Why Study Linguistics? The most important reason is to help us understand “the meaning of the New Testament.” (3).
What is a Linguist? “The linguisit’s work is understanding and describing the nature of language.
What is Linguistics? “Linguistics is the science that attempts to understand language from the point of view of its ‘inner workings’---what linguists call internal structure.” (5).
How Do Linguists Go About Their Work? They use two approaches. First, there is descriptive linguistics. The grammar of a language is the chief concern of a descriptive linguistic.
Read moreI am only reviewing chapter 19 which is Mark’s Gospel by Peter G. Bolt. Bolt traces the history of the study of Mark beginning with the
The Early Period
“This history has been characterized as one of long-standing neglect and recent rediscovery” (391). Augustine’s statement contributed to this neglect: “Mark follows [Matthew] closely and looks as if he were his servant and epitomist” (De consensus evangelistarum 1.2[4]).
Read more“One of Porter’s major arguments is that Greek does not grammaticalize time in the form of the verb, but relies on deictic indicators to signal temporal relationships. The significant semantic factor connected with the form of the verb is not time but aspect” (1). In a footnote, Decker writes: “In this work reference will be made to verb forms rather than to verb tenses to avoid the (often unconscious) association of temporal reference with the morphological categories of present, aorist, perfect, etc. (159). Decker examined Porter’s view on verbal aspect and agreed that Porter’s view on verbal aspect is the true view.
Read moreCarson addresses three areas of concern in the area of dynamic or functional equivalence. The areas of translation theory are what Eugene Nida called Dynamic equivalence and formal equivalence. D.A. Carson is focusing on dynamic equivalence or functional equivalence.
Read moreDave Brunn states that the church is divided over which standard is right in Bible translations. Should the translation be “Word for Word” or “Thought for Thought”? For example, a literal, word for word translation of 2 Timothy 2:5 is “is not crowned” in the NKJV and ESV. A thought for thought translation is “does not win the prize” in the NASB which is considered a literal translation. Brunn provides a chart with 93 examples where the NASB gives a “thought for thought” translation and the NKJV, ESV, NIV, and HCSB give a “word for word” translation. This is surprising because the NASB has been called the “Most Literal.”
Read moreToday, we will go visit my dad’s grave. This is the first Father’s Day after his death. At dad’s funeral I said, “Dad was not perfect, but he was forgiven.” That thought reminds me of the twelve disciples, Jesus is training. Jesus gives them their last object lesson before their six month crash course in Discipleship is complete. The healing of the blind beggar Bartimaeus is Jesus last miracle before entering Jerusalem in 11:1
Read moreThe importance of Biblical Theology to the church ministry is both direct and indirect. Biblical Theology directly helps us do church ministry by enabling us to preach the Biblical theology themes of Scripture and show the unity of the Bible. Edward W. Klink III and Darian R. Lockett make this point in their discussion of the history of redemption: “the major themes and overarching structural ideas (e.g., covenant, a kingdom, and promise and fulfillment).” Our preaching on these great themes also shows our people how to study the Bible.[1] Klink and Lockett call this the “Chicago School” approach of D.A. Carson and his “whole-Bible Biblical Theology.” But the Biblical Theology of the “Dallas School” can aid the preacher’s ministry of preaching through books. The “Dallas School” approach is described by Darrell L. Bock: “Biblical theology is an attempt to study individual contributions of a given writer or a given period to the canons’ message.”[2] This is different from the “whole-Bible Biblical Theology” of D. A. Carson and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. “The Dallas School” approach is found in two Biblical theologies produced by the faculty of Dallas Theological Seminary: A Biblical Theology of the Old Testament and A Biblical Theology of the New Testament. The second volume includes “A Theology of Matthew”, “A Theology of Mark”, as well as Luke-Acts, John’s Writings, etc. This approach would greatly help preaching a series through one of these books. And, again, this kind of Biblical Theology preaching demonstrates to our people how to study a book of the Bible.
Read moreThe impact of textual criticism on exegesis is demonstrated in the translation theory debate. This involves two translational philosophies: Former and Functional. The translation theory debate also spills over into the gender-inclusive language debate. A third area of concern is the selection of the best translation for the serious Bible student. This paper purposes that the solution to these debates is to find the balance of the extremes and avoid the extremes.
Read moreIn the introduction, Dr. Black gives the historical background to this book. On April 6–7, 2000, Dr. Black assembled some of the world’s leading experts in the field of New Testament studies arrived on the campus of Southeastern Seminary to read papers and to engage in dialog with their colleagues. The conference, entitled “Symposium on New Testament Studies: A Time for Reappraisal,” was designed to expose students and other interested parties to the main positions held by New Testament scholars in three debated areas of research: the Synoptic problem, the authorship of Hebrews, and New Testament textual criticism. Each author of the who presented at the symposium has a chapter in Rethinking of NT Textual Criticism.[1]
Read moreBilly said to Jimmy, “My Dad has a list of names of men that he can wipe and your daddy’s name is first on it.” Jimmy went home and told he daddy, “Daddy, I have something to tell you. Billy’s dad has a list of names of men he can wipe and your name is first.” Jimmy’s dad went to see Billy’s dad and rolled up his sleeves. “Is it true you have a list of men you can wipe and my name is on it.” Billy’s dad responded, “That is right.” Jimmy’s dad replied, “You can’t do it and what are you going to do about it?”
