, I persecuted the church.^[23]

I wondered if be still here had any relationship to, Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.^[24] But the Hebrew word translated Be still there was הרפו (râphâh), translated σχολάσατε (a form of σχολάζω) in the Septuagint. As I contemplated the definition of σχολάζω in the Greek Lexicon online I was lifted out of the weeds, so to speak, fussing over the meaning of word strings in the Bible, and into that eternal life of knowing the only true God, and Jesus Christ. The definition of σχολάζω reads:

to devote oneself; to have leisure; to devote, have spare time, be at leisure, take a vacation; to take it easy; to have time to be busy with one’s interests apart from work; to take time to devote to study

This accurately describes the life I’ve received from Him, received in that same active sense that Jesus’ disciples accepted the words He gave them. And, yes, σχολάσατε is an active form of σχολάζω. This active stillness is how I pursue (ζητεῖτε, a form of ζητέω) his kingdom and righteousness: But above all, Jesus commanded, pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things [food, drink, clothing] will be given to you as well.^[25] The definition of ζητέω in the Greek Lexicon online reads:

to seek, search, look for; to inquire, investigate, examine, consider, deliberate; to try to obtain, desire to possess; to strive for, aim for, desire, wish; to ask for, request, demand (something); to claim (as entitlement); to appeal to someone for guidance

Back again in the weeds, the rabbis who translated the Septuagint offered no Greek counterpart for לפתח (pethach; translated at the door, at the entrance [Tanakh], at the door [NET]). Why would they ignore לפתח (pethach) before Jesus was revealed to Israel? Why would Masoretes add it afterward? Frankly, I can’t imagine any plausible scenarios at the moment. So as far as understanding what y^ehôvâh said to Cain, I’m more uncertain now than when I began this study. I have, however, encountered many provocative ideas ripe for further study. And what He said hardly mattered to the narrative. Cain ignored it (Genesis 4:8 Tanakh).

And Cain spoke unto Abel his brother. And it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.^[26]

Cain was from [his] father the devil, and wanted to do what [his] father desires. As Jesus said to those Judeans who had believed him…[the devil] was a murderer from the beginning, and does not uphold the truth (ἀληθείᾳ), because there is no truth (ἀλήθεια) in him. There was no ritual or intentionality required for Cain to be from his father the devil. It is the natural condition of those born of the flesh of Adam and Eve. “What is born of the flesh is flesh,” Jesus told Nicodemus, “and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must all be born from above.’”^[27]

Those who are in the flesh cannot please God,^[28] Paul wrote to believers in Rome (Romans 8:5-7 NET).

For those who live according to the flesh have their outlook shaped by the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their outlook shaped by the things of the Spirit. For the outlook of the flesh is death, but the outlook of the Spirit is life and peace, because the outlook of the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to the law of God, nor is it able to do so.

You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, Paul continued, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, this person does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is your life because of righteousness. Moreover if the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, the one who raised Christ from the dead will also make your mortal bodies alive through his Spirit who lives in you.^[29]

As a child trusting Jesus for a place in heaven I comforted myself and fell asleep many nights planning the perfect murders of my neighbor and his entire family. My plan was never quite perfect. I feared I would be caught. Then people would misunderstand and call me names like “murderer” when I was the hapless victim balancing the scales of justice. So I never murdered my neighbor or his entire family.

My fear—that I would be caught and my motives would be misunderstood—was not the righteousness of God…revealed in the gospel.^[30] It was not the love that does no wrong to a neighbor, not the love that is the fulfillment of the law.^[31] It was not the love that is the fruit of his Spirit (Galatians 5:22, 23). Not murdering my neighbor and his entire family was indisputably better than murdering them would have been. And clearly, it was possible for me to avoid committing murder apart from the righteousness of God. But imagine standing face to face with Jesus and offering Him the fact that I did not murder my neighbor and his entire family as a righteousness of my own derived from the law after having rejected the gift He offered, the gift of God Himself (Acts 2:36-41).

It is inevitable, I suppose, that a reader wonders what my neighbor did to me: It was nothing in particular. He was a year younger than I and didn’t treat me with the deference I felt I deserved. And he got away with it. My god failed to punish him for his sin. This was not a singularly low point in my childhood, certainly not a turning point. My darkness deepened into my teens until atheism became my only “rational” choice.

This kind of self-awareness might crush the spirit in any other form of life. In this eternal life of y^ehôvâh’s Holy Spirit it encouraged me to stay the course when I had begun to waver. I had begun to judge some as undeserving of “my persistent prayer for justice.” At least I had confessed in prayer that I was embarrassed to bring them before the Lord again. But now in the light of his utmost patience and mercy toward the boy who consoled himself with murder, I pray with renewed vigor:

My persistent prayer for justice (Luke 18:1-8) is for the mercy on which everything depends, for it does not depend on human desire or exertion, but on [You] who shows mercy.^[32] And You have consigned all people to disobedience so that [You] may show mercy to them all.^[33]

The love of Christ that surpasses knowledge^[34] is not some vague affection (1 Corinthians 13:4-13) He hoards for us but the omnipotent engine of righteousness He gives to us in the person of his own Holy Spirit. No one is good except God alone.^[35]

The tables I made to write this essay comparing Genesis 3:22-24; 4:2b-5; 4:6, 7; 3:16; Psalm 46:10 and Genesis 4:8 in the Tanakh and NET, and the tables comparing Genesis 3:22; 3:23; 3:24; 4:2b; 4:3; 4:4; 4:5; 4:6; 4:7; 3:16; Psalm 46:10 and Genesis 4:8 in the Septuagint (BLB and Elpenor) follow. Following those are tables comparing Revelation 1:2; 22:1, 2; John 8:44; Romans 9:31; Philippians 3:6 and Romans 8:9 in the NET and KJV.

Genesis 3:22-24 (Tanakh)	Genesis 3:22-24 (NET)
And HaShem G-d said: ‘Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil; and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever.’	And the Lord (y^ehôvâh, יהוה) God (ʼĕlôhı̂ym, אלהים) said, “Now that the man has become like one of us, knowing good and evil, he must not be allowed to stretch out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.”
Therefore HaShem G-d sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.	So the Lord (y^ehôvâh, יהוה) God (ʼĕlôhı̂ym, אלהים) expelled him from the orchard in Eden to cultivate the ground from which he had been taken.
So He drove out the man; and He placed at the east of the garden of Eden the cherubim, and the flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way to the tree of life.	When he drove the man out, he placed on the eastern side of the orchard in Eden angelic sentries who used the flame of a whirling sword to guard the way to the tree of life.

