Christ-Centered Preaching, Chapter 2

These are my notes from a preaching course I’m taking. Unless otherwise indicated all quotations are from the book:

Christ-Centered Preaching: Redeeming the Expository Sermon, 3rd Edition by Bryan Chapell

Questions for Review and Discussion

  1. How many things is a sermon about? Why?

Unity

Sermons of any significant length contain theological concepts, illustrative materials, and corroborative facts. These many components, however, do not imply that a sermon is about many things. Each feature of a well-wrought message reflects, refines, or develops one major idea. This major idea, or theme, glues the message together and makes the feature’s stick in a listener’s mind. All the features of a sermon should support the concept that unifies the whole.

Key Concepts: How many things is a sermon about? One! p. 24

Preaching without the discipline of unity typically results in a preacher roaming from one stray thought to another…We…need unity to funnel the infinite exegetical possibilities into a manageable message…The depth of the Word provides us with inspiration for a lifetime of sermons, even as it challenges us to find a means to keep our listeners and ourselves from drowning in its intricacies. Unity may seem binding at first, but it actually frees preachers from the labyrinth of limitless linguistic and explanatory possibilities. The priorities of unity allow preachers to consider prayerfully and in good conscience what not to say as well as what to say.

The Reasons for Unity: Speakers Need Focus p. 24

Frankly, “drowning in [the] intricacies” of God’s Word and wandering “the labyrinth of limitless linguistic and explanatory possibilities” with Him sounds like the good life to me.

Sermons are for listeners, not readers. The degree of detail and analysis acceptable for an essay or a novel cannot be handled in an aural environment by listeners who cannot turn back a page, reread a paragraph, slow down, or ask the speaker to pause while they catch up.1

All good communication requires a theme. If a preacher does not provide a unifying concept for a message, listeners will.

Listeners more readily grasp ideas that have been formed and pulled together…Since even Paul prayed that he would speak “as he should” (Col. 4:4), we are not wrong to consider how we form our words or to learn from those who can teach us how to do this well (cf. v. 6).

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought (δεῖ) to speak.

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought (δεῖ) to answer each person. (Colossians 4:2-6 ESV)

The Reasons for Unity: Listeners Need Focus p. 25

As we have already discovered, in expository preaching the meaning of a passage provides the message of a sermon. This means that the unifying concept of a sermon should come from the text itself. Haddon Robinson suggests that preachers determine the “big idea” of a message by first asking, “What is the author [of the passage] talking about?” and then “What is he saying about what he is talking about?”2

The Nature of Unity p. 25

In expository preaching, unity occurs when a preacher demonstrates that the elements of a passage support a single major idea, which serves as the theme of the sermon. We want this theme to be the Bible’s theme.

We must capture the theme, purpose, or focus of a biblical writer and organize the sermon’s features to develop or support that central idea in order for God’s truth to rule our efforts. Our commitment to the abiding truth and power of Scripture means that we need to say what the Bible says…Although many ideas and features comprise a sermon, they should all contribute to one theme. A sermon is about one thing.

The Nature of Unity p. 26

I. Read and digest the passage to determine

A. The main idea the writer communicates through the text’s nature, details, and features (i.e., discern what central concept the aspects of the text support or develop),4 or

B. an idea that is supported by sufficient material in the text and can be developed into the main subject of a message.

II. Melt down this idea into one concise statement.

The Process of Unity pp. 25, 26

  1. What is the Fallen Condition Focus (FCF) of a sermon?

Purpose: Key Concept: The Fallen Condition Focus reveals a text’s and a sermon’s purpose.

We do not fully understand a biblical passage until we have also determined why the Holy Spirit included it in Scripture. Knowing a text’s purpose is essential to really understanding it. We kid ourselves if we say we understand what a text means without being able to identify or communicate its significance.

Purpose: Considering the Fallen Condition Focus p. 28

Obvious as it may seem that we should know the purpose for a text before we preach it, a purely academic approach to Scripture can trip us down other paths. The compulsion to display our knowledge (i.e., idolatry of needing to be thought intelligent) can cause us to preach on a doctrinal topic or an exegetical insight without considering the spiritual burden of the text for real people in the daily struggles of life. In doing so, preachers relieve themselves of having to deal with the messiness and pain of human existence. The greater intellectual and spiritual task is to discern the human concern that caused the Holy Spirit to inspire this aspect of Scripture so that God would be properly glorified by his people.

Purpose: Considering the Fallen Condition Focus p. 29

So, if my text in 2024 is Exodus 20, do I try to imagine why the Holy Spirit placed this text here for recently freed Egyptian slaves (mostly descended from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) in about the 15th century BC? Or do I incorporate what Scripture says about Exodus 20 for people in 2024?

Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life [Table].

Now if the ministry of death ( διακονία τοῦ θανάτου), carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses’ face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end [Table], will not the ministry of the Spirit ( διακονία τοῦ πνεύματος) have even more glory? For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation (|τῇ| διακονίᾳ τῆς κατακρίσεως), the ministry of righteousness ( διακονία τῆς δικαιοσύνης) must far exceed it in glory. Indeed, in this case, what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it [Table]. For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory.

Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, not like Moses,1 who would put a veil over his2 face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. But3 their minds were hardened. For to this day,4 when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because5 only through Christ is it taken away. Yes, to this day whenever Moses6 is read7 a veil lies over their hearts. But when8 one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there9 is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:4-18 ESV)

Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through10 promise.11 Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two12 covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. Now13 Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for14 she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. (Galatians 4:21-26 ESV)

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him,15 “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?”

Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices ( ποιῶν) sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:31-36 ESV)

In other words, does Exodus 20 recount the inauguration of the Lord’s ministry of death and condemnation to demonstrate in and through Israel the depth of our slavery to sin, and to highlight the contrast of that to Christ’s ministry of the Spirit and of righteousness? Or does this preaching technique limit such discussion to 2 Corinthians 3, Galatians 4 or John 8, and, whether inadvertently or deliberately, degrade these passages from truth to sayings that are potentially meaningful in severely limited literary contexts?

We do not have to guess whether there is a purpose for a particular text. The Bible assures us that every passage has a purpose, and it clearly tells us the basic nature of this purpose. The apostle Paul writes, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17 ESV). God intends for his Word to “complete” us so that we are equipped for his work in and through us.7 This is the purpose of every portion of his Word (i.e., “all Scripture”).

Purpose: Considering the Fallen Condition Focus p. 29

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom16 you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred (ἱερὰ, a form of ἱερός) writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness [Table], that the man of God may be complete (ἄρτιος), equipped for every good work.

I charge you17 in the presence of God and18 of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and19 by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions (τὰς ἰδίας ἐπιθυμίας),20 and will turn away from listening to the truth (τῆς ἀληθείας) and wander off into myths (τοὺς μύθους). As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. (2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 ESV)

The corrupted state of our world and our being cries out for God’s aid. He responds with the truths of Scripture that give us hope through facets of his grace that bear on aspects of our fallen condition revealed in every portion of his Word. No text was written merely for those in the past. No text was written merely for information. God intends for each passage to give us the “endurance” and the “encouragement” we need today (cf. 1 Cor. 10:13).

For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea [Table], and all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as21 it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink22 and rose up to play.” We must not indulge in sexual immorality (πορνεύωμεν, a form of πορνεύω) as some of them did (ἐπόρνευσαν, another form of πορνεύω), and twenty-three23 thousand fell in24 a single day. We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents [Table], nor grumble, as25 some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. Now26 these things happened27 to them as an example,28 but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.29 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it [Table].

Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.30 (1 Corinthians 10:1-14 ESV)

Preaching that is true to these purposes (1) focuses on the fallen condition that necessitated the writing of the passage and (2) uses the text features to explain how the Holy Spirit addresses that concern then and now. The Fallen Condition Focus (FCF) is the mutual human condition that contemporary persons share with those to or about whom the text was written that requires the grace of the passage for God’s people to glorify and enjoy him.

An FCF not only provides the human context needed for a passage’s explanation but also indicates that biblical solutions must be divine and not merely human…

Rescue from our fallen condition requires [God’s] power and provision. Sermons focused on human fix-its or merely demanding behavior change actually make the work of God superfluous, implying our spiritual rescue rests on our performance…The acknowledgment that undergirds the text’s full explanation and purpose automatically requires the preacher to acknowledge the bankruptcy of a mere human solution and to proclaim the necessity of divine provision.

Purpose: Considering the Fallen Condition Focus p. 30

  1. Ultimately, what is a sermon about?

…there may be more than one way to state the purpose for a text since the biblical writer had various mechanisms for stating or implying the purpose. There may also be a variety of purposes within a specific text. Still, a sermon’s unity requires a preacher to be selective and ordinarily to concentrate on a Scripture passage’s main purpose. An FCF determines an appropriate subject of a message by revealing the Holy Spirit’s purposes(s) in inspiring a passage. We preach in harmony with this purpose by saying how the text indicates people are to respond biblically to the FCF as it is experienced in our lives—identifying the gracious means that God provides for us to deal with the brokenness in or about us that deprives us of the full experience and expression of his glory.

Purpose: Considering the Fallen Condition Focus p. 31

There is more than one proper way of wording a passage’s FCF for statement in a sermon. This is why preachers can preach remarkably different sermons on the same passage that are faithful to the text. A preacher must be able to demonstrate that the text addresses the FCF as it is formulated for this particular sermon, not that this sermon’s phrasing of the FCF is the only way of reflecting on this text. The truth of the text does not vary, but the significance of that truth can vary greatly and be stated in many different ways that are appropriate for differing situations.

Since the FCF can vary greatly from text to text and from sermon to sermon preached on the same text, a preacher needs to make sure the purpose of a sermon remains evident in the passage.

Purpose: Determining the Fallen Condition Focus p. 33

  1. What are three steps for determining an FCF of a sermon?

An FCF will remain faithful to a text and identify powerful purposes in a sermon if a preacher uses these successive questions to develop the FCF:

  1. What does the text say?

  2. What spiritual concern(s) did the text address (in its context)?

  3. What spiritual concerns do listeners share in common with those to (or about) whom the text was written?

By identifying listener’s mutual condition with the biblical writer, subject, and/or audience, we determine why the text was written, not just for biblical times, but also for our time.13

Purpose: Determining the Fallen Condition Focus p. 33

  1. What are indications that a message is a “pre-sermon”?

Application

Key Concept: Without the “So what?” we preach to a “Who cares?”

The Bible’s instruction and pattern indicate the importance of application in preaching…Paul told Titus, “You…must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1)…

But as for you, teach what accords (πρέπει, a form of πρέπω) with sound doctrine. (Titus 2:1 ESV)

In the next sentence, the apostle begins to unfold what preachers should teach that is “appropriate to sound doctrine”:

Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in obedience.

Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled.

Titus 2:2-6

Older men (Πρεσβύτας, a form of πρεσβύτης) are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled (σώφρονας, a form of σώφρων), sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women (Πρεσβύτιδας, a form of πρεσβῦτις) likewise are to be reverent (ἱεροπρεπεῖς, a form of ἱεροπρεπής) in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train (ἵνα σωφρονίζωσιν, a form of σωφρονίζω)31 the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled (σώφρονας, a form of σώφρων), pure, working at home,32 kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled (σωφρονεῖν, a form of σωφρονέω). (Titus 2:2-6 ESV)

Application: The Need for Application pp. 34, 35

…by identifying the “burden” of the sermon early in the message, the thrust of the message is relieving that burden. By contrast, if mere doctrinal discussion predominates early phases of the message—delaying a list of applications until the later stages—the message seems to end with a burden. This week we just seem to have another list of things to do or worry about.

