Devotions and Ideas

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89973992012-01-20T19:29:23.674-06:00Devotions and IdeasAssociate Professor of Humanities | The Criswell College | Dallas TXBarry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.comBlogger1141100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-65209756933686774032008-05-24T06:49:00.001-05:002008-05-24T06:53:27.882-05:00New Site

Visit my new site for many new posts!

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-50146604140139608502008-05-20T11:17:00.003-05:002008-05-21T09:35:54.714-05:00James 1:1-12

I preached this sermon on James 1:1-12 while serving as interim pastor at First Baptist Church of Madisonville, TX. And here is a custom song by Philip paralleling the message of the passage.

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-8315549212174063262008-05-08T23:55:00.002-05:002008-05-09T00:10:34.488-05:00My Biggest Problems with the Evangelical Manifesto

First, whatever it does, it does not manifest. Read it. It is a document riddled not even simply with visions and revisions, but with direction changes which serve no purpose greater than either obfuscating or ameliorating the sting of direct criticisms of the evangelical right. What purpose is there to adding “Although we cannot back away from our biblically rooted commitment to the sanctity of

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-6978439040834462482008-04-24T15:30:00.003-05:002008-04-24T15:37:05.513-05:00Romans 5:12

Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned.The propositional components of this verse are:(1) Just as(2) through one man sin entered into the world(3) and death through sin(4) and so(5) death spread to all men because all sinnedThe broad flow of the verse is governed by (1) and (4). The words

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-46114506315203177022008-04-06T08:16:00.001-05:002008-04-06T08:19:11.280-05:00Genesis 1:2b

Hebrew:וְחֹשֶׁךְ עַל־פְּנֵי תְהֹום KJV:and darkness was upon the face of the deep.Comments:darkness: The parallelism ubiquitous in Hebrew thought and literature continues in this verse. "Without form and void" synonymously parallels "darkness on the face of the deep" as "darkness on the face of the deep" antithetically parallels 'the Spirit of God moved on the face of the waters."the face of the

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1595303922063539022008-03-17T07:52:00.002-05:002008-03-17T09:14:01.598-05:00Genesis 1:2a

Hebrew:וְהָאָרֶץ הָיְתָה תֹהוּ וָבֹהוּKJV:And the earth was without form, and void;Comments:And the earth was: When the "and" in Hebrew is attached to a noun ("earth") rather than a verb (like "was"), it is disjunctive rather than conjunctive. That is, the wording of the text implies a break between verses 1 and 2. However, there is no reason in this text for asserting a gap in history rather

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-51909041117552153282008-03-14T07:48:00.002-05:002008-03-14T07:51:25.467-05:00Genesis 1:1

Hebrew:בְּרֵאשִׁית בָּרָא אֱלֹהִים אֵת הַשָּׁמַיִם וְאֵת הָאָֽרֶץ׃KJV:In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.Comments:In the beginning: The word for "beginning" is "head", the same as in the Jewish new year, "Rosh" Hashanah. The point is that it indicates priority. It comes first chronologically here. The implication of this creative, chronological priority is also purposive as

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-20813861601299509212008-03-07T08:40:00.004-06:002008-03-07T10:05:46.902-06:00The Huge Success of Liberalism on Radio? Yes.

Here’s a mistaken idea: practically all of the significant radio hosts on the air today are conservative. A survey of talk show hosts certainly seems to justify that claim. The traditional pantheon of Rush, Laura, Mark, and Shawn create a practically monolithic wall of sound five days a week. While laced with humor, sarcasm, and mostly jesting ad hominems, their presentations are as a matter of

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-89128048289308259102008-02-28T13:33:00.001-06:002008-02-28T23:14:07.683-06:00Philippians 4:23

Greek:ἡ χάρις τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ μετὰ τοῦ πνεύματος ὑμῶνKJV:The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.Comments:be with you all: Although it does not change anything significantly, there is a difference of Greek texts about whether this verse says “be with your spirit” instead of this phrase in the KJV. Grace...be with you: How this phrase is taken is very important.

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-79133603898920198162008-02-26T23:12:00.002-06:002008-02-28T23:14:07.683-06:00Philippians 4:21-22

Greek:21 ἀσπάσασθε πάντα ἅγιον ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ ἀσπάζονται ὑμᾶς οἱ σὺν ἐμοὶ ἀδελφοί22 ἀσπάζονται ὑμᾶς πάντες οἱ ἅγιοι μάλιστα δὲ οἱ ἐκ τῆς Καίσαρος οἰκίαςKJV:21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.22 All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.Comments:Salute every saint in Christ Jesus: Paul is being as inclusive as he is

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-88332556441807582282008-02-26T15:43:00.000-06:002008-02-28T23:14:07.683-06:00Philippians 4:20

Greek:20 τῷ δὲ θεῷ καὶ πατρὶ ἡμῶν ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων ἀμήνKJV:Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.Comments:God and our Father: Paul first uses a generic reference to God then a personal one. There is, of course, a reason that glory is unto God for eternity simply because of the fact that He is God. But, as should be expected in this letter (consider chapter

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-66220061859806915072008-02-24T23:03:00.002-06:002008-02-28T23:14:07.684-06:00Philippians 4:19

Greek:ὁ δὲ θεός μου πληρώσει πᾶσαν χρείαν ὑμῶν κατὰ τὸ πλοῦτος αὐτοῦ ἐν δόξῃ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ KJV:But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.Comments:God shall supply all your need: This statement rises out of the Philippians' actions toward Paul, for which he gives thanks in verses 13 through 17. Particularly, in verse 17, he desires fruit that may