Genesis 3:22 (Septuagint BLB)	Genesis 3:22 (Septuagint Elpenor)
καὶ εἶπεν ὁ θεός ἰδοὺ Αδαμ γέγονεν ὡς εἷς ἐξ ἡμῶν τοῦ γινώσκειν καλὸν καὶ πονηρόν καὶ νῦν μήποτε ἐκτείνῃ τὴν χεῗρα καὶ λάβῃ τοῦ ξύλου τῆς ζωῆς καὶ φάγῃ καὶ ζήσεται εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα	καὶ εἶπεν ὁ Θεός· ἰδοὺ ᾿Αδὰμ γέγονεν ὡς εἷς ἐξ ἡμῶν, τοῦ γινώσκειν καλὸν καὶ πονηρόν· καὶ νῦν μή ποτε ἐκτείνῃ τὴν χεῖρα αὐτοῦ καὶ λάβῃ ἀπὸ τοῦ ξύλου τῆς ζωῆς καὶ φάγῃ καὶ ζήσεται εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα.
Genesis 3:22 (NETS)	Genesis 3:22 (English Elpenor)
Then God said, “See, Adam has become like one of us, knowing good and evil, and now perhaps he might reach out his hand and take of the tree of life and eat, and he will live forever.”	And God said, Behold, Adam is become as one of us, to know good and evil, and now lest at any time he stretch forth his hand, and take of the tree of life and eat, and [so] he shall live forever–

Genesis 3:23 (Septuagint BLB)	Genesis 3:23 (Septuagint Elpenor)
καὶ ἐξαπέστειλεν αὐτὸν κύριος ὁ θεὸς ἐκ τοῦ παραδείσου τῆς τρυφῆς ἐργάζεσθαι τὴν γῆν ἐξ ἧς ἐλήμφθη	καὶ ἐξαπέστειλεν αὐτὸν Κύριος ὁ Θεὸς ἐκ τοῦ παραδείσου τῆς τρυφῆς ἐργάζεσθαι τὴν γῆν, ἐξ ἧς ἐλήφθη.
Genesis 3:23 (NETS)	Genesis 3:23 (English Elpenor)
And the Lord God sent him forth from the orchard of delight to till the earth from which he was taken.	So the Lord God sent him forth out of the garden of Delight to cultivate the ground out of which he was taken.

Genesis 3:24 (Septuagint BLB)	Genesis 3:24 (Septuagint Elpenor)
καὶ ἐξέβαλεν τὸν Αδαμ καὶ κατῴκισεν αὐτὸν ἀπέναντι τοῦ παραδείσου τῆς τρυφῆς καὶ ἔταξεν τὰ χερουβιμ καὶ τὴν φλογίνην ῥομφαίαν τὴν στρεφομένην φυλάσσειν τὴν ὁδὸν τοῦ ξύλου τῆς ζωῆς	καὶ ἐξέβαλε τὸν ᾿Αδὰμ καὶ κατῴκισεν αὐτὸν ἀπέναντι τοῦ παραδείσου τῆς τρυφῆς καὶ ἔταξε τὰ Χερουβὶμ καὶ τὴν φλογίνην ρομφαίαν τὴν στρεφομένην φυλάσσειν τὴν ὁδὸν τοῦ ξύλου τῆς ζωῆς.
Genesis 3:24 (NETS)	Genesis 3:24 (English Elpenor)
And he drove Adam out and caused him to dwell opposite the orchard of delight, and he stationed the cherubim and the flaming sword that turns, to guard the way of the tree of life.	And he cast out Adam and caused him to dwell over against the garden of Delight, and stationed the cherubs and the fiery sword that turns about to keep the way of the tree of life.

Genesis 4:2b-5 (Tanakh)	Genesis 4:2b-5 (NET)
And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.	Abel took care of the flocks, while Cain cultivated the ground.
And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto HaShem.	At the designated time Cain brought some of the fruit of the ground for an offering to the Lord (y^ehôvâh, ליהוה).
And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And HaShem had respect unto Abel and to his offering;	But Abel brought some of the firstborn of his flock – even the fattest of them. And the Lord (y^ehôvâh, יהוה) was pleased with Abel and his offering,
but unto Cain and to his offering He had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.	but with Cain and his offering he was not pleased. So Cain became very angry, and his expression was downcast.

Genesis 4:2b (Septuagint BLB)	Genesis 4:2b (Septuagint Elpenor)
καὶ ἐγένετο Αβελ ποιμὴν προβάτων Καιν δὲ ἦν ἐργαζόμενος τὴν γῆν	καὶ ἐγένετο ῎Αβελ ποιμὴν προβάτων, Κάϊν δὲ ἦν ἐργαζόμενος τὴν γῆν.
Genesis 4:2b (NETS)	Genesis 4:2b (English Elpenor)
And Habel became a herder of sheep, but Kain was tilling the earth.	And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.

Genesis 4:3 (Septuagint BLB)	Genesis 4:3 (Septuagint Elpenor)
καὶ ἐγένετο μεθ᾽ ἡμέρας ἤνεγκεν Καιν ἀπὸ τῶν καρπῶν τῆς γῆς θυσίαν τῷ κυρίῳ	καὶ ἐγένετο μεθ᾿ ἡμέρας ἤνεγκε Κάϊν ἀπὸ τῶν καρπῶν τῆς γῆς θυσίαν τῷ Κυρίῳ,
Genesis 4:3 (NETS)	Genesis 4:3 (English Elpenor)
And it came about after some days that Kain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruits of the earth,	And it was so after some time that Cain brought of the fruits of the earth a sacrifice to the Lord.

Genesis 4:4 (Septuagint BLB)	Genesis 4:4 (Septuagint Elpenor)
καὶ Αβελ ἤνεγκεν καὶ αὐτὸς ἀπὸ τῶν πρωτοτόκων τῶν προβάτων αὐτοῦ καὶ ἀπὸ τῶν στεάτων αὐτῶν καὶ ἐπεῗδεν ὁ θεὸς ἐπὶ Αβελ καὶ ἐπὶ τοῗς δώροις αὐτοῦ	καὶ Ἄβελ ἤνεγκε καὶ αὐτὸς ἀπὸ τῶν πρωτοτόκων τῶν προβάτων αὐτοῦ καὶ ἀπὸ τῶν στεάτων αὐτῶν. καὶ ἐπεῖδεν ὁ Θεὸς ἐπὶ ῎Αβελ καὶ ἐπὶ τοῖς δώροις αὐτοῦ,
Genesis 4:4 (NETS)	Genesis 4:4 (English Elpenor)
And Habel, he also brought of the firstlings of his sheep and of their fat portions. And God looked upon Habel and upon his gifts,	And Abel also brought of the first born of his sheep and of his fatlings, and God looked upon Abel and his gifts,

Genesis 4:5 (Septuagint BLB)	Genesis 4:5 (Septuagint Elpenor)
ἐπὶ δὲ Καιν καὶ ἐπὶ ταῗς θυσίαις αὐτοῦ οὐ προσέσχεν καὶ ἐλύπησεν τὸν Καιν λίαν καὶ συνέπεσεν τῷ προσώπῳ	ἐπὶ δὲ Κάϊν καὶ ἐπὶ ταῖς θυσίαις αὐτοῦ οὐ προσέσχε. καὶ ἐλυπήθη Κάϊν λίαν, καὶ συνέπεσε τῷ προσώπῳ αὐτοῦ.
Genesis 4:5 (NETS)	Genesis 4:5 (English Elpenor)
but on Kain and on his offerings he was not intent. And it distressed Kain exceedingly, and he collapsed in countenance.	but Cain and his sacrifices he regarded not, and Cain was exceedingly sorrowful and his countenance fell.

