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Tag: Luke

On Bread Stamps —

A brief history on why the ancient world and early Church stamped their bread.

On Bread Stamps —

A brief history on why the ancient world and early Church stamped their bread.

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It has been estimated that bread and cereal grains made up as much as 50% of the diet of ancient Israelites.[1] It’s no wonder, then, that bread came in all different shapes and forms. The ancients didn’t just stop at shaping and molding bread; they also made stamps to impress
Is the Majority Always Right? —

According to the Bible, the majority opinion is often wrong.

Is the Majority Always Right? —

According to the Bible, the majority opinion is often wrong.

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Let’s face it. We live in a world in which it’s very easy just to follow the crowd. And with mainstream media, social media, pop science and the like it’s easier than ever to become conformed to the world’s thinking without even realizing it. Mainstream opinion can certainly be a
Reading & Writing in the First Century —

Were the first century New Testament writers illiterate?

Reading & Writing in the First Century —

Were the first century New Testament writers illiterate?

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The New Testament makes many significant claims. But one that can be easily overlooked is its claim that it is a written record. Turning to the Gospels, for example, we notice Luke’s opening statement: “Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have
Of Water, Wind and Fire —

Is water baptism just an outward sign of an inner reality? A brief reassessment of the Baptist conviction.

Of Water, Wind and Fire —

Is water baptism just an outward sign of an inner reality? A brief reassessment of the Baptist conviction.

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Why was Apollos baptized twice? His first baptism was administered by John the Baptist in obedience and repentance to God, to believe in the Messiah who was to come. In the same way many Protestants, particularly Baptists, affirm this view but relay it now in the past tense: Water baptism
Shrouded in Mystery No More —

On the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin and its implications for sacred images and iconoclastic theology.

Shrouded in Mystery No More —

On the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin and its implications for sacred images and iconoclastic theology.

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The Shroud of Turin is real. I’m convinced of it. To think such is not a testimony of my faith either, nor is it intellectually grounded in any merit of my own. The scientific evidence is so staggering, and corresponds to history and Scripture so well, that it is much
Mourning Rituals —

The ancient practice of bemoaning the human condition before God.

Mourning Rituals —

The ancient practice of bemoaning the human condition before God.

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The Bible is very consistent in its portrayal of ancient Israelite mourning. People grieving the loss of loved ones, tragedy in the community, offenses against God, devastating warfare, and the like are described as putting on sackcloth, tearing or rending their clothes, taking off shoes, sitting on dust and ashes,
Importance of Salt —

On the usefulness and harvesting of a precious ancient commodity.

Importance of Salt —

On the usefulness and harvesting of a precious ancient commodity.

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It is a commonly known truth in ancient Near Eastern studies that salt was an important staple of everyday life. Salt enhances the flavour of food increasing the enjoyment of the meal, and it had many other practical uses. Salt enabled the preservation of fish and other meats as well
‘Twas the Night Before Council —

And other legendarium of Saint Nicholas and the Christmas season.

‘Twas the Night Before Council —

And other legendarium of Saint Nicholas and the Christmas season.

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It was a cold winter’s night in Nicaea when a sudden blizzard enclosed the known world. Unprecedented as it was, bishops trudged across Christendom by hoof and foot to assemble in what was to be the first real effort to obtain a sacred consensus—the First Ecumenical Council. More than three