125. What was the Tax-Collector Asking God to do? (Luke 18:13 hilaskesthai)
One of Jesus’ most poignant and subversive parables tells about two contrasting individuals — a Pharisee and a tax-collector who find themselves in the Jerusalem temple praying to Yahweh at the same time! This is one of the few parables in which the theme or topic is defined before the parable is presented (Luke 18:9). [...]
124: “Do not Defraud” — the Rich Man’s Challenge (aposterein) (Mark 10:19)
When Jesus responds to the question of the rich man in Mark 10:18-19, he reviews five of the ten commandments. However, where we would expect the wording of the tenth commandment to occur (“do not covet”), Mark’s narrative incorporates entirely different wording. Jesus’ query includes the prohibition “do not defraud (aposterēsēis),” which is then followed [...]
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, [...]
116. Selecting and Appointing Church Leaders (cheirotonein) in the New Testament (Acts 14:23)
Alexander Strauch in his book Biblical Eldership. An Urgent Call To Restore Biblical Church Leadership devotes an entire chapter to the issue of appointing elders (chapter 6). He focuses attention upon the use of the verb cheirotonein used by Luke in Acts 14:23 to describe the role of Paul and Barnabas in the appointment of [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
110. The Delicate Work of Spiritual Guidance (nouthetein 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15)
Scattered throughout Paul’s correspondence1 (and in one of his speeches in Acts 20:31) we find the verb nouthetein and its cognate noun nouthesia. The pattern of usage chronologically spans the entire written ministry of Paul (from his initial letters to the Thessalonian church through to the Pastoral Epistles (Titus)). However, he is selective in his [...]
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.” [...]
106: The Ministry of Encouragement (paramutheisthai 1 Thessalonians 5:14)
The verb paramutheisthai and its cognate nouns paramuthia and paramuthion occur only in Paul’s letters and John’s Gospel within the New Testament. Paul used the verb in 1 Thessalonians 2:12 and 5:14, the noun paramuthia in 1 Corinthians 14:3, while the other noun paramuthion is found in Philippians 2:1. Paul employed these terms in contexts [...]
104. “Appointing” Elders or “Setting them in Order”(kathistẽmi)? Titus 1:5
In Titus 1:5 the apostle Paul instructs Titus, his designated ministry leader for the churches in Crete, to “straighten out the things left unfinished and appoint (katastẽsẽis) elders city by city” (NIV Translation). Paul’s wording here has led some to suggest that according to the New Testament spiritual leaders appoint other spiritual leaders. It is [...]
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.
101. Jesus’ Sorrow in Gethsemane (Mark 14:33-36)
Jesus’ actions in Gethsemane hold many mysteries. Expositors normally account for Jesus’ grief and sorrow by relating it directly to his personal angst over the imminent horror of the crucifixion. I have no doubt that the cross contained more then enough grief to overwhelm anyone, and in Jesus’ case his punishment for human sin made [...]
100. The “Spirit (pneuma) of Jesus” in Mark’s Gospel (Mark 2:8; 8:12)
The Gospel writer, Mark, used psychological terms sparingly and carefully in reference to Jesus. For example, the word kardia is never applied to Jesus because the human heart is “evil” (Mark 7:19,21), “hardened” (3:5; 6:52; 8:17) and “disputatious” (2:6,8; 11:23), “far from God” in Isaiah’s language (Mark 7:6 quoting Isaiah 29:13). The term psuchē tends [...]
84. Discerning the Presence of God’s Kingdom
(Luke 17:20-21 – meta paratērēseōs)
Jesus’ teaching about the Kingdom of God remains the most complex element of his message. Today, two thousand years after he made his proclamation that “the time stands fulfilled; the Kingdom of God stands near” (Mark 1:15), we struggle to comprehend all of its mystery. We are not surprised then to read in the Gospel [...]
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 [...]