Genesis 4:6, 7 (Tanakh)	Genesis 4:6, 7 (NET)
And HaShem said unto Cain: ‘Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?	Then the Lord (y^ehôvâh, יהוה) said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why is your expression downcast?
If thou doest well, shall it not be lifted up? and if thou doest not well, sin coucheth at the door; and unto thee is its desire, but thou mayest rule over it.’	Is it not true that if you do what is right, you will be fine? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door. It desires to dominate you, but you must subdue it.”

Genesis 4:6 (Septuagint BLB)	Genesis 4:6 (Septuagint Elpenor)
καὶ εἶπεν κύριος ὁ θεὸς τῷ Καιν ἵνα τί περίλυπος ἐγένου καὶ ἵνα τί συνέπεσεν τὸ πρόσωπόν σου	καὶ εἶπε Κύριος ὁ Θεὸς τῷ Κάϊν· ἵνα τί περίλυπος ἐγένου, καὶ ἵνα τί συνέπεσε τὸ πρόσωπόν σου;
Genesis 4:6 (NETS)	Genesis 4:6 (English Elpenor)
And the Lord God said to Kain, “Why have you become deeply grieved, and why has your countenance collapsed?	And the Lord God said to Cain, Why art thou become very sorrowful and why is thy countenance fallen?

Genesis 4:7 (Septuagint BLB)	Genesis 4:7 (Septuagint Elpenor)
οὐκ ἐὰν ὀρθῶς προσενέγκῃς ὀρθῶς δὲ μὴ διέλῃς ἥμαρτες ἡσύχασον πρὸς σὲ ἡ ἀποστροφὴ αὐτοῦ καὶ σὺ ἄρξεις αὐτοῦ	οὐκ ἐὰν ὀρθῶς προσενέγκῃς, ὀρθῶς δὲ μὴ διέλῃς, ἥμαρτες; ἡσύχασον· πρὸς σὲ ἡ ἀποστροφὴ αὐτοῦ, καὶ σὺ ἄρξεις αὐτοῦ.
Genesis 4:7 (NETS)	Genesis 4:7 (English Elpenor)
If you offer correctly but do not divide correctly, have you not sinned? Be still; his recourse is to you, and you will rule over him.”	Hast thou not sinned if thou hast brought it rightly, but not rightly divided it? be still, to thee shall be his submission, and thou shalt rule over him.

Genesis 3:16 (Tanakh)	Genesis 3:16 (NET)
Unto the woman He said: ‘I will greatly multiply thy pain and thy travail; in pain thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.’	To the woman he said, “I will greatly increase your labor pains; with pain you will give birth to children. You will want to control your husband, but he will dominate you.”

Genesis 3:16 (Septuagint BLB)	Genesis 3:16 (Septuagint Elpenor)
καὶ τῇ γυναικὶ εἶπεν πληθύνων πληθυνῶ τὰς λύπας σου καὶ τὸν στεναγμόν σου ἐν λύπαις τέξῃ τέκνα καὶ πρὸς τὸν ἄνδρα σου ἡ ἀποστροφή σου καὶ αὐτός σου κυριεύσει	καὶ τῇ γυναικὶ εἶπε· πληθύνων πληθυνῶ τὰς λύπας σου καὶ τὸν στεναγμόν σου· ἐν λύπαις τέξῃ τέκνα, καὶ πρὸς τὸν ἄνδρα σου ἡ ἀποστροφή σου, καὶ αὐτός σου κυριεύσει.
Genesis 3:16 (NETS)	Genesis 3:16 (English Elpenor)
And to the woman he said, “I will increasingly increase your pains and your groaning; with pains you will bring forth children. And your recourse will be to your husband, and he will dominate you.”	And to the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy pains and thy groanings; in pain thou shalt bring forth children, and thy submission shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.

Psalm 46:10 (Tanakh)	Psalm 46:10 (NET)
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.	He says, “Stop your striving and recognize that I am God (ʼĕlôhı̂ym, אלהים)! I will be exalted over the nations! I will be exalted over the earth!”

Psalm 46:10 (Septuagint BLB)	Psalm 45:11 (Septuagint Elpenor)
σχολάσατε καὶ γνῶτε ὅτι ἐγώ εἰμι ὁ θεός ὑψωθήσομαι ἐν τοῗς ἔθνεσιν ὑψωθήσομαι ἐν τῇ γῇ	σχολάσατε καὶ γνῶτε ὅτι ἐγώ εἰμι ὁ Θεός· ὑψωθήσομαι ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν, ὑψωθήσομαι ἐν τῇ γῇ.
Psalm 45:11 (NETS)	Psalm 45:11 (English Elpenor)
“Relax, and know that I am God! I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth.”	Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.

Genesis 4:8 (Tanakh)	Genesis 4:8 (NET)
And Cain spoke unto Abel his brother. And it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.	Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.

Genesis 4:8 (Septuagint BLB)	Genesis 4:8 (Septuagint Elpenor)
καὶ εἶπεν Καιν πρὸς Αβελ τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ διέλθωμεν εἰς τὸ πεδίον καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ εἶναι αὐτοὺς ἐν τῷ πεδίῳ καὶ ἀνέστη Καιν ἐπὶ Αβελ τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ καὶ ἀπέκτεινεν αὐτόν	καὶ εἶπε Κάϊν πρὸς ῎Αβελ τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ· διέλθωμεν εἰς τὸ πεδίον. καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ εἶναι αὐτοὺς ἐν τῷ πεδίῳ, ἀνέστη Κάϊν ἐπὶ ῎Αβελ τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ καὶ ἀπέκτεινεν αὐτόν.
Genesis 4:8 (NETS)	Genesis 4:8 (English Elpenor)
And Kain said to his brother Habel, “Let us go through into the plain.” And it came about when they were in the plain, that then Kain rose up against his brother Habel and killed him.	And Cain said to Abel his brother, Let us go out into the plain; and it came to pass that when they were in the plain Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.

Revelation 1:2 (NET)	Revelation 1:2 (KJV)
who then testified to everything that he saw concerning the word of God and the testimony about Jesus Christ.	Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.

NET Parallel Greek	Stephanus Textus Receptus	Byzantine Majority Text
ὃς ἐμαρτύρησεν τὸν λόγον τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ ὅσα εἶδεν	ος εμαρτυρησεν τον λογον του θεου και την μαρτυριαν ιησου χριστου οσα τε ειδεν	ος εμαρτυρησεν τον λογον του θεου και την μαρτυριαν ιησου χριστου οσα ειδεν

Revelation 22:1, 2 (NET)	Revelation 22:1, 2 (KJV)
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life – water as clear as crystal – pouring out from the throne of God and of the Lamb,	And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

NET Parallel Greek	Stephanus Textus Receptus	Byzantine Majority Text
Καὶ ἔδειξεν μοι ποταμὸν ὕδατος ζωῆς λαμπρὸν ὡς κρύσταλλον, ἐκπορευόμενον ἐκ τοῦ θρόνου τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ τοῦ ἀρνίου	και εδειξεν μοι καθαρον ποταμον υδατος ζωης λαμπρον ως κρυσταλλον εκπορευομενον εκ του θρονου του θεου και του αρνιου	και εδειξεν μοι ποταμον καθαρον υδατος ζωης λαμπρον ως κρυσταλλον εκπορευομενον εκ του θρονου του θεου και του αρνιου

flowing down the middle of the city’s main street. On each side of the river is the tree of life producing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month of the year. Its leaves are for the healing of the nations.

