Papias, the bishop of Hierapolis in Asia Minor was the author of the five-volume Exposition of th... more Papias, the bishop of Hierapolis in Asia Minor was the author of the five-volume Exposition of the Oracles of the Jesus in the early second century. It can be noted that his testimony is exceedingly important for our understanding of early Christianity and the origin of certain New Testament writings because of the several unique facts which his writings preserve. Fragments of Papias seem to have been preserved at least until the fifth century, although it is hard to tell whether late writers are quoting from Papias or from those who had earlier read his books. The complete copy of his book is not available now but the extraction works from his book are found in other writings like Eusebius and Irenaeus. In this paper, the presenters will be bring the information about background of the fragments, its contents, link between the fragments of Papias and the Gospels, and Papias’ eschatological understanding, with the critical evaluation and conclusion.
Luke’s gospel is often called “the gospel for the Poor”, “the gospel of Women”, “the Gospel for t... more Luke’s gospel is often called “the gospel for the Poor”, “the gospel of Women”, “the Gospel for the Gentiles”, “the Universal Gospel”, Gospel of Prayer and Praise”, the Gospel of the Holy Spirit, “the Gospel of the Joy”. In Luke’s gospel, women play significant roles that challenge societal norms and highlight themes of equality, compassion, and inclusion. Luke’s picture of women in Jesus’ ministry was revolutionary and brought a new perspective on the attitude toward women. Women are mentioned frequently in almost 24 chapters of the gospel of Luke. Every chapter of Luke has a story related to or mentions women. Luke mentions in his narrative some women who were not mentioned in other gospels. Luke has a sympathetic concern for women, especially downcast women such as widows, women of low state, infirmities, sick, cripple, etc
The epistles of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon are called as prison letter among... more The epistles of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon are called as prison letter among the other epistles written by Paul in the New Testament books. As these letters were written by the author when he was in prison. The Deutro-Pauline epistles refers to the New Testament letters which are include in the Pauline corpus, but viewed as the writings of Paul’s followers or perhaps Pauline school. These letters are 2 Thessalonians, Colossians, Ephesians, 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus (pastoral epistles). From the evidence found in the scriptures (2 Thess. 1:1; 2:17; Col. 1:1; 4:18; Ephe.1:1), tradition (Polycarp, Justin, Maricon, Irenaeus, Muratorian Canon, Hippolytus of Rome, and Tertullian) has regarded them as authentic Pauline writings. Whereas, some modern scholars have challenged the authenticity of theses epistles on the basis of difference found in style, vocabulary, and theology from the undisputed epistles, and these letters address issues and situations which do not correspond to Paul’s time, but seem to reflect a later period. Keeping the background of these epistles, in this paper the presenter will discuss the authenticity of authorship, date, theme, place and purpose of the above said epistles and do the survey of the opponents of Paul's with biblical references.
One of the unique characteristics of John’s Gospel is its frequent use of dualism. John character... more One of the unique characteristics of John’s Gospel is its frequent use of dualism. John characterizes various aspects of his theology in light of the “sectarian” context of his community. Therefore, we find several beliefs in two worlds for instance, the world above and the world below, and pairs of contrasts like light and darkness, life and death, love and judgement, spirit and flesh, truth and nuances of perspective throughout humanity. In doing so, John points to the one central truth that ultimately all people will be judged by God and put into one of two categories, those who have believed in Jesus and those who have not. The entire gospel of John is regarded as having high Christology as its central theological concern, and its author is known for his use of duality to rhetorically drive home his theological message. Johannine dualism carries its own set of perplexities, and pose a striking set of polar opposites, on one hand, some dualistic features appear simply to state the way things are and where they are headed. On the other hand, other dualistic features seem to explain the responses of individuals and groups to the Revealer, those who receive Jesus’ words and works and those who reject. In this paper, the presenter will bring the concise study by analyzing on the background of Johannine dualism and the different types of dualisms found in the Gospel of John.
