We’ve seen how the preceding section, in John 14, gives us a clue as to what Jesus employs the vine metaphor for in chapter 15; what it is he is trying to illustrate through this analogy. This background context was the first of two threads, which will be brought together in a moment. But the… Continue reading The True Vine – Part 2
John's expressed purpose for writing his gospel is, “that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah and the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (20:31). So it's with this goal ever in mind that John recalls the actions and teachings of Jesus, including the… Continue reading The True Vine – Part 1
The mention of temple practices, fornication, and idolatry in this passage would have provoked a very specific image in the minds of the Ephesians. They would almost certainly have been thinking about their local temple, which was dedicated to the worship of Artemis. What’s more, Paul would no doubt remember his own experiences in the… Continue reading Ephesians 5: A Life of (Pure) Love – Part 2
Paul S. Baker 