My Desk Set-Up

This is the current set-up for my desk.  My main computer is a MacBook with an HP w1707 dual monitor.  I run bootcamp, thus allowing me to operate Logos Gold, Bibleworks 7, Endnote, and other programs used for my studies.

This bookrack was something I found lying around in my garage.  The top shelf is mostly books on Hebrews (commentaries, monographs, etc.).  Underneath those are books I am currently reading when I have a free moment.

Hebrews 1.1-4: A (Not So) Brief Analysis

1 Πολυμερῶς καὶ πολυτρόπως πάλαι ὁ θεὸς λαλήσας τοῖς πατράσιν ἐν τοῖς προφήταις  2 ἐπʼ ἐσχάτου τῶν ἡμερῶν τούτων ἐλάλησεν ἡμῖν ἐν υἱῷ ὃν ἔθηκεν κληρονόμον πάντων διʼ οὗ καὶ ἐποίησεν τοὺς αἰῶνας  3 ὃς ὢν ἀπαύγασμα τῆς δόξης καὶ χαρακτὴρ τῆς ὑποστάσεως αὐτοῦ φέρων τε τὰ πάντα τῷ ῥήματι τῆς δυνάμεως αὐτοῦ καθαρισμὸν τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ποιησάμενος ἐκάθισεν ἐν δεξιᾷ τῆς μεγαλωσύνης ἐν ὑψηλοῖς  4 τοσούτῳ κρείττων γενόμενος τῶν ἀγγέλων ὅσῳ διαφορώτερον παρʼ αὐτοὺς κεκληρονόμηκεν ὄνομα

Analysis

Heb 1.1-4 forms the exordium (Introduction) to Hebrews.  In Greek it is one complex and very intricate sentence known as a period (BDF §§464; cf. Lk 1.1-4).

1.   In many ways and in many portions [Πολυμερῶς καὶ πολυτρόπως πάλαι].  Auctor begins his sermon with three adverbs Πολυμερῶς (manner), πολυτρόπως (manner), and πάλαι (temporal).  They are placed at the beginning to emphasize both the continuity and the manner in which the former revelation (i.e. the Old Testament) was given to Israel.  One also notes the use of alliteration: Πολυμερῶς, πολυτρόπως, πάλαι, πατράσιν, προφήταις.

The participle λαλήσας (temporal) is dependent upon the verb ἐλάλησεν in v. 2, both having ὁ θεὸς as their subject.  The communication of God was to the fathers, by means of the prophets [τοῖς πατράσιν ἐν τοῖς προφήταις]. The use of the plural indicates that the communication was a continuous process.

2. In these last days [ἐπʼ ἐσχάτου τῶν ἡμερῶν τούτων] stands in contrast to πάλαι in v.1.  (God) spoke to us by a son [ἐλάλησεν ἡμῖν ἐν υἱῷ].  Unlike the former days when God’s main spokesmen were prophets, In these last days he now speaks through a son to his people [ἡμῖν].  The communication of God through a Son [ἐν υἱῷ] is the final communicative act of God which has ushered in the last days we now find ourselves living in.  The lack of the article before υἱῷ may be due to the preposition which precedes it (BDF §§255) or because of the divine name (BDF §§254).  Wallace also notes that the anarthrous υἱῷ stresses its “qualitativeness” (ExSyn, 244-45).

ὁ θεὸς λαλήσας
Continuity		Discontinuity
A	Πολυμερῶς καὶ πολυτρόπως πάλαι	A*	ἐπʼ ἐσχάτου τῶν ἡμερῶν τούτων
B	τοῖς πατράσιν	B*	ἡμῖν
C	ἐν τοῖς προφήταις	C*	ἐν υἱῷ

Whom he appointed heir of everything [ὃν ἔθηκεν κληρονόμον πάντων].  ὃν ἔθηκεν κ.τ.λ. is the first of seven consecutive statements concerning the son

