Short texts
Priestly Blessing (Numeri 6:23-27)
The text of Numbers 6:23-27 is known as Priestly Blessing or Birkat Kohanim (coming from Hebrew ברכת כהנים). This liturgical text bears a strong expression of the idea of God in the Old Testament. The passage is a conclusion of a series of priestly legislation. The primary concern of the text is...
Let not the Wise Boast (Jeremiah 9:22-23)
In this passage, the Lord warns against boasting in one's wisdom, strength, or wealth, as these worldly attributes are not what truly matter in the eyes of God. Instead, God desires that individuals take pride in their knowledge and understanding of Him, recognizing His just and righteous...
The Lord will Dwell in Zion (Zechariah 2:14-17)
The passage Zechariah 2:14-17 offers profound theological insights. It foregrounds the divine promise of God's immanent presence amongst His people, indicating an intimate and benevolent relationship between the Divine and His followers. This presence denotes more than mere proximity. It suggests...
The Testimony of Jesus' Acts (Luke 1:1-4)
The prologue to the Gospel of Luke highlights the author's aim to provide a trustworthy and orderly account of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Luke, a physician and companion of the Apostle Paul, seeks to compile an accurate record based on the testimonies of those who were eyewitnesses and...
Song of Angels: Gloria in Excelsis (Luke 2:14)
Gloria in Excelsis refers to a short hymn that is pronounced by angels when the birth of Christ and savior was announced to shepherds. The name "Gloria in Excelsis" is based on the first three words from the verse in the Latin translation: "Gloria in excelsis Deo et in terra pax hominibus bonae...
Song of Simeon: Nunc dimittis (Luke 2:29-32)
Nunc dimittis refers to a hymn that Simeon pronounces when seeing a Messiah as he was promised by the Holy Spirit before his death comes. The name "Nunc dimittis" is based on the first two words from the first verse in the Latin translation: "Nunc dimittis servum tuum, Domine, secundum verbum tuum...
I was blind but now I see (John 9:25)
John 9:25 is commonly known verse from the New Testament. It narrates a significant moment where a man healed by Jesus responds to the Pharisees' skepticism. The man, who had been blind from birth and was miraculously healed by Jesus, declares, "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One...
Continuing the Testimony of the Acts of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:1-3)
Acts 1:1-3 provides an introduction to the book of Acts and sets the stage for the narrative that follows. In Acts 1:1-3, Luke addresses his writing to Theophilus, who is likely a patron or a person of high social status. He explains that his earlier work, the Gospel of Luke, was about all that...
The Power of the Gospel (Romans 1:16-17)
Romans 1:16-17 is a foundational passage in Christian theology, emphasizing the power and universality of the gospel and the principle of justification by faith. Paul declares that he is "not ashamed" of the gospel (εὐαγγέλιον [euangelion]), for it is the power (δύναμις [dynamis]) of God for...
Adoption (Romans 8:14-17)
Verses of Romans 8:14-17 open one of the essential Pauline theological themes that we call adoption. In these verses, Paul develops his thesis from Romans 8 about the implications of the presence of the Holy Spirit in Christian life. One of the outcomes is the interconnection of God and people and...
Hymn of Peace (Ephesians 2:14-16)
Paul breaks his speech to the Ephesians in verses 2:14-16, and begins a short discourse that is composed as a hymn. This is well discerned by a change of the personal prepositions from the first person plural (we) to the third person singular (he). In this discourse, Paul brings to the...
I can do all things through him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)
The theological significance of Philippians 4:13 lies in its profound statement about Christian reliance on Christ for strength and sustenance. It emphasizes the sufficiency of Christ's power in every situation, a concept that resonates deeply within Christian spirituality and practice. This verse...
Mystery of True Godliness (1 Timothy 3:16)
This short hymnic passage of 1 Timothy 3:16 interrupts Paul’s address to Timothy with an exposition of “the mystery of true godliness.” This break is apparent by the change of personal pronoun from the second person (you) to the third (he) as well as also pointed by relative pronoun “which (ὃς...
Reverence of the marriage (Hebrews 13:4)
This is a brief yet powerful verse that addresses the sanctity of marriage and the importance of sexual purity within the Christian community. The theological message of Hebrews 13:4 underscores the value of marriage as a sacred institution and the need for believers to honor it by maintaining...
Word of Life (1 John 1:1-4)
The text emphasizes the importance of proclaiming the Gospel and bearing witness to Jesus Christ. It focuses on the incarnation of Jesus, the Word of Life, as God's eternal truth made tangible and accessible to humanity. This passage highlights the significance of fellowship with God and one...
Apocalypse of Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:1-3)
The first three verses of the Apocalypse of John compose an introduction to the whole book. We are introduced to the main agenda, expectation, and form of the book. The first and foremost information we are confronted with is “revelation (ἀποκάλυψις [apokalypsis])” (Rev 1:1). This Greek word...