Purpose: Determining the Fallen Condition Focus pp. 32, 33

The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger [Table]. (Matthew 23:2-4 ESV)

When preachers perceive the task (and beauty) of the sermon as taking truth to struggle (i.e., the FCF), the tenor of the message changes. The sermon provides the hope for which the text was designed, and for which God’s people long. Even the applications woven through the message—though they address sin, selfishness, rebellion, addiction, or idolatry—are still oriented toward relief from this burden on life and soul.

Purpose: Determining the Fallen Condition Focus p. 33

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls [Table]. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30 ESV)

A grammar lesson is not a sermon. A sermon is not a textual commentary, a systematic discourse, or a history lecture. Mere lectures are pre-sermons because they dispense information about a text without relevant application from the text that helps listeners understand their obligations to Christ and his ministry to them.18

A message remains a pre-sermon until a preacher organizes its ideas and the text’s features to apply to a single, major FCF. We might represent the concept this way:

textual information (pre-sermon material) addressing a textually rooted FCF + relevant textual application = sermon

Application: The Consequence of Nonapplication pp. 36, 37

We are not simply ministers of information, we are ministers of transformation. Christ intends to restore his people with his Word and is not greatly served by preachers who do not discern the transformation Scripture requires or communicate the means it offers.

Application: The Consequence of Nonapplication p. 38

While I am often delighted by my Pastor’s ability to scratch out an oblique reference to God’s grace from a passage of Scripture where I may not have noticed it before, I’ll always fall back on the Scriptures where his grace is stated explicitly because those are the Scriptures the Holy Spirit brings to mind as I need them in and out of season.

Exercises

  1. What are possible unifying themes for each of the following groups of main points?

A well-constructed message may have three points (or more, or less), but it is not about three things. A sermon whose main points allege that (1) God is loving, (2) God is just, and (3) God is sovereign is not ready to be preached until the preacher determines that the sermon’s actual subject is not these three different things but rather “the nature of God.” The single idea will contain the others and, by illuminating their purpose, will deepen their impact.

The Goal of Unity p. 28

Parents are the first image of God or idol children perceive and seek to commune with: (1) Parents should discipline, (2) Parents should sacrifice, (3) Parents should love.

For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all (Romans 11:32 ESV):(1) Sin always contradicts God’s will, (2) Sin sometimes veils God’s will, (3) Sin never thwarts Gods will.

  1. List five specific sins that might be the FCF of a sermon. List five specific “non-sins” that might be the FCF of a sermon.

“You shall not murder [Table].

“You shall not commit adultery [Table].

“You shall not steal [Table].

“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor [Table].

“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s” [Table]. (Exodus 20:13-17 ESV)

The second may be a trick question: There are none. What follows are some experiences of hardship that I’m reasonably convinced are not the direct result of the sinfulness of the one experiencing them.

…you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ [Table]. (1 Peter 1:6b, 7 ESV)

For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things…[Table] (Philippians 3:8b ESV)

Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty33 lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in34 toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me35 of my anxiety for all the churches. (2 Corinthians 11:24-28 ESV)

According to a note (4) in the NET, Paul quoted from Exodus 32:6. A table comparing the Greek of Paul’s quotation in 1 Corinthians 10:7b to that of Exodus 32:6 in the Septuagint follows.

1 Corinthians 10:7b (NET Parallel Greek)

Exodus 32:6b (Septuagint BLB) Table

Exodus 32:6b (Septuagint Elpenor)

ἐκάθισεν ὁ λαὸς φαγεῖν καὶ πεῖν καὶ ἀνέστησαν παίζειν

ἐκάθισεν ὁ λαὸς φαγεῗν καὶ πιεῗν καὶ ἀνέστησαν παίζειν

ἐκάθισεν ὁ λαὸς φαγεῖν καὶ πιεῖν καὶ ἀνέστησαν παίζειν

1 Corinthians 10:7b (NET)

Exodus 32:6b (NETS)

Exodus 32:6b (English Elpenor)

The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.

the people sat down to eat and drink, and they arose to play.

the people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.

Tables comparing 2 Corinthians 3:13-17; Galatians 4:23-25; John 8:33; 2 Timothy 3:14; 4:1; 4:3; 1 Corinthians 10:7, 8; 10:10, 11; 10:14; Titus 2:5; 2 Corinthians 11:24 and 11:27, 28 in the KJV and NET follow.

2 Corinthians 3:13-17 (NET)

2 Corinthians 3:13-17 (KJV)

and not like Moses who used to put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from staring at the result of the glory that was made ineffective. And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:

2 Corinthians 3:13 (NET Parallel Greek)

2 Corinthians 3:13 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

2 Corinthians 3:13 (Byzantine Majority Text)

καὶ οὐ καθάπερ Μωϋσῆς ἐτίθει κάλυμμα ἐπὶ τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ πρὸς τὸ μὴ ἀτενίσαι τοὺς υἱοὺς Ἰσραὴλ εἰς τὸ τέλος τοῦ καταργουμένου και ου καθαπερ μωσης ετιθει καλυμμα επι το προσωπον εαυτου προς το μη ατενισαι τους υιους ισραηλ εις το τελος του καταργουμενου και ου καθαπερ μωυσης ετιθει καλυμμα επι το προσωπον εαυτου προς το μη ατενισαι τους υιους ισραηλ εις το τελος του καταργουμενου
But their minds were closed. For to this very day, the same veil remains when they hear the old covenant read. It has not been removed because only in Christ is it taken away. But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.