1. The Son is appointed heir of all things [ὃν ἔθηκεν κληρονόμον πάντων] (v.2b).

2. The Son is the agent through whom God created the world [διʼ οὗ καὶ ἐποίησεν τοὺς αἰῶνας] (v.2c).

3. The Son is the radiance of the glory of God [ὃς ὢν ἀπαύγασμα τῆς δόξης] (v.3).

4. The Son is the exact representation of God’s nature [χαρακτὴρ τῆς ὑποστάσεως αὐτοῦ] (v.3a).

5. The Son upholds everything by His word of power [φέρων τε τὰ πάντα τῷ ῥήματι τῆς δυνάμεως αὐτοῦ] (v.3b).

6. The Son made purification for sins [καθαρισμὸν τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ποιησάμενος] (v.3.c)

7. The Son was exalted to the right hand of God [ἐκάθισεν ἐν δεξιᾷ τῆς μεγαλωσύνης ἐν ὑψηλοῖς] (v.3d).

The first statement about the Son [ὃν ἔθηκεν κληρονόμον πάντων] is most likely an allusion to Ps 2.8, “Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage [κληρονόμον], and the ends of the earth your possession.”

Through whom also he made the world [διʼ οὗ καὶ ἐποίησεν τοὺς αἰῶνας].  This second statement about the Son portrays the Son as the agent of God’s creation.  This echoes the prologue of John’s gospel when he writes (1.13; cf. 1 Cor 8.6; Col 1.16).  Auctor might also be drawing from the OT Wisdom tradition (Prov 8.22-31; cf. Sir 24.1-12; Wis 8.4).

The second relative clause διʼ οὗ κ.τ.λ. further elaborates on the first.  Both of these relative clauses serve as God’s references for the son; they are credentials for the son as God’s prophet in these last days.

3. And he is the radiance of his glory [ὃς ὢν ἀπαύγασμα τῆς δόξης]. With the use of ἀπαύγασμα Auctor again draws upon the Wisdom tradition that is mentioned above.  The author of Wisdom writes concerning Wisdom, “For she is a reflection [ἀπαύγασμα] of eternal light, a spotless mirror of the working of God, and an image of his goodness” (Wis 7.26; cf. Philo Spec. 4.123; Opif. 1.146; Plan. 1.50).  1 Clem 36 shows a lot of familiarity with Heb 1.

Heb 1

1 Clem. 36

3 ὃς ὢν ἀπαύγασμα τῆς δόξης καὶ χαρακτὴρ τῆς ὑποστάσεως αὐτοῦ, φέρων τε τὰ πάντα τῷ ῥήματι τῆς δυνάμεως αὐτοῦ, καθαρισμὸν τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ποιησάμενος ἐκάθισεν ἐν δεξιᾷ τῆς μεγαλωσύνης ἐν ὑψηλοῖς, 4 τοσούτῳ κρείττων γενόμενος τῶν ἀγγέλων ὅσῳ διαφορώτερον παρʼ αὐτοὺς κεκληρονόμηκεν ὄνομα.  5 Υἱός μου εἶ σύ, ἐγὼ σήμερον γεγέννηκά σε; 7 Ὁ ποιῶν τοὺς ἀγγέλους αὐτοῦ πνεύματα καὶ τοὺς λειτουργοὺς αὐτοῦ πυρὸς φλόγα, 13 Κάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν μου, ἕως ἂν θῶ τοὺς ἐχθρούς σου ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν σου;

ὃς ὢν ἀπαύγασμα τῆς μεγαλωσύνης αὐτοῦ τοσούτῳ μείζων ἐστὶν ἀγγέλων, ὅσῳ διαφορώτερον ὄνομα κεκληρονόμηκεν. 3 γέγραπται γὰρ οὕτως· Ὁ ποιῶν τοὺς ἀγγέλους αὐτοῦ πνεύματα καὶ τοὺς λειτουργοὺς αὐτοῦ πυρὸς φλόγα. 4 ἐπὶ δὲ τῷ υἱῷ αὐτοῦ οὕτως εἶπεν ὁ δεσπότης· Υἱός μου εἶ σύ, ἐγω σήμερον γεγέννηκά σε· αἴτησαι παρʼ ἐμοῦ, καὶ δώσω σοι ἔθνη τὴν κληρονομίαν σου, καὶ τὴν κατάσχεσίν σου τὰ πέρατα τῆς γῆς. 5 καὶ πάλιν λέγει πρὸς αὐτόν· Κάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν μου, ἕως ἂν θῶ τοὺς ἐχθρούς σου ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν σου.