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-88549464616998809852008-01-12T14:16:00.000-06:002008-02-28T23:14:07.684-06:00Philippians 4:18

Greek:ἀπέχω δὲ πάντα καὶ περισσεύω πεπλήρωμαι δεξάμενος παρὰ Ἐπαφροδίτου τὰ παρ' ὑμῶν ὀσμὴν εὐωδίας θυσίαν δεκτήν εὐάρεστον τῷ θεῷKJV:But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God.Comments:abound: Paul used this word in verse 12 to say that he could be content in

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-45523570074903220872008-01-11T06:54:00.000-06:002008-02-28T23:14:07.684-06:00Philippians 4:17

Greek:οὐχ ὅτι ἐπιζητῶ τὸ δόμα ἀλλὰ ἐπιζητῶ τὸν καρπὸν τὸν πλεονάζοντα εἰς λόγον ὑμῶνKJV:Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.Comments:to your account: Paul exemplifies here the attitude he taught the Philippians in chapter 2:4. He is not simply looking at his own needs, but also on the needs of others. His need is real, and their giving meets it, as the

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-71052943819132237332007-12-31T08:25:00.000-06:002008-02-28T23:14:07.685-06:00Philippians 4:16

Greek:ὅτι καὶ ἐν Θεσσαλονίκῃ καὶ ἅπαξ καὶ δὶς εἰς τὴν χρείαν μοι ἐπέμψατεKJV:For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.Comments:once and again: Paul refused the Thessalonians money while he served them (1 Thessalonians 2:9), having his needs met not just by his tent-making, but by at least these two gifts of the Philippians as well.necessity: Paul needed certain material

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-83226488402675747162007-12-21T09:13:00.000-06:002008-02-28T23:14:07.685-06:00Philippians 4:15

Greek:οἴδατε δὲ καὶ ὑμεῖς Φιλιππήσιοι ὅτι ἐν ἀρχῇ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου ὅτε ἐξῆλθον ἀπὸ Μακεδονίας οὐδεμία μοι ἐκκλησία ἐκοινώνησεν εἰς λόγον δόσεως καὶ λήμψεως εἰ μὴ ὑμεῖς μόνοιKJV:Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.Comments:in the beginning of the gospel:

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-18808316535693414842007-12-19T07:19:00.000-06:002008-02-28T23:14:07.685-06:00Philippians 4:14

Greek:πλὴν καλῶς ἐποιήσατε συγκοινωνήσαντές μου τῇ θλίψειKJV:Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.Comments:Notwithstanding: The adversative conjunction here contrasts the completeness Paul has in Christ (as in v 13) with the need he experiences in the world—particularly in bonds—which in this case was satisfied by the activity of the Philippians. Being

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-74275829183104451842007-12-03T09:06:00.000-06:002008-02-28T23:14:07.686-06:00Philippians 4:13

Greek Text:πάντα ἰσχύω ἐν τῷ ἐνδυναμοῦντί με Χριστῷ KJV:I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Comments:can do: The word Paul uses here for “can do” is very broad, relating both to the power to be and to do. He uses it in Galatians 5:6 and 6:15 to say that neither keeping the law (circumcision) nor eluding it (uncircumcision) “can do” anything at all, but faith and

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-84091775867382271032007-12-01T08:59:00.000-06:002008-02-28T23:14:07.686-06:00Philippians 4:12

Majority Text:οἶδα καὶ ταπεινοῦσθαι οἶδα καὶ περισσεύειν ἐν παντὶ καὶ ἐν πᾶσιν μεμύημαι καὶ χορτάζεσθαι καὶ πεινᾶν καὶ περισσεύειν καὶ ὑστερεῖσθαι KJV:I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. Comments:abased…abound: The Greek word Paul uses to say “abased”

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-47091930754772750292007-11-24T08:38:00.000-06:002008-02-28T23:14:07.686-06:00Philippians 4:11

Majority Text:οὐχ ὅτι καθ' ὑστέρησιν λέγω ἐγὼ γὰρ ἔμαθον ἐν οἷς εἰμι αὐτάρκης εἶναι KJV:Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Comments:Not that I speak in respect of want: Paul distinguishes between the good done by the Philippians and the need experienced by him. That is, the rightness of what believers do is not

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-42672220107194410282007-11-20T08:41:00.000-06:002008-02-28T23:14:07.687-06:00Philippians 4:10

Majority Text:ἐχάρην δὲ ἐν κυρίῳ μεγάλως ὅτι ἤδη ποτὲ ἀνεθάλετε τὸ ὑπὲρ ἐμοῦ φρονεῖν ἐφ' ᾧ καὶ ἐφρονεῖτε ἠκαιρεῖσθε δέ KJV:But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Comments:I rejoiced in the Lord greatly: Paul’s joy is in the Lord as a result of the Philippians’ actions, just as

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-87376959970404888452007-11-19T10:20:00.000-06:002008-02-28T23:14:07.687-06:00Philippians 4:9

Majority Text:ἃ καὶ ἐμάθετε καὶ παρελάβετε καὶ ἠκούσατε καὶ εἴδετε ἐν ἐμοί ταῦτα πράσσετε καὶ ὁ θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης ἔσται μεθ' ὑμῶν KJV:Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Comments:both learned, and received, and heard, and seen: Using "kai" repeatedly between terms as it is in this verse gives the

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-38868580441980901592007-02-12T06:06:00.000-06:002008-02-28T23:14:07.687-06:00Philippians 4:8

