What did Paul mean when he used the word for “deacon” and the word for “benefactor” but also “church official” (in the Septuagint) in association with Phoebe’s service to Paul and to the Body of Christ? What was Paul assuming his readers would already know and understand, so it went without being said?
Pastor in Philippi: Lydia
It is through such stories as Lydia’s that the scriptures convey the dignity God settled on women in first century Palestine, and on Lydia. In keeping with the Lord’s example, the apostle Paul also conferred dignity on women and on Lydia when she hosted the first church in Europe in her home.
Share this:
“Apostolic Imagination,” by J.D. Payne
According to J.D. Payne, we should not only be regularly reforming how we understand scripture, we should be regularly reforming our practices as the Church, particularly in how we do missions.
Share this:
“Why Should I Get Involved?”
DeStefano points out this amazingly simple yet propfound truth: When we help someone we reduce the amount of suffering in the world, we become part of the process of God working things together for good.
Share this:
Why Won’t God Answer My Prayer?
Anthony DeStefano opens his book on prayer with this quote: “When a doctoral student at Princeton asked, ‘What is there left in the world for original dissertation research?’ Albert Einstein replied, ‘Find out about prayer. Somebody must find out about prayer.’”
Share this:
Roman Waterworks
A great deal of infrastructure was also necessary—roads, waterworks, food delivery, fortifications—were necessary to support Herod's ambitions building program.
Share this:
1 Peter 3, Do Not Fear?
Peter intimated there is a redemptive quality about suffering for the good, for doing good, for goodness’s sake, as unto the Lord, who intimately knows what this suffering is like, and what it entails.
Share this:
Epistle to the Hebrews: An Introduction
Jesus is the hope for all people, the one in whom are all the hopes of the world.
Share this:
James: Demonic Faith or Dynamic Faith?
Genuine living faith is costly, in selflessness, sacrifice, humility, obedience to God and godly love. Yet, James taught, it is this genuine faith that receives the crown of life from God.
Share this:
Philemon: Only With Your Consent
Many, including myself, have complained the tone of Paul’s letter, even the wording, seems manipulative. How could Philemon make an honest decision, sprung from God at work in his heart, with Paul first complimenting him (ego strokes), then talking about Onesimus in such affectionate terms (pressure) and finally referring to himself as a mere elder asking permission (which seems to pluck the strings of guilt and shame)?
