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 this term. Many English versions link this term with “administration.” However, the New Living Translation [...]
121. “Redeeming the Cursed and Redeeming Time” (exagorazein) (Galatians 3:13; 4:5; Ephesians 5:16; Colossians 4:5)
Four times in his letters Paul incorporates the compound verb exagorazō – twice in Galatians and once each in Ephesians and Colossians. In his letter to the Christians in Galatia Paul used the verb to describe what the impact of the Messiah’s life and death upon “us,” i.e. those under curse (3:13), and upon those [...]
119. The Messiah’s Triumph in the Cross (thriambeuō) (2 Cor. 2:14; Col.2:15)
While there is debate in the case of Col. 2:15, it seems most probable that in both the Colossians passage and 2 Cor. 2:14 God is the subject of this verb thriambeuō in Paul’s letters. These are the only contexts in the New Testament where this verb occurs. The translators and writers of the Greek [...]
118.”Reconciling (apokatallassein ) all things to himself” (Col. 1:20)
Paul is the New Testament author who explores the concept of reconciliation most fully, using the verb katallassō[1]and the cognate noun katallagē[2] to express this concept in his letters to the Roman and Corinthian churches. The meaning of the simple verb allassō is to change or exchange and when applied to political or relational situations [...]
117. God’s work that “Makes us Qualified” (hikanoun) — Colossians 1:12
The verb hikanoun occurs only two times in the New Testament and in both cases Paul was the author (2 Corinthians 3:6; Colossians 1:12). Paul incorporates the cognate noun hikanotēs once into the 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 context. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke-Acts, alongside of Paul’s letters also employ the adjective hikanos quite frequently, [...]
115. God at work–Paul’s Concept of the Verb energein and Cognates (Philippians 2:12-13)
One of the more unusual notions that frequently occurs in Paul’s letters is that God is “working in” people and situations. The verb that expresses this most consistently is energein 1 (“put one’s capabilities into operation”) and its cognate nouns energeia 2 (“state or quality of being active”), energēma3 (“activity as expression of capability”), and [...]
112. Fathers, Anger, and Discipling Children (parorgizein Ephesians 6:4 and erethizein Colossians 3:21)
Embedded in the closing section of Ephesians and Colossians, a set of instructions to Christian fathers forms part of a so-called “household code” (Ephesians 5:21-6:9; Colossians 3:18-4:1). In the Ephesian segment Paul urges fathers to “bring them [children] up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord”1 (Ephesians 6:4). No positive exhortation is given in [...]
111. The Ministry of Patience (makrothumein 1 Thessalonians 5:14)
Paul’s description of pastoral and member care responsibilities in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14 includes two related, but distinct terms paramuthein1 and makrothumein (5:14). Paul used the verb makrothumein (2x) and its cognate noun makrothumia (10x) twelve times in his writings, but it has wider usage in the New Testament.2 The noun occurs across the whole range [...]
107. What’s the Difference? Diastolē in Paul’s Letters and Diastellō in Mark’s Gospel.
Three times in his letters Paul used the noun diastolē (Romans 3:22; 10:12; 1 Corinthians 14:7). This noun is translated in the New International Version (NIV) as “difference” or “distinction” The cognate verb diastellō occurs more frequently in the New Testament, but primarily in the middle voice with the sense “give orders to, instruct strictly.” [...]
102. “Endangering one’s life…for the work of the Messiah” (paraboleusamenos Philippians 2:30)
When Paul commends his friend, Epaphroditus, he comments particularly on his willingness to hazard everything for “the work of the Messiah,” to act as the serving emissary of the Philippian Church, and to assist Paul. In Philippians 2:30 Paul chose an interesting expression to describe the degree to which Epaphroditus was willing to go for the sake of the Gospel.
99. The Wonder of Revelation (apokalupsis Galatians 1:12; 2:2)
Our familiarity with the last book in the New Testament, Revelation (apokalupsis), hides the fact that the use of this noun as the title to describe divine revelation first occurs in the writings of Paul and Peter. This does not mean others prior to them never used it for this purpose, but if so, no [...]
