John 3:16
January 14, 2022
G.D.O'Bradovich III
Γνῶθι σεαυτόν
Temet nosce.
Know thyself.
Temet nosce.
Know thyself.
Introduction
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
Οὕτως γὰρ ἠγάπησεν ὁ θεὸς τὸν κόσμον ὥστε τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ τὸν μονογενῆ ἔδωκεν ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν μὴ ἀπόληται ἀλλ᾽ ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον John 3:16
Sic enim dilexit Deus mundum ut Filium suum unigenitum daret ut omnis qui credit in eum non pereat sed habeat vitam aeternam. John 3:16
This verse from “the Gospel according to Saint John” is likely the most quoted section of the Bible by protestants. Firstly, we suggest that the ubiquitous nature of this verse, when compared to the remaining 31,101 verses, is easily understood, as the third chapter is written at a reading level of the seventh to eighth grade and, secondly, there is no need for recourse to additional verses for this sentence to be intelligible upon the initial reading.
Protestants have two pious beliefs concerning the Bible: it is the only guide for the Church and the only foundation for Christianity. If these premises were true, then there would not be over 40,000 Christian denominations in fervent competition with one another. Without having a valid historical context for both the Church and Scripture, it is not surprising there is little agreement among these Christian communities. At least one organization, the Church of Christ of Later Day Saints [the Mormons], teaches that their founder, Joseph Smith, learned from the angel Moroni that none of the Churches then in existence were the true church.
But though we [“Saint Paul”, v. 1; and “all the brethren which are with me”, v.2], or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, ‘If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.’ Galatians 1:8-9
Saint Paul states that there is only one Gospel and this Gospel is the one received by the Galatians. He teaches that the his Gospel that was not created by man, but was supernaturally revealed to him.
Protestants have two pious beliefs concerning the Bible: it is the only guide for the Church and the only foundation for Christianity. If these premises were true, then there would not be over 40,000 Christian denominations in fervent competition with one another. Without having a valid historical context for both the Church and Scripture, it is not surprising there is little agreement among these Christian communities. At least one organization, the Church of Christ of Later Day Saints [the Mormons], teaches that their founder, Joseph Smith, learned from the angel Moroni that none of the Churches then in existence were the true church.
But though we [“Saint Paul”, v. 1; and “all the brethren which are with me”, v.2], or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, ‘If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.’ Galatians 1:8-9
Saint Paul states that there is only one Gospel and this Gospel is the one received by the Galatians. He teaches that the his Gospel that was not created by man, but was supernaturally revealed to him.
My GOspel
[The] gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. Galatians 1:11-12
On three occasions in his epistles, Saint Paul mentions “my gospel”.
In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. Romans 2:16
Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, Romans 16:25
Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: 2 Timothy 2:8
The reasonable conclusion is that the gospel of Saint Paul [“my gospel”] existed, and exists today, alongside other competing gospels.
Who [Hymenaeus and Philetus, v. 17] concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already and overthrow the faith of some. 2 Timothy 2:18
According to Saint Paul’s gospel, the resurrection is not a past event. This position is not shared by either the major Christian denominations nor the ancient Churches. The reasonable conclusion is that the opinion of the resurrection being a past event is a competing gospel.
Baptism of the Dead
Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead? 1 Corinthians 15:29
According to Saint Paul’s gospel, the living are “baptized for the dead”. This position is not shared by either the major Christian denominations nor the ancient churches. The lack of the implementation of this ritual by the ancient churches is evidence that the Biblical text is more recent than is commonly thought, otherwise the reasonable expectation is that both the Roman and Orthodox Churches would have an additional sacrament: the baptism for the dead.
https://www.catholiccrossreference.online/fathers/index.php/%201%20Corinthians%2015:29
CatholicCrossReference was consulted for the Church Fathers who commented on this verse. Of the twelve citations list, only three mentioned the verse: the remaining references where to the chapter as a whole.
https://www.catholiccrossreference.online/fathers/index.php/%201%20Corinthians%2015:29
CatholicCrossReference was consulted for the Church Fathers who commented on this verse. Of the twelve citations list, only three mentioned the verse: the remaining references where to the chapter as a whole.
“What,” asks he, “shall they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not?” Now, never mind that practice, (whatever it may have been.)
Tertullian, Five books against Marcion, Book 5, Chapter 10
Tertullian’s [c.155 AD – c.220 AD] commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:29 is “Now, never mind that practice, (whatever it may have been.)” The harvest of the writings of the Church Fathers is meager.