80. Protecting the Deposit (parathēkē – 2 Timothy 1:12,14)
Keeping money or other treasures safe in antiquity was a challenge. Banks and ‘safety deposit boxes’ did not exist. As Jesus indicates in the parable of the Hid Treasure (Matthew 13) people sometimes buried their most valuable property in order to protect it. Another common practice was to ‘deposit’ funds in a temple, placing it [...]
79. Casting Out Demons – A New Authority (ekballō Mark 1:34)
Ten times (twelve if we add the references in 16:9,17) Mark’s Gospel describes the exorcisms accomplished by Jesus or his follows as “casting out (ekballein) a demon (or demons).”1 In a short note Graham Twelftree2 says that this is “the first time it [ekballein] is used in relationship to exorcism.” Matthew used similar language thirteen [...]
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 [...]
76. “Being Imitators (mimētai) of God” (Ephesians 5:1)
Within the New Testament (Heb.6:12; 1 Peter 3:13), particularly in Paul’s letters (1 Cor. 4:16;11:1; Eph. 5:1; 1 Thess. 1:6; 2:14), the idea of following a pattern, expressed by the noun mimētēs, gives definition to Christian experience. The cognate verb occurs four times (2 Thess. 3:7,9; Heb. 13:7; 3 John 11) and the compound summimētēs [...]
75. “Behave Respectably (euschēmonōs) to the Outsiders”(1 Thessalonians 4:12)
The conduct of believers, whether within the church or towards those who are not part of the Christian community, was a major preoccupation of Paul, the apostle. To embrace Jesus as Messiah, Saviour and Lord necessarily transformed a person’s behaviour. When sin no longer exercised dominion and grace was in charge, people became new creations. [...]
74. Prayers for Moral and Spiritual Wholeness
(holotelēs, holoklēros 1 Thessalonians 5:23)
Within the final prayer Paul wrote to the Thessalonians in his first letter (1 Thess. 5:23-24) he used two adjectives (holotelēs, holoklēros) which only occur here in all of his letters. These unusual terms give expression to Paul’s confidence that God will enable the Thessalonian believers to experience complete salvation at the Second Coming of [...]
73. An Extraordinary Tenderness (homeiromai 1 Thessalonians 2:8)
In 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 Paul uses forceful language to describe his extraordinary relationship with Christians in the city of Thessalonika. When he first visited them and shared the “gospel of God”, he exercised great care lest any impression be given that his gospel work was merely a means to make money. And in his first [...]
72. Cultivating a Desire for Ministry Leadership – (oregesthai 1 Timothy 3:1)
Much is being written today about the call to ministry vocation. All believers have a calling from God, expressed in conversion, and lived out obediently as God assigns various tasks from time to time – marital care, parental leadership, hospitality among God’s people, sharing the good news, cross-cultural ministry. The relationship between calling and personal [...]
71. “So that we might die to sins” – the sense of apoginomai in 1 Peter 2:24
The translators of the New International Version chose to render apogenomenoi (aorist middle participle of apoginomai) in 1 Peter 2:24 as “die”. It follows a tradition of interpretation that goes back to the King James Version (“being dead to sins”). Karen Jobes in her recent commentary on 1 Peter, however, renders this part of v.24 [...]
70. Spiritual “Stumbling”
In Matthew’s Gospel the lexical group skandalizein/skandalon defines various negative spiritual responses to Jesus and his teaching, as well as moral failure. Matthew, Mark and Paul use this vocabulary most frequently within the New Testament canon. Mark only used the verb form. Luke (7:23; 17:1-2) and John (6:61; 16:1) employ it very sparingly and we [...]
69. Fixing a Broken Faith – Ologopistos in Matthew’s Gospel
The terms oligopistos (adjective: a person of little faith) and oligopistia (noun: little faith) first occur as Greek terms in the Gospel of Matthew (and once in Luke 12:28 which is a parallel text with Matthew 6:30). The almost complete limitation of this term to Matthew’s Gospel might suggest he has added this term to [...]
