The book of Philemon is written by Paul to the man who is the namesake of the book, and it addresses the recent visit of Philemon’s slave Onesimus. According to Ehrman, it is probable that Onesimus fled Philemon and came to Paul due to malfeasance on Philemon’s part towards his slave. A common practice at… Continue reading →
Around the time of the epistles that were written by “John” (possibly John, son of Zebedee), a rift began between some Christian believers that is referenced in 1 John 2:19 when it says, “But by going out they made it plain that none of them belong to us.” The controversy that the Johannine community faced… Continue reading →
Throughout the first half of the gospel of Mark, Jesus displays a strong sense of authority in the way he goes about teaching and making a name for himself. Twice, in verses 1:22 and 1:27, the author of Mark specifically says that he taught with an authority that grabbed the attention of those watching. He… Continue reading →
