What do you know about Holy Spirit Filled Art Work – Angel Paintings?

 

Hello, I am an artist out of Sarasota Florida and I am known for my work of Murals and Folk Art Angels. I wanted to gather information from several sources regarding Holy Spirit Filled Art Work. I am asking for any information you may have on the subject. I am told by most of my clients and collectors that my angels bring them Peace, Healing and Comfort. This is new to me. I am a Bible College Student and I do beleive that I paint in the spirit. I just started to see a pattern and thought it was interesting that there seemed to be a trend happening. If you have any information regarding spirit filled art I would appreciate your comments. Thanks very much..Tonya.

WIsdom in Ecclesiastes 7:1-4

Image copyrights of Moondance Art & Design Company

Tonya Smith = Art For Christ = Moondance Art = See blog roll link for Moondance Art…

 

Wisdom Essay: Ecclesiastes 7:1-4

 Historical Content:
Ecclesiastes- The author was probably son of David who was king in Jerusalem over Israel (1:1-12). This points to Solomon since he after David ruled both Judah and Israel. King Solomon; however he is not mentioned as the author. King Solomon was known for his wisdom and riches, and learning of the ancient world of his day. Written approximately about 935 B.C. assuming Solomon wrote the book it was likely written before his death in 930 B.C. A blend of poetry and the genre is wisdom. The overall theme of the book is that you cannot find happiness in things of this world, only in God.

Literary Context: 7:1-4 Council for living with vanity…   Ecclesiastes 7:1-4 (NIV) 

Wisdom
1 A good name is better than fine perfume,
and the day of death better than the day of birth.

A name given to you by God is much better than fine perfume that will in time fade away. Death to him with a Godly name better than the day of birth. You are a child named of God and death is actually new life.

2 It is better to go to a house of mourning
than to go to a house of feasting,
for death is the destiny of every man;
the living should take this to heart.

The house of mourning prompts us to look at death. Feasting allows us to do the opposite, not think of death and live the way of pleasures. Death is our destiny and we should be thinking ahead while living.

3 Sorrow is better than laughter,
because a sad face is good for the heart.

Sorrows allow us to think on things of eternity. Laughter is not thought provoking like sorrow. A sad face reflects a heart of sorrow and this is good.

4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,
but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.

A wise man’s heart knows of things to come and a fool’s heart only seeks things of pleasure. Look beyond the things of this world and seek the father God for this is a wise man.

Grammar Content:
Ecclesiastes 7:1-4 (NIV)
Wisdom
1 A good name is better than fine perfume, Gotoreth: sweet, incense.
and the day of death better than the day of birth.   Maveth: the dead, their place or state, pestilence-ruin. Yalad: Bring forth, to bear young, time of delivery, be the son of.
2 It is better to go to a house of mourning   Ebel: mourning
than to go to a house of feasting,   Mowed: fixed time or season, the place of meeting.
for death is the destiny of every man;
the living should take this to heart.
3 Sorrow is better than laughter,   Kaac: anger, grief, indignation. Scowq: in merriment.
because a sad face is good for the heart.
4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,
but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.  Kcyl: stupid or silly, foolish.

Note: The words highlighted in Bold are word studies, as you can see the original word in Bold does not always translate as we would think.

Hermeneutical Interpretation: I believe the original meaning of these scriptures is conveying a very simple message. Those who think on the things to come like death and seek the reality of God are much wiser than those who choose to live a life of feasting and pleasure in the absence of God. Those who seek worldly ways will miss the things of God and they are not so wise and will miss out on a truly pleasurable life. We must come to the conclusion that there is much regarding this life we will never know. It is much better to go through life with sobriety and understanding (Wisdom) than in pleasure seeking.