68. God’s Commissioning (Luke 1:80 – anadeixis)
At the end of the story of John the Baptist in Luke 1 the writer says that John was “in the deserted places until the day of his ‘public appearing’ or ‘commissioning’ (anadeixeōs) to Israel.” This is the only occurrence of this word in the New Testament. However, the cognate verb (anadeiknumi) is also used [...]
67. Hearing God’s Message (Luke 2:26)
In the infancy stories of Jesus recounted in Luke and Matthew God actively directs events to preserve his Son and to inform participants about the significance of these occurrences. For example twice in Matthew 2 God reveals (chrēmatizō) “by dream” his divine decree to the Magi and to Joseph. In the case of Joseph this [...]
66. The Promise of Matthew 24:14 (en holēi tēi oikoumenēi = in all the Roman Empire)
In his final segment of extended teaching to his disciples in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus outlined their mission beyond the cross and urges them to be faithful to the end. In response to his prophesy that the temple and Jerusalem would be destroyed, his disciples asked “When will these things be and what will be the [...]
65. Reactions to the News of Jesus’ Resurrection
In the various Gospels we have complementary accounts of the resurrection of Jesus and the diverse responses that people had to this news. We tend to think that these first century people easily accepted that God had raised Jesus from the dead. However, that is not the reality, at least as we find it in [...]
64. “The Finger of God” (Luke 11:20; Exodus 8:19)
New interest in Jesus’ Kingdom teaching is occurring, particularly within the Emerging Church and Missional Church movements. While retaining the truth that the Kingdom will only be completely experienced when Jesus returns, Jesus’ teachings about the presence of the Kingdom reality are receiving new attention. In particular people are asking how Christian faith communities can [...]
63. Holding fast to the Right Master (Matthew 6:24)
In the middle of the Sermon on the Mount Jesus uses the metaphor of slavery to urge his followers to give their full and complete loyalty to God. Occasionally in antiquity we read of two people owning one slave. For example, in Acts 16:16 we read about a female slave owned by ‘masters’, who gain [...]
62. Worshipping, but Uncertain (Matthew 28:17)
The relationship between faith and doubt has exercised the best of Christian minds. We can trace this tension back to the very origins of Christianity. Jesus faces the strange admixture of worship and uncertainty several times in the response of his disciples to his actions. It is possible — might we even say normal – [...]
61. Praying, not Prattling (Matthew 6:7)
In the Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount Matthew has a section about prayer (6:5-15). Among the various things Jesus teaches is the contrast between Kingdom praying and pagan praying: “When praying, do not babble (battalogēsēte) like the pagans, for they are of the opinion that by using many words (polulogiai) they will make themselves heard.” [...]
60. Doubts and Disputes – Human Disposition (Matthew 15:19)
The Scriptures quite consistently characterize human thinking processes as fundamentally dysfunctional. Reasoning occurs, but it is frequently flawed in its activity and in its conclusions. Paul, quoting Psalm 94(93):11 in 1 Corinthians 3:20, agrees that “the Lord knows that the thoughts (dialogismous) of the wise are futile.” If the wise among us cannot get it [...]
59. Jesus Messiah, the ‘Personal Tutor’ (Matthew 23:10)
Matthew 23 is somewhat unique among the four Gospels. In it Jesus levels his most caustic criticism against the Jewish religious leaders, declaring seven ‘woes’. In the first section of this discourse Jesus warns his disciples against adopting the religious pretensions and titles used by their Jewish religious leaders. In vv.8-10 he commands them not [...]
58. “Learning the Messiah” (Ephesians 4:20)
Access to formal education in antiquity was limited primarily to the upper classes. Literacy was not widespread. Skills necessary for particular trades were taught through apprenticeship models. Religious knowledge similarly circulated among a small circle of priests. People learned what was necessary to survive. Within Judaism the synagogues would provide basic education for male children. [...]
