Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. Philippians 4:11 Content – Most Christians have spiritualized this verse. We read this as if it were about an inner state of equilibrium of the soul. Because we think of Paul’s statement as a declaration of spiritual…
If it is the whole community of Israel that has erred and the matter escapes the notice of the congregation, so that they do any of the things which YHWH commanded ought not to be done, and they incur guilt Leviticus 4:13 (JPS Torah Commentary translation) Guilt – Is a man guilty if he does…
Thus the priest shall make expiation for them, and they shall be forgiven. Leviticus 4:20 Expiation – For centuries we have heard Christian theologians proclaim that forgiveness comes by grace alone. Pastors and professors have driven a wedge between the teaching of Leviticus and the words of Paul. The Jews were under the “law.” Christians…
Blessed is that man who has made YHWH his trust, and has not turned to the proud, and to those turning aside to falsehood. Psalm 40:4 Man – We don’t have to repeat the lesson about the difference between barak and ‘ashar to remember what “blessed” really means. We know it’s about something we do. …
I got this email today. Maybe you saw it. Maybe not. So, I thought it would be a good thing to let everyone know. If there are readers in the Spokane area, Melanie is going by bus to Spokane at the end of the month. If someone in that area knows of work or a…
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 Persecuted – Matthew writes with Hebrew idioms, not Greek concepts. Sometimes the difference between these two worldviews makes all the difference in our translations into English. When it does, we often discover that entire…
He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying Matthew 5:2 Opened His Mouth – Today a good number of scholars believe that Matthew’s gospel was originally written in Hebrew and later translated into Greek. Much of the evidence for this view comes from the number of Hebrew idioms in Matthew’s Greek text. In…
Dear Community, In case you missed Amanda’s post, I thought you would like to know what you (all) helped with. Message: A few days ago I told the community here about my husband’s job loss and asked for prayer. I got so much encouragement from everyone, and was greatly blessed. But G-d wasn’t finished… Today,…
He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying Matthew 5:2 To Teach – The Greek word here is edidasken. It is actually an imperfect, active form of the verb, didasko. Why does this matter? Because the imperfect form tells us that this teaching is an on-going action. It is as if the text…
“If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” Luke 9:23 Deny Himself – What does this mean? What must I do to deny myself? Is it like the Roman Catholic practice of giving up something desirable for lent? Should I refuse myself food,…