References: NIV Study Bible, Strong’s Concordance, Nelson’s Compact Bible Handbook, Crosswalk commentaries.http://biblestudy.crosswalk.com/references/DescriptionRead.aspx?refid=1321&l=3&section=Commentaries&type=Commentary&title http://www.allaboutjesuschrist.org/gospel-of-mark.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gospel_of_Mark http://biblestudy.crosswalk.com/mybst/default.aspx?type=library&contentid=46285&categoREF, Holman bible handbook

Psalm 22 Essay

 

Psalms Essay: Psalm 22
Psalm 22 – Historical Content:
The Psalms are functional songs composed for use in worship by the Israelites. The Book of Psalms consists of 150 psalms, each of which constitutes a religious song. When the Bible was divided into chapters, each Psalm was assigned its own chapter. There are many different types of psalms to include individual lament, communal lament, individual thanksgiving, communal thanksgiving, general praise, descriptive praise, enthronement, pilgrimage, royal, wisdom, and didactic. The Psalms span many centuries and authors. The oldest psalm is probably the prayer of Moses (90), and the earliest is probably psalm 137 written when the Hebrews were being held captive by the Babylonians 586 to 538 B.C. The psalms are the best examples we have in the bible of Hebrew poetry.

Literary Context: A psalm of David
Psalm 22 is an individual Lament. Psalm 22 is of particular importance during the season of Lent as a Psalm of continued faith during severe testing. I see the literal meaning as one that includes a plea to God for his help (1) Address, “My God why have you forsaken me?” (2-7) Complaint, O my God I cry out but you do not answer. (8-18) Trust, He trusts in the Lord; let the Lord rescue him. (19-21) Deliverance, Deliver my life from the sword. (22-24) Assurance, I will declare your name to my brothers. (25-31) Praise, from you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly. This psalm has all of the following suffering, trust, deliverance, and praise. Since the womb I have trusted in you. I have known the Lord since my birth. My enemies despise me and don’t believe that you can rescue me. But He has listened to my cry for help. They will proclaim his righteousness for he has done it! The complaint is turned into rejoicing for triumph over his enemies. God’s past goodness is reflected in bringing future hope.

Grammar Content:
NIV Psalm 22
The word psalms is derived from the Greek: Psalmoi, originally meaning “songs sung to a harp”, from psallein “play on a stringed instrument”, Ψαλμοί. Psalms (Hebrew: Tehilim‎, תהילים, or “praises”)
1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?   Azab -address, to loosen, refuse.
Why are you so far from saving me,
so far from the words of my groaning?
2 O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,
by night, and am not silent.
3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One;
you are the praise of Israel.
4 In you our fathers put their trust;
they trusted and you delivered them.
5 They cried to you and were saved;
in you they trusted and were not disappointed.
6 But I am a worm and not a man,  Tavla -maggot, crimson, scarlet worm.
scorned by men and despised by the people.
7 All who see me mock me;
they hurl insults, shaking their heads:
8 “He trusts in the LORD;
let the LORD rescue him.
Let him deliver him,
since he delights in him.”  Chaphets -favor, have pleasure, pleased with.
9 Yet you brought me out of the womb;
you made me trust in you
even at my mother’s breast.
10 From birth I was cast upon you;
from my mother’s womb you have been my God.
11 Do not be far from me,
for trouble is near
and there is no one to help.
12 Many bulls surround me;
strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.  Par -breaking forth in wild strength.
13 Roaring lions tearing their prey
open their mouths wide against me.
14 I am poured out like water,
and all my bones are out of joint.
My heart has turned to wax;
it has melted away within me.  Macac -to waste with fatigue, fear or grief.
15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, Cheres - piece of pottery, earth.
and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth;
you lay me in the dust of death.   Aphar -clay earth, ashes, mud, ground powder.
16 Dogs have surrounded me;   Keleb -to yelp, or else to attack.
a band of evil men has encircled me,
they have pierced my hands and my feet.
17 I can count all my bones;
people stare and gloat over me.
18 They divide my garments among them
and cast lots for my clothing.
19 But you, O LORD, be not far off;
O my Strength, come quickly to help me.
20 Deliver my life from the sword,
my precious life from the power of the dogs.  Yaqur -valuable, to make rare.
21 Rescue me from the mouth of the lions;
save me from the horns of the wild oxen.
22 I will declare your name to my brothers;
in the congregation I will praise you.
23 You who fear the LORD, praise him!
All you descendants of Jacob, honor him!
Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!
24 For he has not despised or disdained  Maowc - refuse.
the suffering of the afflicted one;
he has not hidden his face from him
but has listened to his cry for help.
25 From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly;  Edah - family or crowd, congregation,
before those who fear you will I fulfill my vows.
26 The poor will eat and be satisfied;
they who seek the LORD will praise him—
may your hearts live forever!
27 All the ends of the earth
will remember and turn to the LORD,
and all the families of the nations
will bow down before him,
28 for dominion belongs to the LORD
and he rules over the nations.
29 All the rich of the earth will feast and worship;
all who go down to the dust will kneel before him—
those who cannot keep themselves alive.
30 Posterity will serve him;
future generations will be told about the Lord.
31 They will proclaim his righteousness
to a people yet unborn—
for he has done it.

