Greetings from Bellingham WA

Well, I have officially arrived in my new home of Bellingham. First impressions: green, clean and crisp! I enjoy having trees surrounding me and breathing in crisp, clean air. My apartment is directly behind where I will be working, so the walk is a miserable 30 second jaunt. I have been staying with my best friend and his family in Mt. Vernon the last few days while I get adjusted to Washingtonian life.

I am eager to begin work. Having worked the last 4 years non-stop, these last few weeks of not working have been boring. I do not like having a lot of free time, so I have been reading mainly a biography on F.F. Bruce. I am looking forward to getting into a new routine of work and living, but it will not be complete until I have my amazing wife with me here.

Well, I am off for now, but look I will be back more regularly in the coming days.

Post Tenebras Lux

Cliff

Laying the Smack Down!

I love cats! Jim West, you best be careful how you speak to God’s enforcers of justice.

I Wish!

Someone did the following search and found my blog:

I did not know I held a professorship at a university? Maybe Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, Tübingen?

Relocating and Beginning a New Job

I have been busy these last few weeks. I am packing up my life here in California to take it all north to the town of Bellingham, Washington in order to begin a job with Logos Bible Software. I am very grateful to have been given this opportunity to work for a company that I love.

This is a very exciting time in my life, and one which I have struggled to attain for quite sometime. The last ten or so years have been filled with many ups and downs, sadly more downs than ups. But the Lord has been faithful and has never left me to pick up the pieces on my own. Every heartbreak and dissappointment has led me to this place and to Washington. I have seen the way the Lord has orchestrated his plan and seen his hand move in powerful ways. I am so very humbled by his grace and faithfulness! He has provided me with more than I can every ask for or think of. May he continue to bless the path that he has set before me and my wife.

It will be hard to leave the town I have known since birth. I have lived here in southern California all of my life; it is all that I have ever known. I have moved a few times, but only in a radius of a few miles at most. One thing that I have found out is that I do not take change well, so I ask for prayer for a fast adjustment. Sadly my wife will not be able to join me right away, but she will soon. This will be hard for us both, so I ask for prayer for her as she adjusts to life apart for a season. Pray that she can secure a job fast and move up and join me in Washington. Until she arrives I will have the company of one of my best friends and his family. It will be so good to be able to go on a milkshake run like we use to in college. He is a good friend and a dear brother in the Lord.

Well, that is all for now. I will begin posting more regularly once I a settled into my new job and home in Washington.

I leave you with  what has become my motto and the promise I have clung to in the Lord: Post Tenebras Lux (After Darkness Light)

CBK

PS – If you are ever in Bellingham look me up; coffee is on me!

Teacher of the Word, Listen Up!

Any man to-day can learn to read the Greek New Testament if he wants to do it. There are schools in plenty within easy reach of all. But if circumstances close one’s path to the school, there are books in plenty and cheap enough for all. No one to-day has to make his own grammar and lexicon of the Greek New Testament or go without a teacher.

From: A. T. Robertson. The Minister and His Greek New Testament. New York: George H. Doran, 1923. (See ch. 9.)

(HT: Rod Decker).

C. K. Barrett (Audio) Lectures

Hosted over at Aubury Theological Seminary are lectures from the late C. K. Barrett. This is exciting for me because I have never heard Barrett, one of my favorite New Testament scholars, speak. So I suggest that you go over to their media page and download all of his lectures.

(HT: Matt Montonini)

The Christ Hymn

One of my favorite sections of Scripture is Philippians 2:5-11. In this passage Paul paints for us a beautiful picture of humility and self-denial in the person of Christ. All to often I read this hymn and I am immediately struck by how I fail to model such humility. Whereas Christ climbs down the latter of success and praise from others, I seem to want to climb as high as I can up that very latter. When you examine the text, you get a picture of just how far down the latter Christ goes.