And the exact representation of his nature [καὶ χαρακτὴρ τῆς ὑποστάσεως αὐτοῦ].  The fourth statement describes the Son as χαρακτὴρ τῆς ὑποστάσεως αὐτοῦ [the exact imprint of his nature].  χαρακτὴρ is found only here in the New Testament, but it appears in the LXX three times: Lev 13.28, “for it is the scar [χαρακτὴρ] of the burn”; 2 Macc 4.10, “When the King assented and Jason came to office, he at once shifted his compatriots over to the Greek way of life [χαρακτὴρ]”; 4 Macc 15.4, “…We impress upon the character [χαρακτὴρ] of a small child…”  χαρακτὴρ also appears in Philo fifty-three times.

Upholding all things by the power of his word [φέρων τε τὰ πάντα τῷ ῥήματι τῆς δυνάμεως αὐτοῦ].  Not only is the Son the agent through God created the world (Heb 1.2c), He is also the sustaining agent of all things.  Paul refers to the Son in Col 1.17 (which has similar thematic and theological concepts) as the one who holds all things [τὰ πάντα] together in Himself.  The sustaining of everything is through, or by the means of the powerful word of the Son [τῷ ῥήματι τῆς δυνάμεως αὐτοῦ].  The very same word of power that created the world is the same powerful word that sustains all things.

When he made purification for sins [καθαρισμὸν τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ποιησάμενος].  This cleansing will be discussed in great detail in Heb 9-10, but for now everything is done to avoid alienating the readers at the outset, and the brief mention of purification of sins is to be seen as a rhetorical device.

The Son’s redemptive work in Heb 1.3c [καθαρισμὸν τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ποιησάμενος] parallels his creative work in Heb 1.2c [διʼ οὗ καὶ ἐποίησεν τοὺς αἰῶνας].  Kαθαρισμὸν is fronted to emphasize the Son’s removal of sin.  Both Heb 1.3 and 2 Pet 1.9 use καθαρισμὸν to speak of the cleansing that Jesus accomplished for believers.  Much like Heb 1.3, Heb 10.12 links the sacrifice of Christ with the exaltation of the Son to the right hand of God:

Heb 1.3	Heb 10.12
After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on highκαθαρισμὸν τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ποιησάμενος ἐκάθισεν ἐν δεξιᾷ τῆς μεγαλωσύνης ἐν ὑψηλοῖς	But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of Godοὗτος δὲ μίαν ὑπὲρ ἁμαρτιῶν προσενέγκας θυσίαν εἰς τὸ διηνεκὲς ἐκάθισεν ἐν δεξιᾷ τοῦ θεοῦ

He sat down at the right hand of the majesty on high [ἐκάθισεν ἐν δεξιᾷ τῆς μεγαλωσύνης ἐν ὑψηλοῖς].  The seventh and final statement concerning the Son speaks of His exaltation.  After the Son was made heir of all things, after he created the world, while he is presently sustaining all things through His powerful word, and after He made purification for sin, “He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high [ἐκάθισεν ἐν δεξιᾷ τῆς μεγαλωσύνης ἐν ὑψηλοῖς]” (Heb 1.3d).  Auctor introduces what will be one of his main Old Testament passages in Hebrews, Ps 110. In Hebrews alone, Auctor alludes to Ps 110.1 four times, and quotes it directly once:

