Category Archives: Textual studies

(Mat 6:7-8 ESV)  “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.  8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what … Continue reading →

I have some questions about this passage — (Mat 6:1-6 ESV) “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. … Continue reading →

So, to return to an outline of the SOTM I suggested several posts ago — When is it? It’s the dawn of the Kingdom promised by the Law and the Prophets. Therefore, it’s time to turn back toward God (to … Continue reading →

Let’s talk a little hermeneutics. I’ve disagreed with McKnight’s interpretation of several of these passages because I disagree with his hermeneutics. He sees Jesus as legislating new laws because Jesus disagrees with Moses on various points. I disagree. After all, … Continue reading →

(Mat 5:43-48 ESV) “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,  45 so that you may … Continue reading →

I’m finding myself in the just war camp. I’m not 100% comfortable here, but it makes better sense to me than anything else I’ve heard. History The doctrine defining a just war goes back to Augustine. Augustine was a bishop … Continue reading →

McKnight argues in Sermon on the Mount (The Story of God Bible Commentary) for a strictly pacifist interpretation of Jesus’ words. And I have great sympathy for that position. But I can’t quite make myself totally buy into it. On the other … Continue reading →

Even if we were to agree on the principles announced by Jesus, the application of these principles is really tough. Some argue that we should give to those who ask even if by so doing we enable laziness. But Paul … Continue reading →

(Mat 5:38-42 ESV) “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you … Continue reading →

Very fun video. Lyrics relevant to the post start at 3:05, but I wouldn’t skip anything. [Lyrics in the video have been updated, very cleverly. The original follows. For those not familiar with the work of Gilbert & Sullivan, here’s … Continue reading →