Romans 2:12-16

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There is no escaping death.  Sin leads to death.  This includes both those who sin but haven’t hot the Law (Torah), they still perish and it also includes those who have heard Torah (Jews) but break it. They are judged under the Law (v12). Is this unfair?  No, because judgement is not concerning whether or… Continue reading Romans 2:12-16

Romans, Jews, Gentiles, Paul and antisemitism

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I’ve been gradually working through the book of Romans whilst at the same time, antisemitism has been rearing it’s ugly head again.  Often, antisemitism within Christianity is associated with interpretations of Paul and the Gospels, especially where they are seen to specifically blame Jews for the death of Jesus or to teach the idea of… Continue reading Romans, Jews, Gentiles, Paul and antisemitism

The significance of the Firstborn and Egypt’s plagues

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De-creation finishes with the death of the firstborns.  Recreation can be seen as the fruit of the true and better firstborn’s coming.  It is significant that God chooses to strike down the firstborn sons. Israel is referred to as YHWH’s Son by the prophet Hosea.[1]  Pharoah seeks to destroy God’s first-born so God kills the… Continue reading The significance of the Firstborn and Egypt’s plagues

De-creation and the Egyptian plagues

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In Genesis 6-9, we see that God’s judgement on a sinful and wicked world is also an act of de-creation.  Where the creation of Genesis 1-2 had seen forming and structure so that light was divided from darkness and sea from land and sky, we see a descent into chaos as the form and structure… Continue reading De-creation and the Egyptian plagues

Defeat and judgement for the Egyptian gods 

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The plagues unleased against Pharoah and Egypt may also be seen as Yahweh’s triumph over the gods of Egypt.   Like most ancient civilisations, Egypt was polytheistic. The plagues can each be seen as portraying a direct confrontation with those gods.[1]  Serpents were of course seen as sacred to many cultures and we might trace back… Continue reading Defeat and judgement for the Egyptian gods 

The firstborn

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God announces to Moses that there is just one more plague to come and then Pharoah will let the people go (Exodus 11:1).  Before he  announces the plague, Moses instructs the Isralites to go and request silver and gold from the Egyptians.  YHWH ensures that the people find favour with the Egyptians and additionally, Moses… Continue reading The firstborn

Romans 2:1-5 (notes)

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At the start of chapter 2, Paul is addressing any man/person rather than specifically the recipients of his letter. The point is made to those who seek to judge others, they are “without excuse”.  This is the conclusion  to the preceding argument that God’s righteousness and wrath our revealed clearly but humans choose to suppress… Continue reading Romans 2:1-5 (notes)