In this paper, I would like to start with asking few questions, before we enter the study this to... more In this paper, I would like to start with asking few questions, before we enter the study this topic of the Romans in Israel. What were the political situations which paved way for the coming of Romans into the Israel/Judea? How Romans made themselves as rulers over the Jews in Israel? And what were the causes which led Jews to revolt against political leaders? Thereafter, I would like to talk about the sects present during the period of Romans, and their influence and role in the society. And a survey of the social, political, and economic conditions of Jews under the Roman Rule. And at the end of the paper, will do the comparison of both empires of Greek and Romans, with the conclusion and critical on the topics covered in the paper.
The Gospel of Matthew is placed as the first book of New Testament among the first four Gospels, ... more The Gospel of Matthew is placed as the first book of New Testament among the first four Gospels, because it was the most widely used and read Gospel in the ancient church, and has been called “the ecclesiastical Gospel.” The early Church fathers mostly quoted Gospel of Matthew and it was frequently used in the liturgy of the church. It was the favourite Gospel because it is the most comprehensive one, inclusive of the sayings and teachings of Jesus. The genealogy, with which he begins the gospel, is a bridge between the Old Testament story of salvation and the New testament message act of God in Jesus Christ. Mathew’s Gospel has two main interests, which distinguish him from the other evangelists, that is, the messianic function of Jesus and his eschatology. Matthew alone employs the word “church” ἐκκλησία (Mt. 16:18), and its emphasis on the life of the Christian community has made it as a valuable resource throughout the centuries. In general, Matthew writes his Gospel to keep persecution of the church from confusing evangelism. He reminds the disciples of Jesus their responsibilities to obey Christ’s law and make it known even in the time of their persecution. He warns false disciples and those tempted to follow their antinomian course of least resistance that everlasting torment awaits the disobedient. In this paper the information about the authorship of the Gospel of Matthew, its date, the place of writing and to whom it was written (audience) will be briefly brought in.
David L. Baker states that almost all the New Testament writers often quoted from the Old Testame... more David L. Baker states that almost all the New Testament writers often quoted from the Old Testament, and such quotations certainly involved interpretation of Old Testament texts. Matthew was not the only one who quoted from OT, Stephen Motyer notes that the New Testament indicates an engagement with Old Testament that touched every page at the start, hence the NT is not complete with the OT. R. McL Wilson submits that Matthew alone has over fifty quotations, and some have entire passages quoted from the OT, particularly from the prophets. Matthew in writing the gospel, he wanted to show that though Christianity seemed new, it had its roots as Judaism in the OT Scriptures. He also uses it in typology, which is the study of analogical correspondences among persons, events, institutions, and other things within the historical framework of God's special revelation that is prophetic from a retrospective view. In this paper, the presenter will try to discuss about the context and purpose in which Matthew wrote the gospel, and attempts to throw light on the different types of Old Testament citations used in Matthew's Gospel, his interpretive method, and his extensive citation from Old Testament, along with scholars debates on the use of language will be brought in the paper.
Islam is considered as the youngest and the largest religion, among other major religions of the ... more Islam is considered as the youngest and the largest religion, among other major religions of the world. According to the census of 2021, there are more than 1.9 billion adherents of Islam in the world, which makes up-to 26% of the world’s population. It is also the dominant religion of third world nations in Middle East, such as Africa, and Asia. These factors make Islam as one of the most interesting and important religion which calls for our attention as theological students to study and know about this religion, and its sacred scriptures known as Quran. Therefore, in this paper, we will make an attempt to survey about the introduction of Quran, by asking few questions to find answers about the origin and background of Islam. When did this religion came into existence? How was it formed? And what are the contents of Quran? How, and to whom it was revealed and how was it complied in a book form? And what are the beliefs, observances, traditions and festivals they celebrate and the law they observe? Are there any divisions in Islam and what are schools of thoughts exists in Islam?
Papias, the bishop of Hierapolis in Asia Minor was the author of the five-volume Exposition of th... more Papias, the bishop of Hierapolis in Asia Minor was the author of the five-volume Exposition of the Oracles of the Jesus in the early second century. It can be noted that his testimony is exceedingly important for our understanding of early Christianity and the origin of certain New Testament writings because of the several unique facts which his writings preserve. Fragments of Papias seem to have been preserved at least until the fifth century, although it is hard to tell whether late writers are quoting from Papias or from those who had earlier read his books. The complete copy of his book is not available now but the extraction works from his book are found in other writings like Eusebius and Irenaeus. In this paper, the presenters will be bring the information about background of the fragments, its contents, link between the fragments of Papias and the Gospels, and Papias’ eschatological understanding, with the critical evaluation and conclusion.