Majority Text:Το λοιπόν, αδελφοί, ὅσα εστιν αληθη, ὅσα σεμνά, ὅσα δίκαια, ὅσα αγνά, ὅσα προσφιλη, ὅσα εὔφημα, εἴ τις αρετη και εἴ τις ἔπαινος, ταυτα λογίζεσθε·KJV:Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-90106545119039653512007-02-07T10:37:00.000-06:002008-02-28T23:14:07.688-06:00Philippians 4:7

Majority Text:και η ειρήνη του Θεου η υπερέχουσα πάντα νουν φρουρήσει τας καρδίας υμων και τα νοήματα υμων εν Χριστω ᾿Ιησου.KJV:And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.Comments:the peace of God: Interestingly, Paul mentions the God of peace only two verses below, in verse 9. His point there is not really very distinct from

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-23283170033223025862007-02-05T09:22:00.000-06:002008-02-28T23:14:07.688-06:00Philippians 4:6

Majority Text:μηδεν μεριμνατε, αλλ᾿ εν παντι τη προσευχη και τη δεήσει μετα ευχαριστίας τα αιτήματα υμων γνωριζέσθω προς τον Θεόν.KJV:Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.Comments:Be careful for nothing: Paul's admonition to worry about nothing matches Jesus' lesson from the Sermon on the Mount in

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-26935457327481326642007-02-02T08:32:00.000-06:002008-02-28T23:14:07.689-06:00Philippians 4:5

Majority Text:το επιεικες υμων γνωσθήτω πασιν ανθρώποις. ο Κύριος εγγύς.KJV:Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.Comments:moderation: The moderation required in this verse is the gentleness of James 3:17, for example. The Greek word conveys the importance of responding appropriately to circumstances. It is the spirit of the qualifier, "as much as lies in you," in

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-77224064842512696052007-01-29T08:12:00.000-06:002008-02-28T23:14:07.689-06:00Philippians 4:4

Majority Text:Χαιρετε εν Κυριω παντοτε παλιν ερω, χαιρετε.KJV:Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.Comments:Rejoice…Rejoice: It appears that Paul's point in this verse is to give an emphatic definition to the kind of joy Christians have. So he explains it with modifiers which would be redundant once understood, and without those modifiers once they have been explained.in the Lord…

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-9575628204734964842007-01-27T07:35:00.000-06:002008-02-28T23:14:07.689-06:00Philippians 4:3

Majority Text:ναι ερωτω και σε, συζυγε γνησιε, συλλαμβανου αυταις, αiτινες εν τω ευαγγελιω συνηθλησαν μοι μετα και Κλημεντος και των λοιπων συνεργων μου, wν τα ονοματα εν βιβλω ζωης.King James:And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.Comments:true

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1148478446770990182006-05-24T08:44:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:14:07.689-06:00Philippians 4:2

Textus Receptus:ευωδιαν παρακαλω και συντυχην παρακαλω το αυτο φρονειν εν κυριωKing James:I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.Comments:I beseech... I beseech: Paul pleads with each one individually, as if to emphasize the division in their current relationship.Euodias... Syntyche: It is at least interesting that the names of these women in conflict

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1148305050609776262006-05-22T08:35:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:14:07.690-06:00Philippians 4:1

Textus Receptus:ωστε αδελφοι μου αγαπητοι και επιποθητοι χαρα και στεφανος μου ουτως στηκετε εν κυριω αγαπητοιKing James:Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.Comments:dearly beloved... dearly beloved: Paul uses the same word in chapter 2:12 where he also gives them an edict regarding their behavior. He is not simply

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1147869379103107692006-05-17T07:31:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:15:04.013-06:00Philippians 3:21

Textus Receptus:ος μετασχηματισει το σωμα της ταπεινωσεως ημων εις το γενεσθαι αυτο συμμορφον τω σωματι της δοξης αυτου κατα την ενεργειαν του δυνασθαι αυτον και υποταξαι εαυτω τα πανταKing James:Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.Comments:change: The word for

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1147783352789152662006-05-16T07:37:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:15:04.014-06:00Philippians 3:20

Textus Receptus:ημων γαρ το πολιτευμα εν ουρανοις υπαρχει εξ ου και σωτηρα απεκδεχομεθα κυριον ιησουν χριστονKing James:For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:Comments:conversation: This word is not the one usually translated (in the King James) into English as "conversation." This word is from a Greek word meaning "citizenship." It is

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1147692672603370552006-05-15T06:28:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:15:04.015-06:00Philippians 3:19

Textus Receptus:ων το τελος απωλεια ων ο θεος η κοιλια και η δοξα εν τη αισχυνη αυτων οι τα επιγεια φρονουντεςKing James:Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)Comments:whose end is destruction... belly... earthly things: That the telos (end, purpose) of these enemies of the cross is to be destroyed is, in this verse, more a

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1147180886741680692006-05-09T08:12:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:16:15.177-06:00Philippians 3:18

Textus Receptus:πολλοι γαρ περιπατουσιν ους πολλακις ελεγον υμιν νυν δε και κλαιων λεγω τους εχθρους του σταυρου του χριστουKing James:(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:Comments:For many walk: The others to whom Paul refers here are those who not only err, but also somehow entice believers to follow them.

