When writing my commentary on Revelation chapters 1-3, I finally reached the point when I could no longer vacillate about the title of my commentary. How was I to translate the Greek term ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia) that the prophet John used for each of the communities that he wrote? It has certainly been traditional to entitle … Continue reading King James I, the KJV, and John’s 7 Congregations
A Remix of TobyMac and Luke’s and John’s Churchy Jesus
One of the current mantras in American theological education is globalization, and rightly so. Globalization should be built into the DNA of every congregation of followers of Christ. The world of Jesus was a world replete with views of globalization. Alexander the Great had created a world of globalization from Albania to Afghanistan and the … Continue reading A Remix of TobyMac and Luke’s and John’s Churchy Jesus
Archaeology Brings Us Closer to John’s Context
It has been assumed for years by leading NT scholars that the oldest archaeological artifacts that can be traced back to early Christians were produced after AD 180 [Graydon F. Snyder, Ante Pacem: Archaeological Evidence of Church Life Before Constantine, rev. ed. 2003]. Therefore, many do not know that it is time to abandon that … Continue reading Archaeology Brings Us Closer to John’s Context
THE END IS NEAR
With almost eschatological fervor I am expecting the publication of my commentary Seven Congregations in a Roman Crucible. A Commentary on Revelation 1-3 within weeks rather than months. It has been a long journey for my family, for Harding School of Theology, and for me personally. Part of the issue was the major reformulation of the … Continue reading THE END IS NEAR
Humpty Dumpty and the Antichrist
“When I use a word,” Humpty Dumpty said in rather a scornful tone, “it means just what I choose it to mean –– neither more nor less.” “The question is,” said Alice, “whether you CAN make words mean so many different things.” This well known exchange between Humpty Dumpty and Alice [Lewis Carroll, Through the … Continue reading Humpty Dumpty and the Antichrist
The B•I•B•L•E in Times of Trouble
The paradox of John’s use of Scripture has been pointed out by many, many scholars who write on the book of Revelation, namely that John’s prophetic work is replete with allusions to the Jewish Scriptures, but seemingly never quotes from them. From chapter 1 through 22 there is virtually no block of verses that is … Continue reading The B•I•B•L•E in Times of Trouble
Molding Citizens for the Kingdom of God 