[The following article “Honor, Shame” is excerpted from Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible] Honor, Shame Among North Americans, honor and shame often refer to a psychological state—a person’s internal moral character or the actions that reflect that character. In the world of the Bible and in traditional Mediterranean societies, however, honor and shame are social…
No one admires a traitor. The very word brings feelings of disgust. A traitor is one who betrays an allegiance–one who betrays a trust. Who admires that? But the issue is not quite as simple as that line of reasoning makes it appear. In fact, I would suggest that there can be an admirable side…
Reading Paul’s letter to Philemon this morning, I was reminded again of Paul’s appeal for forgiveness on behalf of Onesimus, whom he refers to as his “spiritual son.” In addition to its value as an illustration of forgiveness, this letter is a masterful model of Christ-like leadership. Although Paul had the authority in the Lord…
“Wives, Submit Yourselves To Your Husbands!” Owing to our many preconceived and unfounded notions, God’s word often strikes us with surprise, and sometimes even shock. As a professor at a Christian university, I try to harness this feature to capture the attention of my students and direct it to a learning experience. Sometimes I try these…
For the past several mornings, I’ve been ruminating on Paul’s letter to the Colossians. In this letter, Paul shouts the supremacy of Christ. But he is not yelling at the Colossian Christians; he is yelling to them. Picture it like this: Paul is on a ship called the “H.M.S. Gospel,” and he sees a group…
In the dedicatory ceremony for Gettysburg National Cemetery that came in the wake of the most well known battle of the American Civil War, Edward Everett delivered an eloquent oration that lasted well over two hours, and it died not long after it was spoken. Lincoln’s address, by contrast, lasted about two minutes, and it…
Would you do gladly for GOLD what you do grudgingly for GOD? [pause for reflection] Here’s a test! Everybody’s looking for a good offer, right? Well now suppose you heard that the ol’ First Church of the Righteous Reverse on the corner of Pious Avenue and Penniless Lane actually offered offerings instead of receiving them….
What if your car radio was stuck on the same radio station 24-7? Worse yet, what if it was stuck on the same song? Every time you get in the car—same station, same song. Even those with minimal mental faculties would find that . . . well . . . annoying. Truth be told, however, for most of…
I was reading in Acts 12 this morning and noticed something particularly “arresting,” if you’ll pardon the pun (this chapter shows Peter under arrest). Herod had just arrested James and had him gruesomely executed by sawing him in two. He arrested Peter likely with intentions to do the same. Peter was delivered miraculously; James was…
LEARNING THE BIBLICAL LANGUAGES: PERIL AND PROFIT CAUTION: Learning the Biblical Languages Can Be Hazardous to Your Health! As Professor of Greek and New Testament at a Christian university, I naturally champion the study of Biblical languages. That I would even hint of hazards, let alone showcase them in the title of this article may…