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1147095839548596502006-05-08T08:41:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:16:15.177-06:00Philippians 3:17

Textus Receptus:συμμιμηται μου γινεσθε αδελφοι και σκοπειτε τους ουτως περιπατουντας καθως εχετε τυπον ημαςKing James:Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.Comments:followers together: Paul puts a prefix ("together") on a word he uses to make this same point in 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9, much like 1 Corinthians 11:1. The author of Hebrews and

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1146660736240458212006-05-03T07:50:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:16:15.178-06:00Philippians 3:16

Textus Receptus:πλην εις ο εφθασαμεν τω αυτω στοιχειν κανονι το αυτο φρονεινKing James:Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.Comments:the same rule...the same thing: Galatians 5:1, Ephesians 4:1, and Colossians 2:6 each deal with different, specific aspects of the same general point made by this verse. Galatians' liberty,

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1146573395463813872006-05-02T07:32:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:16:15.178-06:00Philippians 3:15

Textus Receptus:οσοι ουν τελειοι τουτο φρονωμεν και ει τι ετερως φρονειτε και τουτο ο θεος υμιν αποκαλυψειKing James:Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.Comments:as many as be perfect: There is a sense of perfection (completeness) among those who realize they are not perfect (complete.) Verse 12

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1146492511984249782006-05-01T09:06:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:16:15.178-06:00Philippians 3:14

Textus Receptus:κατα σκοπον διωκω επι το βραβειον της ανω κλησεως του θεου εν χριστω ιησουKing James:I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.Comments:I press: Here is finally the one thing Paul says he does in verse 13. And he uses exactly the same word (same vocabulary and form) in verse 12, translated "I follow" in the King James. The picture is simple.

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1145968547435217192006-04-25T07:33:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:16:15.179-06:00Philippians 3:13

Textus Receptus:αδελφοι εγω εμαυτον ου λογιζομαι κατειληφεναι εν δε τα μεν οπισω επιλανθανομενος τοις δε εμπροσθεν επεκτεινομενοςKing James:Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,Comments:count not myself to have apprehended: As Paul reckons ("count" here is the word

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1145896077199510872006-04-24T11:25:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:16:15.179-06:00Philippians 3:12

Textus Receptus:ουχ οτι ηδη ελαβον η ηδη τετελειωμαι διωκω δε ει και καταλαβω εφ ω και κατεληφθην υπο του χριστου ιησουKing James:Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.Comments:attained: Paul uses the same word to describe his future receiving of the resurrection that he

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1145674588455034282006-04-21T21:53:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:16:15.180-06:00Philippians 3:11

Textus Receptus:ει πως καταντησω εις την εξαναστασιν των νεκρωνKing James:If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.Comments:If by any means: The conditionality is not about Paul doubting whether he will ever be resurrected. Rather, he is making emphatic that there is only one route to the resurrection: through Christ's death and suffering. So, as the previous verse makes

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1145536716547861032006-04-20T07:36:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:16:15.180-06:00Philippians 3:10

Textus Receptus:του γνωναι αυτον και την δυναμιν της αναστασεως αυτου και την κοινωνιαν των παθηματων αυτου συμμορφουμενος τω θανατω αυτουKing James:That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;Comments:know him...power...resurrection...fellowship...sufferings...death: Paul works backwards here from the

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1145446321424908042006-04-19T06:29:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:16:15.180-06:00Philippians 3:9

Textus Receptus:και ευρεθω εν αυτω μη εχων εμην δικαιοσυνην την εκ νομου αλλα την δια πιστεως χριστου την εκ θεου δικαιοσυνην επι τη πιστειKing James:And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:Comments:being found: The last time Paul used this word in Philippians was in

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1145376159383499932006-04-18T11:01:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:16:15.181-06:00Philippians 3:8

Textus Receptus:αλλα μενουνγε και ηγουμαι παντα ζημιαν ειναι δια το υπερεχον της γνωσεως χριστου ιησου του κυριου μου δι ον τα παντα εζημιωθην και ηγουμαι σκυβαλα ειναι ινα χριστον κερδησωKing James:Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1145119928812605512006-04-15T11:36:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:22:09.062-06:00Fideism in 1 Corinthians 15

No chapter argues more significantly or more voluminously for the truth of the resurrection than 1 Corinthians 15. Interestingly, however, Paul is neither asserting nor proving that truth to unbelievers. Rather, he speaks to Christians (albeit weak and even carnal ones) who are part of the church at Corinth. So his argument actually works through a different means and in a different direction

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1127389269784015402005-09-22T06:40:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:16:15.181-06:00Philippians 3:7

Textus Receptus: αλλ ατινα ην μοι κερδη ταυτα ηγημαι δια τον χριστον ζημιαν King James: But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Comments: gain...loss: Jesus uses the same two words in Matthew 16:26 when he contends that a man gets nothing if he "gains" the whole world and "loses" his own soul. Instead of losing his soul for the gain of the world, Paul chooses to lose

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1127299897574453022005-09-21T05:49:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:16:15.181-06:00Philippians 3:6

Textus Receptus: κατα ζηλον διωκων την εκκλησιαν κατα δικαιοσυνην την εν νομω γενομενος αμεμπτος Kings James: Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. Comments: This verse creates a parallel between "zeal" and "righteousness". Since the law is negative in nature, the highest description of its keeper is necessarily negative as well. He

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1126702464349139872005-09-14T07:52:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:16:15.182-06:00Philippians 3:5

Textus Receptus: περιτομη οκταημερος εκ γενους ισραηλ φυλης βενιαμιν εβραιος εξ εβραιων κατα νομον φαρισαιος King James: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Comments: Circumcised the eighth day: Paul puts himself in the category of those he condemned in verse 2. His obedience to the law was

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1126627701029303532005-09-13T11:06:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:16:15.182-06:00Philippians 3:4

