Romans, Part 51

Love must be without hypocrisy.[1]  A note in the NET explained that must be “is understood in the Greek text”  Ἡ ἀγάπη ἀνυπόκριτος.  I am inclined to see it more as a subject heading: The love unfeigned,[2] as Robert Young[3] translated it.  I think Paul’s thinking...

Romans, Part 49

If [the gift] is showing mercy (ἐλεῶν, a form of ἐλεέω),[1] he must do so with cheerfulness.[2]  This is my gift, the one given to me.  It is the way I see Jesus and his Father.  It is the way I see the world.  It is my bias.  Blessed are the merciful (ἐλεήμονες, a...

Saving Demons, Part 2

While studying the different gifts of the Spirit I came across the following (2 Corinthians 3:7-9 NET): But if the ministry (διακονία) that produced death – carved in letters on stone tablets – came with glory, so that the Israelites could not keep their eyes fixed on...

Romans, Part 37

Brothers and sisters, Paul continued, my heart’s desire (εὐδοκία) and prayer to God on behalf of my fellow Israelites is for their salvation.1  This sounds to me like the justice Paul nagged the Lord about, something he would always pray and not lose heart2 over.  But...

Romans, Part 16

I want to begin this essay with Psalm 143:8-12 (NET): May I hear about your loyal love (ḥeseḏ, חסדך,; Septuagint: ἔλεός) in the morning, for I trust in you.  Show me the way I should go, because I long for you.  Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord!  I run to you for...