Author Archives: Richard

We Too Have Ascended With Him – A Meditation for Ascension Day

Today our Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven; let our hearts ascend with him. Listen to the words of the Apostle: If you have risen with Christ, set your hearts on the things that are above where Christ is, seated … Continue reading

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“The Importance of the Biblical Languages” by Martin Luther

An excerpt from: “To the Councilmen of All Cities in Germany That They Establish and Maintain Christian Schools” (1524) “All right,” you say again, “suppose we do have schools; what is the use of teaching Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, and … Continue reading

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Is Jesus a Narcissist? Christ and Preeminence (Why Greek Matters Part 12)

…he is the head of the body, the church. He is  the beginning,  the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. (Col 1:18 ESV) What does this language of preeminence mean? In somewhat caricatured form, this … Continue reading

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Women and Submission in Ephesians 5 (Why Greek Matters Part 11)

One of the more contentious passages in the Bible is Ephesians 5:22, which in the NASB reads as follows: “Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord.” NASB puts “be subject” in italics because it is not … Continue reading

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Why Greek Matters (Part 10) – Knowing the Love of Christ – Is it about “me” or “us”?

“It’s all about me and Jesus” — a sentiment frequently made to express the fervency of one’s personal relationship with God. Such fervency is, with no doubt, remarkably valuable. The question remains whether this is a sufficient statement of Christian … Continue reading

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Why Greek Matters (Part 9) – The Prodigal Son and the Resurrection of the Dead

Small details sometimes mean little – at other times they contribute significantly to the meaning of a passage. In the familiar story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15, a verb occurs twice that often is translated  “get up” (NRSV, … Continue reading

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Why Greek Matters (Part 8) – Leading Many Sons and Daughters to Glory

Hebrews 2:10 - For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons (and daughters) to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. (ESV) What picture does the idea … Continue reading

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