5 τοῦτο φρονεῖτε ἐν ὑμῖν ὃ καὶ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, 6 ὃς ἐν μορφῇ θεοῦ ὑπάρχων οὐχ ἁρπαγμὸν ἡγήσατο τὸ εἶναι ἴσα θεῷ, 7 ἀλλὰ ἑαυτὸν ἐκένωσεν μορφὴν δούλου λαβών, ἐν ὁμοιώματι ἀνθρώπων γενόμενος· καὶ σχήματι εὑρεθεὶς ὡς ἄνθρωπος 8 ἐταπείνωσεν ἑαυτὸν γενόμενος ὑπήκοος μέχρι θανάτου, θανάτου δὲ σταυροῦ. 9 διὸ καὶ ὁ θεὸς αὐτὸν ὑπερύψωσεν καὶ ἐχαρίσατο αὐτῷ τὸ ὄνομα τὸ ὑπὲρ πᾶν ὄνομα, 10 ἵνα ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι Ἰησοῦ πᾶν γόνυ κάμψῃ ἐπουρανίων καὶ ἐπιγείων καὶ καταχθονίων 11 καὶ πᾶσα γλῶσσα ἐξομολογήσηται ὅτι κύριος Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς εἰς δόξαν θεοῦ πατρός (Phil 2:5-11).

Paul frames his hymn with a command in v.5: τοῦτο φρονεῖτε ἐν ὑμῖν ὃ καὶ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ (Have this way of thinking among yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus). The demonstrative τοῦτο functions in both a backward as well as forward pointing manner, reminding the reader of what was previously said and also preparing the reader for what follows. Already Paul has exhorted the Philippians to act in a way which cares more for the concerns of others rather than themselves. But in case the Philippians do not know how this looks, Paul gives them the ultimate example of humility, Christ Jesus.

While much has been said in regards to Phil 2.6-11 and the deity of Christ, I tend to think that this is not the main focus of Paul’s argument. While he does in fact make mention of Christ’s deity, ὃς ἐν μορφῇ θεοῦ ὑπάρχων (Although he existed in the form of God…), it is in passing and assumed. It is hard to believe that in light of the command in v.5 Paul would focus on Christ’s deity as their motivation to think in a particular manner. The reader may ask himself, How can anyone attempt to even try to have the mindset of Christ since he is God? Rather, Paul focuses on the humanity of Christ.

What exactly was the attitude(s) that Paul says was characteristic of Jesus?

1. He did not grasp for what was rightfully his (οὐχ ἁρπαγμὸν ἡγήσατο τὸ εἶναι ἴσα θεῷ). Although he was God, he did not concern himself with the privileges, honor, or status that came with the title God. In an honor and shame culture like the one we find in Phillipi, the pursuit of glory and honor meant everything. But Jesus did not climb that latter.
2. Instead, he emptied himself of this pursuit by taking the form of a slave (ἀλλὰ ἑαυτὸν ἐκένωσεν μορφὴν δούλου λαβών, ἐν ὁμοιώματι ἀνθρώπων γενόμενος·). Right here we see the irony of this in full effect. Christ, who is God, refuses to cling to his title, and instead goes the other way and takes on the status of a slave. The Master becomes the slave.
3. The climb down the latter of success ends with three nails and a cross (ἐταπείνωσεν ἑαυτὸν γενόμενος ὑπήκοος μέχρι θανάτου, θανάτου δὲ σταυροῦ). The Lord of glory willing submits to the most shameful death imaginable. In first-century Palestine there was no more shameful way of dying. Not only is the physical pain unbearable, but while you are hanging there in pain you are also suffering the pain of shame, mockery, and rejection.

Thankfully the hymn does not end there. God does not leave Christ with the shame of the cross to bear. Instead, he exalts him higher than he previously was and gives him a name more glorious than any name (διὸ καὶ ὁ θεὸς αὐτὸν ὑπερύψωσεν καὶ ἐχαρίσατο αὐτῷ τὸ ὄνομα τὸ ὑπὲρ πᾶν ὄνομα). And it is at this name, Jesus, that every knee will bow and tongue confess Jesus is Lord (ἵνα ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι Ἰησοῦ πᾶν γόνυ κάμψῃ ἐπουρανίων καὶ ἐπιγείων καὶ καταχθονίων καὶ πᾶσα γλῶσσα ἐξομολογήσηται ὅτι κύριος Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς εἰς δόξαν θεοῦ πατρός).