Note: The words highlighted in bold are word studies, as you can see the original word in bold does not always translate as we would think.

Hermeneutical Interpretation:
Some believe this psalm testifies about the sufferings of Christ and the glory to follow. They feel the psalm is the Holy Spirit speaking through David as Christ speaking to the Father. That is an interesting way to read the psalm and especially interesting this time of year (Easter season). We could read this as the spirit of the Lord upon David speaking prophecy but I don’t know that that was the intended message. I believe it is David speaking from personal testimony in his heart and therefore the message is prophesied in a different way. The psalm is addressed to God, you seem so far away, our fathers trusted in you, and you delivered them for eternity. It reflects being in the midst of a trial and wondering where God has gone. It also shows David saying the enemies are surrounding me and I know the nature of my Lord, He will take care of it. This psalm is a true cry of a minister of the Lord in the midst of those who persecute and deny our Lord and Savior. This message gives me strength. It definitely shows us that just as in days past we need God’s help when faced with trials and when others come against us. We know that ultimately he is our savior and will hear our cries and deliver us from the enemies among us today and for generations to come. The process when trials arrive is always the same. Where are you Lord? Look at what I am facing! Thank you for delivering me! He will save us in our trials and He will walk with us from this life into eternity without ever leaving our side even for a moment, for this we should give him Glory each day.
References: NIV Study Bible, Strong’s Concordance, Nelson’s Compact Bible Handbook, Crosswalk commentaries. http://biblestudy.crosswalk.com/references/DescriptionRead.aspx?refid=1321&l=3&section=Commentaries&type=Commentary&title http://www.allaboutjesuschrist.org/gospel-of-mark.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gospel_of_Mark http://biblestudy.crosswalk.com/mybst/default.aspx?type=library&contentid=46285&categoREF

Prophesy of Isaiah 53:3-7

   

 The painting is of a fresco of the prophets. It was painted by Fra Angelico in 1447. It is in the Chapel of San Brizio

Prophets Essay: Isaiah 53: 3-7

The Prophets Essay- Historical Content:
Isaiah – contains poetry with narrative interludes, the genre is prophesy. Sometimes called the fifth gospel and the longest book of prophesy in the Old Testament. Isaiah was believed to have been written before 675 B.C. The book of Isaiah was written over the course of many decades and spanning the reigns of four Judaic Kings. Isaiah was given a vision when he saw God and knew he was to be a messenger to the people of Israel. He did not feel equipped as many of us when we hear the call on our lives. He knew there would be opposition, and he offered himself for Gods service: “Here am I! Send me.” He had to condemn his own people and watch the nation crumble and perish. Isaiah did not only come to Israel to only announce the approaching disaster, he saw the ugliness of his society and foresaw its collapse. He offered a way out through the word of God and wanted to help redirect the people. The people choose to be defiant and not heed to the warnings. Isaiah was in despair because he had no success in leading the people back. Just as we are in despair when we see the people of today headed in the wrong direction away from God.

Literary Context: The broken heart of God. He sent his only son to save us.

3 He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.
Like one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

This passage says He was forsaken of men rejected or no longer regarded as a man, that his distinguishing characteristic was sorrows. That he was familiar in constant contact with suffering. One who causes men to hide their faces from him, a covering of the face refers to disgust. He was despised and we being the prophet identifying with the Jews esteemed him not the opposite of esteemed being a negative. They looked down on him.

4 Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.

Surely he took up or borne our sickness and carried our sorrows or pain of the mind and body. We considered him stricken by God or we thought him to be guilty by judgment of God for his sin. We know he had no sin and this is where the people were mistaken.

