bible

In-depth examinations of Scripture, textual reliability, theological themes, and defense of biblical doctrine.

The Bookend of John’s Prologue Members Public

The biblical authors, particularly the NT writers, employed a literary device known as inclusio, or a bookend. This is a literary feature (also known as bracketing or envelope structure/enveloping) wherein a passage begins and ends with the same or similar words, phrases, or themes. The author employs this to

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
biblebible-studygospel

God the Only-Begotten Members Public

The following excerpt is taken from the monumental work titled The Incarnate Christ and His Critics: A Biblical Defense, authored by Robert M. Bowman Jr. & J. Ed Komoszewski, published by Kregel Academic, Grand Rapids, MI, 2024, Part 3: The Name of Jesus: Jesus’ Divine Names, Chapter 23: Jesus as

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
godjesusjesus-christ

Dead Sea Scrolls & Biblical Theology Members Public

With the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls (DSS) in 1947, manuscripts were discovered which give us a window into the specific beliefs and practices of a certain Jewish group living around the area of Jerusalem. One such scroll is known as the Community Rule, and highlights some of the

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
apocryphacanonbible

St. Justin, Paul & Marcion the Heretic Members Public

It is common to hear specific internet apologists suggesting that St. Justin Martyr didn’t have access to, or was aware of, the canon of the New Testament since that took centuries to hammer out. They often argue that Justin’s writings indicate that he didn’t even have Paul’

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
canonchurch-historybible

Justin’s Knowledge of Paul Members Public

The following is taken from the Biblical Criticism & History Forum. Justin Martyr and the apostle Paul. * Post by Ben C. Smith » Sun Oct 22, 2017 4:54 pm On the thread about the reception history of the NT books the question came up of whether or not Justin Martyr

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
biblechurch-historyhistory

Mary’s Blessedness Revisited Members Public

By Father Chris Kappes “Blessed rather are those who hear the Word of God and keep it” (Luke 11:28) in light of Luke 1:29: “And when she heard the word, she was troubled” Introduction A classic place to start for puzzles concerning Mary is the seemingly disparaging and

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
marycatholicismtheology

The Trinity in Neofiti Revisited Members Public

I quote from the English translation of Targum Neofiti 1: Genesis (The Aramaic Bible 1A), translated with Apparatus and Notes by Martin McNamara, M.S.C, and published by The Liturgical Press in 1992. All emphasis will be mine. CHAPTER 1 1. From the beginning1 with wisdoma the Memra2 of

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
trinitygenesistorah

Protestant Historian, Early Church & Baruch Members Public

The following excerpt is taken from Philip Schaff: ANF06. Fathers of the Third Century: Gregory Thaumaturgus, Dionysius the Great, Julius Africanus, Anatolius, and Minor Writers, Methodius, Arnobius. It is taken from Methodius’ Banquet of the Ten Virgins; or Concerning Chastity. The noted Protestant historian Schaff acknowledged that the 2nd-3rd century

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
church-historyapocryphacanon
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