Luke’s gospel is often called “the gospel for the Poor”, “the gospel of Women”, “the Gospel for t... more Luke’s gospel is often called “the gospel for the Poor”, “the gospel of Women”, “the Gospel for the Gentiles”, “the Universal Gospel”, Gospel of Prayer and Praise”, the Gospel of the Holy Spirit, “the Gospel of the Joy”. In Luke’s gospel, women play significant roles that challenge societal norms and highlight themes of equality, compassion, and inclusion. Luke’s picture of women in Jesus’ ministry was revolutionary and brought a new perspective on the attitude toward women. Women are mentioned frequently in almost 24 chapters of the gospel of Luke. Every chapter of Luke has a story related to or mentions women. Luke mentions in his narrative some women who were not mentioned in other gospels. Luke has a sympathetic concern for women, especially downcast women such as widows, women of low state, infirmities, sick, cripple, etc
The epistles of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon are called as prison letter among... more The epistles of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon are called as prison letter among the other epistles written by Paul in the New Testament books. As these letters were written by the author when he was in prison. The Deutro-Pauline epistles refers to the New Testament letters which are include in the Pauline corpus, but viewed as the writings of Paul’s followers or perhaps Pauline school. These letters are 2 Thessalonians, Colossians, Ephesians, 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus (pastoral epistles). From the evidence found in the scriptures (2 Thess. 1:1; 2:17; Col. 1:1; 4:18; Ephe.1:1), tradition (Polycarp, Justin, Maricon, Irenaeus, Muratorian Canon, Hippolytus of Rome, and Tertullian) has regarded them as authentic Pauline writings. Whereas, some modern scholars have challenged the authenticity of theses epistles on the basis of difference found in style, vocabulary, and theology from the undisputed epistles, and these letters address issues and situations which do not correspond to Paul’s time, but seem to reflect a later period. Keeping the background of these epistles, in this paper the presenter will discuss the authenticity of authorship, date, theme, place and purpose of the above said epistles and do the survey of the opponents of Paul's with biblical references.
One of the unique characteristics of John’s Gospel is its frequent use of dualism. John character... more One of the unique characteristics of John’s Gospel is its frequent use of dualism. John characterizes various aspects of his theology in light of the “sectarian” context of his community. Therefore, we find several beliefs in two worlds for instance, the world above and the world below, and pairs of contrasts like light and darkness, life and death, love and judgement, spirit and flesh, truth and nuances of perspective throughout humanity. In doing so, John points to the one central truth that ultimately all people will be judged by God and put into one of two categories, those who have believed in Jesus and those who have not. The entire gospel of John is regarded as having high Christology as its central theological concern, and its author is known for his use of duality to rhetorically drive home his theological message. Johannine dualism carries its own set of perplexities, and pose a striking set of polar opposites, on one hand, some dualistic features appear simply to state the way things are and where they are headed. On the other hand, other dualistic features seem to explain the responses of individuals and groups to the Revealer, those who receive Jesus’ words and works and those who reject. In this paper, the presenter will bring the concise study by analyzing on the background of Johannine dualism and the different types of dualisms found in the Gospel of John.
In this paper, I would like to start with asking few questions, before we enter the study this to... more In this paper, I would like to start with asking few questions, before we enter the study this topic of the Romans in Israel. What were the political situations which paved way for the coming of Romans into the Israel/Judea? How Romans made themselves as rulers over the Jews in Israel? And what were the causes which led Jews to revolt against political leaders? Thereafter, I would like to talk about the sects present during the period of Romans, and their influence and role in the society. And a survey of the social, political, and economic conditions of Jews under the Roman Rule. And at the end of the paper, will do the comparison of both empires of Greek and Romans, with the conclusion and critical on the topics covered in the paper.