5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.

He was pierced or wounded, He being the Messiah whose hands feet and sides were pierced for our transgressions the cause of what he suffered was not his own, but our sins. He was crushed being a sign of inward and outward suffering for our iniquities / an injustice. His punishment brought us peace the correction inflicted for our good was carried by Him. By his wounds, Him being scourged we were healed spiritually.

6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.

We all, penitent confession of believers and of Israel in the last days had gone astray or wandered the wrong way. Each of us has turned to his own way, In ourselves we were scattered; in Christ we are collected together; by nature we wander, driven for destruction, in Christ we find a way. And the Lord has laid on him or made light on him. The iniquity of us all or the sin of us all. The innocent was punished as if guilty so the guilty could be made innocent.

7 He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before her shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.

He was oppressed and afflicted, He was made answerable to pay the debt of our sin and suffered. He did not open his mouth he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, He remained silent and willing. As a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth, He quietly obeyed God and did not resist.

Grammar Content:
Isaiah 53:3-7 (NIV)
3 He was despised and rejected by men, G (Themilios –something put down)
a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.
Like one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he took up our infirmities G (Astheniah – feebleness of body and mind – sickness, weakness)
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God, H (Nawgah – violently, defeat, destroy, beat, cast down)
smitten by him, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, H (Pasha – Rebellion, sin, trespass)
he was crushed for our iniquities; H (Avon – Perversity, fault, mischief, punishment of sin)
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, H (Tsown – to migrate, collect, name for a flock)
each of us has turned to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed and afflicted, H (nagas – distress a debtor – nagash bring near for any purpose)
yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before her shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.

Note: The words highlighted in bold are word studies, as you can see the original word in parenthesis does not always translate as we would think.

Hermeneutical Interpretation: Salvation is of the Lord. The coming Messiah would be their savior and suffering servant. It tells how we deserve God’s judgment for our turning away. God was saddened by our ability to deny him in Jesus. God was sending a powerful message of life, death and new life in him. God made a way for life through Jesus. This still applies to us today because God understands our brokenness and he can heal us body, mind, and spirit. By His stripes we are healed. This prophesy is so powerful it puts me in awe of Him. We need to be willing to come to him in our sin, turn toward the one who loves us, He paid the ultimate price. We also need to be willing to share the message of salvation with others who have turned their own way, and there are so many. Will we be willing to help those who have turn to find the way to HIM? This is the big question. It is very powerful to see what God really did for us by taking a detailed look at this passage.

References: NIV Study Bible, Strong’s Concordance, Nelson’s Compact Bible Handbook, Crosswalk commentaries, Nelson’s Dictionary, Nelson’s Commentary. http://biblestudy.crosswalk.com/references/DescriptionRead.aspx?refid=1321&l=3&section=Commentaries&type=Commentary&title http://www.allaboutjesuschrist.org/gospel-of-mark.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gospel_of_Mark http://biblestudy.crosswalk.com/mybst/default.aspx?type=library&contentid=46285&categoREF http://www.britannica.com

