The Literacy of Tax Collectors

Here is an interesting post on the literacy of tax collectors, Matthew, and the Gospel of Matthew.

Brian Rosner on Scholarship

The Logos Blog has a brief post here on what makes a good biblical scholar. I especially appreciated this point.

A good biblical scholar doesn’t believe the old adage, “what I’m not up on, I’m down on.” They don’t think something isn’t important if they don’t know about it already and are open to learning from all comers. But he or she is not trapped by every new fad or methodology.

Joseph and Good and Bad in Genesis

John Sailhamer has an interesting comment regarding Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dream in Genesis 41. 

The writer’s emphasis on the “good” and “bad” represents Joseph’s wisdom and discernment as an ability to distinguish between the “good” (ṭôb) and the “bad” (raʿ). Such a picture suggests that in the story of Joseph the writer is returning to one of the central themes of the beginning of the book, the knowledge of “good” (ṭôb) and “bad” (raʿ). Joseph, one who has wisdom, is able to discern between “good and bad.” It is also clear from this story that ultimately such knowledge comes only from God (v. 39). Joseph is the embodiment of the ideal that true wisdom, the ability to discern between “good and bad,” comes only from God. Thus the lesson of the early chapters of Genesis is artfully repeated in the last chapters of Genesis.

John H. Sailhamer, “Genesis,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Genesis–Leviticus, Revised Edition, ed. Tremper Longman III and David E. Garland, vol. 1 (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2008), 286.

Irony in 1 Samuel 31

Stephen notes several instances of irony in 1 Samuel 31.

Ironically of course, David kills the Amalekite because he believes his lie (2 Sam 1:15-16). If the Amalekite had told the truth, he might have lived. In a further irony, David succeeds at something Saul had failed to do (i.e., kill Amalekites). At the same time, however, the Amalekite armor bearer lays claim to killing Saul — something that David, Saul's former armor bearer (1 Sam 16:21-22) would not or could not do. But perhaps the deepest irony is that Saul, although rejected by God from the kingship, remained "the Lord's anointed" and under divine protection to the last (2 Sam 1:14). Yet he could not protect himself from himself.

Stephen B. Chapman, 1 Samuel as Christian Scripture: A Theological Commentary (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2016), 213.

Free Logos Book for July: Paul, Apostle of God’s Glory in Christ: A Pauline Theology

The free Logos Book for the Month for July is Thomas Schreiner's Paul, Apostle of God’s Glory in Christ: A Pauline Theology. You can also purchase Jesus, Paul and the People of God: A Theological Dialogue with N. T. Wright and David deSilva's Honor, Patronage, Kinship and Purity for $1.99 and $2.99. While you are at it, register for a chance win the fourteen-volume IVP New Testament Studies set. For all these offers, go to the Logos' Free Book of Month page here.