57. Renewal – paliggenesia (Matthew 19:28)
Only twice in the New Testament (Matthew 19:28 and Titus 3:6) does the word paliggenesia occur. Matthew’s Gospel and Paul’s Pastoral Epistles may seem to be worlds apart, yet these documents probably were written in the 60’s of the first century and both by Jewish Christians. The word generally connotes ‘renewal’ of some kind. By [...]
56. Matthew’s View of Lost People (Matthew. 9:36)
Each evangelist writing a New Testament Gospel expresses a specific perspective. Usually we discern this through the episodes he chooses to include or through terminology that is unique or frequently used. One of the places where the evangelist Matthew seems to leave his mark occurs in his description of Israelites in 9:36. While Mark and [...]
55. Our Identity as God’s Servants (Romans 15:16)
Paul uses amazingly diverse metaphors to define his identity as a follower of Jesus. At the conclusion to Romans he mentions once again the gracious gift that God gave to him, transforming him into the “priestly servant (leitourgos) of Christ Jesus for the nations” (15:15b-16). As Romans 1:5 indicates, “grace and apostleship” are synonymous in [...]
54. Motivation in Ministry (Galatians 6:9)
When a person responds to God’s call to salvation, usually great enthusiasm and vigour accompany this radical change. However, often we observe that the initial fervour tends to lose its intensity over time. The same thing often occurs as individuals accept a ministry assignment. Considerable energy bursts out at the beginning, but soon the pace [...]
53. Vibrant Expectation – the Christian’s Perspective (Galatians 5:5)
Followers of Jesus live in the time between. Jesus came in the first century and promised he would return. He told his followers to watch and be vigilant because he would come back in radiant glory as Lord of the Universe. Paul captures this quality of our Christian living in the verb apekdechesthai – to [...]
52. Paul – Slave of the Messiah (Galatians 1:10)
One of the ways Paul identifies himself in his letters is as the slave (doulos) of the Messiah. Many of his letters begin with “Paul, slave of Messiah Jesus” (Romans 1:1), or something similar. In Greek society such language was viewed with repugnance because it denied the essence of human autonomy. Conversely, Jewish thought reveled [...]
51. Finding Courage in the Midst of Difficulty (Philippians 2:19)
Only once in the New Testament do we find the verb eupsuchein. Mid-way through his letter to the Christians at Philippi, Paul announces that he intends to send Timothy to find out how they are doing. Of course, this will only happen “in the Lord Jesus”, i.e. as the Lord Jesus directs. Presumably, if Timothy [...]
50. Jesus – A Sign Refused (Luke 2:34)
Within forty days of the birth of a male child, the mother and child were to come to the temple and fulfill the prescribed rite of purification. Mary, Joseph and Jesus acted obediently and brought Jesus to Jerusalem for this purpose. Simeon, probably one of the priests serving in the temple, was receiving revelations from [...]
49. Christian ‘Body-Building’ (Ephesians 4:16)
The description of the church as a body seems to be one of Paul’s great, metaphorical contributions to Christian understanding. In addition to 1 Corinthians 12 his elaboration of this metaphor in Ephesians 4 has generated considerable discussion about the nature of the church. In particular, we often use this passage to define the role [...]
48. The Intercession of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:27,34; Hebrews 7:25)
The New Testament teaching about God as a trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – is remarkable. A specific role of the Son and the Holy Spirit, perhaps even more amazing, is their work of intercession on behalf of believers. Paul tells us in Romans 8:27 that the Holy Spirit “intercedes (entungchanei) for the [...]
47. “Ringing Out the Word of the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 1:8)
In what may be Paul’s first letter he begins by describing the wonderful way his Gospel proclamation stimulated many in the city of Thessalonica to respond to Jesus as Lord and Saviour. What becomes clear is the tremendous stir this religious event created throughout the Roman provinces of Macedonia and Achaia. He says their firm [...]
46. Jesus our Guardian (episkopos 1 Peter 2:25)
Within Peter’s short first epistle he uses three cognate terms: episcope i.e., protection through personal presence (2:12); episkopos i.e., the role of guardian or protector (2:25); and episkopew i.e., a verb meaning to accept the responsibility of care for someone (5:2).1 They describe action taken for the care and protection of individuals. In 2:25 and [...]
