An Honest Conversation with Stephen Hackett about the Synoptic Problem

What a delight to talk with Stephen Hackett today! 

I was in studio while Stephen was in Iowa. 

I love his passion for the Scriptures. The episode should air in about a month. In the meantime, you can check out his other videos here. 

For Better Or for Verse: Falling in Love with Greek for Life

I regret to inform you that there is no end goal when it comes to studying Greek. When you signed up for the class, that was the beginning of a lifelong love of the language. After a year of Greek, you should have formed the habit and the motivation to continue for the rest of your life. 

Can't stop. 

Won't stop. 

26.2 Miles, Zero Limits

From Sunday's Marine Corps Marathon: 

RESPECT, sir. 

Old Walls, New Ideas: Why Studying in Basel Felt Like Living History

The Divinity School at Oxford University dates back to the year 1427. The Theologische Seminar of the University of Basel saw its initial construction in 1271. 

Nadelberg 10

In this building yours truly wrote his doctoral dissertation. These buildings accumulate the presence of generations of students. They have reached a story-filled identity that newer facilities haven't had time to earn. The University of Basel perfectly embodies this cultural charm. Rather than having a single enclosed campus, the university is seamlessly woven into the architecture of the city itself. It was an unforgettable experience for us to live there. 

Teams Learn More from a Defeat Than a Blowout Win

So Kansas City finally loses a game. That's actually a good thing. There's nothing like a loss to keep you level-headed. They still have the third best record in the NFL.

We all know that to be a winner you have to lose sometimes. The fact that I dropped out of Greek after only three weeks sure keeps me humble! 

Genius, Grief, and Grace

Eight weeks before cancer took his life, Jim Valvano, head coach of the NC State Wolfpack, delivered a speech viewed by millions. The one line from that speech that is remembered is this:

"Take time each day to laugh, to think, and to cry."

These words were so meaningful to Coach V that they were etched into his gravestone.

I have laughed much in my 74 years. I have thought deeply in life. And I have cried. So have you. Even though people may seem outwardly strong and "together," little do we realize the pain in many a heart and many a soul. You can't tell by looking. But it's there.

This morning I took this wonderful book off my shelf. 

I haven't read it in years but it's worth rereading. The book is a reminder of an essential truth about life, namely how personal struggles and divine grace have always shaped the lives of notable Christian figures. Trials impacted both their faith and their contributions. These were people who laughed, thought, and cried. The book is a reminder of how we need to embrace the imperfections of great Christians. It brings to light the true life stories of gifted yet deeply troubled followers of Christ like Martin Luther, John Bunyan, and C. S. Lewis. Their stories reflect the journey of navigating grief while seeking understanding and support. Each figure has a unique tale to tell, yet their genius is attributed to a common background of suffering. Running as a golden thread through the sometimes dark tapestry of their lives is the clear message that our weaknesses as believers can be a channel for Christ's strength. 

The one figure who might well have been added to the discussion is the apostle Paul, whose "theology of weakness" emphasizes that the believer's human frailty is not a barrier to God's work but rather a means through which divine strength is revealed. In a culture like ours that values success and purely human strength, Paul flips the paradigm on its head, arguing that true strength comes from reliance on God rather than personal achievements. 

This dependency is essential for spiritual growth and effective ministry. As I often remind my students, "God's means of making us stronger is by making us weaker and weaker until the divine power alone is see in our lives." Moreover, embracing our weaknesses allows us to connect more deeply with others, fostering a community based on humility and shared struggle.

Perhaps for me the main takeaway from Genius, Grief & Grace is the reminder that ministry success is often mingled with less-than-desirable traits such as depression, perfectionism, narcissism, paranoia, and much more besides. How grateful we are that Jesus would work through such people -- and through such people as us, too. 

Age Isn't the Limitation

Tomorrow, at the age of 74, I will enter the classroom again. I will be just as excited and enthusiastic to teach as I was when I first entered the classroom 50 years ago at the age of 24. What I want my students to see isn't my physique. I want them to see discipline, consistency, and a high work ethic. Physical strength is temporary, but the example I can set for my students can last generations. Strength helps you to live. It helps you to work. It helps you to move. It helps you to remain independent as you age. 

Strength isn't reserved for the young.

Strength is for everyone. 

Age isn't the limitation.

Quitting is. 

The Will to Strive, to Seek, to Find

Nice ultra training run after church today. 

Needed to get in my weekly miles since I had to miss my workout on Friday (when I was at Liberty all day). 

Tennyson once had Ulysses say, "And though we are not now the strength which in old days moved heaven and earth, that which we are, we are -- made weak by time and fate, but strong in will to strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield."

