The relationship between God and his people is understood in various ways by the biblical writers- and it is arguably the apostle Paul who uses the richest vocabulary. Unique to Paul's writings is the term huiothesia- the process or act of being "adopted as son(s)." It occurs five times in three of his letters- where it functions as a key theological metaphor. Trevor Burke argues that huiothesi…
Most Bible commentaries take us on a one-way trip from the twentieth century to the first century. But they leave us there- assuming that we can somehow make the return journey on our own. In other words- they focus on the original meaning of the passage but don't discuss its contemporary application. The information they offer is valuable -- but the job is only half done! The NIV Application C…