107. What’s the Difference? Diastolē in Paul’s Letters and Diastellō in...
Three times in his letters Paul used the noun diastolē (Romans 3:22; 10:12; 1 Corinthians 14:7). This noun is translated in the New International Version (NIV) as “difference” or “distinction” The...
View Article113. The Spirit is Willing (promuthos, Mark 14:38/Matthew 26:41)
One of the last things that Jesus says to some of his disciples prior to the cross is found in Mark 14:38/Matthew 26:41. The text is identical in both Gospels. Jesus has just finished the Passover meal...
View Article124: “Do not Defraud”— the Rich Man’s Challenge (aposterein) (Mark 10:19)
When Jesus responds to the question of the rich man in Mark 10:18-19, he reviews five of the ten commandments. However, where we would expect the wording of the tenth commandment to occur (“do not...
View Article127. phragmos (Mt. 21:33; Mk. 12:1; Luke 14:23; Eph. 2:14).
In Ephesians 2:14-22 Paul describes God’s great project for a new people, which required the cross, the resurrection and the ascension. Jesus Messiah’s sacrificial actions served to re-create the...
View Article135. Shaking off the Dust (ektinazein) (Matthew 10:14)
In the second discourse Jesus presents in Matthew’s Gospel he prepares his disciples for a mission to Israel. Among the many instructions is one that defines how the Twelve should act if a household...
View Article143. The Reaction of the Rich Man to Jesus’ Command (stugnazō) Mark 10:22
According to Mark’s Gospel the young man who seeks Jesus’ prescription for eternal life leaves saddened or distressed (Mark 10:22). Mark also adds the note that “the man’s face fell (stugnasas),” at...
View Article144. Understanding Peter’s Denial (aparneomai) Mark 14:30-31,72; 8:34.
One of the most disturbing incidents in the Synoptic Gospels occurs as Jesus is on his way to Gethsemane. He prophecies regarding Peter that “today, in this night, before a rooster crows twice, three...
View Article168. Jesus’ Response to the Pharisees’ Testing (Mark 8:12 anastenazō )
The only writer in the New Testament to use the compound verb anastenazō is the author of Mark’s Gospel (8.12). He uses it in the narrative to describe Jesus’ response to the demand from the Pharisees...
View Article172. What Kind of thlipsis Is Jesus Talking About in Mark 13:19-20?
This blog-article is longer than normal. The explanation is simple — the question is complex and so requires more detailed discussion. However, I trust you will enjoy it. It might surprise you to learn...
View Article173. Who are the “Elect” (eklektoi) in Mark 13:20?
Despite the notoriety of the idea of ‘the elect’ within systematic and historical theology, the corresponding Greek term eklektos only occurs twenty-three times in the New Testament, ten of which occur...
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