Exegesis is the critical interpretation of a Biblical text, to explore its meaning, significance and relevance.
6
votes
1answer
145 views
Is Paul making an oath in Galatians 1?
Several times in the New Testament, we are told not to make oaths but to make simple statements of affirmation or denial. For example...
Matthew 5:33-37 (NIV)
33 “Again, ...
6
votes
3answers
289 views
Is there Biblical support for Hell?
One of the common tenets of Christian Universalism (as well as Annihilationism) is the non-existence of Hell as an eternal punishment for non-Christians, that everyone has been granted salvation ...
6
votes
2answers
153 views
How does spiritual maturity affect our hermeneutic (how we interpret the Bible)?
The are various Bible passages that compare learning to the phase of infancy to adulthood. I assume children and adults have a similar hermeneutic, in terms of logic, yet they do not see things the ...
6
votes
3answers
126 views
Can Christians handle rattlesnakes? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
The effect of poison on Christians
How should I understand the following verse?
Mark 16:18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they
drink deadly ...
6
votes
2answers
202 views
Significance of Genesis 1 verb choices
I was surprised recently when I read Genesis 1 again, and noticed how inactive God is during the creation process. I mean that from a literary standpoint, not a literal one... bear with me. :)
Below ...
5
votes
4answers
179 views
How literally is Romans 10:14 supposed to be taken?
I recently learned that St. Augustine held an extremely literal view of a particular verse in Romans...
Romans 10:14 (NLT)
14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they ...
5
votes
5answers
2k views
What is the significance of water from Jesus' side?
John 19:34 "one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear,
bringing a sudden flow of blood and water."
I know this is supposed to be something great as in the next verse the apostle ...
5
votes
2answers
312 views
What does Revelation 21:5 mean by “everything”?
Revelation 21:5 (NIV)::
He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
My pastor included this ...
5
votes
3answers
95 views
When scripture quotes a non-biblical source, without any opposition of the source, does it imply any endorsement?
In addition to alluding to various Jewish proverbs, sayings, and parables, sometimes the Bible seems to directly quote Greek philosophers (Acts 17:28), Jewish oral traditions (Jude 9, 12) or possibly ...
5
votes
1answer
225 views
Why and when did allegorical interpretations of Scripture lose their appeal?
Gregory of Nyssa's book The Life of Moses is, if nothing else, a very interesting read. He goes through Moses' account in Exodus and ascribes spiritual meanings to every little detail, although it is ...
5
votes
2answers
87 views
Why did the people believe that no one would know where the Christ came from?
In John 7:25-27, Jesus is speaking to a crowd of people. They seem pretty impressed with Him and begin to wonder if He could be the Messiah. However, one of their objections is that they know where ...
5
votes
1answer
376 views
What was Paul's “revelation” (mentioned in Galatians 2:2)?
Then after an interval of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along also. It was because of a revelation that I went up; and I submitted to them the gospel which ...
5
votes
2answers
528 views
What is the significance of Eve being created as a “helper fit for [Adam]?”
The Bible appears to indicate that there was a specific purpose in the creation of Eve, from Adam, to be a helper fit for him. It seems, then, that the design of Adam and Eve may be distinct, while ...
5
votes
2answers
48 views
What is “your peace” in Matthew 10?
In Matthew 10, Jesus is instructing his disciples, whom he is sending out to preach to the children of Israel as follows:
11 Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person ...
5
votes
2answers
131 views
Was Jesus an adherent to 'Sola Scriptura'?
Adherents to Sola Scriptura basically believe that Scripture should be the foundation of all doctrine. (NOTE: That is not to say that outside sources cannot be used to aide us in understanding the ...
5
votes
2answers
345 views
What did Jesus mean when He said we must “eat His flesh and drink His blood”?
In John 6, Jesus states that unless we eat His flesh and drink His blood, we have no life in us.
Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of
the Son of Man and drink ...
4
votes
2answers
161 views
What is agreed upon in all Christain denominations? [closed]
What are all the beliefs, doctrine, rules, etc. that are NOT in dispute by all the different Christian flavors and denominations? Is there anything considered consistent among all denominations?
