Category Archives: Early Christianity

My Experiences with Praying in Tongues

Posted on 12/31/2024 by Paul Pavao

Believing in Jesus I was raised Catholic. When I was saved at 21 (in 1982), my introduction to Protestant Christianity was foreign to me, brand new, and exciting. It was also mostly Pentecostal.  My boss, Sgt. Roger Thomas, is the … Continue reading →

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Which Denomination Gets It Right?

Posted on 12/09/2024 by Paul Pavao

I was asked  about which major denomination* (Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant) gets it right (in my opinion). I want to share my answers in a post. My first answer: The persons or churches that devote themselves to love and good works … Continue reading →

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What the Bible Says about Baptism

Posted on 10/12/2024 by Paul Pavao

The following are verses about water baptism in the New Testament followed by excuses I have personally heard in an attempt to justify the tradition that baptism is a symbolic public testimony. Mark 16:16 – He who believes and is … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Dealing with Scripture Honestly, Early Christianity, Evangelicals, Gospel, Modern Doctrines, Verses Evangelicals Ignore | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Part 3 of Rebooting Redemption: Ezekiel 18, the Final Judgment, and Repentance

Posted on 09/18/2024 by Paul Pavao

A lot of things have happened since August 28, but I am trying to get back on track today. You can read Part 1 and Part 2 if you haven’t. I am going to keep these shorter. Today I just … Continue reading →

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The Day of Atonement and the Goat for Azazel

Posted on 08/23/2024 by Paul Pavao

I looked up the Kyle-Delitzsch commentary on Lev. 16:8, where a lot is cast for two goats on the day of atonement, one for Yahweh and one for Azazel. Kyle-Delitzsh is, or at least used to be, a prince among … Continue reading →

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Jesus Triumphantly Rescued Us! Atonement by Ransom

Posted on 04/30/2024 by Paul Pavao

From a comment I put on Facebook: It was not until yesterday that I realized the full import of Ephesians 1:7 and Colossians 1:14. Both are saying we have been released because we were ransomed by his blood (Gr. apolutrosis), … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Christianity, Gospel, Modern Doctrines, Rebuilding the Foundations, Teachings that must not be lost | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Today’s Hodge-Podge: Messengers, Large Church Meetings, Archippus, and Apostolic Succession

Posted on 03/22/2024 by Paul Pavao

For those interested, I wrote this in an email in response to questions concerning Colossians 4:14, 16-17: For at least 150 years, perhaps longer, it was perfectly okay that the Sunday morning meetings grew large enough to need big meeting … Continue reading →

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Divorce and Remarriage: Taking a Stance Against the Anabaptists

Posted on 06/18/2021 by Paul Pavao

DISCLAIMER: A commenter accurately pointed out that this is too broad a sweep. It may be too harsh, too, but not for the people I am speaking of. My experience with the anti-remarriage crowd may only be the most outspoken … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Early Christianity, Gospel, Modern Doctrines, Unity | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

The Twelve Apostles and “Apostolic Men”

Posted on 03/27/2021 by Paul Pavao

I wrote this in an answer on Quora, but I think most of my friends would enjoy knowing the following: (The question was whether Barnabas, companion of Paul, was one of the 12 apostles.) Paul himself was not one of … Continue reading →

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The “Broader Framework” of Salvation at the Heart of the Apostle Paul’s Teaching

Posted on 02/13/2021 by Paul Pavao

Today I wrote on Facebook that I would pay my entire retirement account if by doing so I could magically impart an understanding of the preface of Matthew J. Thomas’ new edition of Paul’s “Works of the Law” in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Early Christianity, Evangelicals, Gospel, Holiness, Modern Doctrines, Rebuilding the Foundations | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 23 Comments