Fwd: When is then, then? (Mt 27:38)

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: billmounce.com <newsletter@billmounce.net>
Date: Mon, Oct 8, 2018 at 11:16 AM
Subject: When is then, then? (Mt 27:38)

Monday w/ Mounce View online version

When is then, then? Matt 27:38 The longer I work in Greek, the more curious I am about conjunctions, and the more I am concerned about how we teach glosses. Take τότε for example. BDAG give two meanings using the gloss "then." It can mean "at that time," which conveys no idea of sequence. It can also mean "then" in the sense of "that which follows in time." The problem of course is that if you translate with the simple gloss "then," we hear it as sequential. Coupled with this is how English hears a series of events. Even without conjunctions, we default to hearing them as sequential. This happened, then that happened. The sequencing of events around Jesus's' trial illustrates the issue. There is a series of events introduced with τότε, with καί, and with aorist and present participles. I can't do it here, but it is really worth your time to lay out all the conjunctions and verbal forms and watch how the sequencing works in Greek. Picking up the account in vv 35f., Matthew writes that "When they had crucified (σταυρώσαντες) him, they divided up (διεμερίσαντο) his clothes by casting (βάλλοντες) lots. And sitting down (καὶ καθήμενοι), they kept watch (ἐτήρουν) over him there" (NIV). V 38 continues, "Then (τότε) two criminals were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left" (CEB, see also the ESV). But how do you hear "then"? Did all the events surrounding Jesus happen, and only after the soldiers sat down to watch over Jesus did other soldiers crucify the two thieves? That seems highly unlikely to me since I can't imagine why another group of soldiers would wait that long. This means that τότε is being used with the first definition. Presumably, this is why the NIV and NLT leave τότε untranslated, letting the sequence of the story convey the meaning of "at that time." In fact, translating τότε as "then" really miscommunicates. This also serves to illustrate what I have been saying for some time. It is simplistic to think that translating every Greek word with an English word is somehow more accurate. In this case, "then" is a mistranslation and miscommunicates the meaning of the passage. If you feel that you have to represent every Greek word with an English word, then something like "at that time" or "at that same time" is not as good English but at least it doesn't miscommunicate. Can you translate v 38 without interpretation? Of course not. Share Tweet +1

       

                                                                                                                  

Brought to you by Rick Livermore  Publisher of http://reader220.blogspot.com  I am a fan of disciples Handbook Volumes 1 and 2 by New Song Christian Fellowship Nashville TN

Volume 2 Lesson 10 Be Fruitful In The Spirit, Part 3

    












 LESSON 10

BE FRUITFUL In The Spirit, Part III
SECTION 1:
A Story of Being Fruitful
Acts 15:1-34

http://biblewebapp.com/ 

http://www.ccel.org
The Definition
What does it mean to be fruitful in the Spirit?
Deuteronomy 7:9

http://biblewebapp.com/

http://www.ccel.org
1 Corinthians 1:9

http://biblewebapp.com/

http://www.ccel.org
John 15:1-27


http://biblewebapp.com/

http://www.ccel.org

Galatians 5:24-26

http://biblewebapp.com/

http://www.ccel.org

Faithfulness: The Greek word is pistis [pis-tis]. It means “conviction of the truth, belief with the predominate idea of trust or confidence in God.”

Gentleness:  The Greek word is prautes [pra-oo-tays]. It means meekness, gentleness in spirit. It has the connotation of being submitted  to the will of God, to be teachable, and to be considerate.

Self-Control: The Greek word is enkrateia [en-kra-tay-ah]. It is the virtue of one who masters their desires and passions or self-mastery.

Why do I need to be fruitful in the Spirit? [1]
1 Thessalonians 5:24

http://biblewebapp.com/

http://www.ccel.org
Philippians 4:1-5


http://biblewebapp.com/

http://www.ccel.org
2 Timothy 3:1-5



http://biblewebapp.com/

http://www.ccel.org


How can I be fruitful in the Spirit?