Parable of the Growing Seed – Mark 4:26-29

Gospel Essay: Mark 4:26-29 Parable of the Growing Seed
The Gospel of Mark- Historical Content:
Mark – One of the first gospels written and full of signs, sayings, temptations, sufferings, and miracles.
The gospel itself is anonymous, but as early as Papias in the early 2nd century, a text was attributed to Mark, cousin of Barnabas. Written between 50 and 60 AD, the book of Mark was probably written in Italy, and perhaps even Rome. Audience – written primarily for an audience of Greek-speaking residents of the Roman Empire. This book has 16 chapters and is the shortest book of the four gospels. In Mark, Jesus commands secrecy regarding his identity and certain actions. There are 13 parables in the gospel of Mark. At times the disciples have trouble understanding the parables, but Jesus explains what they mean in secret.
Literary Context:
The parable of the growing seed only appears in the Gospel of Mark. 26) This is what the kingdom of God is like. This parable is a teaching on the kingdom of God. Here Mark is trying to explain how the kingdom of God is all knowing. 27) Night and day, whether he sleeps of gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. We do not know exactly how it works and it does not matter. 28) All by itself the soil produces grain – first the stalk, then the head then the full kernel in the head. If we plant seed (love) we will be doing as the word instructs and God will do the rest. 29) As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it because the harvest has come.” The harvest will come and the seed will have grown to full potential. Trust the Father.
Grammar Content:
NIV Parable 4: 26-29
The Parable of the growing seed;
26) He also said, “This is what the kingdom Greek (basileia) (“kingly rule,” “reign” or “sovereignty”) of God is like. A man scatters seed (That from which anything springs; first principle, original, source) on the ground. 27) Night and day, whether he sleeps of gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28) All by itself the soil produces grain – first the stalk, then the head (Ear) Greek (stachule) (a head of grain standing out from the stalk), then the full kernel in the head. 29) As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it because the harvest Greek (therismos) (from reaping i.e. the crop) has come.”
Note: The words highlighted in red are word studies, as you can see the original word in parenthesis does not always translate as we would think.
Hermeneutical Interpretation: I believe the original meaning is when we scatter seed or help others that the seed will grow no matter how big or how little the deed. I believe that our sharing of the spirit and love will produce a harvest. I think it is that simple. It is a passage about spiritual growth. The parable tells us that we cannot understand the process of a seed growing, that is Gods department. We only know we are growing as the word grows in us.
References: NIV Study Bible, Strong’s Concordance, Nelson’s Compact Bible Handbook, Crosswalk commentaries. http://biblestudy.crosswalk.com/references/DescriptionRead.aspx?refid=1321&l=3&section=Commentaries&type=Commentary&title http://www.allaboutjesuschrist.org/gospel-of-mark.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gospel_of_Mark http://biblestudy.crosswalk.com/mybst/default.aspx?type=library&contentid=46285&categoREF

Gospel of Mark

Gospel Essay: Mark 8:34-37

The Gospel of Mark- Historical Content: 

Jesus the servant – Son of man – This gospel is packed full of action; it has signs, sayings, baptism, temptation, sufferings, and miracles.

Mark shows his readers how the son of God rejected by his own people achieved ultimate victory through apparent defeat (the death and resurrection of Christ).  The gospel of Mark was believed to have been written by John Mark.  Written between 50 and 60 AD, the book of Mark was probably written in Italy, and perhaps even Rome.  Audience – written primarily for an audience of Greek-speaking residents of the Roman Empire.   This book has 16 chapters and is the shortest book of the four gospels. However, the details of the events and miracles of Jesus in this book are consistent with the other three gospels; Matthew, Luke and John.  The ending – Mark 16:8 stops at the empty tomb without further explanation.  Some scholars say that the last twelve verses are missing from the oldest manuscripts of Mark’s Gospel.

Literary Content:

Following Christ – Understanding God’s will for us.  John Mark was trying to convey the importance of keeping the things of God in the forefront of our mind and not the things of man.  It is one thing to understand the ways of the world here and now, and it is another to understand the ways of Christ in the later or eternal realm.  8:34 then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said:”If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.  Jesus called unto the multitude despite efforts to seek privacy, so he addressed all the people.  The disciple must learn to say no to himself and the world (the cross a symbol of duty).  We must follow Jesus both as his teaching and example.  8:35 for whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. Here we see two meanings of the word life, one temporary and one eternal.  8:36 what good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?  The question here provokes thought, what good is to gain things that are external and lose your soul, if it can never be regained.  8:37 or what can a man give in exchange his soul? There is no way to buy back your life.

 Grammar Content:

NIV Gospel 8:34-37

34) Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples – Greek (Mathetes – a learner – pupil) and said:”If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross - Greek (Stavros – from the base of a stake or post, self-denial- an instrument of capital punishment) and follow me.  35) For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.  36) What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?  37) Or what can a man give in exchange – Greek (an equivalent or ransom) for his soul? 

Note: The words highlighted in red are word studies, as you can see the original word in parenthesis does not always translate as we would think. 

