Perrydox.com is devoted to the pursuit of truth, whether plain or paradoxical, whether simple or sublime, or simply absurd yet absolute.
PHall | October 17, 2010
The most mystifying miracle in the Bible might be so unclear because the parabolic lesson of the miracle is not seen. What is so confusing is also what is so unique about this wonder and sign. Of all Jesus’ divine demonstrations, this is the only one apparently not instantaneously successful. It’s as if Jesus failed […]
PHall | September 25, 2010
God said, “Light shall shine out of darkness” (2 Corinthians 4:6). That sounds like Paul is referencing creation when God said, “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:2). Yet the message to the Corinthians was not a lesson in apologetics or history; but rather, spiritual order: For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” […]
PHall | September 11, 2010
We are often our most arrogant when defending our own humility. What made me think of that little thought are the various translations of 1 Timothy 1:13. The NASB reads, “violent aggressor” which suggests at least in my mind, physical and bodily force. However the HCSB and ESV read quite differently: arrogant man (HCSB) and insolent […]
PHall | September 11, 2010
It is harder to respect those with whom we disagree because of the too high degree of respect we have for ourselves.
PHall | September 1, 2010
The greatest religious radical was the greatest law keeper who saves the greatest lawbreakers if they obey the great gospel of grace (Acts 20:24; Romans 10:16; 1 Timothy 1:15). How radical is that?! How great is that?!
PHall | August 31, 2010
Maybe the The Golden Rule is deeper and more difficult than we think. It does not mean that others should want to be treated the same way we want to be. Too often that is our application. We think others should react to our actions and words the same way we would. Wrong! We want […]
PHall | August 31, 2010
I wonder if it is possible to think more highly of ourselves than we ought without also thinking more lowly of others? I wonder which comes first? Thinking worse of others or thinking better of ourselves? There is a cause and effect relationship, what is the cause of our thinking? I wonder if we realize […]
PHall | August 29, 2010
It is dangerous, even if necessary, to study a text because of the use or misuse of that text by others. The result is that instead of reacting to the text itself, we react to a person’s use or misuse of that text. That puts a person in between us and the text. That can […]
PHall | August 25, 2010
1 Peter 3:7 uses a phrase quite familiar due to the prevalence of the KJV – wives are the “weaker vessel.” That is a very literal and accurate translation and the ESV and the older NASB follow suit. The challenge comes not from the word vessel, but from the word weaker. How are wives “weaker?” […]
PHall | August 21, 2010
Luke 9:44-45 – “Let these words sink into your ears; for the Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men.” (45) But they did not understand this statement, and it was concealed from them so that they would not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask Him about this […]