But inasmuch as “some are also baptized for the dead,” we will see whether there be a good reason for this. Now it is certain that they [the followers of Marcion] adopted this (practice) with such a presumption as made them suppose that the vicarious baptism (in question) would be beneficial to the flesh of another in anticipation of the resurrection; for unless it were a bodily resurrection, there would be no pledge secured by this process of a corporeal baptism. “Why are they then baptized for the dead,” he asks, unless the bodies rise again which are thus baptized? For it is not the soul which is sanctified by the baptismal bath: its sanctification comes from the “answer.” Tertullian, On the Resurrection of the Flesh, Chapter 48
In “On the Resurrection of the Flesh”, Tertuallian writes more than “Now, never mind that practice, (whatever it may have been.)”. Tertuallian writes that reason for the “baptism of the dead” is that the bodies of “the vicarious baptism” will “rise again”. The harvest of the writings of the Church Fathers is meager.
“For if the dead rise not, why are they baptized for them?”
Gregory the Great, On the Resurrection of the Dead, Demonstration 8, Section 4
Gregory the Great quotes the text must does not comment.
Since we are aware of only one modern group that practices baptism of the dead [the Mormons], the reasonable conclusion is that the passage should not be interpreted literally, but allegorically.
Since we are aware of only one modern group that practices baptism of the dead [the Mormons], the reasonable conclusion is that the passage should not be interpreted literally, but allegorically.
Perverting the gospel
I [Paul, v. 1] marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel, which is not another, but there be some that trouble you and would pervert G3344 the gospel of Christ. Galatians 1:6-7
Saint Paul states that there is not “another” Gospel and some pervert the “gospel of Christ”, which is understood as “my gospel”.
Strong's G3344 μεταστρέφω metastrephō verb
The KJV translates Strong's G3344 as: turn (2), pervert (1).
As protestant theology consists of having faith only, John 3:16 is ideally suited for their needs; that the Revelation of Jesus Christ condemns individuals by their works should not invalidate their sincere beliefs.
Strong's G3344 μεταστρέφω metastrephō verb
The KJV translates Strong's G3344 as: turn (2), pervert (1).
As protestant theology consists of having faith only, John 3:16 is ideally suited for their needs; that the Revelation of Jesus Christ condemns individuals by their works should not invalidate their sincere beliefs.
[The] dead were judged … according to their works and the sea gave up the dead … and they were judged every man according to their works. Revelation 20:12-13
When discussing the optic of Christianity, the Gentle Reader would do well to distinguish between the ancient and long attested teachings and modern opinions. The Gentle Researcher should pause anytime the words “Christian” or “Christianity” are encountered and determine, if possible, which version of Christianity is applicable and mentally correct the text as appropriate [for example, “[modern] Christian”, “[ancient] Christianity”].
Except for sparse recordings of prominent individuals, the beliefs of ancient Christians remain unknown and we must rely upon the present teachings of the Roman and Orthodox Churches for their current beliefs. As always, “prominent individuals” are not to be understood as the Church Fathers and their tomes, except as interpreted by the Church.
Except for sparse recordings of prominent individuals, the beliefs of ancient Christians remain unknown and we must rely upon the present teachings of the Roman and Orthodox Churches for their current beliefs. As always, “prominent individuals” are not to be understood as the Church Fathers and their tomes, except as interpreted by the Church.
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private G2398 interpretation, for the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. Simon Peter 1:20-21
Strong's G2398 ἴδιος idios adjective
The KJV translates Strong's G2398 as: his own (48), their own (13), privately (8), apart (7), your own (6), his (5), own (5), not translated (1), miscellaneous (20).
If no scripture can be personally interpreted, then it follows that either no scripture can ever be interpreted, which seems unreasonable and cannot be edifying, or that the Church is the sole arbitrator of scripture. For modern churches, this authority to explain scripture has existed only since the publication of the first Bible in the 16th century [Martin Luther, 1534 AD]. The Gentle Reader must decide if only the modern churches understand their modern Bible correctly, or if one of the ancient Churches, either Roman or Orthodox, have the authority to teach from ancient codices.
The KJV translates Strong's G2398 as: his own (48), their own (13), privately (8), apart (7), your own (6), his (5), own (5), not translated (1), miscellaneous (20).
