2025

2025 articles

Irenaeus, Jesus’ Age & Apostolic Tradition Members Public

I cite a section from St. Irenaeus’ Adversus haereses (“Against Heresies”), where he explicitly states that the elders/bishops personally received and were taught a tradition from the Apostles such as John that our Lord was older than thirty, and was in fact in his forties when his earthly ministry

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
church-historychristianityjesus

A NT Text Critic on John 1:18 & 1 Tim. 3:16 Members Public

In this postI will citefrom Tommy Wasserman’s, “Misquoting Manuscripts? The Orthodox Corruption of Scripture Revisited,” in The Making of Christianity: Conflicts, Contacts, and Constructions: Essays in Honor of Bengt Holmberg, ConBNT 47, edited by Magnus Zetterholm and Samuel Byrskog, and published by Eisenbrauns Winona Lake, IN, 2012, pp. 341-345.

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
biblechristianityjesus-christ

A Text Critic’s Comments on John 1:3-4 & 18 Members Public

I cite the statements of Philip W. Comfort, a renowned New Testament textual scholar, on the variant readings and/or punctuation of John 1:3-4 and 18. Comfort’s commentary is taken from New Testament Text and Translation Commentary – Commentary on the variant readings of the ancient New Testament manuscripts

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
biblegospeljesus-christ

Cyprian, Circumcision & Infant Baptism Members Public

The following excerpt is taken from St. Cyprian’s discussion on the necessity and centrality of infant baptism where he stresses the importance of baptizing infants immediately without delay. In doing so, Cyprian breaks down the significance of physically circumcising male infants on the 8th day. The blessed saint explains

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
baptismchurch-historycatholicism

St. Cyprian: No Church Without the Bishop Members Public

Here is what the blessed Cyprian wrote in respect to the authority, centrality and necessity of the Bishop: 3. But with respect to what you have said, that priests should be lowly, because both the Lord and His apostles were lowly; both all the brethren and Gentiles also well know

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
churchchurch-historycatholicism

Tertullian & Apostolic Succession Members Public

I quote from Tertullian’s The Prescription Against Heretics, where he appealed to the Bishops taught and appointed by the holy Apostles to expose the heresies being spread by false teachers and so-called Christians. All emphasis will be mine. Chapter 31. Truth First, Falsehood Afterwards, as Its Perversion. Christ’s

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
church-historycatholicismorthodoxy

The Messiah of Genesis Rabbah Members Public

Bereshit Rabbah is a rabbinic exposition of the book of Genesis. As such it gives us an idea of how the rabbis understood the Person and work of the Messiah. For instance, the following OT texts are all interpreted in respect to the Messiah: Genesis 1:2; 3:14-15; 4:

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
judaismmidrashmessiah

St. Irenaeus, Scripture & the Church Members Public

St. Irenaeus was the Bishop of Lyons, France and died as a holy martyr for Christ. He was discipled by another Bishop named Polycarp, who himself was martyred for Christ at the age of 86 and was personally trained by Apostles such as John.   Here is what this second century

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
church-historysaintschurch
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