Israel Steinmetz

What does Paul mean by “mutual submission” in Ephesians 5:21?

How does Paul’s teaching on mutual submission in Ephesians 5:21 relate to his instructions on submission within specific authority structures just afterward (v. 22 — 6:9)?   In Ephesians 5:21, Paul moves from general instructions for all believers to how these apply in specific relationships. To understand his words, we must read them in context.   […]

A Beautiful Witness

Cosmos and cosmetic — two words that don’t seem to have much in common but share a common Greek root. The Greek word has two primary meanings: order and beauty. While these ideas might seem disparate to us, in Greek they were closely related. Things in proper order, like the cosmos, were beautiful. Beautiful things […]

tree next to a stream

The Humble Leadership of Christ

For leadership to be Christian, it must follow teaching and example of Christ. Three passages stand out to me when I think about Christian leadership.

bike

In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Praying, living, and going in the authority of Christ.

Bible opened to the Gospel of John

John: High Christology of the Gospels – Part 4

Background and Scope The purpose of this series is to explore a supposed rift in how Jesus is depicted in the Gospels. As many scholars have noted, John’s Gospel proclaims a majestically high Christology. Indeed some have seen in John a Christology that finds no parallel in the other Gospels. To put it simply, “If […]

Bible opened to the Gospel of Luke

Luke: High Christology of the Gospels – Part 3

Background and Scope This is part of a series exploring how Jesus is depicted in the Gospels. Many scholars have noted that John’s Gospel proclaims a majestically high Christology. Indeed some have seen in John a Christology that finds no parallel in the other Gospels. To put it simply, “If Jesus was as He is […]

Bible opened to the Gospel of Matthew

Matthew: High Christology of the Gospels – Part 2

Background and Scope This is part of a series exploring how Jesus is depicted in the Gospels. Many scholars have noted that John’s Gospel proclaims a majestically high Christology. Indeed some have seen in John a Christology that finds no parallel in the other Gospels. To put it simply, “If Jesus was as He is […]

Bible opened to the Gospel of Mark

Mark: High Christology of the Gospels – Part 1

From its declaration that “the Word was God” to Thomas’ worship of Jesus as “My Lord and my God!” John’s Gospel proclaims a majestically high Christology. Indeed, many people have seen in John a Christology that finds no parallel in the other Gospels. For them, John’s logos and incarnational thought and his explicit portrayal of Jesus’ divinity is […]

The Doctrine of the Incarnation: A Historical Exploration – Part 3

The Christian orthodox doctrine of the Incarnation makes a rather stunning and unique claim. This doctrine states that the eternal Son of God became a human being, maintaining a divine nature and a human nature within one Person. He lived a physical life, died a physical death, and was resurrected. Such a claim stands out […]

The Doctrine of the Incarnation: A Historical Exploration – Part 2

The Christian orthodox doctrine of the Incarnation makes a rather stunning and unique claim. This doctrine states that the eternal Son of God became a human being, maintaining a divine nature and a human nature within one Person. He lived a physical life, died a physical death, and was resurrected. Such a claim stands out […]