Textus Receptus: καιπερ εγω εχων πεποιθησιν και εν σαρκι ει τις δοκει αλλος πεποιθεναι εν σαρκι εγω μαλλον King James: Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Comments: I more: While Paul's comment could be taken as braggadocio, it obviously is not since he does not value the thing he says he used to

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1126096857259782242005-09-07T07:37:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:16:15.183-06:00Philippians 3:3

Textus Receptus:ημεις γαρ εσμεν η περιτομη οι πνευματι θεω λατρευοντες και καυχωμενοι εν χριστω ιησου και ουκ εν σαρκι πεποιθοτεςKing James:For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.Comments:we are...worship...rejoice...have no confidence: Three participles describe those who belong to God. All three may relate

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1124376319564164672005-08-18T09:41:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:16:15.183-06:00Philippians 3:2

Textus Receptus: βλεπετε τους κυνας βλεπετε τους κακους εργατας βλεπετε την κατατομην King James: Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. Comments: beware...beware...beware: Although Christians are to live beyond fear (1 John 4:18) they are not to be imprudent. This balance makes it clear that Jesus' command to the seventy in Matthew 10:16 (to be "wise as serpents, but

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1124279451153593792005-08-17T06:49:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:16:15.183-06:00Philippians 3:1

Textus Receptus: το λοιπον αδελφοι μου χαιρετε εν κυριω τα αυτα γραφειν υμιν εμοι μεν ουκ οκνηρον υμιν δε ασφαλες King James: Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. Comments: Finally...rejoice: As chapter 4:4 will establish in its context, this rejoicing is fundamental to Paul's point because of its

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1121947573861990802005-07-21T07:05:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:17:22.810-06:00Philippians 2:30

Textus Receptus: οτι δια το εργον του χριστου μεχρι θανατου ηγγισεν παραβουλευσαμενος τη ψυχη ινα αναπληρωση το υμων υστερημα της προς με λειτουργιας King James: Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me. Comments: for the work of Christ...not regarding his life: Here, Paul uses Epaphroditus' testimony to make the

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1121695856660119342005-07-18T09:09:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:17:22.811-06:00Philippians 2:29

Textus Receptus: προσδεχεσθε ουν αυτον εν κυριω μετα πασης χαρας και τους τοιουτους εντιμους εχετε King James: Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: Comments: Receive him...have such: The Philippians are to do two things regarding Epaphroditus' arrival. The first regards how and why they are to take him in, the second how they are to regard him after

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1121340789483472982005-07-14T06:31:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:17:22.812-06:00Philippians 2:28

Textus Receptus: σπουδαιοτερως ουν επεμψα αυτον ινα ιδοντες αυτον παλιν χαρητε καγω αλυποτερος ω King James: I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. Comments: While the letter Paul is sending is undoubtedly helpful in alleviating the Philippians' fears regarding Epaphroditus' condition (as in verse 27), nothing

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1121248942394010082005-07-13T05:00:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:17:22.812-06:00Philippians 2:27

Textus Receptus: και γαρ ησθενησεν παραπλησιον θανατω αλλ ο θεος αυτον ηλεησεν ουκ αυτον δε μονον αλλα και εμε ινα μη λυπην επι λυπη σχω King James: For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. Comments: sick nigh unto death: The extent of Epaphroditus' condition (that he almost died from his

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1121173124244592962005-07-12T07:57:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:17:22.813-06:00Philippians 2:26

Textus Receptus: επειδη επιποθων ην παντας υμας και αδημονων διοτι ηκουσατε οτι ησθενησεν King James: For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. Comments: longed...full of heaviness: Epaphroditus' longing and grieving are evidence that the duty Paul imposes on the Philippians in the first few verses of this chapter, for instance, are

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1121076388465009102005-07-11T05:04:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:17:22.813-06:00Philippians 2:25

Textus Receptus: αναγκαιον δε ηγησαμην επαφροδιτον τον αδελφον και συνεργον και συστρατιωτην μου υμων δε αποστολον και λειτουργον της χρειας μου πεμψαι προς υμας Kings James: Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellow soldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. Comments: supposed: Paul uses the same word here

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1120135630203168452005-06-30T07:46:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:18:06.057-06:00Philippians 2:24

Textus Receptus: πεποιθα δε εν κυριω οτι και αυτος ταχεως ελευσομαι King James: But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. Comments: The whole arrangement of sending Timothy in anticipation of Paul's own visit, which may or may not take place, is very similar to what he expresses to Timothy himself regarding the church at Ephesus, with the particular exception that in that

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1120048009390752922005-06-29T07:24:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:18:06.058-06:00Philippians 2:23

Textus Receptus: τουτον μεν ουν ελπιζω πεμψαι ως αν απιδω τα περι εμε εξαυτης King James: Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. Comments: I hope to send: Paul is picking back up what he said in verse 19, using the same vocabulary translated there as "I trust...to send." Between that verse and this, Paul has been explaining why he would choose to

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1119019099780601212005-06-17T09:37:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:18:06.059-06:00Philippians 2:22

Textus Receptus: την δε δοκιμην αυτου γινωσκετε οτι ως πατρι τεκνον συν εμοι εδουλευσεν εις το ευαγγελιον King James: But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. Comments: proof: Words related to the one translated as "proof" here are used everywhere throughout the New Testament. The idea is that some test evidences that something is

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1118923430332979712005-06-16T07:01:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:18:06.059-06:00Philippians 2:21

Textus Receptus: οι παντες γαρ τα εαυτων ζητουσιν ου τα του χριστου ιησου King James: For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. Comments: seek their own: Paul is contrasting the behavior of those who fall short of Timothy's care with those who would be obedient to the imperative he gives in verse 4, to look not on the things of self but the things of others. things which