In a culture saturated in honor and the drive for success, Paul turns the whole thing upside down and gives us a picture of what true humility looks like. Instead of seeking honor and praise from man, seek rather how you can serve others in a manner that may lead to your death. But do not worry, God will reward you in heaven.

In closing I am reminded of the words of the Master: “He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it.”

The Dead Sea Scrolls in High Def

Thanks to the good folks over at Google, we now have the privilege of being able to view the DSS in high def from our home.

The Israel Museum welcomes you to the Dead Sea Scrolls Digital Project, allowing users to examine and explore these most ancient manuscripts from Second Temple times at a level of detail never before possible. Developed in partnership with Google, the new website gives users access to searchable, fast-loading, high-resolution images of the scrolls, as well as short explanatory videos and background information on the texts and their history. The Dead Sea Scrolls, which include the oldest known biblical manuscripts in existence, offer critical insight into Jewish society in the Land of Israel during the Second Temple Period, the time of the birth of Christianity and Rabbinic Judaism. Five complete scrolls from the Israel Museum have been digitized for the project at this stage and are now accessible online.

It goes without saying how important these writings are to both Jewish and early Christian studies. There discovery in the middle of last century was perhaps the greatest archaeological find in the past hundred-plus years.

As of right now, five of the scrolls have been digitized and placed online for viewing: the Great Isaiah Scroll, the War Scroll, Commentary on the Habakkuk Scroll, the Temple Scroll, and the Community Rule Scroll.

For those who may not know much about the Scrolls, they have included a section on their site that gives the reader the basic information about their discovery, their nature and significance, the Qumran Community, and the Shrine of the Book, where the Scrolls reside in Israel.

[HT: Jim]

The Perseus Collection Review: Some Thoughts on the Classics Collection

When I first heard that Logos was releasing the Perseus Collection I was most anxious and excited for the Classics Collection. Having been a Greek major in my undergrad I was exposed to many of the authors that are included in this marvelous collection. One of my areas of interest is the study of rhetoric, and for me this collection is a homerun! I now have the writings of Aristotle, Plato, Cicero, Quintilian, and the likes all ready to be read, searched, and explored right from my computer.

The Perseus Collection in Action

Now we will take a look at how this collection can help in ones study of scripture. One of New Testament books that has been analyzed used Graeco-Roman rhetoric is Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. In his commentary on the Corinthian epistles, Ben Witherington utilizes the methods of ancient rhetoric in his interpretation of these Pauline writings. In so doing, he realies heavily on the writings of the master rhetoricians in order to show how Paul himself constructed his writings according to this ancient practice.

In the above capture from Witherington’s commentary, you notice the circled footnote 135. When we click on this we get the following reference:

 

Notice that the highlighted sections point the reader to references from Aristotle, Pliny, and Quintilian. Now with the Perseus Collection one can open these references up in Logos and read for the primary sources for themselves.

Aristotle, Rhetoric 1413.2.1

Quintilian, Institutio Oratoria 12.10.53-55

I would like to make mention of a few things. First, unlike other resources in Logos the Perseus Collection is not yet hyper-linked between resources. What I mean by this is that you cannot click on a reference and have it instantly open up to that particular spot. Instead, you need to go your library icon and type in the resource you need. Second, the Greek texts in Perseus are linked primarily to LSJ, but a few times BDAG was opened when I double clicked a Greek word.

Overall this is a helpful inclusion for studying the scriptures. Once all of the references to the texts included in the Classics Collection are tag and linked, this collection will be that much better.

A important note – If you want to get your free copy of this collection you must first make sure to do the following:

1. Make sure you have the latest version of Logos 4.3. You can download the basic engine for free here.
2. Make sure you preorder now! Once Logos begins to process the preorders they will temporarily remove the Perseus Collection from their site so that they do not use to much bandwidth. But do not fret! Once things slow down they will once again place the collection back on their site for all to freely download.