Heb 1.3	ἐκάθισεν ἐν δεξιᾷ τῆς μεγαλωσύνης ἐν ὑψηλοῖς
Heb 1.13	Κάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν μου, ἕως ἂν θῶ τοὺς ἐχθρούς σου ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν σου
Heb 8.1	ὃς ἐκάθισεν ἐν δεξιᾷ τοῦ θρόνου τῆς μεγαλωσύνης ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς
Heb 10.12	οὗτος δὲ μίαν ὑπὲρ ἁμαρτιῶν προσενέγκας θυσίαν εἰς τὸ διηνεκὲς ἐκάθισεν ἐν δεξιᾷ τοῦ θεοῦ
Heb 12.2	ἐν δεξιᾷ τε τοῦ θρόνου τοῦ θεοῦ κεκάθικεν

In the New Testament, Ps 110.1(109.1 LXX) is quoted five times (Matt 22.44; Mark 12.36; Luke 20.42-43; Acts 2.34-35; Heb 1.13).  To be at the right hand [ἐν δεξιᾷ] is a sign of authority.  After God raised Jesus from dead, he was “exalted at the right hand of God [τῇ δεξιᾷ οὖν τοῦ θεοῦ ὑψωθείς]” (Acts 2.33).  Paul, speaking of the confidence we have in Christ because of His death, resurrection, and exaltation to glory, writes, “Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who dies – more than that, who was raised – who is at the right hand of God [ὃς καί ἐστιν ἐν δεξιᾷ τοῦ θεοῦ], who is indeed interceding for us” (Rom 8.34; cf. Eph 1.20; Col 3.1).  At the glorification of the Son, God exalted Him to be at His right hand “until [his] enemies are made a footstool for [his] feet.”

4. Having become much greater than the angels, as he has inherited a more excellent name that they [τοσούτῳ κρείττων γενόμενος τῶν ἀγγέλων ὅσῳ διαφορώτερον παρʼ αὐτοὺς κεκληρονόμηκεν ὄνομα].  At the exaltation of the Son to the right hand of God, the Son inherited a much greater name than the angels, because the inheritance that He has received is more excellent than theirs.  The focus of  comparison has shifted from the prophets and the Son in Heb1.1-2a to the Son and angels in Heb1.4-2.9.

The inclusion of angels here should not be seen as an indication of a false view of angels, but rather as Auctor shows in Heb 2.2 they were mediators of the Old Covenant, as the prophets were mediators between God and the fathers.  Not only has the son been appointed heir of all things [ὃν ἔθηκεν κληρονόμον πάντων], but he has also inherited a name that is superior to the angels [ὅσῳ διαφορώτερον παρʼ αὐτοὺς κεκληρονόμηκεν ὄνομα].  The exordium is connected to 1.5ff by means of the hook word ἀγγέλων as well as an inclusio:

Heb 1.5	Τίνι γὰρ εἶπέν ποτε τῶν ἀγγέλων
Heb 1.13	πρὸς τίνα δὲ τῶν ἀγγέλων εἴρηκέν ποτε

International Apostolic Fathers Day

Today I christen it “International Apostolic Fathers” Day.

Theological Musings Made a Top 100 List

To my surprise, this blog was listed as one of the top 100 theology blogs as comprised by christiancolleges.com.  It came in at number 98, under the heading of writings, which is described as being concerned with the study of religious texts.  I must admit that I am very humbled by this recognition, being that my blogging as declined greatly these last months.  I pray that this acknowledgment would be fuel for me to again light the fire of blogging on this site.  Again, thank you for this mention.

The Joys of Hebrew

The more I get to spend time in the Hebrew text, the more I like it.

We Become We Worship

I recently secured a copy of Greg Beale’s new Book We Become What We Worship. It looks to be a good read, so pick it up when you get a chance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author: Greg K. Beale

Paperback: 341 pages

Publisher: IVP Press

Language: English

ISBN-13: 978-0-8308-2877-7

Basics of Verbal Aspect in Biblical Greek: A Review

*Not too long ago I was able to secure a review copy of Basics of Verbal Aspect in Biblical Greek by Constantine Campbell, and I want to thank

Jesse Hillman at Zondervan for the opportunity to review the book.