If no scripture can be personally interpreted, then it follows that either no scripture can ever be interpreted, which seems unreasonable and cannot be edifying, or that the Church is the sole arbitrator of scripture. For modern churches, this authority to explain scripture has existed only since the publication of the first Bible in the 16th century [Martin Luther, 1534 AD]. The Gentle Reader must decide if only the modern churches understand their modern Bible correctly, or if one of the ancient Churches, either Roman or Orthodox, have the authority to teach from ancient codices.
the gates of hell
And I [Jesus, v. 17] say also unto thee [Simon Barjona, v. 17], “That thou art Peter [Πέτρος] and upon this rock [πέτρᾳ] I will build my church and the gates of hell [πύλαι ᾅδου] shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18
Either one believes that the statement is true or false. If it is false, then the reader believes that the Master does not speak truthfully, but seems to engage in frivolous wordplay [Πέτρος-πέτρᾳ].
I said in the cutting off of my days, I shall go to the gates of the grave [ בְּשַׁעֲרֵי שְׁאוֹל]: I am deprived of the residue of my years. Isaiah 38:10
For thou hast power of life and death. Thou leadest to the gates of hell [πύλας ᾅδου] and bringest up again. Wisdom 16:13
From the books of Isaiah and Wisdom, it is clear that the gates of Hades [Hell or Sheol] is not a location, but a euphemism for death. Jesus states to Peter that death will not be victorious against “my [Jesus’] church”.
Faith and works
The simple interpretation of John 3:16 is that one only needs faith for salvation, yet Saint James offers his opinion on faith and works:
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead G3498 [νεκρά], being alone. James 2:17
Saint James, the brother of the Lord [Galatians 1:9], states that faith, in the absence of works, no longer exists.
Strong's G3498 νεκρός nekros adjective
The KJV translates Strong's G3498 as: dead (132).
Regardless of the endless emphasis on faith in modern Christianity, works are a requirement. Examples of such works are tithing, attending church, wearing proper clothing, gathering with other believers [“fellowship”], or outwardly upholding certain morals. The works deemed mandatory is determined by the individual church. As always, price and participation vary.
Strong's G3498 νεκρός nekros adjective
The KJV translates Strong's G3498 as: dead (132).
Regardless of the endless emphasis on faith in modern Christianity, works are a requirement. Examples of such works are tithing, attending church, wearing proper clothing, gathering with other believers [“fellowship”], or outwardly upholding certain morals. The works deemed mandatory is determined by the individual church. As always, price and participation vary.
liberty in Christ jesus
And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty G1657 which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage G2615: Galatians 2:4
Stand fast therefore in the liberty G1657 wherewith Christ hath made us free G1659 and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage G1397. Galatians 5:1
Strong's G1657 ἐλευθερία eleutheria feminine noun
The KJV translates Strong's G1657 as: liberty (11).
Strong's G1659 ἐλευθερόω eleutheroō verb
The KJV translates Strong's G1659 as: make free (6), deliver (1).
Strong's G1397 δουλεία douleia feminine noun
The KJV translates Strong's G1397 as: bondage (5).
Strong's G2615 καταδουλόω katadouloō verb
The KJV translates Strong's G2615as: bring into bondage (2).
Saint Paul relates that some “false” brothers came to “spy” on the freedom enjoyed by Saint Paul and his followers. In both verses, Saint Paul warns against being entangled with bondage and to live in the liberty of “Christ Jesus”.
How does Saint Paul understand bondage?
The KJV translates Strong's G1657 as: liberty (11).
Strong's G1659 ἐλευθερόω eleutheroō verb
The KJV translates Strong's G1659 as: make free (6), deliver (1).
Strong's G1397 δουλεία douleia feminine noun
The KJV translates Strong's G1397 as: bondage (5).
Strong's G2615 καταδουλόω katadouloō verb
The KJV translates Strong's G2615as: bring into bondage (2).
Saint Paul relates that some “false” brothers came to “spy” on the freedom enjoyed by Saint Paul and his followers. In both verses, Saint Paul warns against being entangled with bondage and to live in the liberty of “Christ Jesus”.
How does Saint Paul understand bondage?
[Abraham’s two sons, one by a bondmaid, Ishamel; another by a freewoman, Isaac] are an allegory, for these are the two covenants: the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. Galatians 4:24
Sain Paul teaches that the Law of the Israelites, the Law given from Mount Sinai to Jehovah’s chosen people, is an allegory or “a story that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning”. When the Law, and possibly the entire Old Testament, is understood literally, it engenders bondage.
Saint Paul was born into the tribe of Benjamin [Romans 11:1; Philippians 3:5], but chose to be a Pharisee [Acts 26:5; Philippians 3:5].
