Thursday 2 September 2010

Romans 15:8

λέγω δὲ, Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν διάκονον γεγενῆσθαι περιτομῆς
 ὑπὲρ ἀληθείας θεοῦ
 εἰς τὸ βεβαιῶσαι τὰς ἐπαγγελίας τῶν πατέρων

What roots does this sentence have in the LXX? What does Χριστός signify in this context (Romans 15:8)?

I note that the AV is non-concordant when it comes to translating διάκονος - sometimes servant, sometimes minister. Paul uses the term here and in 13:4 - perhaps an envelope in this part of the parenesis. Also it is an opening and closing in chapter 16.

I have begun to hear questions in my mind - relating Hebrews to the Psalms and the Psalms to other parts of the NT. Is the Holy of Holies missing from the Psalter? I don't think so - but where is it? Approach and Enter are major thematic words in Hebrews - and the way to worship is open between God and humanity. Is this open in the Psalter? Or are the invitations to all who fear just invitations?  What is the role then of Israel as servant? as elect? as anointed?

Just a few questions. They probably need refining ...

You know reading Greek is a breeze after 4 years of Hebrew. Too bad I just don't have the vocabulary connections between the Hebrew and LXX - maybe ...

(for psalms on the holy place and satisfaction expressed - see e.g. 73 and 139.)

2 comments:

  1. Bob, I read Romans 15:8 in concert with 15:9f.and the larger context of Romans. It seems transparent that Messiah came for two distinct but related purposes. Issues relating to Jewish and Gentile individuals and perhaps groups in the Roman ekklesia (probably house groups) are crucial to understanding the book, IMO.

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  2. Yes - the statement is immediately followed by citations of several promises to the Gentiles - part of the promise to Abraham.

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