The Review of Biblical Literature just published its review of my Zondervan commentary: http://www.bookreviews.org/pdf/8733_9615.pdf The only objection that I might offer is that he seems to have misread my study of the textual variants ηπιοι versus νηπιοι in 1 Thess 2:7. The fact that he say "nepioi" and read it as "epioi" was, ironically, the... Continue Reading →
“But the Greek REALLY says…”: Why Hebrew and Greek are not needed in the pulpit, Part 2
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 →
Why you’ve never heard of the Second Corinthian Church [Studies in 1 Corinthians]
Paul was a traveling apostle, not the local pastor of Corinth. Nevertheless, he had to deal with the members of this flock in a pastoral way, teaching, encouraging and rebuking them. I’ve spend some years studying 1 Corinthians, and I must admit honestly, that if I had been Paul, I would have been heavily tempted... Continue Reading →
The theology of the chocolate sampler [Studies in 1 Corinthians]
One day you bring me a large, beautiful box of chocolates. There are all kinds, too, every type imaginable: some with nuts or cookies or caramel; some with raisins or cherries or other fruits; some with dark or light or white chocolate or a mixture. It’s the wide variety that makes it so impressive –... Continue Reading →
“So I once knew a guy who…” Preachers who stretch the truth
A famous visiting preacher, the Rev. Johnson, is wrapping up his message on sacrificial love. He concludes with a story: In the church where I used to be the pastor, there was a boy named Jimmy, 10 years old. He was good-hearted and liked by everyone in the neighborhood. One day Jimmy saw the little... Continue Reading →
The Night that the Rivers Rose and the Sky Fell
“There are two kingdoms, the kingdom of Satan and the kingdom of God. One works one way and the other another way. And you can really see the difference between them.” That was how Pastor Flor summed up her ministry. I’m visiting her home and her work in a shantytown (or precario), along with my... Continue Reading →
A Pastor’s Love for the Flock [Studies in the New Covenant]
The first great commandment for the Christian is to love God, the second great commandment to love one's neighbor as oneself (Matt 22:34-40). The first great commandment for the Christian pastor is to love God, the second to love one's neighbor, and especially one's flock. A pastor must represent Christ to other people, principally in... Continue Reading →
What kind of music is “Christian”?
I just read a blog about music in the Latin American church. He noted that there is a strong tendency to emphasize the music over the text of the song; that the lyrics are often shallow and repetitive; that the sound system tends to drown out the congregation; that the worship leaders seem to be... Continue Reading →
Open Our Eyes, Lord! 