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1118754019662136932005-06-14T07:58:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:18:06.059-06:00Philippians 2:20

Textus Receptus: ουδενα γαρ εχω ισοψυχον οστις γνησιως τα περι υμων μεριμνησει King James: For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. Comments: no man likeminded: Paul is most likely claiming that there is no one to send to the Philippians as sincere in his concern as Timothy is, not that no one else genuinely or naturally cares for them. In other words, "likeminded"

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1118666402321338612005-06-13T07:38:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:18:06.060-06:00Philippians 2:19

Textus Receptus: ελπιζω δε εν κυριω ιησου τιμοθεον ταχεως πεμψαι υμιν ινα καγω ευψυχω γνους τα περι υμων King James: But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. Comments: to send Timotheus shortly: There is an obvious parallel between Paul's comfort of and with the Philippians with Timothy and Jesus' comfort of

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1118408114239587522005-06-10T07:53:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:18:06.061-06:00Philippians 2:18

Textus Receptus: το δ αυτο και υμεις χαιρετε και συγχαιρετε μοι King James: For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me. Comments: joy, and rejoice with: Paul uses the same two words in the preceding verse about himself. He joys and they joy (or ought to joy--whether it is imperative or indicative is not certain). He joys with them and they (ought to) joy with him. The point is that

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1118319766339282272005-06-09T07:21:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:18:06.061-06:00Philippians 2:17

Textus Receptus: αλλ ει και σπενδομαι επι τη θυσια και λειτουργια της πιστεως υμων χαιρω και συγχαιρω πασιν υμιν King James: Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. Comments: offered: The Greek word means "poured out" like a drink offering would have been, and provides the etymology for the English word "spend." sacrifice and

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1118237662101974592005-06-08T08:32:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:18:06.062-06:00Philippians 2:16

Textus Receptus: λογον ζωης επεχοντες εις καυχημα εμοι εις ημεραν χριστου οτι ουκ εις κενον εδραμον ουδε εις κενον εκοπιασα King James: Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Comments: Holding forth the word of life: In Greek the word for "holding forth" is the word "having" with the word for "upon"

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1118152530027114882005-06-07T08:53:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:18:06.062-06:00Philippians 2:15

Textus Receptus: ινα γενησθε αμεμπτοι και ακεραιοι τεκνα θεου αμωμητα εν μεσω γενεας σκολιας και διεστραμμενης εν οις φαινεσθε ως φωστηρες εν κοσμω King James: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Comments: blameless: Of course, being blameless does not imply not being

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1117808360050087862005-06-03T09:17:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:18:06.063-06:00Philippians 2:14

Textus Receptus: παντα ποιειτε χωρις γογγυσμων και διαλογισμων King James: Do all things without murmurings and disputings: Comments: without murmurings: The same word is used to describe the disharmony and grumbling of one group of believers (gentiles) against another group of believers (Jews) in the early church at Jerusalem in Acts 6:1. It is just such a self-seeking (even when self is

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1117720702649220942005-06-02T08:57:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:18:06.063-06:00Philippians 2:13

Textus Receptus: ο θεος γαρ εστιν ο ενεργων εν υμιν και το θελειν και το ενεργειν υπερ της ευδοκιας King James: For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Comments: God which worketh in you...to do: "Which worketh" and "to do" are the same Greek word, of which the English word "energy" is a transliteration. The source of Christian living is Christian life.

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1117629918108731602005-06-01T07:41:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:18:06.064-06:00Philippians 2:12

Textus Receptus:ωστε αγαπητοι μου καθως παντοτε υπηκουσατε μη ως εν τη παρουσια μου μονον αλλα νυν πολλω μαλλον εν τη απουσια μου μετα φοβου και τρομου την εαυτων σωτηριαν κατεργαζεσθεKing James:Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.Comments:Wherefore: This "wherefore"

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1117543334218131462005-05-31T07:38:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:18:06.065-06:00Philippians 2:11

Textus Receptus: και πασα γλωσσα εξομολογησηται οτι κυριος ιησους χριστος εις δοξαν θεου πατρος King James: And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Comments: every tongue should confess: This verse completes Paul's reference to Isaiah 45:23. The use of the word "confess" replaces "swear" in Isaiah. To "seven" or "swear" in Hebrew was to

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1117200015632304612005-05-27T08:18:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:18:06.065-06:00Philippians 2:10

Textus Receptus: ινα εν τω ονοματι ιησου παν γονυ καμψη επουρανιων και επιγειων και καταχθονιων King James: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; Comments: every knee should bow: God's desire is that every person should be saved. He expresses that desire in Isaiah 45:22-25. That passages also expresses His

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1117115508155297132005-05-26T08:45:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:18:06.066-06:00Philippians 2:9

Textus Receptus: διο και ο θεος αυτον υπερυψωσεν και εχαρισατο αυτω ονομα το υπερ παν ονομα King James: Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: Comments: Wherefore: This conjunction explains why God has highly exalted Christ in terms of the previous verse. However, it in no way implies that Christ would not have been highly exalted if He had

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1117029486936826542005-05-25T08:55:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:18:06.067-06:00Philippians 2:8

Textus Receptus:και σχηματι ευρεθεις ως ανθρωπος εταπεινωσεν εαυτον γενομενος υπηκοος μεχρι θανατου θανατου δε σταυρουKings James:And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.Comments:obedient: The remarkable thing in this verse is the contrast between the authority which is rightfully Christ's and the obedience and humility

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1116941610849275782005-05-24T08:30:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:18:06.067-06:00Philippians 2:7

