The idea that Paul wrote Hebrews is an unpopular one today, but throughout most of Christian history it was simply a given. Early on, the Church Father Origen famously and memorably put it this way: τίς δὲ ὁ γράψας τὴν ἐπιστολήν, τὸ μὲν ἀληθὲς θεὸς οἶδεν. But as for who wrote this letter, truly God…
Author: andrew
Advent Hymns: Of the Father’s Love Begotten
It’s now the second week of Advent, and, as promised, I have another hymn to reflect upon. This hymn in particular, I must admit that I was initially put off by a tune I initially found odd, but after being drawn in by the lyrics, which constitute truly deep Christology, I learned to love it…
Hymns for Advent: “What Child is This?”
As of writing, this week, the first in December, marks the beginning of the Advent season. To Christians the world over, this is a time of expectation and meditation. Most obviously, this expectation builds unto the Christmas holiday at the end of Advent, and leading on into Epiphany. But more than just the expectation for…
The Shepherd of Hermas Vision 2.4 and the Papacy
The Good Shephedrd Mosaic, from the museum of Galla Placidia. If you have interacted with Roman Catholic pop-apologetics much, you will know that the claim that “all the fathers believed ‘X’” is not uncommon as a defense for certain Roman doctrines. Such claims are particularly leveled against Protestants, who at a popular level tend not…
My Favorite Textual Variant in the New Testament — Revelation 21.4
Codex Sinaiticus, Revelation 21.4 Most people wouldn’t know, but the above screenshot is actually really funny. This is the cool thing about knowing ancient, dead languages: I’m in on the joke, but you aren’t, and I know that it’s funny. It’s a sophisticated form of gatekeeping, like when scholars include lengthy citations in German or…
Whether Infant Baptism is Implied by Acts 2.39
This morning, my brother sent me this text: “You’ve said before that you think Acts 2:39 implies infant baptism. How do you deal with the objection that it’s just speaking to the universality of the ‘repent and be baptized…and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit’ promise to all generations (your children too)…
Figuring Out Higher Education
Today, I had a meeting with a faculty member of Cedarville University’s Bible and Theology department, to discuss my own desire for higher education in biblical studies. This meeting was incredibly helpful for me personally and professionally, as I seek to exercise those gifts which I believe God has given me. It also brought to…