45. Where God’s Glory and God’s Spirit Rest (1 Peter 4:14)
Peter talks so much about the suffering that Christians’ experience that we might think he is obsessed with this issue. Of course, to bear the brunt of physical, social or verbal abuse and attack is truly a terrible experience and must not be dismissed lightly. So perhaps we can understand Peter’s concentration on suffering. He [...]
44. Compounding God’s Mercy (1 Peter 1:3)
One of the great moments in Moses’ experiences with God comes as he intercedes for Israel after the Golden Calf episode. When God agrees to continue His covenant with Israel, Moses asks for God to reveal Himself as a kind of guarantee that He would fulfill His word. God agrees and a new set of [...]
43. “This is my blood of the covenant poured out for many” (Mark 14:24)
When Jesus met with his disciples to keep his final Passover, he changed the significance of this feast forever. By declaring that the cup of wine was “my blood of the covenant”( it could be translated as “the blood of my covenant” if the possessive pronoun modifies the following noun, rather than the preceding noun), [...]
42. “Hemmed in With Apparently No Way Out” (2 Corinthians 4:8)
Hardly a page of Paul’s writings goes by without some reference to the suffering or distress that his calling in Christ has brought into his life. Usually his attitude toward these circumstances is positive, because they contribute to the effective spread of the Good News. But sometimes we get a glimpse that Paul finds himself [...]
41. The Certainty of Faith – Giving God Glory (Romans 4:21)
As Paul defines the nature of faith in Romans he appeals first to Abraham and then to Adam. In the case of Abraham Paul stresses that his relationship with God first and foremost rested upon his response of faith (confident trust). “But to the one who puts confident trust in the One Who declares the [...]
40. God’s Restraint (Romans 2:4; 3:26)
Power brings with it the responsibility to exercise it wisely and appropriately, even when faced with impropriety. In Scripture we discern times when God expresses His frustration with human folly and persistent rebellion. He announces His intention to wipe out humanity and start again. He actually did this according to Genesis 6-8 when He sent [...]
39. Who is standing with you? (2 Timothy 4:17)
In the last letter that Paul wrote in the New Testament and in its final chapter the great missionary apostle summarizes his mission and his confident hope in God. Historically, Paul has given his second defense before the emperor Nero. Whether this refers to a second trial, or the second stage of one trial is [...]
38. Anna’s Response to Jesus’ Birth (Luke 2:38)
Two rather obscure figures — Simeon and Anna — are brought forward by Luke as witnesses in the Jerusalem temple to the significance of Jesus’ birth. In the case of Anna Luke gives considerable biographical detail –- prophet, Jewish pedigree, fasting and praying continually in the temple. What is most astonishing is her age – [...]
37. “Not Just Equipped, but Completely Equipped” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Spiritual formation is the hot topic in Evangelical circles today. Tremendous energy is being devoted to understanding various traditions of spiritual formation that have arisen within Christianity – Puritan spirituality, Catholic spirituality, Pentecostal spirituality, etc. Those Christian traditions that some perceive as having little or no explicit discussion about spirituality in their history are scrambling [...]
36. God’s Crown Jewel – His People (Exodus 19:5; 1 Peter 2:9)
Identity is fundamental to personal and corporate life. The words or metaphors we choose to define ourselves individually (i.e. macho, cool dude, skater) or collectively (i.e. canucks, white-collar workers, seniors) speak volumes about our sense of dignity, place, and purpose. Sometimes we choose the terms that define us and sometimes we get tagged with monikers [...]
35. The Importance of a Comma! (Ephesians 4:12)
In the ancient Greek manuscripts punctuation marks are few or non-existent. Paragraph markers do occur in some texts. So in our modern English translations punctuation is as much a matter of interpretation as the rendering of specific words. For example, in Mark 1:24 the response of the demon-possessed man to Jesus in the Capernaum synagogue [...]