Saint Paul was born into the tribe of Benjamin [Romans 11:1; Philippians 3:5], but chose to be a Pharisee [Acts 26:5; Philippians 3:5].
turning to the law
But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Galatians 4:9
Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? Galatians 4:21
To the dismay of Saint Paul, certain Galatians, who are presumably Gentiles, wish to follow the Law of Israel.
But if the ministration G1248 of death, written and engraven in stones was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? 2 Corinthians 3:7-8
Strong's G1248 διακονία diakonia feminine noun
The KJV translates Strong's G1248 as: ministry (16), ministration (6), ministering (3), miscellaneous (9).
In his rhetorical question, Saint Paul states that Law of Israel, written in stone, is the “ministration of death.”
The KJV translates Strong's G1248 as: ministry (16), ministration (6), ministering (3), miscellaneous (9).
In his rhetorical question, Saint Paul states that Law of Israel, written in stone, is the “ministration of death.”
Sin “is not imputed when there is no law.” Romans 5:13
Saint Paul declares that where there is no law, then there is no sin. Although certain individuals believe that Adam and Eve sinned, this view is not Biblical, as the Law did not exist until it was given to Moses.
THe ambiguity of the word 'transgression'
[For] where no law is, there is no transgression. G3847 Romans 4:15
[Death reigned] over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression G3847 … Romans 5:14
Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions G3847 … and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Galatians 3:19
[Adam] was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. G3847
1 Timothy 2:14
Strong's G3847 παράβασις parabasis feminine noun
The KJV translates Strong's G3847 as: transgression (6), breaking (1).
Parabasis is found exclusively in the Pauline Epistles [5] and the Epistle to the Hebrews [twice].
We specify three verses for consideration:
Transgressions only occur under the law [Romans 4:15].
The law was given by angels [Galatians 3:19].
Eve was in transgression [1 Timothy 2:14].
Eve was in transgression, although transgressions occur only under the law, and the law would not exist until Moses’ time. Since these three statements create a contradiction, we conclude that “transgression” has at least two meanings in the Pauline writings.
Another seeming contradiction: the law was given because of transgressions [Galatians 3:19], however, before the law existed, there was no transgressions [Romans 4:15], therefore, transgressions could not both exist and not exist before the giving of the law.
The KJV translates Strong's G3847 as: transgression (6), breaking (1).
Parabasis is found exclusively in the Pauline Epistles [5] and the Epistle to the Hebrews [twice].
We specify three verses for consideration:
Transgressions only occur under the law [Romans 4:15].
The law was given by angels [Galatians 3:19].
Eve was in transgression [1 Timothy 2:14].
Eve was in transgression, although transgressions occur only under the law, and the law would not exist until Moses’ time. Since these three statements create a contradiction, we conclude that “transgression” has at least two meanings in the Pauline writings.
Another seeming contradiction: the law was given because of transgressions [Galatians 3:19], however, before the law existed, there was no transgressions [Romans 4:15], therefore, transgressions could not both exist and not exist before the giving of the law.
the law brings awareness of sin
For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. Romans 7:5
Saint Paul says that sins were by the law and sins brought forth death, i.e., the law brings sins and sins brings death.
For the wages of sin is death… Romans 6:23
Ye [the foolish Galatians, 3:1] observe days and months and times and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain. Galatians 4:10-11
Some of the Galatians, the foolish ones, are following the calendar and the festivals of Israel. Saint Paul wonders if he has labored in vain.
“To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me?” saith the LORD: “I am full of the burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fed beasts and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts? Bring no more vain oblations. Incense is an abomination unto me. The new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. Isaiah 1:11-14
It is clear from the book of Isaiah that the Lord himself calls the “new moons and sabbaths” “iniquity”. So that there can be no misunderstanding, the Lord states that his soul hates “your new moons” and “your appointed feasts”.
Saint Paul labors to bring the Gospel of Christ to the Galatians, but there are false brethren who want to return them into bondage. We sympathize with the frustration felt by Saint Paul.
Saint Paul labors to bring the Gospel of Christ to the Galatians, but there are false brethren who want to return them into bondage. We sympathize with the frustration felt by Saint Paul.
the god of this world
But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost, in whom the god of this world G165 hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4
Although the phrase “the god of this world” sounds awkward, it is the literal translation of the Greek text: ὁ θεὸς τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου.
