Un-believable

But I confess this to you, that in accordance with [h]the Way, which they call a sect, I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and is written in the Prophets; 15 having a hope in God, which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous…

Mark Nanos on Paul

You may be interested in this lecture by Mark Nanos on Paul from a Jewish perspective.  Thanks, Catherine for sending the link to me Why Should Jews Care About a New Interpretation of the (Christian) “Apostle” Paul?

Where It Started

For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelled in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well. 2 Timothy 1:5  NASB First dwelled – Where does the Bible start?  You’ll immediately respond, “Why, in Genesis, of course!” and that is textually true, but it…

By the Numbers

for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher  2 Timothy 1:11  NASB 1995 Was appointed – According to one source,[1] Paul wrote about 28 percent of the “New Testament.”  That source, however, included the letters to the Hebrews as Pauline which is most likely not the case.  So, you might…

A Little Off Course

Now they were expecting that he was going to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had waited a long time and had seen nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and began to say that he was a god.  Acts 28:6  NASB Fall down dead – It’s a famous story.  Paul…

A Pauline Paradox

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.  Ephesians 2:8-9  NASB Grace/works – I used to think I knew what Paul was writing about.  Decades ago, I had the right theological perspective on Paul.  He was…

A Confused Soul

To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law;  to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of…

The End

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.  Romans 16:20  NASB Will soon– syntríbō, in this case, a future, active, indicative tense.  As Bertram notes: “The image of smashing Satan in Rom. 16:20 (cf. Gen. 3:15; Ps. 91:13) suggests both present victory over the powers of darkness and the imminent eschatological destruction of Satan.”[1] We…

What Is the Gospel?

Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,  Romans 1:1 NASB Gospel– Yesterday we learned that euangélion, the Greek word usually translated “gospel” is the good news of Yeshua’s enthronement.  It is not primarily about our personal salvation.  Matthew Bates convincingly argues that a “gospel” that focuses on personal rescue and entry…

Alexander and Paul

But I am speaking to you who are Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle of Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, Romans 11:13 NASB Apostle of Gentiles – What does Alexander the Great have to do with Paul the apostle? Most people probably couldn’t answer this question, or, if they could, they would suggest that…