In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

NET Parallel Greek	Stephanus Textus Receptus	Byzantine Majority Text
ἐν μέσῳ τῆς πλατείας αὐτῆς καὶ τοῦ ποταμοῦ ἐντεῦθεν καὶ ἐκεῖθεν ξύλον ζωῆς ποιοῦν καρποὺς δώδεκα, κατὰ μῆνα ἕκαστον ἀποδιδοῦν τὸν καρπὸν αὐτοῦ, καὶ τὰ φύλλα τοῦ ξύλου εἰς θεραπείαν τῶν ἐθνῶν	εν μεσω της πλατειας αυτης και του ποταμου εντευθεν και εντευθεν ξυλον ζωης ποιουν καρπους δωδεκα κατα μηνα ενα εκαστον αποδιδουν τον καρπον αυτου και τα φυλλα του ξυλου εις θεραπειαν των εθνων	εν μεσω της πλατειας αυτης και του ποταμου εντευθεν και εντευθεν ξυλον ζωης ποιουν καρπους δωδεκα κατα μηνα εκαστον αποδιδους τον καρπον αυτου και τα φυλλα του ξυλου εις θεραπειαν των εθνων

John 8:44 (NET)	John 8:44 (KJV)
You people are from your father the devil, and you want to do what your father desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of lies.	Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

NET Parallel Greek	Stephanus Textus Receptus	Byzantine Majority Text
ὑμεῖς ἐκ τοῦ πατρὸς τοῦ διαβόλου ἐστὲ καὶ τὰς ἐπιθυμίας τοῦ πατρὸς ὑμῶν θέλετε ποιεῖν. ἐκεῖνος ἀνθρωποκτόνος ἦν ἀπ᾿ ἀρχῆς καὶ ἐν τῇ ἀληθείᾳ οὐκ ἔστηκεν, ὅτι οὐκ ἔστιν ἀλήθεια ἐν αὐτῷ. ὅταν λαλῇ τὸ ψεῦδος, ἐκ τῶν ἰδίων λαλεῖ, ὅτι ψεύστης ἐστὶν καὶ ὁ πατὴρ αὐτοῦ	υμεις εκ πατρος του διαβολου εστε και τας επιθυμιας του πατρος υμων θελετε ποιειν εκεινος ανθρωποκτονος ην απ αρχης και εν τη αληθεια ουχ εστηκεν οτι ουκ εστιν αληθεια εν αυτω οταν λαλη το ψευδος εκ των ιδιων λαλει οτι ψευστης εστιν και ο πατηρ αυτου	υμεις εκ του πατρος του διαβολου εστε και τας επιθυμιας του πατρος υμων θελετε ποιειν εκεινος ανθρωποκτονος ην απ αρχης και εν τη αληθεια ουχ εστηκεν οτι ουκ εστιν αληθεια εν αυτω οταν λαλη το ψευδος εκ των ιδιων λαλει οτι ψευστης εστιν και ο πατηρ αυτου

Romans 9:31 (NET)	Romans 9:31 (KJV)
but Israel even though pursuing a law of righteousness did not attain it.	But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.

NET Parallel Greek	Stephanus Textus Receptus	Byzantine Majority Text
Ἰσραὴλ δὲ διώκων νόμον δικαιοσύνης εἰς νόμον οὐκ ἔφθασεν	ισραηλ δε διωκων νομον δικαιοσυνης εις νομον δικαιοσυνης ουκ εφθασεν	ισραηλ δε διωκων νομον δικαιοσυνης εις νομον δικαιοσυνης ουκ εφθασεν

Philippians 3:6 (NET)	Philippians 3:6 (KJV)
In my zeal for God I persecuted the church. According to the righteousness stipulated in the law I was blameless.	Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

NET Parallel Greek	Stephanus Textus Receptus	Byzantine Majority Text
κατὰ ζῆλος διώκων τὴν ἐκκλησίαν, κατὰ δικαιοσύνην τὴν ἐν νόμῳ γενόμενος ἄμεμπτος	κατα ζηλον διωκων την εκκλησιαν κατα δικαιοσυνην την εν νομω γενομενος αμεμπτος	κατα ζηλον διωκων την εκκλησιαν κατα δικαιοσυνην την εν νομω γενομενος αμεμπτος

Romans 8:9 (NET)	Romans 8:9 (KJV)
You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, this person does not belong to him.	But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

NET Parallel Greek	Stephanus Textus Receptus	Byzantine Majority Text
ὑμεῖς δὲ οὐκ ἐστὲ ἐν σαρκὶ ἀλλὰ ἐν πνεύματι, εἴπερ πνεῦμα θεοῦ οἰκεῖ ἐν ὑμῖν. εἰ δέ τις πνεῦμα Χριστοῦ οὐκ ἔχει, οὗτος οὐκ ἔστιν αὐτοῦ	υμεις δε ουκ εστε εν σαρκι αλλ εν πνευματι ειπερ πνευμα θεου οικει εν υμιν ει δε τις πνευμα χριστου ουκ εχει ουτος ουκ εστιν αυτου	υμεις δε ουκ εστε εν σαρκι αλλ εν πνευματι ειπερ πνευμα θεου οικει εν υμιν ει δε τις πνευμα χριστου ουκ εχει ουτος ουκ εστιν αυτου

A Monotonous Cycle Revisited, Part 3

Back to Romans, Part 92

Back to Paul’s OT Quotes – Romans 10:18-21

Back to Romans, Part 2

Back to To Make Holy, Part 8

Back to Psalm 22, Part 2

Back to Psalm 22, Part 5

Back to Fear – Deuteronomy, Part 16

Back to Romans, Part 12

Back to To Make Holy, Part 9

Back to Isaiah 53:10-12, Part 5

Back to A Monotonous Cycle Revisited, Part 6

Back to The Lost Son of Perdition, Part 6

Back to Westworld, Part 3

Back to The New Covenant, Part 2

Back to The Book of Life, Part 1

Back to The Book of Life, Part 3

Back to The New Covenant, Part 3

Back to Psalm 22, Part 13

Back to Christianity, Part 2

Back to The Lost Son of Perdition, Part 10

Back to A Shadow of the Good Things, Part 9

Back to The Day of the Lord, Part 8

^[1] The Stephanus Textus Receptus had τε (KJV: and) preceding he saw. The NET parallel Greek text, NA²⁸ and Byzantine Majority Text did not.

^[2] Revelation 1:1, 2 (NET)

^[3] The Stephanus Textus Receptus had καθαρον (KJV: pure) preceding river. The Byzantine Majority Text had καθαρον following river. The NET parallel Greek text and NA²⁸ did not.

^[4] The NET parallel Greek text and NA²⁸ had ἐντεῦθεν καὶ ἐκεῖθεν here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had εντευθεν και εντευθεν (KJV: on either side).

