EXPOSITION: Chapter 1:1-17 Purpose & Theme 1:1-7 — Paul's Salutation 1-2 "Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures"—While possessing intimate elements, Paul's opening salutation (longer than any other Pauline epistle) is in the style of … [Read more...]
Romans: Kingdom through Covenant, Part 1
The question will be asked, why another commentary on Romans? First, because Romans provides the ABC's of the Gospel, it is Christianity 101. From the early church to the present day, it has been recognised as the foundational teaching of Christianity, providing the Bible's most complete statement concerning God's purpose for humankind, its fall from that purpose, and his … [Read more...]
The Incarnation: Renovation of the Cosmos
Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a … [Read more...]
The World of the Resurrection
For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. Romans 8:19 The resurrection of Christ signals the transformation of the cosmos – this physical world – in time and space, in history. From chapter 1 of his epistle to the Romans Paul progressively explicates the Gospel as God's solution to the disruption of the cosmos caused by human rebellion, … [Read more...]
Time & Transience: God’s Word Stands Forever
All flesh is grass, and all its glory is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. Isaiah 40:7-8 The transience of life, with all its toil and tribulations, brings into focus the biblical significance of time. No sooner does man begin his life on this earth it is taken away. Despite all his earthly … [Read more...]
