Exegetical Notes
The First Imperative of Isaiah 8:9
Sunday, April 22nd, 2007Hebrew is a language of picturesque imagery and vivid story-telling. It lacks the precise, formulaic logical exactness of Greek grammar, but more than makes up for this deficiency in its unique ability to paint brilliant pictures, and speak to the very soul of the reader. These characteristics have an important impact on the way we […]
The Usage of epi to onomati in Acts 4:17-18
Monday, March 5th, 2007As many (but not all) of you are no doubt aware, I have recently begun working with a team that is in the final stages of revising a new translation of the scriptures into Russian. My role is basically to consult with the team in the original languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek), as they carry […]
The Theology of Hebrews 6:4
Friday, November 24th, 2006Hebrews 6:4-6 is the classic Arminian text to argue against the Calvinistic doctrine of perseverance. It has certainly been understood in quite a variety of ways – and one’s precise interpretation of the phrase “having been made partakers of the Holy Spirit” is, in particular, especially weighty, because it may influence or even determine his […]
Diversely Functioning Signs in I Corinthians 14:22
Wednesday, October 18th, 2006I Corinthians 14:22 is one of those passages which, upon a cursory reading, contain a glaring difficulty. If the most natural and obvious way of understanding the phrase “sign for unbelievers” is accepted, then the verse is in direct and irreconcilable contradiction with the immediate context. The same observation holds true for the implied “[sign] […]
Must a Personal Dative be Supplied in Romans 6:5?
Friday, October 13th, 2006The questions surrounding the precise interpretation of Romans 6:4 have the added import that they often spill over into one’s exegesis of Romans 6:5. The question, as it affects our treatment of the following verse, is this: is water baptism here spoken of as the means by which we are united with Christ and with […]