2 Corinthians 3:14 (NET Parallel Greek)

2 Corinthians 3:14 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

2 Corinthians 3:14 (Byzantine Majority Text)

ἀλλὰ ἐπωρώθη τὰ νοήματα αὐτῶν. ἄχρι γὰρ τῆς σήμερον ἡμέρας τὸ αὐτὸ κάλυμμα ἐπὶ τῇ ἀναγνώσει τῆς παλαιᾶς διαθήκης μένει, μὴ ἀνακαλυπτόμενον ὅτι ἐν Χριστῷ καταργεῖται αλλ επωρωθη τα νοηματα αυτων αχρι γαρ της σημερον το αυτο καλυμμα επι τη αναγνωσει της παλαιας διαθηκης μενει μη ανακαλυπτομενον ο τι εν χριστω καταργειται αλλ επωρωθη τα νοηματα αυτων αχρι γαρ της σημερον το αυτο καλυμμα επι τη αναγνωσει της παλαιας διαθηκης μενει μη ανακαλυπτομενον ο τι εν χριστω καταργειται
But until this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds, But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.

2 Corinthians 3:15 (NET Parallel Greek)

2 Corinthians 3:15 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

2 Corinthians 3:15 (Byzantine Majority Text)

ἀλλ᾿ ἕως σήμερον ἡνίκα ἂν ἀναγινώσκηται Μωϋσῆς, κάλυμμα ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν αὐτῶν κεῖται αλλ εως σημερον ηνικα αναγινωσκεται μωσης καλυμμα επι την καρδιαν αυτων κειται αλλ εως σημερον ηνικα αναγινωσκεται μωυσης καλυμμα επι την καρδιαν αυτων κειται
but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.

2 Corinthians 3:16 (NET Parallel Greek)

2 Corinthians 3:16 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

2 Corinthians 3:16 (Byzantine Majority Text)

ἡνίκα δὲ ἐὰν ἐπιστρέψῃ πρὸς κύριον, περιαιρεῖται τὸ κάλυμμα ηνικα δ αν επιστρεψη προς κυριον περιαιρειται το καλυμμα ηνικα δ αν επιστρεψη προς κυριον περιαιρειται το καλυμμα
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is present, there is freedom. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

2 Corinthians 3:17 (NET Parallel Greek)

2 Corinthians 3:17 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

2 Corinthians 3:17 (Byzantine Majority Text)

ὁ δὲ κύριος τὸ πνεῦμα ἐστιν· οὗ δὲ τὸ πνεῦμα κυρίου, ἐλευθερία ο δε κυριος το πνευμα εστιν ου δε το πνευμα κυριου εκει ελευθερια ο δε κυριος το πνευμα εστιν ου δε το πνευμα κυριου εκει ελευθερια

Galatians 4:23-25 (NET)

Galatians 4:23-25 (KJV)

But one, the son by the slave woman, was born by natural descent, while the other, the son by the free woman, was born through the promise. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.

Galatians 4:23 (NET Parallel Greek)

Galatians 4:23 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

Galatians 4:23 (Byzantine Majority Text)

ἀλλ᾿ ὁ |μὲν| ἐκ τῆς παιδίσκης κατὰ σάρκα γεγέννηται, ὁ δὲ ἐκ τῆς ἐλευθέρας δι᾿ ἐπαγγελίας αλλ ο μεν εκ της παιδισκης κατα σαρκα γεγεννηται ο δε εκ της ελευθερας δια της επαγγελιας αλλ ο μεν εκ της παιδισκης κατα σαρκα γεγεννηται ο δε εκ της ελευθερας δια της επαγγελιας
These things may be treated as an allegory, for these women represent two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai bearing children for slavery; this is Hagar. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.

Galatians 4:24 (NET Parallel Greek)

Galatians 4:24 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

Galatians 4:24 (Byzantine Majority Text)

ἅτινα ἐστιν ἀλληγορούμενα· αὗται γάρ εἰσιν δύο διαθῆκαι, μία μὲν ἀπὸ ὄρους Σινᾶ εἰς δουλείαν γεννῶσα, ἥτις ἐστὶν Ἁγάρ ατινα εστιν αλληγορουμενα αυται γαρ εισιν αι δυο διαθηκαι μια μεν απο ορους σινα εις δουλειαν γεννωσα ητις εστιν αγαρ ατινα εστιν αλληγορουμενα αυται γαρ εισιν δυο διαθηκαι μια μεν απο ορους σινα εις δουλειαν γεννωσα ητις εστιν αγαρ
Now Hagar represents Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.

Galatians 4:25 (NET Parallel Greek)

Galatians 4:25 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

Galatians 4:25 (Byzantine Majority Text)

τὸ δὲ Ἁγὰρ Σινᾶ ὄρος ἐστὶν ἐν τῇ Ἀραβίᾳ· συστοιχεῖ δὲ τῇ νῦν Ἰερουσαλήμ, δουλεύει γὰρ μετὰ τῶν τέκνων αὐτῆς το γαρ αγαρ σινα ορος εστιν εν τη αραβια συστοιχει δε τη νυν ιερουσαλημ δουλευει δε μετα των τεκνων αυτης το γαρ αγαρ σινα ορος εστιν εν τη αραβια συστοιχει δε τη νυν ιερουσαλημ δουλευει δε μετα των τεκνων αυτης

John 8:33 (NET)

John 8:33 (KJV)

“We are descendants of Abraham,” they replied, “and have never been anyone’s slaves! How can you say, ‘You will become free’?” They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?