...
4
votes
2answers
175 views
What does Paul mean when he says Jesus “emptied himself”?
In Philipians 2:7 Paul writes:
but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant,[a] being born in
the likeness of men (ESV)
I always understood this to mean that he was humble enough to ...
4
votes
5answers
192 views
Is Matthew 28 saying something about Baptism?
On our sister site I asked a question about what the correct grammatical interpretation of Matthew 28:19 is with relation to baptism.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing ...
4
votes
7answers
255 views
Who is Father or God in Christianity
The following are some lines in which Jesus (Peace be upon him) mentions "Father" or "God".
Is Islam we consider "Father" or "God" to be referring to Allah as Jesus (Peace be upon him) is ...
4
votes
2answers
504 views
Why does the throne in Daniel 7:9 have wheels and are they literally wheels?
Daniel 7:9
He sat on a fiery throne with wheels of blazing fire.
There are also references to wheels in Ezekiel Chapter 10 (which may or may not be related).
Is there a significance to the ...
4
votes
3answers
60 views
What exactly is the biblical reference to a serpent?
It seems that most places in the bible where serpents are referred to they are a reference to Satan/the devil. Yet in Mathew 10:16 Christ says, "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of ...
4
votes
3answers
97 views
How is a Christian supposed to fear God when “there is no fear in love” (1 John 4:18)?
In both the Old and New Testaments, we are commanded to "fear the Lord".
Fear the Lord your God and serve him. Hold fast to him and take your oaths in his name. Deuteronomy 10:20 ESV
Honor ...
4
votes
1answer
94 views
What is Typology in the context of Christianity, and how does it help understand doctrinal matters?
What is Typology in the context of Christianity, and how does it help understand, or enhance our understanding of doctrinal matters?
Also, is this something that the Church has always believed ...
3
votes
2answers
339 views
Why was Tamar more righteous than Judah?
Genesis 38 tells the story of Judah and Tamar. At first Tamar was married to Er (Judah's firstborn son) but he was wicked and killed by the Lord v6-7. So Judah tells Tamar to wait until his youngest ...
3
votes
3answers
180 views
Who are the “little ones” in Luke 17?
From NIV, Luke 17:
Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. It would be better for them to be thrown into the ...
3
votes
1answer
507 views
Why do women have inferior rights in the Bible? [closed]
The Bible has many parts (in both the Old and New Testaments) that shows the inferior status of women.
Does this come from status in ancient times or does it have another basis?
Why do woman today ...
3
votes
3answers
1k views
What does the Bible say about giving your life away for Jesus?
On a Christian radio station I constantly hear the phrase "to give your life away for Jesus" but they never say what that means.
I am very confused about this concept. Any clarification is helpful, ...
3
votes
1answer
468 views
What is the Christian perspective on the description of God?
My pastor (Calvary Chapel) referred to God as His father, then once said that God is everywhere and in everything (i.e. - inside each person) and then that God is Love.
So now I am confused as to ...
3
votes
2answers
152 views
How much authority does a father have over his wife and children?
Some people might claim that a wife must do what her husband says in every situation and they will site the Bible as it being the Divine order of things.
It does seem that the Bible gives authority ...
3
votes
1answer
82 views
What is the biblical basis for the position that Embryonic Stem Cell Research is immoral/sinful?
Many churches teach the embryonic stem cell Research is strictly wrong, while adult stem cell research is alright. What is the biblical basis for this teaching and why are the two distinguished?
3
votes
1answer
59 views
Did the Lord God agree with “an eye for an eye”? [duplicate]
In the Old Testament there is a scripture about an eye for an eye law:
[Exodus 21:23~25] And if [any] mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, ...
3
votes
2answers
251 views
What is the Biblical view of “the spiritual gift of leadership”?
Romans 12 is said to describe "spiritual gifts". (See this post, for instance.) Such gifts are often regarded as being granted supernaturally to specific Christians, who are then specially able to ...
