Perrydox.com is devoted to the pursuit of truth, whether plain or paradoxical, whether simple or sublime, or simply absurd yet absolute.
PHall | July 27, 2012
There is an intriguing shift from blessings to warnings between chapters 5 and 6: In chapter 5 Jesus blesses those who are persecuted because they are seen practicing righteousness; and in chapter 6 Jesus warns against practicing your righteousness to be seen. In chapter 5 Jesus blesses public righteousness, salt and light; and in chapter […]
PHall | July 26, 2012
How much influence did Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount have on the early church? James, who wrote one of the first written NT books, probably written by Jesus’ fleshly brother, borrowed, expanded, and applied it comprehensively. So influenced was James, it would be beneficial to compare the two. Matthew 5:10-12 NASB “Blessed are those who […]
PHall | July 26, 2012
Jewish tradition through Oral Law built hedges around the Law of Moses to protect both it and the people from breaking it. This was called the Mishna and resulted in more law. The Pharisees were the misguided protectors and enforcers of the Law. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus contrasts “You have heard” with […]
PHall | July 22, 2012
The Setting of the Sermon (Immediate Context) The Structure of Matthew’s Introduction and Conclusion Teaches Us What Jesus Is Doing Second, let’s look at how Matthew framed this sermon in the immediate context. Matthew did not, via the Holy Spirit, write a separate book just on the Sermon on the Mount. The three chapters containing […]
PHall | July 18, 2012
Most of the arguments for the deity of Christ given by Himself within the gospels are not blatant declarations, but tacit, clever and somewhat shadowy implications. Does Jesus so early in His ministry, in His Sermon on the Mount, claim to be on par with the God of the Old Testament in 5:11-12? The preacher […]
PHall | July 17, 2012
If you believe you can call others an idiot as long as you don’t call them a fool, you just might be a Pharisee (Mt.5:22). If you believe you can offer worship to God instead of offering repentance to your brother, you just might be a Pharisee (Mt.5:23-24). If you believe faithfulness to your wife […]
PHall | July 17, 2012
As is often true but overlooked, we can learn much by the way something is structured. To not see the organization is to only see each tree within the forest. Even looking at one tree, we fail if we don’t see how the roots and soil, even the weather all contribute. It is never just […]
PHall | July 14, 2012
If I were to write a book on the Sermon on the Mount, I thought of some “different” titles: • The Sermon on the Mount – Nothing New Here But Don’t Move Along • The Sermon on the Mount – What I Meant to Say Was…. • The Sermon on the Mount – How Many […]
PHall | July 14, 2012
Matthew 5:3 (NASB) “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 (HCSB – 2005) “Blessed are the poor in spirit, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Matthew 5:3 (HCSB – 2009) “The poor in spirit are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Matthew 5:3 (ESV) […]
PHall | July 13, 2012
(#1) Is not misunderstood, but is explained away because it is understood; (#2) Is not difficult to understand, but is difficult to live; (#3) Is not old or new law, but is the essence of God’s eternal law; (#4) Is not the righteousness of outward works, but is the righteous impetus of outward obedience; (#5) […]