As iron sharpens iron,
one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)
In Part 1, I mentioned that a decision must be made concerning what Jesus meant by “the Law or the Prophets” in Matthew 5:17 and “Law” in 5:18. While this issue might not seem that significant at first glance, it is important for a correct understanding of Matthew 5:17-19. The purpose of this post is to survey the issues here and comment on what I think is the best understanding.
I have had a desire for some time to write on the meaning of Matthew 5:17-19. As I began to construct a blog post, it quickly became clear that a one-part entry would not be sufficient. So I am addressing this passage in a series, with this being Part 1.
The purpose of this post is to introduce Matthew 5:17-19, and point out five key interpretive decisions that must be made here.
A lot of people talk about getting a “stint” in an artery, but they really mean a “stent.” I created a saying to keep things clear: “I went for a stint in the hospital to get a stent. It was quite a stunt.”
Like everyone else, I get my words confused. This can easily happen when discussing theology. An internet friend pointed out that, in some of my comments on a discussion forum, I had used the word “immanent” instead of the correct word in that context, “imminent.”
I thanked him, and, upon pondering his comments, remembered yet another similar word, “eminent.”
Were the Nestorians correct in rejecting the orthodox view that Mary is the “God bearer” (theotokos )? Via Latin, this also comes into English as “Mother of God.”
Although what Nestoius believed and what later Nestorians believed is a matter of debate, we are limiting our discussion to this part of the Nestorian “heresy.”
But was Nestorius correct on this point?
The Nestorians argued that such a title (God-bearer) failed to distinguish His humanity from His deity.
What think you?
Poll Results
The title says it all. This article is publicly and freely available at the United Methodist Church’s official website:
“LifeWay Christian Resources is charting a new course in 2019 marking a strategic shift of resources to a dynamic digital strategy. As part of the transition, LifeWay will close its 170 brick-and-mortar stores in 2019.” - BRnow
“We are called to find common ground where it genuinely exists, improve our own arguments, and win over persuadable Americans by answering hostility with magnanimity, understanding, good humor, and love. We cannot do that while hiding in our narrow ideological foxholes.” - National Review
From DBSJ 21 (2016). Republished with permission. By John A. Aloisi. Read the series.
Adam’s first sin was a point of no return for the entire human race. Ever since that initial act of rebellion, all mankind has been born with the taint of original sin.33
The doctrine of the Trinity is hard to teach, because there are so many ancient heresies to guard against and because, well … it’s complicated. But, the Scriptures present God as triune. That means we need to teach about Him. We need to teach Christians to know Him and love Him as He is; and He’s triune.
Discussion