Galatians 5:24-26

http://biblewebapp.com/

http://www.ccel.org

Ephesians 4:1-3



http://biblewebapp.com/

http://www.ccel.org




2 Peter 1:1-8

http://biblewebapp.com

http://www.ccel.org

As you read at the beginning of this section, there are key ingredients for
seeing the fruit of faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control produced in
your life.[2]

These are daily living and walking in the Holy Spirit and daily
consuming the Word of God. [3]

There is also a climate for them - a
crucified life, humility and the right community of believers.[4]

Proverbs 27:17





http://biblewebapp.com








http://www.ccel.org
SECTION 2:
The Study
2 Timothy 2:20-24
 


http://biblewebapp.com

http://www.ccel.org

SECTION 3:
The Memorizing of Scripture
Psalm 101:6

http://biblewebapp.com

http://www.ccel.org

Philippians 4:5





http://biblewebapp.com

http://www.ccel.org

Ro 13:14

http://biblewebapp.com

http://www.ccel.org


SECTION 4:
The Discussion
SECTION 5:
SECTION 6:
Go Further
Here are some additional readings for you as you are fruitful in the Spirit:


Our need is not to prove God’s faithfulness but to demonstrate our own,by trusting Him both to determine and to supply our needs according to His will. [5]

 We are to reflect Christ in all that we say and do. And the Christ of
Scripture is the humble, suffering servant who, in spite of great
opposition, false accusations, and public ridicule, remained faithful to the
heavenly calling. [6]

look inside 

                     

The world defines success in terms of what a person possesses, controls,
or accomplishes. God defines success in terms of faithful obedience to His
will. [7] Ken Sande

look inside
Both gentleness and meekness are born of power, not weakness. There is
a pseudo-gentleness that is effeminate, and there is a pseudo-meekness
that is cowardly. But a Christian is to be gentle and meek because those
are Godlike virtues… We should never be afraid, therefore, that the
gentleness of the Spirit means weakness of character. It takes strength,
God’s strength, to be truly gentle.[8]8 The Practice of Godliness, Jerry Bridges, NavPress 1996, p.181-182

Look Inside

Look Inside

Galatians 5:22-26 Message
“But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our
lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like
affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a
willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a
conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find
ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in
life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. Legalism is helpless in
bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to
Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified. Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original” Galatians 5:22-26 Message [9]




"Great is Thy faithfulness," O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
"Great is Thy faithfulness!" "Great is Thy faithfulness!"
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
"Great is Thy faithfulness," Lord, unto me!
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! Great is Thy Faithfulness, William Marian Runyan [10]
                       

Confidentiality is a virtue of the loyal, as loyalty is the virtue of
faithfulness. Edwin Louis Cole  [11]


                                                             
Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength.  Saint Francis de Sales [12]


                                                     
Industry, thrift and self-control are not sought because they create wealth,
but because they create character. Calvin Coolidge [13]

                         

The following is not a quote from the disciples Handbook, but it could be, because it helps. (Rick Livermore  Reader220)

look inside
"5:22, 23 It is significant that the apostle distinguishes between the works of the flesh, and the fruit of the Spirit. Works are produced by human energy. Fruit is grown as a branch abides in the vine (John 15:5). They differ as a factory and a garden differ. Note that fruit is singular, not plural. The Holy Spirit produces one kind of fruit, that is, Christlikeness. All the virtues now listed describe the life of the child of God. Dr. C. I. Scofield has pointed out that every one of them is foreign to the soil of the human heart.
Love is what God is, and what we ought to be. It is beautifully described in 1 Corinthians 13, and told out in all its fullness at the cross of Calvary. Joy is contentment and satisfaction with God and with His dealings. Christ displayed it in John 4:34. Peace could include the peace of God as well as harmonious relations among Christians. For peace in the life of the Redeemer, see Luke 8:22–25. Longsuffering is patience in afflictions, annoyances, and persecutions. Its supreme example is found in Luke 23:34. Kindness is gentleness, perhaps best explained in the attitude of the Lord toward little children (Mark 10:14). Goodness is kindness shown to others. To see goodness in action, we have but to read Luke 10:30–35. Faithfulness may mean trust in God, confidence in our fellow Christians, fidelity, or reliability. This latter is probably the meaning here. Gentleness is taking the lowly place as Jesus did when He washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:1–17). Self-control means literally holding oneself in, especially regarding sex. Our lives should be disciplined. Lust, passions, appetites, and temper should be ruled. We should practice moderation. As Samuel Chadwick points out:

  In newspaper English the passage reads something like this: the fruit of the Spirit is an affectionate, lovable disposition; a radiant spirit and a cheerful temper; a tranquil mind and a quiet manner; a forbearing patience in provoking circumstances and with trying people; a sympathetic insight and tactful helpfulness; generous judgment and a big-souled charity; loyalty and reliableness under all circumstances; humility that forgets self in the joy of others; in all things self-mastered and self-controlled, which is the final mark of perfection. How striking this is in relation to 1 Cor. 13! 