We aging ultramarathoners already know that getting to the starting line is what really counts. The race itself is merely the victory lap. You're aware that something special has happened. You realize that no matter what happens during those 32 miles, you will be a changed person. The race is just another step in the endless, restless pursuit to become the person you are. 

A Little Ocean Therapy

Turn your volume up and enjoy the sounds of the waves at "my beach" on Oahu -- Kailua. 

Today's 50K Training Run -- DONE!

The weather was gorgeous. Feeling blessed to be able to keep moving toward this dream race. This journey to 32 miles has been challenging in so many ways. I'm thanking God for the strength to get this far. Looking forward to some rest and recovery tomorrow. 

Earlier today I got in a one hour strength training workout. For what it's worth, here are some vids. Hope this doesn't bore you too much! 

Igniting Minds on the Mountain: My Day Lecturing at Liberty University

What a day! My heart is so full right now. So incredibly grateful to have been able to speak in two classes at Liberty University today. It was an absolute honor. First and foremost, thanks to my former students Thomas Hudgins and Ben Laird for the invitation to speak in their classes. And to the incredible students at LU, thank you for your grace and attentiveness. I am so grateful for having been able to speak to you today. I am in awe of the beauty of the campus but especially everyone's love and passion to build up the next generation for Christ in whatever career he is calling them to. I just want to thank the Lord that maybe I was able to have a tiny impact on their lives. I absolutely love this school. 

Trading My Keyboard for a Microphone

Recently I was asked by Stephen Hackett to speak with him about my book Why Four Gospels? That interview will be taped this coming Monday, Lord willing. Stephen has a wonderful Youtube channel that provides Christians with an insightful and relevant look into understanding and applying the Bible.  

There is life-giving power in the word of God because it leads us directly to the One who is the way, the truth, and the life. May our interview help open the door to God's book for this generation. 

Oops

When earlier today I published my post about Mark's use of the diminutive for "daughter" in Mark 5:23, I forgot to mention that I found at least one German and one Spanish translation that properly bring out this nuance. The Schlachter New Testament reads "Mein Töchterlein" instead of Luther's "Meine Tochter." That is simply brilliant. 

As for Spanish, I was very happy to see that La Biblia de las Américas reads, "Mi hijita." To all who worked so hard on producing these Bible translations, thanks for helping us know and love the Savior through his word. 

Becoming a Word Vulture

I had a wonderful time during my morning Bible study today. The verb "revel" comes to mind. This word (rarely used today) means to take part in a noisy celebration or to enjoy something very much. The term implies both abandonment and enjoyment. Synonyms include celebrate, indulge, and even carouse. I'm never in a hurry to get through my time in the word. Sometimes words sort of lie down in the grass and become hidden. When you come across words like this, take notice of them. Become a careful student of words. 

When I read the Bible, I feel like a word vulture as I hover over statements made and even connotations of words. Words are my craft. They mean everything. I teach in a place that is thoroughly committed to training men and women for the hard work of Bible study. Remember, the difference between reading and studying is pen and paper. O may my students learn to "revel" in such study!

May I give you an example from this morning's time in Mark 5? 

The passage I was reading is frequently referred to as "The Raising of Jairus's Daughter." It's found in Matt. 9:18-26, Mark 5:21-43, and Luke 8:40-56. It's closely interwoven with another pericope called "The Healing of a Bleeding Woman." In verse 23 of Mark 5, we encounter the word thugatrion. Jairus literally says to Jesus, "My little daughter [thugatrion] has it lastly," that is, "is at her end." Now, thugatrion is a diminutive of thugatēr, "daughter." The term connotes special affection, much like the suffix "-li" in Swiss German. Diminutives convey smallness, affection, or intimacy. In Spanish, perro (dog) becomes perrito (little dog) and mamá (mom) becomes mamita, showing great endearment. Diminutives are a versatile linguistic tool that can enrich communication by adding emotional depth and ninace. 

So how do English versions handle this word? (Remember, I'm a word vulture!) Here are some examples:

• CSB: "My little daughter."
• ESV: "My little daughter."
• Phillips: "My little girl" (that's better!).
• MSG: "My dear daughter" (very nice!).

Here's how I might render verse 23:

"My precious daughter is at death's door. Please come and lay hands on her so that she will be healed and live!"

Interestingly, Luke 8:42 adds that she is Jairus's "only daughter." O the pathos! Moreover, she was 12 years of age. That was the age in Jewish society when a son or a daughter was on the verge of young adulthood. Imagine what fun we could have if we simply slowed down and observed the words of Scripture!