Author: Constantine R. Campbell

Paperback: 159 pages

Publisher: Zondervan

Language: English/Greek

ISBN-13: 978-0-310-29083-4

In the field of Verbal aspect, there is no end of debate or discussion. With his new book Basics of Verbal Aspect in Biblical Greek (BVA), Constantine Campbell has opened the door for those who have long stood outside trying to get a glimpse and a hearing of what this discussion is all about. Granted, there are areas where one person or another will find that they are in disagreement with Dr. Campbell, but that is to be expected in a field like this. Dr. Campbell has taken the time and recognized that there was a need for a primer like the one he has produced, one in which has long been overdue for the student of Koine who is just getting his feet wet in Greek. While I will not take the time to offer an in-depth review (other have done this, and they have done it quite well), I will discuss the areas of strengths and weaknesses of BVA for the intermediate Greek student and why I think that it is a fine addition for a pastor as well as a seminary student.

This reviewer has been a student of Koine for 4.5 years (3 in undergraduate, and 1.5 in seminary). While learning Greek I was aware of verbal aspect, but it was briefly discussed and then moved away from. As I progressed in my studies, the focus was always on usage of nouns, verbs, participles, etc. and their relationship within a clause and discourse. Many times I was left to wonder why the author of a particular book used the present tense where an aorist would have sufficed. This questioned festered in me and continued to grow. In frustration, I picked up Stan Porters book on aspect and was left lost in his analysis of linguistics and their importance for understanding aspect. Needing a Ph.D. to understand what he was getting at, I put the book down. When I heard of Campbell’s new book, my spirits were lifted and I was sensing there was a light at the end of the aspectual tunnel.

I. Strengths of BVA

1. It is Assessable and Easy to Grasp

One of the problems with reading books on aspect by Porter and Fanning is that they are very technical and have a specialist in mind for their audience. What Campbell has done with his new book is given the student who desires to get involved in the discussion his ticket into the show. He is clear and precise in his presentation, thus allowing the student to begin to grasp the theory of verbal aspect. No doubt there will be some (i.e. see Porter’s blurb on the back of the book) who will disagree with Campbell’s conclusions, but I will ask this: why have they then not attempted to produce a work this assessable for the student? For this reason alone all students of Koine should graciously thank Dr. Campbell for taking the time to write such a book for us.

2. It Has Examples and Exercises to Work Though

The exercises that are included are quite helpful and allow the reader to be able to put theory into practice. Dr. Campbell as explains himself in a clear and concise way, and also has included an answer key at the back, thus allowing the reader to be able to go through the exercises and check his work and progress.

3. It is Geared for the Student and Pastor

If one keeps in mind who the audience is intended to be, then some of the criticisms would most likely end. This book is meant to be a primer and not an in-depth analysis on aspect. Dr. Campbell has already produced two academic monographs that engage the scholar and critic alike. What we have here is a book for us students and pastors alike that brings us into the discussion and allows us the opportunity to learn the lingo and jargon that is espoused in discussions on aspect.

II. Weakness of BVA

1. It Was a Tad Short

The only real weakness that I feel BVA has is its length. At the end of the reading, I was left wanting more discussion and examples. Because there is a slew of books and articles written on aspect, there is most certainly room for more discussion and examples.

At the end of the day, Dr. Campbell has given us a gem of a primer. BVA is a great help for the student desiring to enter into the world of verbal aspect. It is clear, concise, and above all free of most of the technical jargon that makes other books almost impossible for the student to read and interact with. We owe Dr. Campbell a hearty thank you for his work and for giving us students a place at the table of scholars on verbal aspect.

N.B.  This is not Campbell’s first book on verbal aspect. In fact, he has written two very fine and accessible volumes on this very topic.  They are both published by Peter Lang and are very academinc in nature.