John 8:33 (NET Parallel Greek)

John 8:33 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

John 8:33 (Byzantine Majority Text)

ἀπεκρίθησαν πρὸς αὐτόν· σπέρμα Ἀβραάμ ἐσμεν καὶ οὐδενὶ δεδουλεύκαμεν πώποτε· πῶς σὺ λέγεις ὅτι ἐλεύθεροι γενήσεσθε απεκριθησαν αυτω σπερμα αβρααμ εσμεν και ουδενι δεδουλευκαμεν πωποτε πως συ λεγεις οτι ελευθεροι γενησεσθε απεκριθησαν αυτω σπερμα αβρααμ εσμεν και ουδενι δεδουλευκαμεν πωποτε πως συ λεγεις οτι ελευθεροι γενησεσθε

2 Timothy 3:14 (NET)

2 Timothy 3:14 (KJV)

You, however, must continue in the things you have learned and are confident about. You know who taught you But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

2 Timothy 3:14 (NET Parallel Greek)

2 Timothy 3:14 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

2 Timothy 3:14 (Byzantine Majority Text)

Σὺ δὲ μένε ἐν οἷς ἔμαθες καὶ ἐπιστώθης, εἰδὼς παρὰ τίνων ἔμαθες συ δε μενε εν οις εμαθες και επιστωθης ειδως παρα τινος εμαθες συ δε μενε εν οις εμαθες και επιστωθης ειδως παρα τινος εμαθες

2 Timothy 4:1 (NET)

2 Timothy 4:1 (KJV)

I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

2 Timothy 4:1 (NET Parallel Greek)

2 Timothy 4:1 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

2 Timothy 4:1 (Byzantine Majority Text)

Διαμαρτύρομαι ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ μέλλοντος κρίνειν ζῶντας καὶ νεκρούς, καὶ τὴν ἐπιφάνειαν αὐτοῦ καὶ τὴν βασιλείαν αὐτοῦ διαμαρτυρομαι ουν εγω ενωπιον του θεου και του κυριου ιησου χριστου του μελλοντος κρινειν ζωντας και νεκρους κατα την επιφανειαν αυτου και την βασιλειαν αυτου διαμαρτυρομαι ουν εγω ενωπιον του θεου και του κυριου ιησου χριστου του μελλοντος κρινειν ζωντας και νεκρους κατα την επιφανειαν αυτου και την βασιλειαν αυτου

2 Timothy 4:3 (NET)

2 Timothy 4:3 (KJV)

For there will be a time when people will not tolerate sound teaching. Instead, following their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves because they have an insatiable curiosity to hear new things. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

2 Timothy 4:3 (NET Parallel Greek)

2 Timothy 4:3 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

2 Timothy 4:3 (Byzantine Majority Text)

Ἔσται γὰρ καιρὸς ὅτε τῆς ὑγιαινούσης διδασκαλίας οὐκ ἀνέξονται ἀλλὰ κατὰ τὰς ἰδίας ἐπιθυμίας ἑαυτοῖς ἐπισωρεύσουσιν διδασκάλους κνηθόμενοι τὴν ἀκοὴν εσται γαρ καιρος οτε της υγιαινουσης διδασκαλιας ουκ ανεξονται αλλα κατα τας επιθυμιας τας ιδιας εαυτοις επισωρευσουσιν διδασκαλους κνηθομενοι την ακοην εσται γαρ καιρος οτε της υγιαινουσης διδασκαλιας ουκ ανεξονται αλλα κατα τας επιθυμιας τας ιδιας εαυτοις επισωρευσουσιν διδασκαλους κνηθομενοι την ακοην

1 Corinthians 10:7, 8 (NET)

1 Corinthians 10:7, 8 (KJV)

So do not be idolaters, as some of them were. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.

1 Corinthians 10:7 (NET Parallel Greek)

1 Corinthians 10:7 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

1 Corinthians 10:7 (Byzantine Majority Text)

μηδὲ εἰδωλολάτραι γίνεσθε καθώς τινες αὐτῶν, ὥσπερ γέγραπται· ἐκάθισεν ὁ λαὸς φαγεῖν καὶ πεῖν καὶ ἀνέστησαν παίζειν μηδε ειδωλολατραι γινεσθε καθως τινες αυτων ως γεγραπται εκαθισεν ο λαος φαγειν και πιειν και ανεστησαν παιζειν μηδε ειδωλολατραι γινεσθε καθως τινες αυτων ωσπερ γεγραπται εκαθισεν ο λαος φαγειν και πιειν και ανεστησαν παιζειν
And let us not be immoral, as some of them were, and 23,000 died in a single day. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.

1 Corinthians 10:8 (NET Parallel Greek)

1 Corinthians 10:8 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

1 Corinthians 10:8 (Byzantine Majority Text)

μηδὲ πορνεύωμεν, καθώς τινες αὐτῶν ἐπόρνευσαν καὶ ἔπεσαν μιᾷ ἡμέρᾳ εἴκοσι τρεῖς χιλιάδες μηδε πορνευωμεν καθως τινες αυτων επορνευσαν και επεσον εν μια ημερα εικοσιτρεις χιλιαδες μηδε πορνευωμεν καθως τινες αυτων επορνευσαν και επεσον εν μια ημερα εικοσιτρεις χιλιαδες