34. Spilt Blood (Mark 14:24)
Jesus’ death at the cross coincided with the annual Passover celebration. He had made all the arrangements for this meal (Mark 14:12-17) and as the meal proceeded he frames the coming events of his crucifixion in terms of Israel’s rescue from Egypt, particularly with reference to the preservation of Israel’s firstborn through the sacrificial death [...]
33. ‘Elementary’ Issues (Galatians 4:3,9;5:25;6:16)
It usually does not take too long for a person reading Paul’s letters to recognize his depth and grasp of spiritual principles and issues. What often does escape our attention is his rhetorical skill – the way he uses language in subtle and not so subtle ways to communicate his ideas with force, creativity, and [...]
32. A Christian’s DNA (Galatians 6:15)
Developments in genetic engineering, mapping the human genome, gene therapies for treating diseases, and cloning frequently grab the news headlines. Whether such discoveries and technologies are a blessing or a curse continues to be debated. Certainly human understanding about the creation and formation of living things has reached new levels. The discovery of DNA and [...]
31. “Military Language in the Service of the Gospel” (Galatians 5:13)
In a few weeks we will pause and remember the D-Day landings at Normandy during World War II. When the conditions were right, the allies launched an attack at the French coast in order to gain a beachhead for a military campaign in Europe. With terrible human cost, they were successful. As various scholars have [...]
30. “The Messiah has made us free for freedom!… You were called for freedom!” (Galatians 5:1,13)
It is hard for us to understand an urban context where every third or fourth person you passed in the streets was a slave. But this was the social situation in the cities where Paul planted churches and a significant number of new Christians were slaves or former slaves. When Paul wrote his letter to [...]
29. Birthing the Messiah in Others the Work of Evangelism And Discipleship (Galatians 4:19)
Paul’s letter to the churches in the region of Galatia is one of his most autobiographical, perhaps second only to 2 Corinthians. His deep concern for the spiritual maturing of those he introduced to the Messiah breaths through every sentence. When he hears that some are proclaiming "another Gospel that is not another" among these [...]
28. Freedom and Slavery – The Context of Christian Living (Galatians 2:4)
Freedom and slavery in antiquity were social and legal terms primarily, defining the relative worth and status of specific individuals. People normally aspired to be free people, as well as to possess the privilege of citizenship. These were the social and civic categories that provided greatest worth in the eyes of Greco-Roman society. Slavery, by [...]
27. Rescued From Evil (Galatians 1:4)
Our worldview shapes our lives. As Paul begins his letter to the Christians living in the region of Galatia, he reminds them of their circumstances. They live in "the present evil age" (1:4). This time is characterized by evil, not good. It is an overwhelming evil, such that no human being can escape its destructive, [...]
26. Peace and People Who Have God’s Approval (Luke 2:14)
The familiar story of the Bethlehem shepherds and the amazing, nocturnal, heavenly, angelic chorus that appears to them and announces the Messiah’s birth stands centrally in the Christmas story. The initial proclamation by the angel of the Lord provided details of time, place and person – the Saviour, Messiah, and Lord. It seems as if [...]
25. Global Positioning – Tracking with God (Philippians 3:20)
A global positioning system enables you to determine at any precise moment exactly where you are in the world. It uses satellite reference points to accomplish this. Morally followers of Jesus have a positioning system that exists in heaven, enabling them to know where they are in the moral world. Using well-known Jewish language, Paul [...]
24. The Source of Paul’s Spiritual Power (Philippians 4:13)
It’s a verse often quoted, but rarely appreciated fully – "I can do all things through him who gives me strength" (tNIV). Yet in this short verse three key questions require attention, if we are fully to grasp Paul’s meaning. First, what is the referent of "all things"? The Greek term (panta) comes first in [...]
