114. Punishment (kolasis, kolazein) – Eternal or Otherwise (Matthew 25:46; Acts 4:21; 2 Peter 2:9; 1 John 4:18)
Rob Bell in his recent book Love Wins refers to the use of the noun kolasis in Matthew 25:46. He argues that the cognate verb kolazo “is a term from horticulture. It refers to the pruning and trimming of the branches of a plant so that it can flourish” (91). He then interprets the phrase [...]
113. The Spirit is Willing (promuthos, Mark 14:38/Matthew 26:41)
One of the last things that Jesus says to some of his disciples prior to the cross is found in Mark 14:38/Matthew 26:41. The text is identical in both Gospels. Jesus has just finished the Passover meal with his disciples, led them outside of Jerusalem to the Mount of Olives, and then into the garden [...]
90. “Moonstruck” in Matthew 4:24;17:15 (selēniazomai)
Matthew is the only New Testament writer to use the verb selēniazomai. Twice he used it to describe the situation of a person under the influence of demons. Literally it means “to be moonstruck” or “affected by the moon in some fashion.” The Greek word for moon is selēnē. Whatever the verb’s precise meaning in [...]
81. The “innocent as doves” – A Disciple’s Response to Jesus’ Commission in Matthew 10:16 (akeraios)
In his second discourse in Matthew’s Gospel Jesus prepares his followers for the rigours of Kingdom life, particularly the response of non-believers to their Kingdom message. He is about to send his apostles two-by-two throughout Israel. Jesus acknowledges that he sends them as sheep in the midst of wolves, but then counsels that this requires [...]