Perrydox.com is devoted to the pursuit of truth, whether plain or paradoxical, whether simple or sublime, or simply absurd yet absolute.
PHall | May 3, 2023
The first letter to Timothy is filled with summations of the gospel in either scripture, saying, or song. I’ve challenged my thinking on how to find small, memorable, ways of saying this very big gospel. Traditionally many have summed up our response to the gospel in 5 words – Hear, Believe, Repent, Confess, Baptism. […]
PHall | May 3, 2023
If you closely examine 1 Timothy, there is a wonderful secret to solving issues and problems. This book revolves around these topics: Warning (ch.1), Worship (ch.2-3), Wisdom (ch.4), Widows (ch.5), and Wealth (ch.6). Interspersed throughout is this secret. What is the secret? Paul keeps including snippets and summations found in new “scripture”, sayings, and songs […]
PHall | May 3, 2023
Ephesians 5:32 (CSB) This mystery is profound, but I am talking about Christ and the church. Marriage was planned to foreshadow the Christ-Church relationship from the beginning: 1. Two men were put to “sleep” 2. Two men were put to “sleep” on the 6th day. 3. Two men had their sides torn open. 4. […]
PHall | May 3, 2023
When Jesus chose apostles, he chose men who were the exact opposite of one another. Matthew being a tax collector, Simon the Zealot are often cited. Then the application is that churches should follow suit. Thinking outside that box…. Is there a deeper lesson though than recognizing how these Jews were not friends by […]
PHall | March 8, 2023
Genesis 1 is about God participating within creation although separate from creation. Only by being outside of the material world could he create it. As we know, God’s world functions according to its form, such as every living thing reproducing “according to their kinds” (Gen.1:21,24,25). Then God participates in this reproduction pattern. God is “reproducing” […]
PHall | February 20, 2023
Chiasm – 1 Timothy 1:12-17 A – PAUL GIVES THANKS: I give thanks B – LORD: “I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord who has strengthened me, C – PAUL APPOINTED TO MINISTRY: because he considered me faithful, appointing me to the ministry — D – PAUL A SINNER: even though I […]
PHall | February 10, 2023
The Golden Rule Doesn’t Mean What We Think “Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (CSB’17 Matthew 7:12) I am horrible at buying gifts. Part of that inadequacy is me not paying enough attention to get to know others. […]
PHall | February 10, 2023
Why Elders Are to be Husbands Why are shepherds within congregations to be husbands? According to Strauch in Biblical Eldership, the responsibilities of elders are fourfold: 1. Protect 2. Lead 3. Feed 4. Care I agree and see this expanding into a different area that will loop back towards shepherds. Husbands have these same 4 […]
PHall | February 10, 2023
Age of Elders In a paper called, “Elders in Context”, the writer examines “elders” throughout Jewish and Israel’s history. It is interesting how culture changes perceptions, even of an enduring position. Consider this quote: Concerning judges in the Quram community, “…in the Book of Meditation (no one is sure what this was) and, significantly, basic […]
PHall | February 10, 2023
Was Jesus Including You in the Golden Rule? The answer to this question is a LOUD, “YOU BETCHA!” The way some act, they appear exempt or else they have a severe personality defect. Here’s what I mean…. 1. You would think some enjoy public pain and humiliation. They beam with glee when they “comfort the […]