 Hermeneutical Interpretation: 

I believe the original meaning is that of truly knowing and serving Christ.  It is coming into relationship with Christ and knowing that you will have things of this world come against you.  I know that the closer the relationship with the Father the less we care about pleasing the world.  It explains that to love Christ is acting in self denial and following his ways.  We can’t gain the world without losing our soul (what a powerful statement).  In love and partnership with Him we find true happiness and trust his ways above ours.   Jesus died and rose again so that we have an eternal security and we can hold true to his work here trusting in his ways always.  Great Stuff!!

References:

NIV Study Bible, Strong’s Concordance, Nelson’s Compact Bible Handbook, Crosswalk commentaries.   http://biblestudy.crosswalk.com/references/DescriptionRead.aspx?refid=1321&l=3&section=Commentaries&type=Commentary&title    http://www.allaboutjesuschrist.org/gospel-of-mark.htm  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gospel_of_Mark  http://biblestudy.crosswalk.com/mybst/default.aspx?type=library&contentid=46285&categoREF

Epistle Essay 2 Corinthians

Epistle Essay: 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
The letter of 2 Corinthians – Historical Content:
Paul was the author and the letter was written after Pentecost A.D.56, in Macedonia. In the letter Paul gives an explanation of his ministry, speaks on collection for the saints, and vindicates his apostleship. Throughout 2 Corinthians Paul changes his attitude with being joyous, gentle, to consoling to full of reproof. Working toward ministering on sowing generously Paul deferred his original visit by taking Corinth on his way to Macedonia. In passages prior to 9:6-8 Paul speaks of the collections made in Macedonia for the poor saints in Jerusalem. It is believed that the contributions came from many churches in the area of Macedonia but filtered through the church in Philippi as it was the chief town of providence.

Literary Content:
Paul was teaching with a loving heart on Christian Ministry. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 tells us of the laws of giving and receiving. Paul is full of a loving emotion when teaching the importance of giving of ourselves. This is an important lesson for us today as in the day it was written (giving with an open heart). Paul had left Macedonia where the collections of finance for the poor saints in Jerusalem had been very commendable. Paul had on his heart to teach a lesson in generosity, and humility. Paul also speaks in Chapter 8 verse 9 of the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ who was rich yet became poor for our sakes. If our Lord would take the lesser for us how could we not try to meet the extraordinary example? Regarding 9:6-8 if you give sparingly you will get sparingly, and if you give generously you will receive generously.

Grammar Content:
NIV 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
6) Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7) Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion – Greek (anagke = constraint, by distress, must needs (of) necessity), for God loves a cheerful giver. 8) And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things (in everything) at all times; having all that you need, you will abound in every good work – Greek (or charity of others, which will be your seed sown).
Note: The words highlighted in BOLD are word studies, as you can see the original Greek meaning in parenthesis does not always translate as we would think. For me compulsion means hastily and it translate by distress…

Reference:
NIV Study Bible, Strong’s Concordance, Nelson’s Compact Bible Handbook, Crosswalk commentaries. http://biblestudy.crosswalk.com/references/DescriptionRead.aspx?refid=1321&l=3&section=Commentaries&type=Commentary&title=

Hermeneutical Interpretation: I believe the original meaning of the passage was to understand the laws of giving and receiving and doing so with our heart or spirit in the right place. That if we give with a right heart it will result in God’s favor and blessing. I also believe it is giving in all ways of Charity (love), not just the monetary but sharing all the gifts we are given. We can always apply these principals to our everyday lives it is a choice we are free to make each day.

There is something to be said for Kindness……

KINDNESS

But when the kindness and love
Of our God and Savior appeared; he saved us,
Not because of righteous things we had done,
But because of his mercy.
He saved us through the washing of rebirth
And renewal by the Holy Spirit.
Titus 3:4-5 (NIV)

Kindness is looking outside of ourselves,
It is looking to the needs of someone else.
Kindness is a friendly smile or a simple hello.
Kindness is listening with an open mind,
It’s giving a little of our time.
It’s sharing the kindness you know to be true,
The kindness that Christ showed towards you.