23. The ‘Form of God’ (Philippians 2:6-7)
In the second chapter of Philippians Paul gives us a wonderful description of Jesus Christ. Whether he uses material already in use among the churches or composes this ‘hymn’ himself, Paul endorses its content. As he advises the Philippian Christians about the best way to "live worthily of the Gospel of the Messiah" (1:27), Paul [...]
22. The Progress of the Gospel (Philippians 1:12,25)
The term ‘progress’ often defined the way people understood the world in the twentieth century. Whether it was the technology revolution, the ‘green’ revolution, political revolution, or scientific revolution, many considered human progress the supreme good. But the twentieth century also saw progress in evil as human atrocities occurred on a scale never before attempted [...]
21. God’s Mercy and Time (Mark 13:20)
God’s management of time gains our attention at various points in the story of salvation. His orders to Noah for the construction of the great ark reflect his decision to bring judgment upon humanity, but God also limits both the time and extent of the judgment. Noah ‘finds favour’ before God because he is a [...]
20. History in Parables: God’s Questions (Mark 12:6)
Recent studies of the parables of Jesus have indicated that some of them probably portray Jesus’ interpretation of Israel’s historic response to God’s initiatives. For example, the parable of the Four Soils (Mark 4:1-9) can be read as illustrating how Israel at various times in its history accepted or rejected God’s word as it was [...]
19. People Jesus Loved (Mark 10:21)
As Mark retells the story of Jesus in his Gospel, many different people interact with Jesus. One of the most interesting of these characters is a man "who has many possessions" (Mark 10:17-31), but who passionately seeks "eternal life". Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem. He is somewhere in the Jordan valley, north of [...]
18. The Emotions of the Messiah
When Jesus saw this, he was indignant." (Mark 10:14) That human beings get angry, even seethe with rage, surprises no one. Each of us, based upon personal experience, knows what it is to be angry at someone, with all the emotional energy this generates. What might surprise us is that Jesus, the Messiah of God, [...]
17. A Moment of Messianic Candour (Mark 9:19)
Tucked away in the exorcism story following the Transfiguration lurks a moment of Messianic candour. Briefly we glimpse Jesus’ frustration with his disciples. Their failure to heal a man’s demonized son and the resultant confusion and debate leads to Jesus’ description of them as "the unbelieving generation". Matthew in his account of this scene (17:17) [...]
16. Elijah’s Restorative Ministry and the Son of Man’s Suffering: Resolving a Scriptural Problem (Mark 9:12-13)
Elijah’s Restorative Ministry and the Son of Man’s Suffering: Resolving a Scriptural Problem (Mark 9:12-13) They are on their way down from the mountain where Jesus, in transfigured splendour, converses with Elijah and Moses, and God affirms once again his divine sonship. Jesus requires his three disciples (Peter, James and John) to keep quiet about [...]
15. The Exchange Rate for a Soul (Mark 8:37)
The closer that Jesus came to his crucifixion the more urgently he taught his followers the nature of discipleship. We are familiar with his threefold requirement for those who would claim his leadership – denying self, taking up the cross, and following Jesus (Mark 8:34). Each of these three elements incorporates serious, life-changing requirements. While [...]
14. Taking Sides (Mark 8:33)
Peter has just shared his view of Jesus – “You are the Christ (Messiah)” (8:29). Immediately Jesus begins to explain what kind of messiah he will be – “the Son of Man who must suffer much and be rejected…and be killed and after three days rise again” (8:31). Jesus shares his message ‘boldly’. Mark’s story [...]
13. Discipleship: The Challenge and Struggle to Understand (Mark 8:17,21)
You don’t get far into the story of Jesus as told by Mark without coming face-to-face with the role of the disciple or follower of Jesus. As others have noted, Mark’s Gospel can be considered a manual of discipleship. Evangelicals in North America for the past decade or two have used the term discipleship to [...]
12. “Being Fully Satisfied” – Jesus’ Special Gift (Mark 6:42)
In Mark’s story about Jesus twice huge crowds of people are fed by the miraculous multiplication of food. In the first instance (Mark 6:30-44), as his apostles return from their first ministry, Jesus leads them to a quiet place for a time of recovery. The crowds discern his intent and travel on ahead so that [...]