The Perseus Collection Review

The kind folks at Logos Bible Software sent me a review copy of three of the collections contained in the massive Perseus Collection, the Classic Collection, the Arabic Collection, and the Duke Databank of Documentary Papyri. Over the next few days I will post reviews as I familiarize myself with this collection.

Some Initial First Impressions

One of the first things that I noticed was the size of the file which downloaded automatically in Logos 4. One of the nice things about Logos 4 is that any and all updates that you may have is automatically downloaded. This is nice, because often one may forget to manually check and see if there are any updates for available to download. As I mentioned above, I only requested three of the collections, and these three together came in at just under 800MB. So, if you order all seven collections, be ready for a download size well over 1GB.

After downloading I recommend that you allow your computer to fully index your newly downloaded collections. If possible, let your computer complete this process overnight. When you awake, you should have a fully indexed and searchable collection of primary source materials right at your fingertips.

If you may be wondering why this collection is important in ones understanding of scripture, please refer to my previous post on the Importance of the Perseus Collection.

Please do come back as I continue to post my review of this incredible resource. Logos is to be commended for releasing this wealth of material, and to do so for free.

A important note – If you want to get your free copy of this collection you must first make sure to do the following:

1. Make sure you have the latest version of Logos 4.3. You can download the basic engine for free here.
2. Make sure you preorder now! Once Logos begins to process the preorders they will temporarily remove the Perseus Collection from their site so that they do not use to much bandwidth. But do not fret! Once things slow down they will once again place the collection back on their site for all to freely download.

 

Luke Timothy Johnson’s Hebrews Commentary on Sale

I happened to stop by ChristianBook.com and noticed that they were having a sale on some commentaries. One of these commentaries is Luke Johnson’s excellent commentary on Hebrews. While it normally lists for $50, CBD has it on sale for the unbelievable price of $12.99. So I suggest that you take your Starbucks money for the week and save it to buy this excellent commentary. You will thank me later.

The Greatest Opening in Ancient Literature

“The final disclosure of God’s mind and purpose has been made in his Son.” James Moffatt.

A number of years ago I wrote my senior paper on Hebrews 1.1-4, giving it the title In These Last Days: The Final Communicative Act of God. Tonight I just cracked open Moffat’s ICC commentary on Hebrews and read the above quote. He says pretty much the same thing I said. Just thought that to be cool.

Movie Notes: Warrior

Last night the Mrs. and I decided to go and see the newly released flick Warrior. Warrior is a film about two estranged brothers who both enter the same MMA tournament. They each battle their way to the finals, where they face each other for a prize worth five-million dollars.

Going into the film I was not expecting much more than a movie with good fight scenes and a Rocky-like story of an underdog rising to the top. What I got was a story of forgiveness and redemption moving the story right along to its climax in the ring. I was completely surprised with how incredible Warrior was. The director-who also directed one of my favorite sports films of all time, Miracle-uses the MMA tournament as the vechile to drive the narrative of the story forward. But the character development between the two estranged brothers and their alcoholic is where this movie really shines.

So if you are looking for a movie to watch this weekend, I highly recommend that you go see Warrior.

Rating: 4/5

When Cat’s Attack!

Those that know me know that I love cats. Not just any cat, but more specifically my cat. His name is Polycarp, and he is awesome. Well enough about Polycarp. The above video is awesome on so many levels. It proves that if you mess with a cat, it will mess back. And that goes for you Mr. Jim West. They know where you live and they will strike hard and fast. So be aware!

The Use of Exodus in Hebrews: A Multi-Part Review

Below is the template that I will follow for my review of King L. She’s The Use of Exodus in Hebrews. As I read and review each chapter I will add links to each corresponding chapter.