^[5] The NET parallel Greek text, NA²⁸ and Stephanus Textus Receptus had ἀποδιδοῦν here, where the Byzantine Majority Text had αποδιδους.

^[6] The Stephanus Textus Receptus had ενα preceding every. The NET parallel Greek text, NA²⁸ and Byzantine Majority Text did not.

^[7] Genesis 3:7b (Tanakh) Table

^[8] Romans 5:12a (NET)

^[9] The NET parallel Greek text, NA²⁸ and Byzantine Majority Text had the article τοῦ preceding father. The Stephanus Textus Receptus did not.

^[10] The NET parallel Greek text and NA²⁸ had οὐκ here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had ουχ.

^[11] Romans 8:14 (NET)

^[12] “Even when people do things for you and give you things that you don’t actually want, you must always remember that it’s the thought that counts.” Cambridge Dictionary

^[13] The NET parallel Greek text and NA²⁸ had χάρις here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had ευχαριστω (KJV: I thank).

^[14] Genesis 4:6 (NET) Table

^[15] Genesis 4:7 (Tanakh) Table

^[16] Genesis 4:7 Hebrew Table

^[17] Genesis 3:16b (Tanakh)

^[18] Genesis 3:16 Hebrew

^[19] Condemnation or Judgment? – Part 11

^[20] The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had νομον δικαιοσυνης (KJV: the law of righteousness) here, where the NET parallel Greek text and NA²⁸ had νόμον.

^[21] The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had νομου (KJV: of the law) following works. The NET parallel Greek text and NA²⁸ did not.

^[22] The NET parallel Greek text and NA²⁸ had ζῆλος here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had ζηλον (KJV: zeal).

^[23] Philippians 3:6a (NET)

^[24] Psalm 46:10 (Tanakh)

^[25] Matthew 6:33 (NET) Table

^[26] The NET had “Let’s go out to the field” here, as did the Septuagint [Table of Genesis 4:8 in this essay].

^[27] John 3:6, 7 (NET)

^[28] Romans 8:8 (NET)

^[29] Romans 8:9-11 (NET) Table

^[30] Romans 1:17a (NET)

^[31] Romans 13:10 (NET)

^[32] Romans 9:16 (NET) Table

^[33] Romans 11:32 (NET)

^[34] Ephesians 3:19b (NET)

^[35] Luke 18:19b (NET)

Believers

Posted on May 18, 2018 by admin

I tend to use the word believers for ἐκκλησία primarily because the word church had become a not-for-profit corporation managed and operated by believers. It helps me study the Bible as if it pertains to me, rather than as a search for bylaws and provisions for the charter of a local not-for-profit corporation. But suddenly the line I wrote in another essay jumped out at me—“I kneel before the Father, he wrote believers in Ephesus”—and caused me to wonder.

Was I fooling myself? Did Paul really mean that individual believers may be filled up to all the fullness of God? Or did he mean the ἐκκλησία corporately? If so, was that the ἐκκλησία universally or locally?

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians^[1] was addressed to the saints (ἁγίοις, a form of ἅγιος).^[2] These were individuals designated by two plural adjectives, holy and faithful (πιστοῖς, a form of πιστός) in Jesus Christ. But it was through the singular church (ἐκκλησίας,^[3] a form of ἐκκλησία) that the multifaceted wisdom of God should now be disclosed to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly realms.^[4]

Ephesians 3:10-12 (NET)	Ephesians 3:10-12 (KJV)
The purpose of this enlightenment is that through the church the multifaceted wisdom of God should now be disclosed to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly realms.	To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God…
This was according to the eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord…	According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
…in whom we have boldness and confident access to God because of Christ’s faithfulness.	In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

NET Parallel Greek	Stephanus Textus Receptus	Byzantine Majority Text
ἐν ᾧ ἔχομεν τὴν παρρησίαν καὶ προσαγωγὴν ἐν πεποιθήσει διὰ τῆς πίστεως αὐτοῦ.	εν ω εχομεν την παρρησιαν και την προσαγωγην εν πεποιθησει δια της πιστεως αυτου	εν ω εχομεν την παρρησιαν και την προσαγωγην εν πεποιθησει δια της πιστεως αυτου

The Greek word πίστεως (a form of πίστις), translated faithfulness (NET) and faith (KJV), is a genitive singular feminine noun according to the Koine Greek Lexicon online. The Greek word αὐτοῦ (a form of αὐτός), translated of Christ’s (NET) and of him (KJV), is a genitive singular masculine / neuter personal pronoun according to the same lexicon. I assume the NET translators assumed that his faith (or, faithfulness) meant Christ’s faith or faithfulness because Christ Jesus our Lord (τῷ Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ τῷ κυρίῳ ἡμῶν) is the nearest antecedent. But the fruit of the Spirit is… πίστις,^[5] translated faithfulness (NET) and faith (KJV), a nominative singular feminine noun according to the Koine Greek Lexicon.

This faith or faithfulness is not my doing but neither is it so alien to me that I can ignore it to pursue my fleshly desires as if it weren’t given to me. It is an aspect of the fruit of the Holy Spirit given to those who are led by the Spirit, the children of God, the holy and faithful (πιστοῖς, a form of πιστός) in Jesus Christ. For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so that no one can boast. For we are his workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we may do them.^[6]

Ephesians 3:13 (NET)	Ephesians 3:13 (KJV)
For this reason I ask you not to lose heart because of what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.	Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

NET Parallel Greek	Stephanus Textus Receptus	Byzantine Majority Text
διὸ αἰτοῦμαι μὴ ἐγκακεῖν ἐν ταῖς θλίψεσιν μου ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν, ἥτις ἐστὶν δόξα ὑμῶν.	διο αιτουμαι μη εκκακειν εν ταις θλιψεσιν μου υπερ υμων ητις εστιν δοξα υμων	διο αιτουμαι μη εκκακειν εν ταις θλιψεσιν μου υπερ υμων ητις εστιν δοξα υμων

So was Paul addressing a singular church or plural individuals? The first you (NET) and ye (KJV) were implied by the verbs ἐγκακεῖν (a form of ἐκκακέω) or εκκακειν (another form of ἐκκακέω) both of which are infinitives according to the Koine Greek Lexicon, not clearly singular or plural. But Paul was suffering for individuals: ὑμῶν (a form of ὑμείς), translated you and your (NET, KJV), is plural.