Verbal Aspect, the Indicative Mood, and Narrative: Soundings in the Greek of the New Testament (Studies in Biblical Greek).

Verbal Aspect and Non-Indicative Verbs: Further Soundings in the Greek of the New Testament (Studies in Biblical Greek)

A Coming Review

Jesse Hillman of Zondervan publishing was kind enough to send me a review copy of Constatine Campbell’s new book on verbal aspect.  I will be posting a review here later this week (most likely by tomorrow night).  But one quick: Campbell has produced a very fine primer on aspect.  It is not meant to be a comprehensive study, but rather one in which gets the reader started on the path of aspect and its importance and help in interpreting the Greek of the New Testament.

Stay tuned…

I now can see the light…finally!

After a year of Hebrew in my undergraduate studies, I now finally am understanding why vowels change and whatnot.  Praise be to God for this break through.

Now We Are Talking Power!

I just upgraded not to long ago.  What power and resources I now have at my fingertips.

This is a great song

Amazing

Ladies and Gentlemen, I Present to You Polycarp

Get this guys music…Andrew Osenga is amazing!

Two Months to the Day

In exactly two months I will leave the single life and enter the married one.  WOW!  God is good and gracious for giving me a girl like the one I got.  She is hot!  Smart!  Hot!  Incredible!  Loving!  Hot!  She is everything I could ever want in a woman and a wife.

Another One of My Favorite Song-Writers

I can still remember when I first came across the now defunct band The Normals. I thought that they were a pretty good band, but never gave them much of a thought after that. But when they released their second studio album “Coming to Life,” I was hooked! I fell in love with melodies and the passion that was portrayed in the lyrics. To this day, when I hear “No Alibis” or “These Times” it reminds me of my fiance, and that is a good reminder for me (Thanks to the Normals for these two songs!). I highly suggest that you pick up “Coming to Life” and just listen to the passion and incredible song-writing.

All of that to say this: Andrew Osenga is probably my second favorite songwriter of all time (he might actually be tied for first with John Mayer, and on a good day he is my favorite). I love his music and lyrics! I have listened to his album “Photographs” countless number of times, and each listen brings new found love for his writing. I recommend that you get your hands on his stuff. Be one of those people who say, “I have been listening to Andrew long before he was big!”

Check out his site and download his EP “Letters to the Editor, Vol. 1.” This is only a sample of what he is capable of. Whatever you do, go to iTunes and get “Photographs.” That is one amazing piece of art!

Cool Campaign Add Video

I am in no way endorsing Huckabee, I just like the video.

My Favorite Guitarist and Songwriter

Some Thoughts on Suffering, Temptation, and Persecution in Hebrews

The themes of suffering, temptation, and persecution are at the forefront of Hebrews. They are important to the authors development of his homily, especially as it relates to Christ.

1. Jesus, Crowned with Glory and Honor Because of the Suffering of Death (Heb 2.9)

The author (from here on out, Auctor) continues his comparison of the angels with Christ in Heb 2. Auctor informs us that the world that is about to come (την οικουμενην την μελλουσαν) has not been subjected to the angels (2.5). Auctor then quotes from Ps 8.5-7(LXX) as scriptural proof that the world to come is subjected to the Son, although not everything is yet seen as being subjected to him.

In midrashic style, Auctor informs us that the one we see for a little while lower than the angels is none other than Jesus. In an amazing event, the crowning with glory and honor is seen in relation to the suffering that Jesus experienced in death. Heb 2. 9 reads: “But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.” The crowning with glory and honor that the Messiah experienced was only because he was willing to die, by the grace of God, for everyone.

Suffering in Endurance

I received in the mail today Endurance in Suffering: Hebrews 12.1-13 in its Rhetorical, Religious, and Philosophical Context, by N. Clayton Croy. I am looking forward to beginning this volume, for it is the area of research that I hope to explore for my M. A. thesis.