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Most modern scholars understand ἀνιέντες τὴν ἀπειλήν in Eph 6:9 as a command for slave masters to “give up threatening” (BDAG). Some argue further that a prohibition of threats entails a prohibition of violence, and thus Eph 6:9 severs “the thread that held the institution of slavery together” (Frank Thielman). However, modern commentators have given … Read more
John’s Gospel portrays an elusive Jesus, who evades capture, sidesteps questions, and communicates enigmatically. This aspect of Jesus’ characterization has been explained in terms of mythological language (Bultmann), sectarian insider language (Meeks), Johannine belief (Hamid-Khani) or ancient rhetorical techniques (Williams). However, this paper situates this feature of the Gospel in the context of Jesus’ final … Read more
In this paper, I argue that the primary purpose of the classical arguments in the Apologia of Aristides is not (as a number of apologetics texts assume) to prove the existence of God. The purpose is instead to demonstrate the nature of the deity that humanity should worship and then to show which people-group worships … Read more
While Christian-Muslim dialogue is well-worn, some crucial areas of reflection are underrepresented. Questions of textual transmission, historical analysis, and comparison between the respective religion’s soteriological systems are often rehearsed in Christian-Muslim debate. The world of Christian apologetics is also no stranger to considerations of trinitarianism, but far too often, the Christian apologetic response to Islam’s … Read more
The Hebrew Scriptures depict a change in relationship between man and woman after humanity sinned in the Garden of Eden. The nature and implications of this change hinge on the interpretation of Gen 3:16 and, specifically, the meaning of תשוקה—the “desire” as found in the divine judgment on Eve (as wife). Definitions like “inclination,” “turn/return,” … Read more
While there have been ample apologetic responses to objections of the doctrine of the Trinity, few in recent years have sought to undergird their the apologetic approach with a robust understanding of the Trinity as communicated in Scripture. To help bring insight into this area of apologetics, two apologists who lived during the twentieth century … Read more
Many understand the rhetorical effect of the Gospel of Mark’s shorter ending to be that the implied audience should now take up the commands given to the failed followers in the story. But how is this possible? How is the implied audience to tell the disciples and Peter what was said at the tomb? Is … Read more
This study examines how the core proclamation of the apostolic speeches in Acts, particularly the creedal statement “God raised Jesus”, functions as a foundational theological statement with significant implications for New Testament theology and systematic theology. After identifying the creedal statement within primary speeches in Acts through a structural linguistic analysis, this study traces its … Read more
The characterization of David throughout I and II Samuel and into I Kings exhibits numerous examples of intertextual resonance with previous figures in the Torah. From his initial appearance in I Sam 16.00 to his death in I Kings 2.00 are examples of this plan. For instance, in 1.00 Sam 16:11 his function as a … Read more
From early on, the Rule of Faith (regula fidei) designated the sum content of “apostolic” teaching, as set down in Scripture, baptismal confession and apostolic teaching patterns. As a second-century faith declaration of essential Christian teaching and interpretation, this Rule offered a framework for distinguishing between true and false belief, and – on a more … Read more