Thoughts on the Bible and Life
For several decades one phrase in the Greek New Testament has been especially challenging for translators: pistis Christou. In English it’s usually rendered as “faith in Christ.” New Testament Pistis Christou and its variations occur seven times in the New Testament. Since one reference is not relevant (Rom 3:26), here are the six key references. … Read more
Paul mentions “the rulers of this age,” but who are they? Are they evil spirits, sinister aliens, or some other dark force? Let’s briefly consider the following New Testament references to this mysterious group. “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, . . .will be able to separate us … Read more
Certain phrases in the Greek New Testament are especially hard to understand. One of them is ta stoicheia tou kosmou (Greek: τα στοιχεια του κοσμου), which appears only three times in the NT. This phrase lies behind the underlined portions below. So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces … Read more
Can you go to God directly and completely on your own? If you answer “Yes,” one of the biblical authors has written an entire book to refute you. The book of Hebrews makes a simple argument: The way to God has been opened for us by the blood of Jesus. Without that sacrifice, the path … Read more
So far in Galatians we have learned the following: Paul has been sent by Jesus Christ and God the Father. (Jesus and God the Father are closely connected in Paul’s introduction) He is with other believers. He is writing to believers who live in the region of Galatia. He had traveled through the region of … Read more