Textus Receptus: αλλ εαυτον εκενωσεν μορφην δουλου λαβων εν ομοιωματι ανθρωπων γενομενος King James: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: Comments: made himself of no reputation: The Greek word for this phrase is "ekenosen," with the same root as the first half of the word for "vainglory" in verse 3. There is dispute

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1116857340800459452005-05-23T09:06:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:18:06.068-06:00Philippians 2:6

Textus Receptus: ος εν μορφη θεου υπαρχων ουχ αρπαγμον ηγησατο το ειναι ισα θεω King James: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: Comments: in the form of God: "Form" is the Greek word "morphe." Doctrinal clarity sometimes motivates the exaggerated translation of "nature" instead of "form." While it is true that Jesus has the nature of God, it is not

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1116591191889749392005-05-20T07:11:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:18:06.069-06:00Philippians 2:5

Textus Receptus: τουτο γαρ φρονεισθω εν υμιν ο και εν χριστω ιησου King James: Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Comments: Verse 5 parallels verse 2 just as verses 6 and 7 parallel verse 3. While verse 2 gives a general obligation, verse 5 makes the fulfillment of that object both possible and specific in the person of Christ. mind: Jesus uses the same word to rebuke

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1116504863071525932005-05-19T07:12:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:18:06.069-06:00Philippians 2:4

Textus Receptus: μη τα εαυτων εκαστος σκοπειτε αλλα και τα ετερων εκαστος King James: Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Comments: Look not: Verse 3's description of what the Philippians ought to be like is made clear by the imperative of this verse. In other words, by putting the description of verse 3 into an imperative in verse 4, Paul makes the

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1114433079023035992005-04-25T07:42:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:18:06.070-06:00Philippians 2:3

Textus Receptus: μηδεν κατα εριθειαν η κενοδοξιαν αλλα τη ταπεινοφροσυνη αλληλους ηγουμενοι υπερεχοντας εαυτων King James: Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Comments: strife: This word is used in conjunction with many other words for conflict, as in 2 Corinthians 12:20. This particular word apparently refers

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1113568645829536142005-04-15T07:36:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:18:06.070-06:00Philippians 2:2

Textus Receptus: πληρωσατε μου την χαραν ινα το αυτο φρονητε την αυτην αγαπην εχοντες συμψυχοι το εν φρονουντες King James: Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Comments: my joy, that ye be: The wording in Greek makes it clear that Paul is not saying that the content of his joy is their being like-minded. Instead, he is saying that if

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1113392931748219922005-04-13T06:47:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:18:06.071-06:00Philippians 2:1

Textus Receptus: ει τις ουν παρακλησις εν χριστω ει τι παραμυθιον αγαπης ει τις κοινωνια πνευματος ει τινα σπλαγχνα και οικτιρμοι King James: If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Comments: This entire verse sets the context (or conditions) within which verse 2's commands and verses 3-4's prohibitions

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1112670316078869942005-04-04T22:03:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:19:07.251-06:00Philippians 1:30

Textus Receptus:τον αυτον αγωνα εχοντες οιον ειδετε εν εμοι και νυν ακουετε εν εμοιKing James:Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.Comments:conflict: The Greek word translated as "conflict" here is transliterated as "agony." Paul uses the same word to describe what he went through in Philippi in 1 Thessalonians 2:2, likely referring both to the turmoil he faced

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1112362020123782512005-04-01T07:25:00.000-06:002008-02-28T23:19:56.500-06:00Philippians 1:29

Textus Receptus: οτι υμιν εχαρισθη το υπερ χριστου ου μονον το εις αυτον πιστευειν αλλα και το υπερ αυτου πασχειν King James: For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; Comments: not only to believe...but also to suffer: Belief (faith) and suffering are associated here not arbitrarily but necessarily. Real faith is only tested

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1112199325103984312005-03-30T10:09:00.001-06:002008-02-28T23:19:56.501-06:00Philippians 1:28

Textus Receptus:και μη πτυρομενοι εν μηδενι υπο των αντικειμενων ητις αυτοις μεν εστιν ενδειξις απωλειας υμιν δε σωτηριας και τουτο απο θεουKing James:And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.Comments:in nothing terrified: Paul's admonition here is harmonious with his testimony in chapter 4:6-7.by your

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1109942806239985422005-03-04T07:24:00.000-06:002008-02-28T23:19:56.501-06:00Philippians 1:27

Textus Receptus:μονον αξιως του ευαγγελιου του χριστου πολιτευεσθε ινα ειτε ελθων και ιδων υμας ειτε απων ακουσω τα περι υμων οτι στηκετε εν ενι πνευματι μια ψυχη συναθλουντες τη πιστει του ευαγγελιουKing James:Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1109770146196541182005-03-02T07:27:00.000-06:002008-02-28T23:19:56.502-06:00Philippians 1:26

Textus Receptus: ινα το καυχημα υμων περισσευη εν χριστω ιησου εν εμοι δια της εμης παρουσιας παλιν προς υμας King James: That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again. Comments: your rejoicing...for me: Paul speaks of the same kind of rejoicing (or boasting) in 2 Corinthians 1:14. In that passage (verses 12-14), as here, the scriptures make it clear

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1108760362244478662005-02-18T14:58:00.000-06:002008-02-28T23:23:58.197-06:00self, morality, and the incredible shrinking world of relativism

Perhaps the most distinctive and significant feature of any worldview is its conception of the self. For purposes of this argument, the term "self" refers to how people in a cultural group think about what it means to be what is variably called an individual, an ego, a subject, a soul, or even just a human being. Such an issue (how to define the self) may seem trivial or ridiculous to a person

