Category Archives: Early Christianity

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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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When Christians Conquered an Empire (in current English)

Posted on 01/26/2021 by Paul Pavao

Tertullian’s Christians Conquer Empire reworded This is a rewording of yesterday’s blog. “To the Rulers of the Roman Empire: “… If we are commanded to love our enemies, as I have pointed out earlier, whom do we Christians have to … Continue reading →

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When Christians Conquered a Nation

Posted on 01/25/2021 by Paul Pavao

This was written very close to the year 200, to the Roman emperors, who almost certainly never read it, but the words have been preserved. This is what conquest of an empire by real Christians looks like: This is long, … Continue reading →

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