Be kind and compassionate to one another,
Forgiving each other,
Just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

©Tonya Smith 2006

A loOK At the KJV

Essay Translation Group KJV:
Summarize the approach used in developing the translation:
From the front page of my King James Bible by Zodervan it says this: Containing the Old and New Testaments translated out of the original tongues; and with the former translations diligently compared and revised by His Majesty’s special command. This does not give us much information of how the translation was actually developed so let’s take a look closer. This is an English translation of the Christian Bible that began in 1604 and first published in 1611 by the Church of England. The original printing was published by Robert Barker the King’s printer as a complete folio Bible. The KJV was the first Authorized Version issued by the Church of England in the reign of King Henry VIII. There were 47 scholars all were members of the Church of England. The New Testement was translated word for word or Textus Receptus (received text) series of Greek texts. The Old Testament was translated from the Masoretic Hebrew text. This version was meant to replace the earlier Bishop’s Bible as the official version for reading in the Church of England. The phrase King James Version first appeared in print in 1884.

Discuss common/popular perspectives (what others have to say) regarding this translation:
There are some groups termed the King-James-Only Movement –that mistrust all changes to the Authorized Version. The original translators were trying to provide a Bible worthy of public reading without adding contemporary idioms. I did not know what an Idiom was so again I looked it up- (a phrase whose meaning cannot be determined by the literal definition of the phrase itself, but refers instead to a figurative meaning that is known only through common use. I have heard many say that it is the only bible they will read from while others insist that it is written in a language that is just way outdated. I tend to agree with the language being outdated; however it is the only bible I read when speaking to or spending time with the Lord.

Provide an evaluation on how this translation may or may not fit into the Bible interpreter’s toolkit:
I originally thought this would be the main translation I would use when doing a word study or research. I now however believe that I would use several references and not just a word for word translation. The reason being because even though it is word for word the original text being Greek or Hebrew translated does not necessarily match the actual English meaning. Here is what the Wikipedia web site has to say about it: Translation must take into account constraints that include context, the rules of grammar of the two languages, their writing conventions, and their idioms. A common misconception is that there exists a simple word-for-word correspondence between any two languages, and that translation is a straightforward mechanical process; such a word-for-word translation, however, cannot take into account context, grammar, conventions, and idioms. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Translation Therefore not always the result we might think.
References: My King James Version Bible, and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KJV

A QUick LOok At the NIV

Essay Translation Group NIV:
Summarize the approach used in developing the translation:
The New International Version is an English translation of the Christian Bible. The project was formed in 1965 in Palos Heights, Illinois between the Christian Reformed Church, the National Association of Evangelicals, and a group of international scholars from over twenty different denominations, this was to avoid sectarian bias. The core group consisted of fifteen Biblical scholars. It took ten years and involved a team of up to 100 people from many countries to include: USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. The intent was to create a readable translation that would fall between (literal) word for word and (dynamic equivalent) thought for thought with emphasis on thought for thought.

Discuss common/popular perspectives (what others have to say) regarding this translation:
Some critics who only like the King James Version say the NIV only uses eclectic texts instead of the later Textus Receptus. You say what is that? That’s what I said so I looked it up. The meanings are found to be as follows; Eclectic Text – An edited text that draws from multiple sources is said to be eclectic. Textus Receptus – The Greek text of the New Testament that became standard in printed editions from the 16th to the end of the 19th century. The text of a written work that is generally considered genuine or original. Some say you cannot teach the same doctrine using the NIV and there is controversy in the scripture changes from KJV to NIV as shown here: The first example deals with the deity of Christ. Reference: http://brotherjosh.blogspot.com/2005/11/does-kjv-niv.html (a random view by one of God’s children).

KJV – Philippians 2:6 “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:” Plainly we see here that Jesus considered himself God and didn’t think it was wrong to do so.

NIV – Philippians 2:6 “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, ”Here the NIV says that in his nature he was God, but didn’t think that he could be equal with God. This completely denies the deity of Christ.

 I have not done enough research to be able to tell you one way or the other, I wish I could. I do know if you read on in Philippians 2:9-11 it clearly states that God exalted Him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name and that Jesus Christ is Lord to the Glory of God the Father. That to me show deity, but what do I know, I am just an infant to the process.

