Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words…
Summary: Paul’s comment about words provides us with a powerful insight into the importance of meaning.
What is the opposite of a “quarrel about words…”?
Words are the building blocks of language. Language is the bridge that connects one mind with another. The words we choose and how we use them are the key to unlocking understanding and unity.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 6:4b – Words as Weapons”
…whatever is admirable …think about such things.
Summary: Paul’s use of the word “admirable” can be taken several ways. By looking at the original Greek and meditating on the context, we can better understand his meaning.
English is not Greek.
That sounds obvious, of course, perhaps even “stupid,” but it is important. The reason it is important is that it is very easy to read an English translation of the New Testament and forget about the Greek.
Continue reading “Philippians 4:8f – Language Matters”
[Therefore] … if [you have] any common sharing in the Spirit,
Summary: In this portion of Paul’s passage about our relationship with Christ, Paul points us to our relationship with God’s Holy Spirit.
As we continue exploring Paul’s pre-flight checklist of spiritual connection to Christ, we come to this passage: “[Therefore] … if [you have] any common sharing in the Spirit…” (NIV).
Continue reading “Philippians 2:1c – Koinōnia”Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything;
Summary: As Paul wraps up his letter to the Galatians, he summarizes his arguments about circumcision rather neatly.
Continue reading “Galatians 6:15a – The Meaning of No Meaning”
By the same word …
Summary: The power of words is something we tend to take for granted. Yet looking at the effect of human words, we can see there is a correlation between God’s Word and our own experience.
Continue reading “2 Peter 3:7a — The Power of Words”