Layers of “Pseudepigraphy” or Levels of Authenticity Occasionally when I am talking with friends about the authorship of scriptural texts I get inquisitive looks when discussing the idea that some of the New Testament is pseudepigraphal, or not authentically written by the author that claimed to have written the document.Continue Reading

James – An Overview The letter of James takes its name from the attribution of authorship in 1.1; the letter itself does not otherwise identify its author. Some scholars suggest that the author is the brother of Jesus (Matthew 13.55; Mark 6.3) and the head of the church in JerusalemContinue Reading

In 1 Corinthians 13 Paul discusses charity, what it is and what it is not. I had my students work in groups to come up with a definition of charity before we went to the text. This is a great subject to invite students to illustrate examples of what charityContinue Reading

Paul opens his letter in 1 Corinthians with a call for Christians to be united. “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Now I beseech you, brethren… that there be no divisions among you… for it hath been declared…Continue Reading

Romans 14 – Doubtful Disputations Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.  For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.  Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eatethContinue Reading

Romans 12 can be outlined as follows: A. Romans 12:1-2 The mortal struggle – bringing our bodies in subjection to the Spirit B. Romans 12:-21 The body of Christ (the Church) and spiritual gifts 1. Romans 12:3-5 Two important attitudes 1a. Romans 12:3 Your gift doesn’t make you more orContinue Reading

Many years ago I taught near a school where a there was an athletically gifted young man. He had tremendous talent on the football field and the basketball court. He was probably the highest scorer on the basketball team, and his achievements on the football field were noticed by college scouts. WhenContinue Reading

I find the following outline to be helpful when studying Romans 8:12-39 1. Five Characteristics of a Saint – Romans 8:12-17 A. Romans 8:12-13 A Saint Puts to Death the Natural Man B. Romans 8:14 A Saint is led by the Spirit C. Romans 8:15-16 Adopted into the House ofContinue Reading