Provide an evaluation on how this translation may or may not fit into the Bible interpreter’s toolkit:
I believe it is important to compare several translations when doing biblical research. That being said I believe the NIV fits into the Bible interpreter’s toolkit. We don’t have the opportunity to look at the original manuscripts so we must rely on the current versions/translations we have today. The NIV fits into the toolkit as one of many tools we need when doing our much needed homework. Knowing the orientation of a translation is definitely beneficial.

References: personal NIV starting point study bible, page 57 SBC Bible Interpretation study guide, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NIV

SBC Apocryphal writings & the Dead Sea Scrolls

Essay Canon Group:
Apocryphal writing & content: The Prayer of Manasseh was written as a petition for forgiveness. An extension to 2 Chronicles it portrays itself to be written by King Manasseh who is written about in 2 Chronicles 33:12-13 who needed forgiveness due to his evil ways. It portrays God as the “God of those who repent”. Authorship unknown, Manasseh asks forgiveness and to be saved by God’s mercy.

Impact on popular culture: Some would say it is one of the most beautiful prayers in humility ever written. I find it reflects God in a discerning nature; it is a plea of an individual who was unaware of Gods loving nature and is focused mainly on God’s wrath coming upon him. It would also indicate that in modern day by reading it you might believe that you could be saved by simply repenting of your sins, 1:7  for you are the Lord Most High, of great compassion,long-suffering, and very merciful, and you relent at human suffering. O Lord, according to your great goodness you have promised repentance and forgiveness to those who have sinned against you, and in the multitude of your mercies you have appointed repentance for sinners, so that they may be saved.

Reason it was excluded from the canon: Manasseh’s Prayer is not included in the canon because it is not of God’s authorship and therefore not the inspired word of God. It is believed to have been written in the first or second century BC long after Manasseh’s death. The author is unknown; it could have been a Christian writing a Jewish prayer but more likely a Jewish author who wrote the text in the Greek language. Note: Apocryphal writings sometimes called a deuterocanonical book (meaning belonging to the second canon) by Catholics.
References: http://bible.crosswalk.com/History/BC/Apocrypha/ApocryphaBookList.html

http://www.earlyjewishwritings.com/manasseh.html

http://www.bible.ca/catholic-apocrypha.htm

Essay Canon Group:
Dead Sea Scrolls significant findings: The scrolls were found in late 1946 or early 1947 in a cave near the northwestern edge of the Dead Sea. The scrolls dated from about 250BC to 68AD to include the oldest record of the Hebrew Bible, the old testament of the Christian Bible. Previous text dated to about 900 AD the Dead Sea texts were dated 1000 years earlier. One very significant finding was the entire book of Isaiah found in the scrolls.

Why discoveries are significant: The discovery of the scrolls provokes interest from all areas of expertise believers and non believers alike. The scrolls have meaning for anyone and everyone. The findings of Isaiah confirmed the accuracy of later translations of the bible. The discoveries were important because they help to complete what we today hold in our hands the bible-canon (the current word of God and guide for life).

How discoveries impacted modern Bible translation: The discovery of the Dead Sea scrolls has revolutionized the way we study the text of the Hebrew Bible. The scrolls had impact on the Old and New Testament especially the validity of the gospel of John. There were many revisions made to the Old and New Testament some findings were like missing pieces to a puzzle. Scriptures matching those of previous record, containing the additional parts of a verses that simply fit into place like a puzzle piece that could only match that particular puzzle. These puzzle pieces bring a validity to our modern day minds and our Bible like only God can do. The impact on our modern Bible is that of great magnitude, ever changing the way God speaks to us today.

Dead Sea Scroll References: http://www.bibleandscience.com/archaeology/dss.htm
http://books.google.com/booksid=8DHBr5ShlbgC&pg=PA118&lpg=PA118&dq=impact+of+dead+sea+scrolls+on+modern+bible&source=bl&ots=qGlsVQ3qkW&sig=-xHbEbi4mYYbP8mUsp7b0lgmNOI&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=3&ct=result#PPA122,M1

Interesting Read on all 4 gospels & Dead Sea Scrolls:  http://craigaevans.com/Scrolls_Gospels.pdf

Real Photos of Dead Sea Scrolls- see link:  www.textexcavation.com/dssphotos.html

I enjoyed this study it was very enlightening. I know I will benefit from it my future understanding of God’s word.