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1108129928904086542005-02-11T07:50:00.000-06:002008-02-28T23:19:56.502-06:00Philippians 1:25

Textus Receptus: και τουτο πεποιθως οιδα οτι μενω και συμπαραμενω πασιν υμιν εις την υμων προκοπην και χαραν της πιστεως King James: And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; Comments: confidence: This word, also translated as "trust" and "persuaded" throughout the New Testament, depending on its context, is important

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1107784887994133232005-02-07T07:58:00.000-06:002008-02-28T23:19:56.502-06:00Philippians 1:24

Textus Receptus: το δε επιμενειν εν τη σαρκι αναγκαιοτερον δι υμας King James: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. Comments: abide: This word is translated as "tarry" or "continue" in many passages such as Acts 10:48. In many of those contexts the use of the word matches perfectly the situation Paul describes here: a visiting apostle whose continued presence is an

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1107524938351379042005-02-04T07:46:00.000-06:002008-02-28T23:19:56.503-06:00Philippians 1:23

Textus Receptus: συνεχομαι γαρ εκ των δυο την επιθυμιαν εχων εις το αναλυσαι και συν χριστω ειναι πολλω μαλλον κρεισσον King James: For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Comments: in a strait: Paul describes himself as being constrained in a narrow place between two choices. The word he uses shows up several times in the

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1107178486206917882005-01-31T07:32:00.000-06:002008-02-28T23:19:56.503-06:00Philippians 1:22

Textus Receptus: ει δε το ζην εν σαρκι τουτο μοι καρπος εργου και τι αιρησομαι ου γνωριζω King James: But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. Comments: live in the flesh...fruit of my labour: Paul is introducing the first cusp of the dilemma he mentioned in verse 20 and will complete in verses 23-24. It is important to realize that

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1103641646652490852004-12-21T08:44:00.000-06:002008-02-28T23:19:56.503-06:00Philippians 1:21

Textus Receptus: εμοι γαρ το ζην χριστος και το αποθανειν κερδος King James: For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Comments: to live...to die: "To live" is a present infinitive, while "to die" is an aorist infinitive. While aorist only definitely means a verb is without reference to duration, it is reasonable in a passage with a contrast like this one to assert that Paul's

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1103562017016068432004-12-20T10:58:00.000-06:002008-02-28T23:19:56.504-06:00Philippians 1:20

Textus Receptus: κατα την αποκαραδοκιαν και ελπιδα μου οτι εν ουδενι αισχυνθησομαι αλλ εν παση παρρησια ως παντοτε και νυν μεγαλυνθησεται χριστος εν τω σωματι μου ειτε δια ζωης ειτε δια θανατου King James: According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1102602079881980032004-12-09T08:19:00.000-06:002008-02-28T23:19:56.504-06:00Philippians 1:19

Textus Receptus: οιδα γαρ οτι τουτο μοι αποβησεται εις σωτηριαν δια της υμων δεησεως και επιχορηγιας του πνευματος ιησου χριστου King James: For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, Comments: shall turn: The word translated as this phrase is used to describe people exiting, for instance, a boat (as in Luke 5:2).

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1102514301280059752004-12-08T07:56:00.000-06:002008-02-28T23:19:56.504-06:00Philippians 1:18

Textus Receptus: τι γαρ πλην παντι τροπω ειτε προφασει ειτε αληθεια χριστος καταγγελλεται και εν τουτω χαιρω αλλα και χαρησομαι King James: What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. Comments: notwithstanding: Paul's rejoicing is neither in ignorance nor as a result of the sin of those who

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1102425614761645222004-12-07T07:17:00.000-06:002008-02-28T23:19:56.505-06:00Philippians 1:17

Textus Receptus: οι δε εξ αγαπης ειδοτες οτι εις απολογιαν του ευαγγελιου κειμαι King James: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. Comments: other of love: Paul's contrast for the contention (provocation of strife) and insincerity of the previous verse is love (agape). Paul uses the same contrast in Galatians 5:13-15; James uses it in James 2:8 and 3

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1102348704693385542004-12-06T09:56:00.000-06:002008-02-28T23:19:56.505-06:00Philippians 1:16

1:16 Textus Receptus: οι μεν εξ εριθειας τον χριστον καταγγελλουσιν ουχ αγνως οιομενοι θλιψιν επιφερειν τοις δεσμοις μου King James: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: Comments: This verse is swapped with the following verse in the eclectic Greek text. So it is verse 17 in most of the contemporary translations. preach Christ: The

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1102082838809325242004-12-03T08:05:00.000-06:002008-02-28T23:19:56.506-06:00Philippians 1:15

Textus Receptus: τινες μεν και δια φθονον και εριν τινες δε και δι ευδοκιαν τον χριστον κηρυσσουσιν King James: Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: Comments: preach Christ even of envy and strife: While this claim seems problematic, it is not. Simon Magus is a perfect example of someone who desired to become a preacher of Christ because of ill

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997399.post-1101999302717393002004-12-02T08:51:00.000-06:002008-02-28T23:26:11.127-06:00God and the Impossible Rock

So, can God make a rock He can't lift? Atheists, agnostics, and those who simply enjoy seeing theists squirm use this question to deny the possibility of God's existence. Most theists avoid squirming by avoiding the question. Others just squirm. But there is another option. There is a simple way to answer the question. In fact, I believe adamantly that God can make a rock He can't lift. Why?

Barry K. Creamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13999950367953226548noreply@blogger.com4