Billy’s dad said, “Well, I guess I’ll just take your name off.”
Did you know, child of God, God has your name on a list, and He will never take it off? In Luke 10:40, Jesus said, “Rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” We call this the doctrine of eternal security and this blessed truth is the result of the sealing of the Holy Spirit. In John 10:28, Jesus gave a powerful promise of security:
Read moreDid Christ die for all people (unlimited atonement) or just believers, i.e., the elect (limited atonement)?
There Are At Least Four Different Views
1. Universalism: Believe that all people eventually will go to heaven.
Why is this view wrong? The following references refute this view (Lk.16; Rev. 20:11). Limited atonement people accuse unlimited atonement people of Universalism and quote Mt. 20:28 as proof. “For even the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto but to minister and give his life a ransom for many.”
Read moreDo you understand completely this doctrine? If you do, don’t even try to explain it to the rest of us for we would never comprehend your explanation anyway. Only our infinite God would fully grasp this doctrine. Yet, the fact that believers are chosen by God in eternity past can not be denied. Not only is this doctrine difficult to understand, but for some, it is a bitter pill to swallow. Here is how Charles Spurgeon began a Sunday morning sermon at New Park Street Chapel on September 2, 1855 entitled Election:
Read morePreterists Kenneth Gentry defines preterism: “The term ‘preterism’ is based on the Latin preter, which means ‘past.’ Preterism refers to that understanding of certain eschatological passages which hold that they have already come to fulfillment” (He Shall Have Dominion: A Postmillennial Eschatology, page 159).
Read moreJohn Walvoord writes: “Augustine is, then, the first theologian of solid influence who adopted amillennialism.”[1] Walvoord also acknowledges the negative influence of Augustine, when he notes that Augustine “in fact, occasioned the shelving of premillennialism by most of the organized church.”[2]
Read moreThe Gospels give us the historical fact of Christ’s crucifixion. The Epistles explain the theological signification of His death. Wiersbe succinctly put it this way: “History states that ‘Christ died,’ but theology explains, ‘Christ died for our sins’ (1 Cor. 15:3).”
For example, in Philippians 2:8, Paul referred to the shame, the reproach of crucifixion when he said that Christ “humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the cross.”
Crucifixion was the torturous execution of a person by fixation to a cross. Alexander the Great introduced Crucifixion to the Mediterranean world. Although first practiced by the Persians, crucifixion was perfected by the Romans as the most degrading form of execution. No Roman citizen could be crucified, only murderers, thieves, rapists and the scum of the earth.
Read morePreviously, we traced the preliminaries that happened to Jesus on Good Friday before 9 a.m. First, Jesus was scourged (Matthew 27:26). Next, he was mocked (Matthew 27:27-30). Lastly came the six hours of crucifixion from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Read moreWalvoord writes that “the controversy over Belshazzar....has become one of the most complicated problems in the entire book.” Walvoord quotes Bible critics James A. Montgomery as saying the story of Belshazzar is “unhistorical” and also H. H. Rowley arguing that calling Belshazzar a king “must still be pronounced a grave historical error.”[1]
The problem with the critics is that Belshazzar is not mentioned by the ancient writers such as Herodotus (484 – 425 BC). Herodotus was an ancient Greek historian who became known as “The Father of History.” When the “Father of History” does not mention Belshazzar, the critics as usual jump to the conclusion that Daniel has historical errors. Daniel five fits the theme of Daniel.
Read moreNebuchadnezzar learned the hard way Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” But he also learned the hard way that “whoever humbles himself will be exalted” spoken by Jesus in Matt. 23:12.
Nebuchadnezzar was born into royalty. His father was king. He was the heir apparent. He was like the 5 or 6 year boy who arrived with his mother at the dentist’s office. This little 5 or 6 year old didn’t want to be there. He kind a strutted in, though, like he owned the place. The dentist introduced himself and could immediately tell this kid was used to calling the shots and he wasn’t very happy.
Read moreThe apostle Peter writes to suffering Jewish believers who had been driven from their homes in 1 Peter. To them he compares their suffering to being tried by fire in 1:7: “the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried or tested with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” Again, in 4:12 Peter uses the illustration of believers being tested as by fire: “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try or test you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.”
It is very possible that Peter had Daniel 3 in mind when he wrote to the persecuted and scattered Jewish believers. In Daniel 3, is the story of the persecuted and scattered Jewish believers named Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego whose faith was literally tested by fire when they were thrown into the fiery furnace.
Read moreThe Gospel of the Suffering Servant
(Mark 10:45)
INTRODUCTION TO MARK
“The Gospel of Mark is just the book for busy people who want to use every opportunity to serve God. It presents our Lord ‘on the move,’ meeting the physical and spiritual needs of all kinds of people (Warren Wiersbe).
Matthew who wrote to Jews and presented Christ as King.
Luke who wrote to Gentiles and presented Christ as the Son on Man.
John who wrote to the whole world and presented Christ as the Son of God.
Mark who wrote to the Romans and presented Christ as the Servant (10:45)
Read more