For the LORD listens to the needy, and His captives He has not despised. Psalm 69:34 [Hebrew Bible] Robert Alter Captives – Paul often introduces himself as doúlos christóu which is typically translated “bond-servant.” But that’s not what it really means. A doúlos is a slave—compulsory, bound service. In the Greek world, this designation was…
Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness, in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago, but at the proper time revealed His word in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior; Titus 1:1-3 NASB…
no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. Philemon 1:16 NASB More than – We often read this verse with Pollyanna eyes. That is to say, we think that Philemon won’t view Onesimus as a…
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Philemon 1:3 NASB Lord – It’s hard to miss that fact that Paul distinguished between God the Father (patḗr) and Yeshua the kýrios (lord). That distinction creates an issue for Trinitarian doctrine, but not nearly as significant as Paul’s statement that…
Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, Romans 1:1 NASB Apostle – One time at a gathering of believers I was presented with a business card that gave the man’s name followed by “prophet.” I am sure he had that card printed in good faith, but I shuddered when…
Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness, Titus 1:1 NASB Bond-servant/apostle – No doubt by now you know that the translation “bond-servant” is softened to make it more palatable to our ears. The word is doulos, the…
Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: 2 Peter 1:1 NASB Bond-servant – “Greeks have a strong sense of freedom. Personal dignity consists of freedom. There is thus a violent…
For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, that I might win the more. 1 Corinthians 9:19 NASB A slave to all – This verse is probably the bulwark of religious relevance. We are taught that if we want to get the message out to the masses,…
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes in the dispersion: Greetings. James 1:1 ESV James – If we’re going to study the work of someone, it might be useful to know the author’s name. It might be useful to know the author’s heritage and past influences and…
“But the greatest among you shall be your servant.” Matthew 23:11 NASB Servant – Are you a servant? Have you adopted the Christian virtue of being an enabler for others? You might think you have. After all, servant language is very popular these days. From “servant-leadership” to foot-washing ceremonies, many of us attempt to instill…