2
votes
1answer
284 views
Does the Bible say it is sinful for a woman (mother) to work outside of the home?
Does the Bible say it is sinful for a woman (mother) to work outside of the home? Does 1 Timothy 5:8 mean that only the husband is to provide for the family?
Anyone who does not provide for their ...
2
votes
1answer
576 views
What does the Bible say in regards to technological development? [closed]
With regards to technological advances, the study of technology and continuing to make medical and convenience advancements that prolong life, and the "playing god" complex.
What does the Bible have ...
2
votes
1answer
3k views
When did Satan get cast out of heaven? Or is that yet to come?
This answer explains that it happened after Jesus ascended, and might even be something that will happen in the "End Times", but this answer says that it happened before Adam and Eve sinned.
What ...
2
votes
2answers
95 views
Identifying the Three and the One in Scripture in light of the Trinity
I am very interested in learning more about the Trinity. I love God, and really want to understand Them better.
..I mean Him. This came to my mind earlier, and I laughed, but then caught myself, ...
2
votes
2answers
110 views
Knowledge of your sin
For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which ...
2
votes
2answers
166 views
Did Jesus' parables have different meanings to the different Gospel writer's congregations?
My parish priest uses the example of Matthew 13:18-23 to explain that this one explanation of the parable of the sower was the one that Matthew, wanted to put in his Gospel to drive home some ...
1
vote
1answer
416 views
Is Leviticus 14 describing a cure for leprosy?
It seems like a "cure" for leprosy that involves taking two birds, killing one and dipping the other in the blood of the first, then sprinkling the blood in a particular fashion, multiple times.
...
1
vote
3answers
799 views
Why did Paul want God to repay Alexander the metalworker?
In II Timothy 4:14-15, Paul writes:
Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord
will repay him for what he has done. You too should be on your
guard against him, because he ...
1
vote
3answers
405 views
if homosexuality is a sin, why isn't abstinence? [closed]
I've always wondered why homosexuality is a sin. The most common argument I hear though is that "They can't procreate and be fruitful, which is an integral part of God's design for us". But I notice a ...
1
vote
3answers
81 views
What do the verses in Luke 5:20-25 teach us?
They have always puzzled me and I fail to understand what is what.
Luke 5:20-23
When Jesus saw their faith he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” Then the experts in the law and the ...
1
vote
4answers
144 views
When, if ever, is eisegesis a valid interpretation of scripture over exegesis?
Typically, exegesis is used when interpreting scripture, so that value, meaning, and instruction is derived from the words.
When is eisegesis, or reading-into scripture, a valid interpretational ...
1
vote
1answer
126 views
How do mainstream Christians handle the Epistle of St. Barnabas' prophecy that Jesus will return in the next 50 years?
In the Epistle of Barnabas, it says
Barnabas 15:3 Of the Sabbath He speaketh in the beginning of the
creation; And God made the works of His hands in six days, and He
ended on the seventh day, ...
1
vote
2answers
489 views
Per Ecclesiastes 7:16, Does the Bible want me to sin?
From Ecclesiastes 7:16,
Do not be overrighteous,
neither be overwise—
why destroy yourself?
So, why does the Bible say, "don't be too righteous"? Encouraging one to be moderate in ...
1
vote
2answers
285 views
Does 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 assume Christian pacifism?
In 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 Paul makes a contrast between spiritual warfare and war "according to human standards":
Indeed, we live as human beings, but we do not wage war according to human ...
1
vote
1answer
77 views
When was “time” created in Genesis?
When was "time" created in Genesis? Was it on "day three", when day and night were created?
1
vote
2answers
199 views
In the parable of the sower, what exegetical reasons are there to interpret the third type of soil to be genuine Christians?
In the parable of the sower, four types of soil are mentioned. It seems to be pretty commonly accepted that the first two types of soils represent unbelievers or "make believers". The fourth type of ...
0
votes
3answers
2k views
Is it a sin to be a transgender person? [closed]
I have never seen anything in the Bible that mentions that being transgender is a sin, but people tell me all the time that I am an abomination. I'm still a good person and always try to do the right ...