Part One: Descriptive Use of Exodus in Hebrews

1. Introduction

2. Descriptive Analysis of Significant Exodus Citations and Cultic Vocabulary in Hebrews

Part Two: Prescriptive Use of Exodus in Hebrews

3. Presuppositions of a Prescriptive Analysis in Hebrews

4. Prelude to Prescriptive Analysis in Hebrews

5. Auctor’s Attitude toward the Old Testament in Light of the Christ Event

6. History of the Interpretive Influence of Exodus

7. Auctor’s Typological Use of Exodus in Light of the Christ Event

8. Hermeneutical Methodology Employed in the Use of Exodus by Auctor

9. Conclusion

You’ve Got Mail

Many thanks to Peter Lang for sending my way a copy of King L. She’s The Use of Exodus in Hebrews. I am excited to start reading this book, as Hebrews as been a main area of study for me these past six years. Keep an eye out for the review.

From Eden to the New Jerusalem-A Review

Alexander, T. Desmond.

From Eden to the New Jerusalem: An Introduction to Biblical Theology

Grand Rapids: Kregel Academic, 2008.

Reviewed by: C. B. Kvidahl

| Amazon |

 

T. Desmond Alexander’s From Eden to the New Jerusalem is a wealth of information packed into only 192 pages. Alexander begins his study by looking to Revelation 21-22 as a window back into the garden of Eden. As the subtitle states, this is an introduction into the discipline of Biblical Theology. But it is so much more than just an introduction. Alexander traces some of the key themes that begin in Gen 3 and come to their full consummation in Rev 21-22. Alexander does not seek to provide an exhaustive study of key themes, rather he focuses on the forest more so than the individual trees. But do not expect this to be a super sonic fly over; it is rather a slow fly over, allowing the reader to the forest and admire the view.

In each of the eight chapters in the book, Alexander traces the story from creation to new-creation, highlighting certain motifs as the Eden as a temple-garden, the tabernacle, humanity as God’s viceroys, the great serpent, Passover and the Lamb, the tree of life, and New Jerusalem and Babylon. Alexander engages the reader from start to finish, showing how these themes tie together.

In chapter two, the author shows how the garden of Eden was more than just a place to see pretty plants. From the beginning, God has his dwelling with mankind. He creates a world and places Adam and Eve in the garden in order to tend and take care of his creation. Not only this, but we note that God would often walk with man in the garden. Further, Alexander notes some similarities that Eden shares with the later tabernacle/temple:

• Eden and the later tabernacle/temple were entered from the east, with cherubim guarding the entrance.
• The tree of life is later represented in the tabernacle/temple by the menorah.
• The same Hebrew words for “to serve, till” and “to keep, observe, guard” are used only in relation to Adam and Eve and later the priests who serve in the tabernacle/temple.
• The gemstone spoken of in Gen 2 (gold and onyx) were later used in the tabernacle/temple to decorate the sanctuary and the priestly garments.
• The presence of the Lord is in both Eden (God walks with Adam and Eve) and the tabernacle/temple.

Alexander traces the tabernacle/temple motif through the Exodus of Israel, Temple in Jerusalem, Jesus, the Church, and finally the New Jerusalem of Rev 21-22. Through the development of Israel as God’s people, and later the Church, Alexander shows the reader how this Temple motif is central and important. Whereas before the fall mankind had full access to and fellowship with God, since then God has been in the business of restoring mankind’s access to God.

Another theme which Alexander traces is the idea of humanity of God’s viceroys. When God created mankind, he created them with intent that the populate the earth and spread God’s presence throughout his creation. He gave Adam and Eve dominion over the animals and commanded them to multiply. But when the serpent entered into the garden and deceived Adam and Eve, they transferred their allegiance from God to Satan, thus allowing Satan to gain a foothold in God’s creation. As Alexander states, “by betraying God and obeying the serpent, the royal couple dethrone God.” This betrayal cost the couple their priestly status, and God banished them from the garden and from his presence. The remainder of the story is God orchestrating in such a way as to re-establish his kingdom on earth. When Jesus comes proclaiming that the kingdom of heaven is at hand, he ushers in God’s kingdom and his victory over the rule and dominion of the great serpent Satan. Through the death, resurrection, and ascension of the Messiah, the Church now has keys to the kingdom. At the death of Christ, Satan is bound and the gospel is spread throughout the earth. Although the Church now currently lives in the tension of the already-but-not-yet, we eagerly await the coming of the New Jerusalem and our Messiah.