Paul closes this list with the cryptic comment: “Against such there is no law.” Of course not! These virtues are pleasing to God, beneficial to others, and good for ourselves. But how is this fruit produced? Is it by man’s effort? Not at all. It is produced as Christians live in communion with the Lord. As they gaze upon the Savior in loving devotion, and obey Him in daily life, the Holy Spirit works a wonderful miracle. He transforms them into the likeness of Christ. They become like Him by beholding Him (2 Cor. 3:18). Just as the branch derives all its life and nourishment from the vine, so the believer in Christ derives his strength from the True Vine, and is thus able to live a fruitful life for God." MacDonald, W. [14]



Appendix Bibliography

[1] Disciple's Handbook: Volume 2 
New Song Christian Fellowship
Copyright 2016 Crowned Image Media www.crownedimage.com 
First Edition, 2016 
There is a page where authors are named here:
https://www.crownedimage.com/authors
                                                                                                                                








[2] Life Book Volume 2, Shibley/Evrist, Global Advance Resources, p.37
[3] Life Book Volume 2, Shibley/Evrist, Global Advance Resources, p.37
[4] Life Book Volume 2, Shibley/Evrist, Global Advance Resources, p.37

[5] The MacArthur New Testament Commentary on Matthew 1-7, Mood, 1985, p.95



                                    
                                                                                                     

 

[6] Appointed to Preach, David W. Hegg, Christian Focus Publications, 1999, p.70










[7] Reprinted from The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict, Ken Sande, Baker Books, 3d ed., 2004, p.253

look inside

                                                                                                                                


[8] The Practice of Godliness, Jerry Bridges, NavPress 1996, p.181-182

[9] Peterson, Eugene H., ed. – The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2002. WORDsearch CROSS e-book. Galatians 5:22-26 

[10] Great is Thy Faithfulness, William Marian Runyan, Hope Publishing Co., 1923 & 1951             
[11] www.brainyquote.com, Edwin Louis Cole
     
[12] www.brainyquote.com, Saint Francis de Sales

[13]  www.brainyquote.com, Calvin Coolidge

[14] MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments (A. Farstad, Ed.) (Ga 5:22–23). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

                                                           

Brought to you by Rick Livermore  Publisher of http://reader220.blogspot.com  I am a fan of disciples Handbook Volumes 1 and 2 by New Song Christian Fellowship Nashville TN

                                                                                                                                                         

Nearly sixty left a historic Christian university in Rome, Georgia over a signature requirement on a personal lifestyle statement

A historic Christian university in Rome, Georgia has received record resignation letters from staffers after mandating that its employees sign a “personal lifestyle statement.”

Reports indicate that nearly sixty out of the two hundred employees at Shorter University have decided to leave the educational institution rather than sign the statement, which outlines a moral code that staff are required to live by.

Personal Lifestyle Statement
A. Christian Commitment and Membership in a Local Church
Shorter University will hire persons who are committed  Bible believing
Christians, who are dedicated to integrating biblical faith in their classes and
who are  in agreement with the University Statement of Faith.  Moreover,
employees are expected to be active members of a local church.
B. Principles of Personal Conduct
I agree to  adhere to and support the following principles  (on or off the
campus):
1. I will be loyal to the mission of Shorter University as a Christ-centered
institution affiliated with the Georgia Baptist Convention.
2. I will not engage in the use, sale, possession, or production of illegal
drugs.
3. I reject as acceptable all sexual activity not in agreement with the Bible,
including, but not limited to, premarital sex, adultery, and homosexuality.
4. I will not use alcoholic beverages in the presence of students, and I will
abstain from serving, from using, and from advocating the use of alcoholic
beverages in public (e.g. in locations that are open to use by the general
public, including as some examples restaurants, concert venues,
stadiums, and sports facilities) and in settings in which students are
present or are likely to be present.   I will not attend any University
sponsored event in which I have consumed alcohol within the last six
hours.  Neither will I promote or encourage the use of alcohol.  
I have read and agree with the Personal Lifestyle Statement and will adhere to it in
its entirety while employed at Shorter University.    I understand that failure to
adhere to this statement may result in disciplinary action against me, up to and
including immediate termination

https://christiannews.net/2012/05/18/staff-of-christian-university-resign-in-droves-after-refusing-to-sign-personal-lifestyle-statement/








                                                                                              

Brought to you by Rick Livermore  Publisher of http://reader220.blogspot.com  I am a fan of disciples Handbook Volumes 1 and 2 by New Song Christian Fellowship Nashville TN