98. “The Man of God” (ho tou theou anthrōpos 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
The phrase “the man of God” (ho tou theou anthrōpos) occurs only twice in the New Testament, both times in Paul’s correspondence with Timothy (1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 3:17). Alternatively the phrase ho tou theou anēr is never found in the New Testament (anēr may have the sense of male, husband, and man). The [...]
97. The Purpose of Paul’s First Meeting with Peter (historēsai Galatians 1:18)
One of the intriguing questions about the early church is the nature of the relationship between Paul and Peter. Without doubt both men, committed Christian leaders, made a huge impact upon the shape of the Christian church. Their writings document this clearly. Yet, their pathway into faith and leadership in the church are very different [...]
96. Having the Same Form (summorphizō) Philippians 3:17
Twice in the space of a few verses in his letter to the Christians in Philippi Paul used the verb summorphizō (“becoming like” (NIV) 3:10) and the cognate adjective summorphos (“will be like” (NIV) 3:21). These are the only contexts in the New Testament, apart from Paul’s use of the adjective in Romans 8:29 (“to [...]
95. Contending (sunathlountes) … Not Being Intimidated (pturomenoi)
When Paul composes his letter to the Philippian believers, his personal circumstances are not the best – imprisoned, awaiting trial, with execution as a possible outcome. Within the Christian ranks some leaders were using the occasion in such a way that it actually increased the pressure on Paul! Hard to imagine Christian leaders doing such [...]
92. Reflecting and/or Contemplating Jesus’ Glory (2 Corinthians 3:18 katoptrizomai)
In 2 Corinthians 3 Paul considers the significant and awesome changes that Jesus’ followers experience because of their relationship with the risen Messiah. “We are being transformed (metamorphoumetha)!” Paul exhalts. This present reality enables believers to enjoy in their current situation elements of their future, anticipated total makeover. Paul uses the word “glory” (doxa), i.e. [...]
89. How Witty Should Christians Be? (eutrapelia Ephesians 5:4)
Wise use of humour can be extremely beneficial. It encourages, builds relationships, gently rebukes, and tactfully suggests a better way. Conversely, some become slaves to laughter, addicted to witty repartee to the point that they will do or say anything to provoke a laugh, despite the harm or hurt perpetrated or the coarseness employed. Humour [...]
88. “Knowing Christ” (Philippians 3:10)
Recently I was interacting with a pastor about the meaning of the expression “to know him”, i.e. Jesus, that Paul used in Philippians 3:10. What did Paul signify by using this expression to define his spiritual quest? Are we to interpret this in accordance with statements such as Joseph “knew [Mary] not until she had [...]
83. Apekdusis – A metaphor for Jesus’ Work on the Cross and Our Personal Transformation in Christ (Colossians 2:11, 15; 3:9)
In his letter to the Christians in Colosse Paul used a noun (apekdusis) and its cognate verb (apekduomai) which do not occur elsewhere in the New Testament. In fact the noun and its related verb first occur in Greek literature within the Colossian letter.1 The formation of this word with two prepositional prefixes (apo, ek), [...]
82. Warnings About ‘Crafty Scheming’ (methodeia – Ephesians 4:14; 6:11)
The Greek term methodeia only occurs twice in the New Testament and both are found in Ephesians (4:14; 6:11). As well, no occurrences of this word are known in Greek literature prior to Paul’s use of it in this letter. In both cases the context indicates that methodeia, as Paul used it, describes something negative, [...]
78. Taught by God (theodidaktoi – 1 Thessalonians 4:9)
The Psalmist declared “Since my youth, O God, you have taught me” (Psalm 71:17) and he desires that God continually would teach him to do his will (Psalm 143:10). His experience and expectation is that God does instruct him, with the result that he knows God and his ways. While this defines the Psalmist’s relationship [...]
77. Holding God in contempt – a Human Deception (Galatians 6:7 – muktērizō)
Paul’s choice of words in his letter to Christians in the province of Galatia reflects careful intention. The issues he confronts are extremely serious, the opponents powerful and persuasive, and his audience somewhat befuddled. Strong warnings mingle with cries of frustration as he encourages these believers to keep running well the discipleship race. He has [...]