1 Corinthians 10:10, 11 (NET)

1 Corinthians 10:10, 11 (KJV)

And do not complain, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

1 Corinthians 10:10 (NET Parallel Greek)

1 Corinthians 10:10 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

1 Corinthians 10:10 (Byzantine Majority Text)

μηδὲ γογγύζετε, καθάπερ τινὲς αὐτῶν ἐγόγγυσαν καὶ ἀπώλοντο ὑπὸ τοῦ ὀλοθρευτοῦ μηδε γογγυζετε καθως και τινες αυτων εγογγυσαν και απωλοντο υπο του ολοθρευτου μηδε γογγυζετε καθως και τινες αυτων εγογγυσαν και απωλοντο υπο του ολοθρευτου
These things happened to them as examples and were written for our instruction, on whom the ends of the ages have come. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

1 Corinthians 10:11 (NET Parallel Greek)

1 Corinthians 10:11 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

1 Corinthians 10:11 (Byzantine Majority Text)

ταῦτα δὲ τυπικῶς συνέβαινεν ἐκείνοις, ἐγράφη δὲ πρὸς νουθεσίαν ἡμῶν, εἰς οὓς τὰ τέλη τῶν αἰώνων κατήντηκεν ταυτα δε παντα τυποι συνεβαινον εκεινοις εγραφη δε προς νουθεσιαν ημων εις ους τα τελη των αιωνων κατηντησεν ταυτα δε παντα τυποι συνεβαινον εκεινοις εγραφη δε προς νουθεσιαν ημων εις ους τα τελη των αιωνων κατηντησεν

1 Corinthians 10:14 (NET)

1 Corinthians 10:14 (KJV)

So then, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

1 Corinthians 10:14 (NET Parallel Greek)

1 Corinthians 10:14 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

1 Corinthians 10:14 (Byzantine Majority Text)

Διόπερ, ἀγαπητοί μου, φεύγετε ἀπὸ τῆς εἰδωλολατρίας διοπερ αγαπητοι μου φευγετε απο της ειδωλολατρειας διοπερ αγαπητοι μου φευγετε απο της ειδωλολατρειας

Titus 2:5 (NET)

Titus 2:5 (KJV)

to be self-controlled, pure, fulfilling their duties at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the message of God may not be discredited. To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

Titus 2:5 (NET Parallel Greek)

Titus 2:5 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

Titus 2:5 (Byzantine Majority Text)

σώφρονας ἁγνὰς οἰκουργοὺς ἀγαθάς, ὑποτασσομένας τοῖς ἰδίοις ἀνδράσιν, ἵνα μὴ ὁ λόγος τοῦ θεοῦ βλασφημῆται σωφρονας αγνας οικουρους αγαθας υποτασσομενας τοις ιδιοις ανδρασιν ινα μη ο λογος του θεου βλασφημηται σωφρονας αγνας οικουρους αγαθας υποτασσομενας τοις ιδιοις ανδρασιν ινα μη ο λογος του θεου βλασφημηται

2 Corinthians 11:24 (NET)

2 Corinthians 11:24 (KJV)

Five times I received from the Jews forty lashes less one. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.

2 Corinthians 11:24 (NET Parallel Greek)

2 Corinthians 11:24 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

2 Corinthians 11:24 (Byzantine Majority Text)

Υπὸ Ἰουδαίων πεντάκις τεσσεράκοντα παρὰ μίαν ἔλαβον υπο ιουδαιων πεντακις τεσσαρακοντα παρα μιαν ελαβον υπο ιουδαιων πεντακις τεσσαρακοντα παρα μιαν ελαβον

2 Corinthians 11:27, 28 (NET)

2 Corinthians 11:27, 28 (KJV)

in hard work and toil, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, many times without food, in cold and without enough clothing. In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

2 Corinthians 11:27 (NET Parallel Greek)

2 Corinthians 11:27 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

2 Corinthians 11:27 (Byzantine Majority Text)

κόπῳ καὶ μόχθῳ, ἐν ἀγρυπνίαις πολλάκις, ἐν λιμῷ καὶ δίψει, ἐν νηστείαις πολλάκις, ἐν ψύχει καὶ γυμνότητι εν κοπω και μοχθω εν αγρυπνιαις πολλακις εν λιμω και διψει εν νηστειαις πολλακις εν ψυχει και γυμνοτητι εν κοπω και μοχθω εν αγρυπνιαις πολλακις εν λιμω και διψει εν νηστειαις πολλακις εν ψυχει και γυμνοτητι
Apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxious concern for all the churches. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

2 Corinthians 11:28 (NET Parallel Greek)

2 Corinthians 11:28 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

2 Corinthians 11:28 (Byzantine Majority Text)

χωρὶς τῶν παρεκτὸς ἡ ἐπίστασις μοι ἡ καθ᾿ ἡμέραν, ἡ μέριμνα πασῶν τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν χωρις των παρεκτος η επισυστασις μου η καθ ημεραν η μεριμνα πασων των εκκλησιων χωρις των παρεκτος η επισυστασις μου η καθ ημεραν η μεριμνα πασων των εκκλησιων

5 The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had ὅτι here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had ο τι (KJV: which).

8 The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had δὲ ἐὰν here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had δ αν (KJV: Nevertheless…it).

10 The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had δι᾿ here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had δια (KJV: by).

11 The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had the article της preceding promise. The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 did not.

12 The Stephanus Textus Receptus had the article αι (KJV: the) preceding two. The NET parallel Greek text, NA28 and Byzantine Majority Text did not.

13 The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had δὲ here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had γαρ (KJV: For).

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

16 The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had the plural pronoun τίνων here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had the singular τινος.

17 The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had ουν εγω (KJV: I…therefore) here. The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 did not.

18 The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had του κυριου (KJV: the Lord) here. The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 did not.

19 The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had καὶ here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had κατα (KJV: by).

22 The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had πεῖν here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had πιειν. These seem to be alternate spellings of the same part of speech.

26 The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had παντα (KJV: all) here. The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 did not.