11. Offended at Jesus (Mark 6:3)
One of the surprising responses that Jesus receives to his message and activity occurs in Nazareth, his hometown. In Mark’s account Jesus conducts his ministry in Nazareth in the same way he does elsewhere. On the Sabbath he enters their synagogue, he teaches them and, as a result, “many are amazed as they heard him”. [...]
10. Discerning the Positive in the Negative (Mark 5:3-4)
One of the great stories in Mark’s Gospel is found in chapter 5 – the restoration of the Gerasene demoniac! Several features stand out, including the details that Mark provides in his lengthy introduction (one quarter of the entire story), the dramatic confrontation with the demons, the awesome change in the man (vs. 14-15), and [...]
9. The Mystery of the Kingdom of God (Mark 4:10-12)
The teaching of Jesus is central to the four Gospels. The essential component of his message, at least in Mark’s Gospel, concerns the Kingdom of God. In Mark 4:11 Jesus characterizes this teaching about the Kingdom as a "mystery" that "has been given" specifically to those who constitute his disciples. We have some familiarity with [...]
8. Jesus is THE MAN (Mark 2:10)
The humanity of Jesus Christ remains a fundamental part of our Christian understanding. Jesus, as Paul puts it, was "born of a woman, born under the law", fully human. In the Gospels often we latch on to Jesus’ favorite self-designation "Son of Man" as key proof of his humanness. On the surface this would seem [...]
7. Filled With Compassion (Mark 1:41)
During Jesus’ ministry he displays a wide variety of responses — anger, grief, frustration, joy, laughter, submission, compassion. Within the Gospel narrative all of these can be paralleled in the responses of other human beings, except for compassion. In the Gospel stories of Matthew, Mark and Luke only Jesus and God demonstrate compassion. In other [...]
6. The Authority of Jesus (Mark 1:27)
It is rare in Mark’s Gospel for Jesus to be called ‘Lord’ – a title of authority. Yet, on almost every page of his Gospel Mark raises the issue of Jesus’ authority and affirms by various means that his authority is absolute. The first explicit mention of the term ‘authority’ comes in 1:22. Mark explains [...]
5. Discerning God’s Timing (Mark 1:15)
The first words that Jesus speaks in Mark’s Gospel are these: "The time stands fulfilled and the kingdom of God stands near." Only Mark among the Gospels includes in Jesus’ proclamation the statement about fulfilled time in relation to the coming of God’s kingdom. The witness of the Old Testament prophets (1:2-3), John the Baptist [...]
4. Ruling With God Now
"The Lord reigns", declares the Psalmist. This is the fundamental premise of the Old Testament. God rules and no human or spiritual figure outperforms or outclasses Yahweh in any way. It should not surprise us to discover that the key, prophetic proclamation of Jesus, the Son of God, centres on the arrival of "the Kingdom [...]
3. Surrendered – the Experience of Servant Leaders
As John the Baptist’s role as messenger of the Messiah concludes, Mark tells us he is "handed over" or "arrested" or "surrendered" or "betrayed"(1:14). At this point in his story Mark reveals nothing about John’s future. Who engineers this "handing over" remains a mystery. We do sense that John’s service for God is coming to [...]
2. Split Skies and Ripped Curtains
At the beginning (1:10) and the end (15:38) of his Gospel Mark describes the splitting of the skies and the ripping of the temple curtain by the same word. Within the story this verb only occurs in these two contexts. It is not accidental. As Jesus emerges from the baptismal waters of the Jordan river [...]
1. Jesus: Messiah, Son of God, Yahweh.
Titles carry great significance in the Bible. As Mark begins his Gospel account he applies to Jesus three titles, each filled with implications. First, he identifies Jesus of Nazareth as "Christ" or "Messiah". This man from the obscure Galilean town of Nazareth is God’s promised, chosen leader for His special people, Israel. He is "Jesus [...]