Ephesians 3:14 (NET)	Ephesians 3:14 (KJV)
For this reason I kneel before the Father…	For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ…

NET Parallel Greek	Stephanus Textus Receptus	Byzantine Majority Text
Τούτου χάριν κάμπτω τὰ γόνατα μου πρὸς τὸν πατέρα	τουτου χαριν καμπτω τα γονατα μου προς τον πατερα του κυριου ημων ιησου χριστου	τουτου χαριν καμπτω τα γονατα μου προς τον πατερα του κυριου ημων ιησου χριστου

Ephesians 3:15, 16 (NET)	Ephesians 3:15, 16 (KJV)
…from whom every family in heaven and on the earth is named.	Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named…
I pray that according to the wealth of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner person…	That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man…

NET Parallel Greek	Stephanus Textus Receptus	Byzantine Majority Text
ἵνα δῷ ὑμῖν κατὰ τὸ πλοῦτος τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ δυνάμει κραταιωθῆναι διὰ τοῦ πνεύματος αὐτοῦ εἰς τὸν ἔσω ἄνθρωπον	ινα δωη υμιν κατα τον πλουτον της δοξης αυτου δυναμει κραταιωθηναι δια του πνευματος αυτου εις τον εσω ανθρωπον	ινα δωη υμιν κατα τον πλουτον της δοξης αυτου δυναμει κραταιωθηναι δια του πνευματος αυτου εις τον εσω ανθρωπον

Paul prayed for individuals: ὑμῖν is also plural. The Greek word δῷ (a form of δίδωμι) is a verb in the subjunctive mood according to the lexicon, hence the translation he may grant (NET). But since it was a result^[7] of Paul’s prayer and the wealth of God’s glory I wonder if the may might be dropped. The word translated he would grant (KJV) δωη (another form of δίδωμι), however, could be in the optative or subjunctive moods depending on diacritical marks that are absent from the texts of the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text I’m using.

Ephesians 3:17 (NET)	Ephesians 3:17 (KJV)
…that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, so that, because you have been rooted and grounded in love…	That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love…

The verb translated may dwell, κατοικῆσαι (a form of κατοικέω), is an aorist active infinitive verb so I assume the word may is stylistic. The words your hearts are clear and accurate in English translation. The verb ἐρριζωμένοι (a form of ῥιζόω), translated you have been rooted (NET) or being rooted (KJV), is plural as is τεθεμελιωμένοι (a form of θεμελιόω), translated grounded.

Ephesians 3:18 (NET)	Ephesians 3:18 (KJV)
…you may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth…	May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height…

The verb translated you may be able (NET) or May be able (KJV) is ἐξισχύσητε the second person plural form of ἐξισχύω. It is subjunctive but as a result clause preceded by ἵνα the word may is more stylistic than accurate. The verb καταλαβέσθαι (a form of καταλαμβάνω), translated to comprehend, is an infinitive. This ability to comprehend is the birthright of all the saints (πᾶσιν τοῖς ἁγίοις).

Ephesians 3:19 (NET)	Ephesians 3:19 (KJV)
…and thus to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.	…to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

The verb translated to know is γνῶναι the infinitive form of γινώσκω. But πληρωθῆτε (a form of πληρόω), translated you may be filled (NET) or ye might be filled (KJV), is definitely plural. It is also subjunctive but again preceded by ἵνα. It is a result clause. One could argue that this entire passage should be translated with more conviction. As one of the believers who has found it difficult to “understand or experience…the fullness of the Holy Spirit in their lives,”^[8] I suppose I can understand why it was not.

Even now, knowing that Paul addressed individual believers and that all the fullness of God (πᾶν τὸ πλήρωμα τοῦ θεοῦ) was limited here to knowledge and love, I still have some incredulity. It’s time to drown out that incredulity in the praise of Him who is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think.

Ephesians 3:20, 21 (NET)	Ephesians 3:20, 21 (KJV)
Now to him who by the power that is working within us is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think…	Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us…
…to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.	Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

When Paul wrote of the ἀγάπην τοῦ Χριστοῦ (love of Christ) I think the Holy Spirit meant the fruit of the Spirit since the definition of God’s love entails every aspect of the fruit of the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a (NET)	1 Corinthians 13:4-8a (KJV)
Love is patient, love is kind, it is not envious. Love does not brag, it is not puffed up.	Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
It is not rude, it is not self-serving, it is not easily angered or resentful.	Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
It is not glad about injustice, but rejoices in the truth.	Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.	Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
Love never ends.	Charity never faileth:

NET Parallel Greek	Stephanus Textus Receptus	Byzantine Majority Text
Ἡ ἀγάπη οὐδέποτε πίπτει	η αγαπη ουδεποτε εκπιπτει	η αγαπη ουδεποτε εκπιπτει

The iffy part of Paul’s prayer is not the wealth of God’s glory, the power of the Holy Spirit or the love of Christ. The iffy part is my faith. But then I don’t want to rely on my faith. I want the faith that comes from the fruit of the Spirit, the faith of Jesus Christ, because He “had the faith to stand on the water and hold Peter (Matthew 14:25-33) up as well.” And Peter wrote:

2 Peter 1:2, 3 (NET)	2 Peter 1:2, 3 (KJV)
May grace and peace be lavished on you as you grow in the rich knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord!	Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
I can pray this because his divine power has bestowed on us everything necessary for life and godliness through the rich knowledge of the one who called us by his own glory and excellence.	According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

NET Parallel Greek	Stephanus Textus Receptus	Byzantine Majority Text
Ὡς πάντα ἡμῖν τῆς θείας δυνάμεως αὐτοῦ τὰ πρὸς ζωὴν καὶ εὐσέβειαν δεδωρημένης διὰ τῆς ἐπιγνώσεως τοῦ καλέσαντος ἡμᾶς \|ἰδίᾳ δόξῃ \| καὶ \|ἀρετῇ\|	ως παντα ημιν της θειας δυναμεως αυτου τα προς ζωην και ευσεβειαν δεδωρημενης δια της επιγνωσεως του καλεσαντος ημας δια δοξης και αρετης	ως παντα ημιν της θειας δυναμεως αυτου τα προς ζωην και ευσεβειαν δεδωρημενης δια της επιγνωσεως του καλεσαντος ημας δια δοξης και αρετης

2 Peter 1:4 (NET)	2 Peter 1:4 (KJV)
Through these things he has bestowed on us his precious and most magnificent promises, so that by means of what was promised you may become partakers of the divine nature, after escaping the worldly corruption that is produced by evil desire.	Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

NET Parallel Greek	Stephanus Textus Receptus	Byzantine Majority Text
δι᾿ ὧν τὰ τίμια καὶ μέγιστα ἡμῖν ἐπαγγέλματα δεδώρηται, ἵνα διὰ τούτων γένησθε θείας κοινωνοὶ φύσεως ἀποφυγόντες τῆς ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ ἐν ἐπιθυμίᾳ φθορᾶς.	δι ων τα μεγιστα ημιν και τιμια επαγγελματα δεδωρηται ινα δια τουτων γενησθε θειας κοινωνοι φυσεως αποφυγοντες της εν κοσμω εν επιθυμια φθορας	δι ων τα τιμια ημιν και μεγιστα επαγγελματα δεδωρηται ινα δια τουτων γενησθε θειας κοινωνοι φυσεως αποφυγοντες της εν κοσμω εν επιθυμια φθορας

To know (γινώσκωσιν, another form of γινώσκω) the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom [He] sent^[9] is eternal life. To know his love to be filled up to all the fullness of God may require some patience as well. Fortunately, love is patient (μακροθυμεῖ, a form of μακροθυμέω) and the fruit of the Spirit is…patience (μακροθυμία).