Strong's G165 αἰών aiōn masculine noun
The KJV translates Strong's G165 as: ever (71), world (38), never (with G3364) (with G1519) (with G3588) (6), evermore (4), age (2), eternal (2), miscellaneous (5).
In addition to “the god of this world”, Saint Paul writes of other gods. Although the editors of the King James Version have translated “God” with a capital “G” to signify that there is only one God, in the Greek text, it is written as θεὸς [lowercase], not Θεὸς [uppercase]. Therefore, the implication that the following various Gods mentioned by Saint Paul are manifestations of the one God is the opinion of the editors alone, as there is no justification in the Greek text.
Strong's G165 αἰών aiōn masculine noun
The KJV translates Strong's G165 as: ever (71), world (38), never (with G3364) (with G1519) (with G3588) (6), evermore (4), age (2), eternal (2), miscellaneous (5).
In addition to “the god of this world”, Saint Paul writes of other gods. Although the editors of the King James Version have translated “God” with a capital “G” to signify that there is only one God, in the Greek text, it is written as θεὸς [lowercase], not Θεὸς [uppercase]. Therefore, the implication that the following various Gods mentioned by Saint Paul are manifestations of the one God is the opinion of the editors alone, as there is no justification in the Greek text.
Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: Romans 15:5
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace … Romans 15:13
Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. Romans 15:33
Blessed be God ... and the God of all comfort; 2 Corinthians 1:3
[The] God of love and peace shall be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ… Ephesians 1:17
[The] God of peace shall be with you. Philippians 4:9
"THere are many gods..."
Nam etsi sunt qui dicantur dii sive in caelo, sive in terra (siquidem sunt dii multi et domini multi): 1 Corinthians 8:5
For though there are some who are said to be gods either in heaven or on earth (for there are many gods and many masters) -Google Translation of the Latin text of 1 Corinthians 8:5
BibleHub.org has been utilized for the 27 following translations of 1 Corinthians 8:5
Even if there are so-called "gods," whether in heaven or on earth, and even though there are many of these "gods" and "lords," Good News Translation
The wording “so-called” is not found in the Greek text.
For although there be that are called gods, either in heaven or on earth (for there be gods many, and lords many); Douay-Rheims Bible
For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”— English Standard Version
The wording “so-called” is not found in the Greek text.
For even if there are "gods" in heaven and on earth (as indeed there are many so-called "gods" and "lords"), International Standard Version
For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, NASB 1977
The wording “so-called” is not found in the Greek text.
For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, NASB 1995
The wording “so-called” is not found in the Greek text.
For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, New American Standard Bible
The wording “so-called” is not found in the Greek text.
For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”), New International Version
The wording “so-called” is not found in the Greek text.
For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), New King James Version
The wording “so-called” is not found in the Greek text.
For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many so-called gods and lords), Berean Study Bible
The wording “so-called” is not found in the Greek text.
For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth—as there are many “gods” and many “lords"— Holman Christian Standard Bible
The wording “so-called” is not found in the Greek text.
For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth—as there are many “gods” and many “lords”— Christian Standard Bible
The wording “so-called” is not found in the Greek text.
For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, Amplified Bible
The wording “so-called” is not found in the Greek text.
for even if there are those called gods, whether in Heaven, whether on earth—as there are many gods and many lords— Literal Standard Version
for even if there are those called gods, whether in heaven, whether upon earth -- as there are gods many and lords many -- Young's Literal Translation
For even though there are what are called gods, whether in the Heavens or in The Earth, as there are many gods and many lords, Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For if so-called gods do exist, either in Heaven or on earth--and in fact there are many such gods and many such lords-- Weymouth New Testament
For though there are things that are called "gods," whether in the heavens or on earth; as there are many "gods" and many "lords;" New Heart English Bible
Since there are many “lords” on earth, there is no apparent reason why this word should be in quotations and by extension, “gods” should not be in quotations.
For though there are things that are called "gods," whether in the heavens or on earth; as there are many "gods" and many "lords;" World English Bible
Since there are many “lords” on earth, there is no apparent reason why this word should be in quotations and by extension, “gods” should not be in quotations.
For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) King James Bible
For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or on earth; as there are gods many, and lords many; American Standard Version
For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or on earth; as there are gods many, and lords many; English Revised Version
If after all there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), NET Bible
The wording “so-called” is not found in the Greek text.
Many things in heaven and on earth are called gods and lords, but none of them really are gods or lords. Contemporary English Version
People may say that there are gods in heaven and on earth-many gods and many lords, as they would call them. GOD'S WORD® Translation
There may be so-called gods both in heaven and on earth, and some people actually worship many gods and many lords. New Living Translation
The wording “so-called” is not found in the Greek text.