27 The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had the singular verb συνέβαινεν here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had the plural συνεβαινον.

28 The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had τυπικῶς here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had τυποι (KJV: for ensamples).

30 The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had εἰδωλολατρίας here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had ειδωλολατρειας. These appear to be alternate spellings of the same part of speech.

31 The Greek word σωφρονίζωσιν, a form of σωφρονίζω is in the subjunctive mood in a purpose or result clause: “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.”

32 The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had οἰκουργοὺς here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had οικουρους (KJV: keepers at home). These appear to be alternate spellings of the same part of speech.

Romans, Part 86

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 yehôvâh 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.


[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)

Romans, Part 77

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.[1]  Even the King James translators rendered it, Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.[2]  This has never quite meant what kings hoped, nor was it a call to political revolution.  The Greek word translated governing or higher is ὑπερεχούσαις (a form of ὑπερέχω).  More than that, I now regard all things as liabilities compared to the far greater value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord,[3] Paul wrote believers in Philippi.  The phrase the far greater value is ὑπερέχον (another form of ὑπερέχω) in Greek.  Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself.[4]  Here as more important is ὑπερέχοντας (another form of ὑπερέχω).  And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.[5]  Here that surpasses is ὑπερέχουσα (another form of ὑπερέχω).

Be subject to every human institution for the Lord’s sake, Peter wrote, whether to a king as supreme (ὑπερέχοντι, another form of ὑπερέχω) or to governors as those he commissions to punish wrongdoers and praise those who do good.[6]  Peter’s writing was not as nuanced as Paul’s.  In my opinion the translators don’t help Peter here: for the Lord’s sake is διὰ τὸν κύριον.  The more literal translation is “through the Lord.”  Peter, through the Lord, led by the Holy Spirit did not behave as he wrote.  He behaved more like Paul wrote (Acts 5:27-29 NET):

When they had brought [Peter and the apostles], they stood them before the council, and the high priest questioned them, saying, “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name.  Look, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood on us!”  But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than people…

At the same time, however, Peter and the apostles did not think their loyalty to God exempted them from the wrath of the human authorities (Acts 5:40-42 NET):

…they [the human authorities] summoned the apostles and had them beaten.  Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and released them.  So they [Peter and the apostles] left the council rejoicing because they had been considered worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name [Table].  And every day both in the temple courts and from house to house, they [Peter and the apostles] did not stop teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus was the Christ.

For there is no authority except by God’s appointment, Paul continued, and the authorities that exist have been instituted by God.[7]  I would think—οὐ γὰρ ἔστιν ἐξουσία εἰ μὴ ὑπὸ θεοῦ—is something more like, “for no authority exists if not under God,” and—αἱ δὲ οὖσαι ὑπὸ θεοῦ τεταγμέναι εἰσίν—“these moreover exist under God’s active ordering.”  This may seem difficult to believe at times but God is always doing more than we see.  Paul wrote believers in Ephesus (Ephesians 3:7-12 NET):

I became a servant of this gospel according to the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the exercise of his power.  To me – less than the least of all the saints – this grace was given, to proclaim to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ and to enlighten everyone about God’s secret plan – a secret that has been hidden for ages in God who has created all things.  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 (ἐξουσίαις, a form of ἐξουσία) in the heavenly realms (ἐπουρανίοις).  This was according to the eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and confident access to God because of Christ’s faithfulness.

I think this is a continuation of Paul’s treatise on Lovewithout hypocrisy because only the Holy Spirit can lead us here.  No rule-based belief system can tell anyone authoritatively in real time when to submit to the commands of human authorities and when to reverently decline, fully accepting the consequences imposed by the human authorities that have been instituted by GodSo the person who resists such authority, Paul continued, resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will incur judgment[8]  Though the human authorities of the moment are instituted and ordained by God I don’t think one can infer their goodness in any objective sense (Acts 1:6-8 NET):

So when they had gathered together, they began to ask him, “Lord, is this the time when you are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” [Table]  He told them, “You are not permitted to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority (ἐξουσίᾳ, another form of ἐξουσία).  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the farthest parts of the earth” [Table].

Paul wrote specifically about the Roman government.  Most in Israel who hoped for the Messiah hoped He would overthrow Roman rule, but Jesus said, My kingdom is not from this world.[9]  And before the Holy Spirit was given He said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The experts in the law and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat.  Therefore pay attention to what they tell you and do it.  But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they teach.  They tie up heavy loads, hard to carry, and put them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing even to lift a finger to move them.”[10]  Those called to resist specific commands of human authorities know what it means to be considered as sheep to be slaughtered (Romans 8:35-37 NET):

Who will separate us from the love of Christ?  Will trouble, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?  As it is written, “For your sake we encounter death all day long; we were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”  No, in all these things we have complete victory through him who loved us!

They also experience that complete victory through him who loved us.  But none of us is called to pugnacity.  Paul continued, (for rulers cause no fear for good conduct but for bad).  Do you desire not to fear authority?  Do good and you will receive its commendation, for it is God’s servant for your good.[11]  The good we are to do is good relative to the human authorities understanding of good (when it does not conflict with God’s).  Paul specified: pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants devoted to governing.  Pay everyone what is owed: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.[12]  And the good the authorities do for us is a peaceful and quiet life (1 Timothy 2:1-4 NET):

First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanks be offered on behalf of all people, even for kings and all who are in authority (ὑπεροχῇ, a form of ὑπεροχή), that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.  Such prayer for all is good and welcomed before God our Savior, since he wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

But if you do wrong, Paul continued, be in fear, for it does not bear the sword in vain.  It is God’s servant to administer retribution on the wrongdoer.[13]  Again, I think this wrong is wrong as the human authorities perceive it.  I do not believe that God expects, or relies on, Gentile human authorities to punish all sins against his law.  Paul continued (Romans 13:5-10 NET):

Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath of the authorities but also because of your conscience.  For this reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants devoted to governing.  Pay everyone what is owed: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.  Owe no one anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.  For the commandments, “Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not covet,” (and if there is any other commandment) are summed up in this, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  Love does no wrong to a neighbor.  Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

So I have bookends distinguishing the beginning—Love…without hypocrisy—and the ending—love is the fulfillment of the law—of Paul’s definition, amplification or explanation of love in his letter to believers in Rome.  And this love is an aspect of the fruit of the Spirit.  I turn now to be subject (ὑποτασσέσθω, a form of ὑποτάσσω) and subjection (ὑποτάσσεσθαι, another form of ὑποτάσσω).

