156. The Christian God — a God of Peace, not Confusion or Instability akatastasia

In  I Corinthians 14 Paul incorporates an essential characterization of God into his discussion about the appropriate use of ‘prophecy’ in Christian worship. Having attributed the phenomenon of prophecy to divine action, Paul affirms that the Christian God is “not … Continue reading

126. Black Eyes(?), Widows and Vindication (Luke 18:5 hupōpiazō)

In Luke’s Gospel the central section, often described as “the journey narrative,” stretches from chapters 9 – 19:27 and contains many parables that are unique to his story of Jesus. Towards the end of this “journey” Jesus addresses a number … Continue reading

122. The Gift of “Governance” (kubernēsis) (1 Corinthians 12:28)

Within Paul’s discussion of the grace-gifts provided by the Holy Spirit to disciples of Christ we find the term kubernēsis, translated in the NIV as “administration” (1 Corinthians 12:28). It is not clear exactly what ability Paul is defining through … Continue reading