The only criticism I have with this excellent study is that chapter seven seemed to drag on a bit. While I see its necessity in a study like this, I just felt like the momentum which was gained in the first six chapters seemed to slow a bit towards the end. Nevertheless, I would recommend From Eden to the New Jerusalem to the reader looking for a book that shows the reader how to not only understand the discipline of Biblical Theology, but to also see how it is done first hand.

 

Quote of the Day

On healings and exorcisms in our world today, T. Desmond Alexander writes:

…It is possible for Jesus’ followers also to experience in the present something of the eschatological age in terms of healings and exorcisms. However, this will always be less than what awaits us. God may heal, here and now, but not on every occasion. There may be occasions, here and now, when evil powers are defeated, but not always. This should not surprise us. The present evil age will eventually give way to the next. If we all received from God complete holiness and wholeness now, there would be no need for the new earth. As it is, however, we live on an earth presently controlled by the evil one. Only when Satan is finally defeated shall we know life as God intended it (From Eden to the New Jerusalem,155: emphasis added).

Presently we find ourselves living in the tension of the already-but-not-yet. We are now experiencing the kingdom of God as believers, but the kingdom awaits its full consummation. We await the return of the king of kings, who will bring with him the new heavens and new earth we long for. But as Alexander states, right now we only “have a glimpse of what the coming age will be like.”

A Word From the Fathers

3. I am writing you these comments about righteousness, brothers, not on my own initiative but because you invited me to do so. (2) For neither I nor anyone like me can keep pace with the wisdom of the blessed and glorious Paul, who, when he was among you in the presence of the men of that time,15 accurately and reliably taught the word concerning the truth. And when he was absent he wrote you letters;16 if you study them carefully, you will be able to build yourselves up in the faith that has been given to you, (3) “which is the mother of us all,”17 while hope follows and love for God and Christ and for our neighbor leads the way. For if anyone is occupied with these, he has fulfilled the commandment of righteousness, for one who has love is far from all sin.
~Polycarp to the Philippians~

The Passing of a New Testament Giant and Personal Hero

I suppose it was his name that first caught my attention. I was a young Christian who was just given a wealth of books from the library of a friend. One of the books that I was given was a commentary on the Gospel of John. While skimming through it I noticed the amount of detail and precision that filled the pages. Although at the time I knew not a lick of Greek, I nevertheless appreciated the amount of detail that the author went into. That author was the great New Testament exegete, Charles Kingsley Barrett.

I suppose it is safe to say that C. K. Barrett was one of the main reasons why I not only majored in Greek, but he is also a major influence in regards to academic discipline and rigor. His commentary on John was the gateway for me into the world of academic studies. As I started to branch out into the world of critical studies, Barrett was a helpful guide, pointing me in the direction of many standard academic tomes. As the world of critical scholarship began to open its illustrious doors, I soon began to see the name Barrett around every corner. Not only was Barrett a Johannine scholar, I soon realized that he was trained in classics, and had is hand in almost every scholastic cookie jar in New Testament studies.

So, as the years passed I began to acquire as many of his writings as I could. One work in particular comes to mind. While in college I ran across a reference to a festschrift written honor of Barrett entitled “Paul and Paulinism.” I immediately searched the web for a copy of is work. Not only did I discover it was out of print, but used copies at that time would cost me well over a hundred dollars. Being the starving college student that I was, I sadly had to pass it by. Now flash forward a few years, and a random search of Amazon reveals a copy for the staggering price of $20. Still the starving college student that I am, I could nevertheless pass it by this time.

You can imagine my sadness as I read earlier this morning that Charles Kingsley Barrett passed from this life to glory. He was 94 years old (1917-2011). He spent his career teaching in university of Durham as professor of divinity, retiring in 1982. Barrett was also heavily involved in the Methodist church in England. Some of his works included a two-volume commentary on Acts, commentaries on 1 Corinthians, Romans, articles on the eschatology in Hebrews, Acts, John, and a myriad of other works. So, today I encourage you to pick up a Barrett book or article and read with me the work of a brilliant New Testament exegete.