We are given one glimpse into Jesus as a child.  By age twelve he was a precocious spiritual prodigy. But when He realized how upset his parents were he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient (ὑποτασσόμενος, another form of ὑποτάσσω) to them.[14]  This behavior is not natural to the old human, because the outlook of the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit (ὑποτάσσεται, another form of ὑποτάσσω) to the law of God, nor is it able to do so.[15]  For the creation was subjected (ὑπετάγη, another form of ὑποτάσσω) to futility – not willingly but because of God who subjected (ὑποτάξαντα, another form of ὑποτάσσω) it – in hope that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage of decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children.[16]  For ignoring the righteousness that comes from God, and seeking instead to establish their own righteousness, they did not submit (ὑπετάγησαν, another form of ὑποτάσσω) to God’s righteousness.[17]

Jesus did not ignore the righteousness that comes from God.  He is the first new human (1 Corinthians 15:20-28 NET):

But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.  For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead also came through a man.  For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.  But each in his own order: Christ, the firstfruits; then when Christ comes, those who belong to him.  Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, when he has brought to an end all rule and all authority and power.  For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.  The last enemy to be eliminated is death.  For he has put everything in subjection (ὑπέταξεν, another form of ὑποτάσσω) under his feet.  But when it says “everything” has been put in subjection (ὑποτέτακται, another form of ὑποτάσσω), it is clear that this does not include the one who put everything in subjection (ὑποτάξαντος, another form of ὑποτάσσω) to him.  And when all things are subjected (ὑποταγῇ, another form of ὑποτάσσω) to him, then the Son himself will be subjected (ὑποταγήσεται, another form of ὑποτάσσω) to the one who subjected (ὑποτάξαντι, another form of ὑποτάσσω) everything to him, so that God may be all in all.

Paul encouraged us to submit (ὑποτάσσησθε, another form of ὑποτάσσω) to people like the household of Stephanus, that as the first converts of Achaiadevoted themselves to ministry for the saints, and to everyone who cooperates in the work and labors hard.[18]  He encouraged believers in Ephesus to be filled by the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for each other in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and submitting (Υποτασσόμενοι, another form of ὑποτάσσω) to one another out of reverence for Christ.[19]

Slaves are to be subject (ὑποτάσσεσθαι, another form of ὑποτάσσω) to their own masters in everything, Paul wrote Titus, to do what is wanted and not talk back, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, in order to bring credit to the teaching of God our Savior in everything.[20]  I benefited greatly from this encouragement during my most recent job change.  My employer subcontracted my work to another company and I was sent to that company also.  I was so grateful to have a job I failed to fully appreciate how I was foisted on the owner of the subcontracting company.  But over time my new employer’s attitude has moderated and he seems happy to have me as an employee.  I work hard when I am working.  I study the Bible when I am off.  And I am paid every two weeks regardless.

Married women are called to submit to one other human authority.  Paul wrote Titus to have older women teach younger women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be self-controlled, pure, fulfilling their duties at home, kind, being subject (ὑποτασσομένας, another form of ὑποτάσσω) to their own husbands, so that the message of God may not be discredited.[21]  When men attempt to teach this it sounds like man-made rules for women to obey.  But this is not law.  Rather it is part of the loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, Holy-Spirit-controlled righteousness of God through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ produced in believing wives by the Holy Spirit.

Preach the Gospel
Peter wrote, wives, be subject (ὑποτασσόμεναι, another form of ὑποτάσσω) to your own husbands.  Then, even if some are disobedient to the word, they will be won over without a word by the way you live, when they see your pure and reverent conduct.[22]  This is an example to us all.  We have convinced a world of sinners that we want to impose arcane and archaic rules on them while the truth is: sinners have no share in our righteousness.  It is the gift of God by the faithfulness of Jesus Christ to all who believe.

A youth group in the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport wore these shirts.  I asked one of their leaders to pose for this photograph.

[1] Romans 13:1a (NET)

[2] Romans 13:1a (KJV)

[3] Philippians 3:8a (NET)

[4] Philippians 2:3 (NET)

[5] Philippians 4:7 (NET)

[6] 1 Peter 2:13, 14 (NET)

[7] Romans 13:1b (NET)

[8] Romans 13:2 (NET)

[9] John 18:36a (NET)

[10] Matthew 23:1-4 (NET)

[11] Romans 13:3, 4a (NET)

[12] Romans 13:6, 7 (NET)

[13] Romans 13:4b (NET)

[14] Luke 2:51a (NET)

[15] Romans 8:7 (NET)

[16] Romans 8:20, 21 (NET)

[17] Romans 10:3 (NET)

[18] From 1 Corinthians 16:15, 16 (NET)

[19] Ephesians 5:18b-21 (NET)

[20] Titus 2:9, 10 (NET)

[21] Titus 2:4, 5 (NET)

[22] 1 Peter 3:1, 2 (NET)