Truly even if indeed there are those called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, as there are many gods and many lords, Berean Literal Bible
From the majority of translations and the context of surrounding passages, it is clear that “many gods and many lord” are not euphemisms, but the literal and plain meaning of the Greek text.
belief and faith in the gospels
https://holyword.church/miscellaneous-resources/how-many-words-in-each-book-of-the-bible/
The number of Greek words is based on the text of the Nestle-Aland Novum Testamentum Graece.
Strong's G4100 πιστεύω pisteuō verb
The KJV translates Strong's G4100 as: believe (239), commit unto (4), commit to (one's) trust (1), be committed unto (1), be put in trust with (1), be commit to one's trust (1), believer (1).
The number of Greek words is based on the text of the Nestle-Aland Novum Testamentum Graece.
Strong's G4100 πιστεύω pisteuō verb
The KJV translates Strong's G4100 as: believe (239), commit unto (4), commit to (one's) trust (1), be committed unto (1), be put in trust with (1), be commit to one's trust (1), believer (1).
Gospel
Matthew Mark Luke John |
Words
18,346 11,304 19,482 15,635 |
G4100
9 14 9 86 |
Ratio
2,030.4 807.4 2,164.7 181.8 |
Not only does the Gospel of John have the verse under consideration, it has the highest number of G4100 [86 occurrences] and the lowest ratio of the Gospels [G4100 occurs every 182 words].
Strong's G4102 πίστις pistis feminine noun
The KJV translates Strong's G4102 as: faith (239), assurance (1), believe (with G1537) (1), belief (1), them that believe (1), fidelity (1).
Strong's G4102 πίστις pistis feminine noun
The KJV translates Strong's G4102 as: faith (239), assurance (1), believe (with G1537) (1), belief (1), them that believe (1), fidelity (1).
Gospel
Matthew Mark Luke John |
Words
18,346 11,304 19,482 15,635 |
G4102
8 5 11 NA |
Ratio
2,293.2 2,260.8 1,771.1 NA |
While “belief” is found throughout the fourth Gospel, “faith” [G4102] does not occur.
Conclusion
“God sacrificed himself to himself to save us from himself.”
The quote seems ridiculous because of the manner that the vicarious atonement of Christ and the nature of Jesus to God is taught and held as dogmatic beliefs. Our clarification:
“God [Jesus] sacrificed himself [Jesus] to himself [Jehovah] to save us from himself [Jehovah].”
Firstly, the crucifixion is explained as the requirement for the remission of sins, as God, that is to say Jehovah, demands a sacrifice for sins and, secondly, Jesus is considered to be not only God incarnate, but to be fully Divine and fully human.
Christianity presents itself to the world as built upon the Pentateuch and as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. It does not require a clever person to realize that the character of the God of the tribes of Israel is at variance with the God that Jesus represents in the Gospels [the incident of Jesus overturning the tables of the moneychangers in the Temple is an exception, John 2:13-16].
The assumption that Jehovah is the God found in both testaments may be erroneous. Perhaps the most pronounced difference between the Deity’s behavior is found in the tribal concerns of Jehovah when compared to the cosmopolitan Jesus. Jehovah’s concern for the other nations only extends to their involvement with his people Israel, while the Jesus of the New Testament is not limited to healing only the sons of Israel [the healing of the centurion’s servant, Matthew 8:5–13, Luke 7:1–10].
Christianity presents itself to the world as built upon the Pentateuch and as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. It does not require a clever person to realize that the character of the God of the tribes of Israel is at variance with the God that Jesus represents in the Gospels [the incident of Jesus overturning the tables of the moneychangers in the Temple is an exception, John 2:13-16].
The assumption that Jehovah is the God found in both testaments may be erroneous. Perhaps the most pronounced difference between the Deity’s behavior is found in the tribal concerns of Jehovah when compared to the cosmopolitan Jesus. Jehovah’s concern for the other nations only extends to their involvement with his people Israel, while the Jesus of the New Testament is not limited to healing only the sons of Israel [the healing of the centurion’s servant, Matthew 8:5–13, Luke 7:1–10].
quote
“Es ist wahr: wir lieben das Leben, nicht, weil wir an’s Leben,
sondern weil wir an’s Lieben gewöhnt sind.”
-Also sprach Zarathustra
sondern weil wir an’s Lieben gewöhnt sind.”
-Also sprach Zarathustra