April 2018
8 pieces. To find something by what it is about, use the books of the Bible.
Daniel 8–Focus on a Key Individual
Daniel 7 repeats the same series of six kingdoms as Daniel 2, but uses different figures to represent them. However, Daniel 8 focuses only on the 3rd through the 6th of those kingdoms. Daniel’s prophetic revelation highlights Antiochus Epiphanes as the historico-prophetic springboard.
The Structure of Daniel’s Prophecies
God’s Kingdom stands out as the major theme of the Book of Daniel. Daniel presents God as sovereign over all the kingdoms and empires of mankind. Prophetic themes include the times of the Gentiles, the time of Jacob’s trouble, the second advent of the Messiah, and the final resurrections.
The Synoptic Gospels’ Inerrancy: Entering or Leaving Jericho?
Earlier we discussed whether Jesus healed one man or two men on His journey between Jericho and Jerusalem (Matthew 20:29–34; Mark 10:46–52; Luke 18:35–43). At least one additional problem presents itself in these three passages. Luke 18:35 says that Jesus was approaching (or, entering) Jericho.
The Synoptic Gospels’ Inerrancy: What Did Peter Say?
The synoptic Gospels seem to put different words into Peter’s mouth when he makes his statement regarding the identity of Jesus.
The Synoptic Gospels’ Inerrancy: How Many Walking Sticks?
In ancient Israel people often used the Persian reed (Arundo donax—a tall reed growing up to eighteen feet or more high; also known as giant cane) for a walking stick.
The Synoptic Gospels’ Inerrancy: How Many People?
Let’s return to the synoptic Gospels’ reporting of the healing of the demon-possessed men (or man?) from Gadara (Matthew 8:28–34; Mark 5:1–20; Luke 8:26–39). We dealt with the apparent geographical contradiction in our first post. At least one more problem exists when we compare these passages.
The Synoptic Gospels’ Inerrancy: Misrepresentation of Persons
Matthew 8:5–13 reports the miracle of Jesus healing a Roman centurion’s servant. Matthew seems to say the centurion himself approached Jesus with the request. Luke 7:1–10, however, speaks only of some Jewish leaders coming to Jesus with the centurion’s request.
The Synoptic Gospels’ Inerrancy: Authors’ Choices
Both God and men play a role in the production of Scripture. We speak of that factor as the confluent nature of Scripture. Such confluency allows for the human authors to differ in vocabulary, phraseology, literary style, and purposes. God chose each writer for the purpose and means He had in mind.