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Commentary on Jude 14-19

  Jude VV 14–16 Jude 14–16 is a midrash in which Jude quotes 1 Enoch 1:9 and comments on it to denounce false teachers. Jude prefaces his citation with an introductory formula: “It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying” (v. 14). Jude discusses heretics in vv. 5–10, 11–13; “these” in v. 14 refers to the false teachers. Jude identifies the source of prophecy (Enoch) and also uses the word “prophesied,” which is a word that NT writers usually use as part of the introductory formula when they quote a biblical passage to show its fulfillment in the current time.[1] The question is often raised whether or not Jude attributes authority to Enoch in the same way that NT writers attribute authority to the OT scriptures. Further, Jude attributes the quotation to “Enoch, the seventh from Adam” (v. 14). Enoch occupies seventh place from Adam in the list of genealogies in Gen 5:1–25. A large body of literature was developed around this historical figure durin...
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Commentary on Matthew 7:21-29

  Context, Structure, Form Matthew 7:21-23 is the climax of the eschatological teachings of the Sermon on the Mount. [1] It talks about people who profess their allegiance to Jesus and engage in charisma but are inadmissible to the Kingdom of God because they did not do the will of God. It is followed by a parable of eschatological judgment in vv.24-27. [2] Finally, Matthew concludes the first major section of the teaching of Jesus with the response of the crowd towards Jesus in vv.28-29. Exegetical notes: Obeying God  Matthew 7:21-23  Matthew 7:21-23 discusses a group of people who professed allegiance to Jesus but were inadmissible to the Kingdom of Heaven. The context of the discussion is eschatological salvation. The future tense clause ε ἰ σελεύσεται ε ἰ ς τ ὴ ν βασιλείαν τ ῶ ν ο ὐ ραν ῶ ν (v.21) and the phrase “in that day” (v.22) probably indicate eschatological salvation and judgment. [3] It might be possible that Matthew continues his discussion of frau...

Commentary on Philippians 3:17-4:1

Form, context, and structure Paul states the thesis for his discussion in 3:1-4:1 in 3:1, that is, the ongoing experience of believers with Christ is the reason for rejoicing. [1] This idea is developed through two rhetorical comparisons in 3:2-3 and 3:4-11. Phil. 3:2-3 compares the confidence in the flesh and boasting in Christ. Phil. 3:4-11 compares Paul’s former ways of living as Pharisees and life as a Christ-follower.   It is followed by a self-correction in 3:12-16 in which Paul confesses that he has yet to achieve knowing Christ. This remains as his call that he must pursue. [2] He turns to exhort Philippians to follow his example of Christian living in v.17. This exhortation is followed by a third comparison in vv.17-21, comparing enemies of the cross and heavenly citizenship. Paul uses apocalyptic and imperial terms here. Finally, he concludes his discussion in 4.1 by exhorting them to stand firm. Exegetical Notes: Imitating  Philippians 3:17 Paul used an expr...