Small Historical Creed (Deuteronomy 6:20-25)
Small Historical Creed (Deuteronomy 6:20-25)
In summary the text is trying to communicate this advice or warning: Remember what the Lord has done. It is all based on the question the Lord is suggesting that future generations will ask: "What is the meaning of the stipulations, decrees and laws the Lord our God has commanded you?" (Dt...
Mary's Song of Praise: The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55)
Magnificat refers to a hymn that Mary pronounces before the birth of Jesus Christ. The name "Magnificat" is based on the first word from the first verse in the Latin translation: "Magnificat anima mea Dominum (My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord)" (Luke 1:46).
Song of Zechariah: The Benedictus (Luke 1:68-79)
Benedictus refers to a hymn of thanksgiving that Zechariah pronounces during the circumcision of John the Baptist. The name "Benedictus" is based on the first word from the first verse in the Latin translation: "Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel (Blessed be the Lord God of Israel)" (Luke 1:68).
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...
Word Became Flesh (John 1:1-18)
One of the most important verses in gospel of John is John 1:18. It says: "No one has ever seen God: only begotten God who is at the bosom of the Father, He made Him fully known." (translation from Greek). This is how the gospel begins and Jesus is right when He answers Philip, that who ever...
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...
Exaltation of Christ (Philippians 2:6-11)
This passage is considered to be a fragment of an early Christian hymn. Such hymns existed in order to honor and praise God. There is, of course, a pastoral frame around the hymn. The function of the hymn here is to persuade and motivate Philippian Christians to imitate Christ in his humbleness...
Christ’s Supremacy in Cosmos and Atonement (Colossians 1:15-20)
The hymn of Colossians 1:15-20 focuses on the agency of Christ in the creation of all that is. The flow of the text is interrupted by the hymn in the change of the personal pronouns from the first and second person (I, you) to the third person (he). In the end, It is then resumed back to previously...