Would you like to read the Bible with eyes like that? 

Observation is the first step in Bible study. 

The point is, do whatever it takes to approach the word with a fresh perspective. One of the greatest killers in Bible study is the statement, "O, I already know that"!

How to Get Strong

I've realized a fact that changes how I see my commitment to fitness. Working out consistently isn't just about working out your body. It's about the person inside the body, the real you. It's about the skills that will carry you through life. You just need to commit to the process. You don't need to go heavy, but I challenge you to really push yourself. Below are some exercises you can try. I performed each of them today at the Y. 

Folks, strength training isn't a fad. It's one of the most powerful things we can do to age well, stay independent (so important!), and continue to do the things we love to do for years to come. 

When you put on muscle, your body will completely change the way it operates. So ... 

Pick your exercises.

Get strong.

Stay at it.

You can spend the next few months saying, "I really need to start working out." Or you can walk into the gym and start working out today. 

Three days of weight training.

Walking between sessions.

Time to recover. 

Remember: Your body belongs to God. Not you. Strengthening it helps you show up more for him, for your family, and for those he's called you to serve in this life. 

A simply, full-body workout done three days a week beats five random workouts any day.

Even if you're over 70.

Here are the exercises I did today. But don't do what I do. Find a strategy that will work for you and then stick with it.

Love you all! Thanks for reading!

The Ultimate Scenic Route: My Waikiki Beach Run

Waikiki regulars, this one's for you. 

A Word to the Married

When Bec and I moved to Basel in 1980, we found a nice 1-room apartment not far from the Rhine and the French border. 

Notice I didn't say "1-bedroom." I said "1-room." 

Our apartment at Immengasse 18. 

This is what our home away from home looked like. 

We loved it. Of course, we also had a tiny kitchenette and an even tinier bathroom (not pictured). None of that mattered to us. We may have been as poor as church mice, but we had the Lord and we had each other, and that was enough. 

The greatest riches in life aren't measured by money. 

It's the love we give and the love we leave behind. 

Never stop loving each other. 

Today's 16 Mile Run

Today I did a 16-mile training for my 50K ultra in December. 

Everything seemed to click! The weather was gorgeous, my legs felt strong, and I felt like I could have kept going beyond the 16.6 miles I ran. 

Ultra marathoning isn't just about how far you can run. It's about teaching your body to keep on going while taking care of it along the way. I'm feeling stronger, more confident, and more excited about the race on Dec. 5. 

If you've ever finished a marathon and then asked, "What's next?", trying out an ultra might be the best thing you can do! 

Who's Your Doctoral Grossvater?

Interesting chart someone put together. I'd love to see it expanded. Recognize any names? 

Keep Moving Forward

The number one rule for completing an ultra: Keep moving forward.

The number one rule for completing your first year of Greek: Keep moving forward. 

Studying Is a Humbling Experience

I told my Greek class last night that, despite the fact that I've been teaching Greek for 5 decades, I feel like a small child wading on the shore of a limitless ocean whenever I read my Greek New Testament. The greatest students in life never graduate. That's why in the ISV we rendered didaktikos in 1 Tim. 3:2 as "teachable" rather than "able to teach" (the lexicons allow both renderings). This kind of intellectual humility is valuable because it keeps you open to learning. 

The wisest people I know are the most humble. 

Quick Trip to Lynchburg

Been invited to speak at Liberty University's divinity school again this Friday. 

My topics will be: "Seven Marks of a New Testament Church," and "Why Inspiration Involves More than Just Words." 

Should be fun! 

Time for Your First 50K Race?

Anyone who reads my blog has heard me rave about the Freight Train 50K Ultramarathon in Farmville. I've done this race 4 times. It's a great course and the perfect time to up your running status from marathoner to ultramarathoner. With an extremely generous time limit, it's incredibly doable. 

Here's to the miles ahead, the lessons learned, and the moments in life that keep moving us forward! 

Yours truly during his first 50K ultra on the High Bridge Trail. 

Check Out This Shoe Store in Wake Forest

Did you know there's a running store in Wake Forest? 

I buy all of my running shoes here. 

Their customer service is amazing. (Thanks, Lee!) I bought this pair of Altras yesterday. 

Stop by Run-N-Tri Outfitters and tell them I sent you. It's an amazing store! 

Exercise -- the Best Medicine

Those who train do so for more than the physical health benefits. Exercise optimizes brain function. This is important if you, like me, are completing two book projects and then going on to revise two of your earlier books. Or if, like me, you teach for 3 hours straight and need mental acumen the whole time. Exercise literally changes the structure of your brain. This means that every workout you do doesn't just build a stronger body. 

