2 Corinthians constitutes the first preserved “sequel” in Paul’s letters.  In fact, Paul wrote three or possibly four letters to Corinth. Some scholars speculate 2 Corinthians is actually an edited copy of two letters smushed together, based on differing tone and structure. (There’s a break in 2:14 that picks back up in 7:5). In fact, the whole thing is a bit confused. This is one of those letters that emphasizes the fact that we get only one side of the conversation, and have have... Read more

The latter half of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians has a definite flow and organization to it. While our tendency is to zoom in on a single verse or even sentence, sometimes we miss the forest for the trees. So, start with an overview and then we’ll zoom in a little. We pick up Paul in chapter 11, where he regulates some issues about how the community should function, both relating to gender and the Lord’s Supper, which we call... Read more

This week, we’re all in one place, 1 Corinthians, which is a smorgasbord of interesting topics, conflict, and controversy. There is a lot to say, and as long as this is, I’ve left out plenty. First, I’ve uploaded a copy of the rough text (link now fixed) from my presentation at the BYU Conference on the New Testament a few weeks ago, “Christian Accommodation at Corinth.” It’s adapted from one of the groundwork chapters in my Genesis book. Second, some background from Jim Faulconer’s... Read more

We’re moving into very very dense historical, textual, and doctrinal territory today. Today I lean pretty heavily on Wright and the Anchor Bible Dictionary. (more…) Read more

Since I am posting this and the last lesson two nights apart, I’m going to repeat my housekeeping remarks. First, at the bottom of every post and on the About page, there is a special Amazon link. You can support my work by buying things on Amazon through that link; whatever you would normally buy on Amazon, just buy it through that link. All my book links go to Amazon as well, and clicking on one of them and then purchasing other things has... Read more

We’re about half way through the year, and I felt it appropriate to repost some housekeeping things I hope you read. First, at the bottom of every post and on the About page, there is a special Amazon link. You can support my work by buying things on Amazon through that link; whatever you would normally buy on Amazon, just buy it through that link. All my book links go to Amazon as well, and clicking on one of them and then... Read more

Today we begin something new that is neither here nor there. Acts is not a letter, like so much of the rest of the New Testament will be. But it’s not a gospel, like the first four books we’ve read. Luke makes clear that it’s a sequel of sorts to his gospel. “In the first book [i.e. Luke], Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning” Acts 1:1. Compare Luke 1:1ff- “Since many have undertaken... Read more