Back to Romans, Part 90

Back to Cobwebs

Back to Forgiven or Passed Over? Part 6

Back to A Monotonous Cycle Revisited, Part 2

^[1] According to a note (2) in the NET this “was an encyclical letter, intended for more than one audience.” In other words there was a blank space to be filled in by the receiving church: “this letter would first come to Ephesus, the port of entry, then to Laodicea, then Colossae.”

^[2] Ephesians 1:1 (NET)

^[3] Here ἐκκλησίας would be genitive and singular rather than accusative and plural.

^[4] Ephesians 3:10 (NET)

^[5] Galatians 5:22 (NET)

^[6] Ephesians 2:8-10 (NET) John Piper probably explained these verses the best I have heard in his essay, “A Whole World Hangs on a Word,” on Desiring God online.

^[7] “However if 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.” From Resources for Learning New Testament Greek

^[8] Fear – Deuteronomy, Part 3

^[9] John 17:3 (NET)

Romans, Part 86

Posted on April 9, 2017 by admin

But I myself am fully convinced about you, my brothers and sisters, Paul continued, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to instruct one another.^[1] Though it may sound as if Paul commended Roman believers for their peculiar goodness and knowledge, I will maintain that his confidence was in the God of hope and the power of the Holy Spirit: Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in him, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.^[2]

The Greek word translated am fully convinced was Πέπεισμαι (a form of πείθω). For I am convinced (πέπεισμαι, a form of πείθω), Paul wrote, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor heavenly rulers, nor things that are present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.^[3] I know the one in whom my faith is set, he wrote Timothy, and I am convinced (πέπεισμαι, a form of πείθω) that he is able to protect what has been entrusted to me until that day.^[4] And he characterized himself as one who put no confidence (πεποιθότες, another form of πείθω) in the flesh, Roman or otherwise: For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh (καὶ οὐκ ἐν σαρκὶ πεποιθότες)…^[5]

The goodness Paul was fully convinced that Roman believers were full of was ἀγαθωσύνης (a form of ἀγαθωσύνη) in Greek. Again, it was not that Romans were peculiarly full of goodness in Paul’s estimation while citizens of Thessalonica needed to rely on God: we pray for you always, Paul wrote believers in Thessalonica, that our God will make you worthy of his calling and fulfill by his power your every desire for goodness (ἀγαθωσύνης, a form of ἀγαθωσύνη)…^[6] Walk as children of the light, he wrote believers in Ephesus, for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness (ἀγαθωσύνῃ), righteousness, and truth…^[7] And, of course, goodness is delivered daily to believers as an aspect of the fruit of the Spirit: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness (ἀγαθωσύνη), faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.^[8]

The knowledge with which believers in Rome were filled was γνώσεως (a form of γνῶσις) in Greek. Once again, I don’t think Paul meant that Romans were peculiarly filled with all knowledge. He didn’t even claim knowledge for himself or the other apostles beyond what was given by God: For God, who said “Let light shine out of darkness,” he wrote believers in Corinth, is the one who shined in our hearts to give us the light of the glorious knowledge (γνώσεως, a form of γνῶσις) of God in the face of Christ.^[9] My goal is that their hearts, having been knit together in love, he wrote the Colossians, may be encouraged, and that they may have all the riches that assurance brings in their understanding of the knowledge (ἐπίγνωσιν, a form of ἐπίγνωσις) of the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (γνώσεως, a form of γνῶσις).^[10] Christ’s love, in fact, surpasses knowledge: to know (γνῶναι, a form of γινώσκω) the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge (γνώσεως, a form of γνῶσις), so that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.^[11] For Paul the value of knowing (γνώσεως, a form of γνῶσις) Christ Jesus my Lord was far greater than all human honor.^[12]

But I have written more boldly to you on some points so as to remind you, Paul continued his letter to believers in Rome, because of the grace given to me by God to be a minister (λειτουργὸν, a form of λειτουργός) of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles.^[13] Paul had not yet been to Rome. His self-consciousness about all that he had written to believers there intrigues me. I can easily see this letter as the culmination of Paul’s working through his own issues, from the Jerusalem Council to Athens to Corinth and on to Ephesus. Did he recognize the importance the Roman Church would assume once the Jerusalem Church was scattered? Surely the Holy Spirit did.

I don’t think Paul intended to write a treatise on the Gospel but a letter to Roman believers. Still, by the Holy Spirit a Gospel treatise is what he wrote. Without altering a word Paul wanted to explain his boldness (τολμηρότερον; translated more boldly). I serve the gospel of God like a priest, he continued, so that the Gentiles may become an acceptable offering, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.^[14] So that the Gentiles may be sanctified by their own obedience or by adding their own works to their faith? No, so that the Gentiles may be sanctified by the Holy Spirit (ἡγιασμένη ἐν πνεύματιἁγίῳ).

The Greek word translated sanctified was ἡγιασμένη (a form of ἁγιάζω). Now may the God of peace himself make you completely holy (ἁγιάσαι, another form of ἁγιάζω), Paul wrote believers in Thessalonica, and may your spirit and soul and body be kept entirely blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is trustworthy, and he will in fact do this.^[15] Christ loved the church and gave himself for her to sanctify (ἁγιάσῃ, another form of ἁγιάζω) her by cleansing her with the washing of the water by the word, so that he may present the church to himself as glorious – not having a stain or wrinkle, or any such blemish, but holy and blameless.^[16] Sanctify (ἁγίασον, another form of ἁγιάζω) them by the truth, Jesus prayed to his Father, your word is truth.^[17] For them, Jesus continued in prayer, I sanctify (ἁγιάζω) myself, that they too may be truly sanctified (ἡγιασμένοι, another form of ἁγιάζω).^[18]

For indeed he who makes holy (ἁγιάζων, another form of ἁγιάζω) and those being made holy (ἁγιαζόμενοι, another form of ἁγιάζω) all have the same origin, and so he is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters…^[19] As I’ve written before,^[20] it is axiomatic to me that Jesus’ holiness was from the Holy Spirit rather than his own divine nature. Otherwise, his command and invitation, Follow me, would be meaningless to sinful human beings. I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles, Jesus promised Paul, to whom I am sending you to open their eyes so that they turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a share among those who are sanctified (ἡγιασμένοις, another form of ἁγιάζω) by faith in me.^[21]

Luther/Graebner called the religious mind “that monster called self-righteousness”:^[22]

This is the principal purpose of the Law and its most valuable contribution. As long as a person is not a murderer, adulterer, thief, he would swear that he is righteous. How is God going to humble such a person except by the Law? The Law is the hammer of death, the thunder of hell, and the lightning of God’s wrath to bring down the proud and shameless hypocrites. When the Law was instituted on Mount Sinai it was accompanied by lightning, by storms, by the sound of trumpets, to tear to pieces that monster called self-righteousness. As long as a person thinks he is right he is going to be incomprehensibly proud and presumptuous. He is going to hate God, despise His grace and mercy, and ignore the promises in Christ. The Gospel of the free forgiveness of sins through Christ will never appeal to the self-righteous.

This monster of self-righteousness, this stiff-necked beast, needs a big axe. And that is what the Law is, a big axe. Accordingly, the proper use and function of the Law is to threaten until the conscience is scared stiff.

