In this post, Jefferson Vann shares his defense of particular translation choices in Philippians 1:27-30. Philippians 1:27a Just one thing: live your lives worthy of the gospel of Christ. The Christian Standard Bible adds the words “As citizens of heaven” with no textual reason for doing so. Paul would later tell the Philippians that he and they shared a mutual … [Read more...]
the courage to unteach
In the courage to unteach, Jefferson Vann exegetes Acts 15:22-35, and shows the importance of defending correct doctrine, and correcting false doctrine. Acts 15:22-35 (JDV) Acts 15:22 Then the missionaries and the elders, with the whole congregation, decided to select men who were among them and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas, called Barsabbas, and … [Read more...]
a little gift of Christmas honesty
In "a little gift of Christmas honesty" Jefferson Vann apologizes for those who sometimes misrepresent the gospel in their Christmas presentations. It’s going to be a slim Christmas this year for me and my family. I have had a couple of years of meagre to no employment, so mostly I will be trying to keep things I have not totally lost – a grateful attitude and a helpful … [Read more...]
uncomfortable words of comfort
In "uncomfortable words of comfort" Jefferson Vann explains why attempts at comforting him at a recent funeral made him feel uncomfortable. I just laid to rest the last surviving member of the family I grew up with. The casket is buried, the funeral service is over, the funeral director is paid, and I have returned from my home State. During the ordeal, I have appreciated … [Read more...]
day of wrath
In "day of wrath" Jefferson Vann concludes on the basis of Romans 2:5 that God has not yet poured out his wrath on anyone. Today I just want to share a few thoughts based on Romans 2:5."But because of your obstinacy and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath for yourselves in the day of wrath, when God's righteous condemnation is going to be revealed!" The … [Read more...]
Peter’s synonym for Gehenna
In “Peter’s synonym for Gehenna,” Jefferson Vann explains how Peter, Paul, and the other apostles described the ultimate fate of the lost. You know that passage in the Bible where the apostle Peter confronts Simon the sorcerer and tells him “May your silver perish with you”? He didn’t actually say that. What he said was much more interesting. But first – a little … [Read more...]
Stephen’s murder
In “Stephen’s murder,” Jefferson Vann shares some notes on his translation of Acts 7:55-8:2. The text serves as a case study of Luke’s use of metaphors for death and murder. It shows that the theology of Acts is thoroughly conditionalist, with no trace of traditional dualism. My independent translation project continues, and this morning I found myself in the last part of … [Read more...]
two case studies – the meaning of ἀπόλλυμι in Acts
In “two case studies – the meaning of ἀπόλλυμι in Acts” Jefferson Vann shows that the word expressing the fate of the wicked properly means “to be destroyed.” Seven years ago, Tarnya wrote a small article in which she contrasted two theological opinions on the meaning of the Greek word ἀπόλλυμι (apollumi). She quoted Bill Mounce as arguing that the word can mean … [Read more...]
expiration date
In “expiration date,” Jefferson Vann explains why the death of Ananias and Sapphira was a real death, not simply the departure of their “immortal souls.” I have a routine that I like to follow every morning. Part of that routine is writing a short devotional thought, and posting in online (https://marmsky.com/). After I do that, I usually go back to the scriptures, and … [Read more...]
an index to my references to Genesis
Jefferson Vann shares an index of the references to Genesis in all his posts online. I have been working on a project which involves archiving and indexing all of my writings. Since many of the links I am collecting are from my Afterlife articles, I thought some of our readers might be interested in that index. It includes links from articles posted elsewhere as well, … [Read more...]