The Gospel of Matthew is placed as the first book of New Testament among the first four Gospels, ... more The Gospel of Matthew is placed as the first book of New Testament among the first four Gospels, because it was the most widely used and read Gospel in the ancient church, and has been called “the ecclesiastical Gospel.” The early Church fathers mostly quoted Gospel of Matthew and it was frequently used in the liturgy of the church. It was the favourite Gospel because it is the most comprehensive one, inclusive of the sayings and teachings of Jesus. The genealogy, with which he begins the gospel, is a bridge between the Old Testament story of salvation and the New testament message act of God in Jesus Christ. Mathew’s Gospel has two main interests, which distinguish him from the other evangelists, that is, the messianic function of Jesus and his eschatology. Matthew alone employs the word “church” ἐκκλησία (Mt. 16:18), and its emphasis on the life of the Christian community has made it as a valuable resource throughout the centuries. In general, Matthew writes his Gospel to keep persecution of the church from confusing evangelism. He reminds the disciples of Jesus their responsibilities to obey Christ’s law and make it known even in the time of their persecution. He warns false disciples and those tempted to follow their antinomian course of least resistance that everlasting torment awaits the disobedient. In this paper the information about the authorship of the Gospel of Matthew, its date, the place of writing and to whom it was written (audience) will be briefly brought in.
David L. Baker states that almost all the New Testament writers often quoted from the Old Testame... more David L. Baker states that almost all the New Testament writers often quoted from the Old Testament, and such quotations certainly involved interpretation of Old Testament texts. Matthew was not the only one who quoted from OT, Stephen Motyer notes that the New Testament indicates an engagement with Old Testament that touched every page at the start, hence the NT is not complete with the OT. R. McL Wilson submits that Matthew alone has over fifty quotations, and some have entire passages quoted from the OT, particularly from the prophets. Matthew in writing the gospel, he wanted to show that though Christianity seemed new, it had its roots as Judaism in the OT Scriptures. He also uses it in typology, which is the study of analogical correspondences among persons, events, institutions, and other things within the historical framework of God's special revelation that is prophetic from a retrospective view. In this paper, the presenter will try to discuss about the context and purpose in which Matthew wrote the gospel, and attempts to throw light on the different types of Old Testament citations used in Matthew's Gospel, his interpretive method, and his extensive citation from Old Testament, along with scholars debates on the use of language will be brought in the paper.
Islam is considered as the youngest and the largest religion, among other major religions of the ... more Islam is considered as the youngest and the largest religion, among other major religions of the world. According to the census of 2021, there are more than 1.9 billion adherents of Islam in the world, which makes up-to 26% of the world’s population. It is also the dominant religion of third world nations in Middle East, such as Africa, and Asia. These factors make Islam as one of the most interesting and important religion which calls for our attention as theological students to study and know about this religion, and its sacred scriptures known as Quran. Therefore, in this paper, we will make an attempt to survey about the introduction of Quran, by asking few questions to find answers about the origin and background of Islam. When did this religion came into existence? How was it formed? And what are the contents of Quran? How, and to whom it was revealed and how was it complied in a book form? And what are the beliefs, observances, traditions and festivals they celebrate and the law they observe? Are there any divisions in Islam and what are schools of thoughts exists in Islam?
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Papers by Vijay Davidson
In Luke’s gospel, women play significant roles that challenge societal norms and highlight themes of equality, compassion, and inclusion. Luke’s picture of women in Jesus’ ministry was revolutionary and brought a new perspective on the attitude toward women. Women are mentioned frequently in almost 24 chapters of the gospel of Luke. Every chapter of Luke has a story related to or mentions women. Luke mentions in his narrative some women who were not mentioned in other gospels. Luke has a sympathetic concern for women, especially downcast women such as widows, women of low state, infirmities, sick, cripple, etc
In Luke’s gospel, women play significant roles that challenge societal norms and highlight themes of equality, compassion, and inclusion. Luke’s picture of women in Jesus’ ministry was revolutionary and brought a new perspective on the attitude toward women. Women are mentioned frequently in almost 24 chapters of the gospel of Luke. Every chapter of Luke has a story related to or mentions women. Luke mentions in his narrative some women who were not mentioned in other gospels. Luke has a sympathetic concern for women, especially downcast women such as widows, women of low state, infirmities, sick, cripple, etc