Perrydox.com is devoted to the pursuit of truth, whether plain or paradoxical, whether simple or sublime, or simply absurd yet absolute.
PHall | August 16, 2018
I am a Gentile by nature (birth). I am gentle by nature (behavior). To my surprise Gentile and gentle are etymologicallly related via “gens” meaning birth (also where we get “genes”). “Gentle” became associated with high class birth because of the well-born expectancy to be well-behaved. Where is this thought going? Christians, born again from […]
PHall | August 16, 2018
Jesus gave gifts to the church (Ephesians 4:7-11). No one person is a gift on their own by virtue of their personality (although some might have formed personality cults). Biblically though, there are roles people fill that are “gifts” via grace. One role is an apostle. Sadly Paul had to continually defend his role even […]
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). […]
PHall | August 11, 2018
The Rich Young Ruler is a safe; non-threatening example for us since we don’t have to sell everything…or is it? In close proximity, Luke records Jesus telling him to sell everything to give the money to the poor (Luke 18), while Jesus is satisfied with Zaccheus’ offer to give ONLY half away (Luke 19). So […]
PHall | August 11, 2018
I set the alarm. Then I hit the snooze. Twice. Then I reset the alarm for later. But this is not about resetting the alarm. Again. And again. It is about the alarm itself. We set them because we need them. But…. Do we set it to go off gently, gradually getting louder until we […]
PHall | August 8, 2018
Luke wrote both Acts and the gospel account given his name. In reading today I was struck with so many similarities between Luke 1 and Acts 1-2. In both: 1) the Holy Spirit is active; 2) forgiveness of sins is emphasized; 3) the throne of David is mentioned; 4) but this last one is what […]
PHall | August 8, 2018
Puns are scriptural! Paul was confronted by a magician (as was Peter) (Acts 13). His name was Elymas and Bar-Jesus. Now the text says “Elymas” means “sorcerer” (v.8). Paul is going to play with the other name but not in a fun way. Think, what an affront to Jesus to have this Jewish false prophet […]
PHall | August 8, 2018
Truth versus Tradition. This is continually the battle in practicing religion. Tradition is not necessarily wrong, and is impossible to escape. If, to escape traditionalism, you vow to never do the order of services the same, that becomes your tradition! When is tradition wrong? How can we tell if it is contrary to truth? Let’s […]
PHall | August 8, 2018
The snake was not created for Adam’s needs while the woman was. Enter Eve as his helper because God knew Adam needed the strength of a good woman. While the serpent and woman were created for different purposes, both ended up working together against the good of Adam and themselves. This scene in Genesis 3 […]
PHall | August 8, 2018
Luke’s gospel account is known for his attention to society’s downtrodden, specifically women. And yet here is a surprise – Luke’s genealogy of Jesus does not list any woman including Mary; while Matthew’s list has four (Mt.1:3,5-6). Looking at Luke he does give more attention to Mary in the narratives of Jesus’ conception and childhood. […]