In Part 1, I argued in favor of a sharply minimalist use of ancient Hebrew and Greek words during a sermon, especially if there is no compelling purpose or, worse, if the goal is to impress the crowd: it is a pitiable housepainter who departs the job with his scaffolding still up, hoping you’ll notice... Continue Reading →
“But the Greek REALLY says…”: Why Hebrew and Greek are not needed in the pulpit, Part 1
Para la versión castellana, vaya AQUI. Come with me to ESEPA Seminary in Costa Rica: we meet at night around a table, and with me are all my advanced students of Greek. Throughout four semesters we have studied the ancient dialect, koinē, and they have found blessings as they read the New Testament in the... Continue Reading →
1 Corinthians commentary, available from Logos!
Announcement! The English version of my 1 Corinthians commentary is now available from Logos.com; it is fully integrated with the Logos system. Only $19.95. Or you can download a pdf version for free from this blog! (https://openoureyeslord.com/2012/05/21/free-commentary-on-1-corinthians-2/) What does agape mean? What are the spiritual gifts? Should women wear veils to church? Or remain absolutely... Continue Reading →
How to write a commentary when your library is 2000 miles away
[I wrote this post at the very end of 2012. In 2021 we relocated to the States, since all of my teaching at Seminario ESEPA is now done online. A lot has changed since I wrote this, especially in the possibility of accessing older printed works online. And when I visit the Westminster Seminary library,... Continue Reading →
Is the NIV 2011 a Satanic, Homosexual, PC Bible? Part II
Click here to read Part I, which is necessary to understand this Part II. Some take issue with the 2011 update of the New International Version. For example, here’s the official statement from the Council of Biblical Manhood and Womanhood: As the evangelical community turns to CBMW for trusted counsel on contemporary Bible translations that... Continue Reading →
Is the NIV 2011 a Satanic, Homosexual, PC Bible? Part I
Search for comments on the new NIV by Google, and you will find bloggers talking about its “feminist agenda”, “Satan’s lies”, “end-time deception” and that “the homosexual community is excited about the new perversion of the Bible.” (They provided no statements from gay groups, expressing their glee). At its annual convention last year, the Southern Baptist... Continue Reading →
The Critical Text and the Textus Receptus in 2 Thessalonians [Studies in Thessalonians]
Most Christian scholars use what is called the Critical Edition of the Greek New Testament, and almost all modern versions are based upon it. There are several camps that prefer other editions, the Textus receptus or the Majority Text. Some do so because of a belief that it better represents the original; I think they... Continue Reading →
Which Bible version is the most “literal”? (updated)
“Literal” is really not a technically precise term, because some people take it to mean “more faithful”, and this is simply not the case. The KJV is fairly literal, the NASB more so. The NIV, NJB, and others are more in the “dynamic equivalent” camp. Some people who opt for “literal” translations disdain these Bibles... Continue Reading →