It's building a more capable mind. That's the part many of us miss about weight training. Brain and body both need the right amount of exercise. 

In the end, lifting weights isn't just about building muscle. It's about strengthening your mind. Every drop of sweat triggers a powerful cascade of endorphins. You may walk into the gym stressed, but you leave restored, focused, alive. The endorphins released during a workout are a natural mood booster. 

Exercise is indeed the best medicine. 

The Forgotten Reformer: Reclaiming the Pastoral Legacy of Ulrich Zwingli

I'm taking a break from writing to spend a few minutes rereading portions of this magnificent work on the life of Ulrich Zwingli written by my colleague and friend Stephen Eccher. 

When I lived in Basel I spent a week one summer traveling to all the significant places in the life of that great reformer -- Wildhaus ("vild- hoos"), Basel (yay!), Glarus, Einsiedeln, and Zurich. Many people don't realize that it was Zwingli who founded the first reformed seminary in history that eventually evolved into the University of Zurich. He also pioneered expository preaching, which wasn't popular then and isn't popular today. 

Among other things, he broke with the medieval lectionary system and instead preached verse-by-verse through entire biblical books. My week-long Zwingli pilgrimage finished, of course, at the famous battlefield in Kappel where he died as both a combatant and military chaplain. My friend Steve covers all of these details in vivid fashion in his wonderful memorial to the life and work of the one of the most respected Christians of all time. Read it if you can.

What Our Grandkids Can Teach Us

Today one of my grandsons turns three. 

He's already reached his peak of activity. At three, he does life his way -- all out. He doesn't just watch life. He does. Sadly, if he's like most of us, he will grow up and substitute watching for doing. A three-year old finds the day too short. The adult finds the day boring and much too long. "Will this day ever end?"

Can we ever return to the enthusiasm and energy of a small child? Somewhere in me is the creativity I had when I was his age. Already at three, Reuben has discovered how wonderful it is to be a human being. 

How I wish I could always share this excitement. How I wish I could return back to the wonders of childhood, back to the intensity of play, back to that disorderly and disorganized pursuit of, well, living with sheer abandonment. 

I am an advocate for play as well as for work. For grown up responsibility, yes, but also for always remaining a child that disregards all appearances and laughs at the world. It won't be easy. You might end up becoming the only defender of play among your acquaintances. 

Unless, of course, they have three-year old grandkids. 

Our Greek Class's "110 Award"

Many years ago I noticed that some companies offer the "110 Award" to individuals who go above and beyond expectations, usually putting in extra effort to achieve their goals. One real estate company I read about actually offered a cash gift of $110.00 along with a nice plaque. Well, I sort of adopted this idea in my beginning Greek classes maybe 30 years ago. Every semester we have three exams. As extra credit, I give the students an English-to-Greek sentence to translate. For every correctly spelled Greek word, they receive one point of extra credit. If a student gets all 10 Greek words spelled correctly -- and has gotten a perfect 100 on the exam proper -- they receive the "110 Award." What I do is bring the books I've published to class and the student can pick out any book of their choosing for free. 

And, while there is not a cash award per se, some of these books are a little pricey. This one, for example, sells for $150.00 at Amazon as a hardback. The paperback version is "only" $50.00. 

Last Monday we had our first exam of the semester, so I'm really looking forward to passing out 110 Awards during tomorrow night's class. In essence, it's my way of saying "I just want to let you know before you leave tonight that your effort this semester has been awesome. Thank you for the hard work and care you put into this class." 

Every student is eligible to receive this award! 

Don't Miss Your Calling

If I could communicate one truth to each of my students as we meet together this week, it would be this: God has created each individual with a unique purpose in life to fulfill. Focus on discovering your calling, your God-given purpose. Don't go through seminary without coming to terms with this foundational issue. The Lord has personally prepared a plan for you. When you discover your calling, it will change everything. 

An impactful life begins with self-discovery. 

Fall Is in Full Swing in Appomattox!

Up early on a brisk, 33-degree morning to get in a quick visit to Appomattox before church and add a few pictures and videos to my collection of Civil War sites. 

How blessed I am to live in a state that is so rich in history. Fun fact: Contrary to popular belief, the surrender documents were not signed at the actual courthouse (pictured here). 

They were signed at the Wilmer McLean House. 

The name of the village was Appomattox Court House because this is how they named county government seats back in the 19th century. Hence the confusion.

Behind the McLean House -- a view not often featured in books or online. 

If these walls could talk, what stories they would tell!