Latest Blog Posts from Wednesday in the Word, the podcast about what the Bible means and how we know.
Thanks for the awesome feedback on the 1Corinthians 11 head covering passage! I hesitated to put my views out there given the controversial nature of the passage. But your feedback has been worth it! Now it’s on to the Lord’s Supper and then spiritual gifts. THANKS for listening!
The Old Testament books in chronological order with the traditional dates. Chronological means the events recorded in the books took place during this period and/or the author wrote during this period.
Most everyone agrees that Paul is speaking metaphorically, but few agree exactly what he means by the metaphor of head. To understand Paul’s use of head in 1 Corinthians 11:2-16, we look at Paul’s use of head in all his other letters, particularly in Ephesians.
In the Christian Bible, the Old Testament is divided into 4 main parts based on genre. Within each genre, books are organized by author, chronology and size.
Paul appeals to the creation of Adam and Eve to make his argument. This podcasts examines what Genesis 2 teaches us and why Paul appeals to it.
These 5 passages are the most commonly discussed in debating the question of whether women should teach or have authority in the church.
The cultural background behind Paul’s advice on women wearing head coverings is incomplete and contradictory. Here’s what we know and (what I think is) the best way to put it together.
What church positions are open to women? This chart shows the spectrum of church leadership roles open to women depending on your view.
When a woman participates in a public worship service, is it proper for a her to uncover her head? This podcast gives an overview of what (I think) Paul meant to say and what it means for us today. If you only want the bottom line, listen to this podcast. The next several podcasts cover the details and the controversies.
The views regarding women in authority in the church can be generalized into 3 basic positions: hard complementarian (most restrictive), soft complementarian (less restrictive), and egalitarian (least restrictive). This is a summary of the soft complementarian position.
The views regarding women in authority in the church can be generalized into 3 basic positions: hard complementarian (most restrictive), soft complementarian (less restrictive), and egalitarian (least restrictive). This is a summary of the hard complementarian position.
The views regarding women in authority in the church can be generalized into 3 basic positions: hard complementarian (most restrictive), soft complementarian (less restrictive), and egalitarian (least restrictive). This is a summary of the egalitarian position.
Should women teach and/or have authority in the church? Here are resources to help you understand the debate and answer that question.
A 4-week study on 1 Corinthians 11. Should women cover their heads in church today?
My 2020 goals are to: 1) break 500 podcasts (currently at 479) and 2) pass 150,000 downloads (currently 121,159). I need your support! Please subscribe to the podcast and tell a friend about it.
The podcast is on break for the holidays. In the meantime, please listen to a previous episode or series. May I suggest one of these:
After 10 chapters in 27 podcasts on 1Corinthians, I’ll be taking a break for the holidays. But we will tackle the head covering passage when the podcast returns in January. THANKS for listening!
I’m grateful for your involvement with Wednesday in the Word.
Paul concludes by summarizing the his 2 main points: 1) We should limit our freedoms out of love for our neighbor; and 2) We need to take care lest our freedoms are a covering for idolatry.
1Corinthians 10:13 is often memorized as a stand-alone verse that promises God always provides a way to escape sin, if only you’ll take it. But in context, Paul is saying something quite different.
Appealing to the example of the Israelites in the wilderness, Paul warns that not everyone who saw the miracles entered the promised land. Being part of the tribe does not guarantee God’s favor.
In 1Corinthians 9, Paul uses his own situation as an example of how the Corinthians ought to think about exercising their freedom. As an apostle, Paul has the right to receive financial support, but declined to take any support from them. He wants the Corinthians to learn from his example and exercise their freedom the same way. In part 2 of his argument, Paul explains why he declined to take support.
In 1Corinthians 9, Paul uses his own situation as an example of how the Corinthians ought to think about exercising their freedom. As an apostle, Paul has the right to receive financial support, but declined to take any support from them. He wants the Corinthians to learn from his example and exercise their freedom the same way. In part 1 of his argument, Paul defends his right to accept support.
I admit I was dreading the meat sacrificed to idols section (1Corinthians 8-10). How could that possibly be relevant today? Now I wish I’d studied it years ago! I hope you’re finding it as challenging and engaging as I am. October milestones: We set a new record for subscribers in one month, and we hit podcast #475! How should we celebrate #500?
In 1Corinthians 8, Paul argues that knowing the truth is not enough; we must use our knowledge in the context of loving our neighbors as ourselves and consider the implications of our actions.
Paul addresses a new question: Can we eat meat sacrificed to idols? His answer gives us deep insight into the relationship between knowledge and freedom, truth and love.
Paul concludes his advice on marriage by addressing the engaged. As he explains his thinking, Paul gives us one of the most profound lessons we can learn in this life.
In 1Corinthians 7, Paul addresses believers married to unbelievers, and tells them it is best to honor their marriage vows.
In 1Corinthians 7 Paul turns to God’s purpose for sexuality and his discussion could be the “poster child” for the importance of understanding the context. I hope you’re enjoying 1Corinthians as much as I am. I’m particularly encouraged by your emails, tweets, and the many new subscribers! I love hearing from you!
In 1 Corinthians 7:7-11, Paul addresses the widows and widowers, telling them both singleness and marriage are good gifts from God. Then he addresses those considering divorce as a way to please God.
The podcast is on break this week for some much need rest and relaxation. In the meantime, here are 16 things to do during the break.
In Corinthians 7, Paul turns to answering specific question the Corinthians asked. The first question concerns the place of sexuality. Paul corrects their view that married people should be celibate.
With 1 Corinthians 4, we finished the first major section of 1Corinthians and moved into some of Paul’s more challenging teaching on issues like sexual immorality, lawsuits between believers, and what separates believers from the world. As we waded into deep theological waters, we’ve seen the overwhelming importance of context, especially when his argument crosses multiple chapters. Thanks for listening and emailing! Welcome new subscribers!
Paul argues that the pursuit of sexual purity is a necessary part of following Christ, because we belong to him in a profound way and God created sexuality with a specific meaning.
Paul counters two arguments the Corinthians used to justify their choices: “all things are lawful” and “food is for the stomach.”
Should believers take other believers to secular law court? Paul confronts the Corinthian church for doing so. But like the other issues he’s addressed, Paul is more concerned with the attitudes behind their taking legal action.