Perrydox.com is devoted to the pursuit of truth, whether plain or paradoxical, whether simple or sublime, or simply absurd yet absolute.
PHall | December 24, 2018
Luke’s connection to Genesis 1-2 is not in words, but in pictures and symbolism. In the story of Christ’s birth (Luke 1-2) we have: 1. Luke 1:35 – The Holy Spirit overshadows Mary. 2. Luke 2:8 – Darkness because the shepherds are out at night.3. Luke 2:8 – Animals being taken care of because of the shepherds; […]
PHall | December 18, 2018
Many have noticed how Joseph is a type of Jesus. At the very beginning of Joseph’s narrative, we start noticing similarities. One such comparison is found in a chastisement scene of parent to child. Notice the similarities: • Joseph is young – 17.o Jesus is young – 12.• Father rebukes son.o Mother rebukes son.• Father is […]
PHall | December 7, 2018
What was going on in Judas’s mind when he sold Jesus for a measly sum of 30 pieces of silver? Did his greed convince him to chose a small sum of money over Jesus’ life?I’m convinced Judas believed Jesus could have escaped miraculously or through some other method (Luke 4:30). Any one who can walk […]
PHall | December 3, 2018
Normally we think of two of the gospel accounts beginning with genealogies, but three of the four gospel accounts begin with Jesus’ genealogies. Yes, plural. Matthew – Son of Abraham and David. Luke – Son of Adam. Mark – Son of God. Now Mark’s is sneaky, because both Julius Caesar and Augustus Caesar were “sons […]
PHall | October 26, 2018
In reading Jeremiah 18 I got reminded of a valuable lesson; especially for a religious or even political discussion. First the text: Jeremiah 18:13-15: “Therefore, this is what the LORD says: Ask among the nations, who has heard things like these? Virgin Israel has done a most horrible thing. Does the snow of Lebanon ever […]
PHall | October 24, 2018
Why? Why is “love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind” the most important command (Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37-38; Mark 12:30-31; Luke 10:27)? Jesus didn’t teach anything revolutionary when stating this. The expert in the law gave this same answer (Luke 10:27). So why? [ ] The fact it follows (and is […]
PHall | October 11, 2018
In Jesus’ parable Luke 15, why did the younger son go hungry? Before answering, what we communicate is not necessarily what others perceive. Our varied experiences filter meaning. Understanding that can help us understand others, and hopefully not assign meaning that is not there. Also, understanding that helps us accept that while everyone has the […]
PHall | August 22, 2018
Jesus’ ancestry was defiled by sinners guilty of incest, prostitution, adultery (or possibly rape), and even the “sin” of being a different race (Matthew 1). To make matters worse, his birth was witnessed by ceremonially unclean shepherds (Luke 2). Jesus’ life was spent being surrounded by outcasts such as tax collectors, prostitutes (Luke 15), and […]
PHall | August 21, 2018
He smiled as he asked his question thinking I was trapped. “If I had a million dollars that I got illegally but couldn’t return it because I didn’t steal money but provided a service, would you recommend the church keeping the money if I gave it?” Actually that wasn’t his question but I knew his […]
PHall | August 13, 2018
The very first recorded statement of Jesus was not understood. The story is when Jesus was gone for three days (foreshadowing another time). He stayed in Jerusalem after his parents left to go home (the opposite of what would happen in another time). When they found him, he was astonishing the teachers (foreshadowing many times). […]