Originally posted December 2019 This is the last in a series of posts reflecting on biblical texts relating to the Christmas message! The gospels of Matthew and Luke have both in their narratives emphasised the same truths: That Christ was born a real human being, firmly planted in history, with genealogy and family; and at the same time pointing to his divine origin. In the words of Paul: But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his…
Originally posted December 2019 PART 1: THE WRITINGS OF LUKE Luke´s writings in the New Testament comprise Luke-Acts; a two-volume work, which in fact represents more of the New Testament than even the letters of Paul. Paralleling the 3 other Gospels in portraying the ministry of Jesus, this work goes further, recording the history of the early Church up until the time Paul reaches Rome. This is unique for Luke among Gospel writers, and will impact the way we read…
Originally posted December 2019 Matthew chapter 2, verse 1 starts with Jesus being born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king. Thus, time and place are given – and in agreement with Luke. Nevertheless, there are indications that the events recorded in Matthew, are not simultaneous with Luke 2, but are from a time somewhat later. In verses 9 and 11, Jesus is no longer a babe, but a child, and verse 7 indicates that the…
Originally posted December 2019 I fear that it is necessary to have read Matthew 1-2 before you read my notes. They may turn out to be not just Greek, but double Greek, if you have not refreshed your memory of the story beforehand. I use the YouVersion Bible app which serves multiple purposes when studying the Bible – you can have the app read for you the biblical material – in the ESV or NIV translation if you want. I…
Originally posted November 2019 The word Messiah, is a Hebrew word, and means The Anointed One. The Greek word is Christ! In the term Jesus Christ, Christ is not a second name, but a title. Jesus The Anointed One! The word “anointed” refers to the fact that in the Old Testament, certain individuals could be endowed with the Holy Spirit to perform certain functions, for a specific time. Amongst these were kings, priests and prophets. Oil, symbolising the Holy Spirit…