Ancient biblical letters were very different from today’s standard. Firstly, the writer states who they are at the beginning of the letter. Secondly, the intended reader is named immediately after. Because of this, we know right away who wrote the letter and who it was intended for. The key difference, however, is not in form but in content and authorship.
Browsing Category Bible Teachings
Sermon: The Crucifixion
Mark 15:21-32 begins with the introduction of Simon of Cyrene. Who is this guy? Mark seems to know him. But there seems to be no further information on him, biblically or extra-biblically. But, perhaps, “who Simon is” is not the point. What matters is why they needed a person to carry the cross…
Sermon: The Suffering
In Mark 10:33-34, Jesus predicted that he would be mocked, spit on, flogged and killed. Who would volunteer to go through this kind of suffering? Torture like this is typically proof that the victim is not in control. That’s why they are called “victims.” But Jesus is in control! Jesus’ suffering is not so much a capitulation as it is an intervention; not so much an act of surrendering as it is a strategic assault on Satan, sin and death; not merely a loss of life, but an act of love. That is at the center of Christ’s sufferings.