The awful spectacle at Mount Sinai portrayed the proper use of the Law…

The Law is meant to produce the same effect today which it produced at Mount Sinai long ago. I want to encourage all who fear God, especially those who intend to become ministers of the Gospel, to learn from the Apostle the proper use of the Law.

This could explain Jonathan Edwards’ “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” It was not based on his own experience of eternal life, knowing God, but on a preaching technique derived from a metaphorical reading of the events at Sinai. But when I approach those events with Jesus’ key to understanding the Old Testament I can’t hear it as a metaphor, only as a literal demonstration of the absolute limits of fear-based righteousness. With theatricality and pyrotechnics beyond any human preacher’s bellicose pulpit pounding y^ehôvâh got forty days of obedience to the law out of fear.

To be fair Luther/Graebner didn’t expect preaching designed “to threaten until the conscience is scared stiff” to produce righteousness (or even obedience to the law) directly, but to foster a hunger and thirst for righteousness:^[23]

The proverb has it that Hunger is the best cook [Fames est optimus coquus]. The Law makes afflicted consciences hungry for Christ. Christ tastes good to them. Hungry hearts appreciate Christ. Thirsty souls are what Christ wants. He invites them: ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.’ Christ’s benefits are so precious that He will dispense them only to those who need them and really desire them.

I understand precious here as scarce and conclude that this last statement is essentially false. Christ’s benefits are not scarce. They are as omnipresent^[24] as the Holy Spirit. Everyone needs them: Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must all be born from above.’^[25] And God Himself provides the desire for them as well as their accomplishment: for the one bringing forth (ἐνεργῶν, a form of ἐνεργέω) in you both the desire (θέλειν, a form of θέλω) and the effort (ἐνεργεῖν, another form of ἐνεργέω) – for the sake of his good pleasure – is God.^[26] There is no cause to add conditions to sanctification beyond faith in Christ. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.^[27] But how are they to hear without someone preaching to them?^[28] Or how are we to hear if preachers preach something other than the truth that we are sanctified by the Holy Spirit?

On the one hand Luther/Graebner seemed to grasp this:^[29]

…the Holy Ghost is sent forth into the hearts of the believers, as here stated, “God sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts.” This sending is accomplished by the preaching of the Gospel through which the Holy Spirit inspires us with fervor and light, with new judgment, new desires, and new motives. This happy innovation is not a derivative of reason or personal development, but solely the gift and operation of the Holy Ghost.

Though they did a yeoman’s job demonstrating that justification is by faith in Christ apart from the works of the law, any law, when it came to sanctification Luther/Graebner let the whole wretched works religion in through the back door:^[30]

If we think of Christ as Paul here depicts Him, we shall never go wrong. We shall never be in danger of misconstruing the meaning of the Law. We shall understand that the Law does not justify. We shall understand why a Christian observes laws: For the peace of the world, out of gratitude to God, and for a good example that others may be attracted to the Gospel.

First, I want to be perfectly clear that a believer in Christ merely appears to observe laws. That appearance does not result from attempting to “observe laws” but from hearing with faith and receiving the fruit of the Holy Spirit, the love that is the fulfillment the law. The peace of the world, my gratitude to God and desire that others may be attracted to the Gospel is not up to the task of righteousness.

At times Luther/Graebner seemed to comprehend the fruit of the Spirit:^[31]

The Word of God falling from the lips of the apostle or minister enters into the heart of the hearer. The Holy Ghost impregnates the Word so that it brings forth the fruit of faith.

Yet when Luther/Graebner addressed the “fruit of faith” directly it reads:^[32]

FAITH

In listing faith among the fruits of the Spirit, Paul obviously does not mean faith in Christ, but faith in men. Such faith is not suspicious of people but believes the best. Naturally the possessor of such faith will be deceived, but he lets it pass. He is ready to believe all men, but he will not trust all men. Where this virtue is lacking men are suspicious, forward, and wayward and will believe nothing nor yield to anybody. No matter how well a person says or does anything, they will find fault with it, and if you do not humor them you can never please them. It is quite impossible to get along with them. Such faith in people therefore, is quite necessary. What kind of life would this be if one person could not believe another person?

In fact every detail of every aspect of the fruit of the Spirit in the Luther/Graebner commentary reads like a definition of a virtue, an ideal or a rule to be pursued by my desire for “the peace of the world, out of gratitude to God, and for a good example that others may be attracted to the Gospel.” In contrast I will quote Paul once again (Romans 15:15, 16 NET):

But I have written more boldly to you on some points so as to remind you, because of the grace given to me by God to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. I serve the gospel of God like a priest, so that the Gentiles may become an acceptable offering, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Anything less than being sanctified by the Holy Spirit is a human attempt to be perfected by the flesh. Are you so foolish? Paul asked struggling believers in Galatia. Although you began with the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by human effort (σαρκὶ, a form of σάρξ)?^[33] We of this generation risk being judged by skeptics or some future apostle of some future dispensation with the words:

For if grace had been given that was able to give life, then righteousness would certainly have come by grace.

Romans, Part 87

Back to Fear – Deuteronomy, Part 7

Back to Who Am I? Part 6

Back to To Make Holy, Part 5

^[1] Romans 15:14 (NET)

^[2] Romans 15:13 (NET)

^[3] Romans 8:38, 39 (NET)

^[4] 2 Timothy 1:12b (NET)

^[5] Philippians 3:3 (NIV) Table

^[6] 2 Thessalonians 1:11 (NET)

^[7] Ephesians 5:8b, 9 (NET)

^[8] Galatians 5:22, 23a (NET)

^[9] 2 Corinthians 4:6 (NET)

^[10] Colossians 2:2, 3 (NET)

^[11] Ephesians 3:19 (NET); See: Ephesians 3:14-21

^[12] Philippians 3:3-11, cf. verse 8

^[13] Romans 15:15, 16a (NET)

^[14] Romans 15:16b (NET)

^[15] 1 Thessalonians 5:23, 24 (NET)

^[16] Ephesians 5:25b-27 (NET)

^[17] John 17:17 (NIV)

^[18] John 17:19 (NIV)

^[19] Hebrews 2:11 (NET)

^[20] The Righteousness of God; Romans, Part 50

^[21] Acts 26:17, 18 (NET)

^[22] Commentary on Galatians 3:19, “The Twofold Purpose of the Law”

^[23] Commentary on Galations 3:21

^[24] Psalm 139:1-18 (NET)

^[25] John 3:7 (NET)

^[26] Philippians 2:13 (NET)

^[27] Romans 10:17 (NKJV)

^[28] Romans 10:14b (NET)

^[29] Commentary on Galatians 4:6

^[30] Commentary on Galatians 4:4, 5

^[31] Commentary on Galatians 4:19

^[32] Commentary on Galatians 5:22, 23

^[33] Galatians 3:3 (NET)

The Gospel and the Religious Mind

An attempt to distinguish the mind of Christ from the ordinary religious mind.

Tag Archives: Ephesians 3:19

Christianity, Part 9

Funeral, Part 3

A Monotonous Cycle Revisited, Part 2

Believers

Romans, Part 86