Reflection on diaconal service in relation to Acts 6:1-7 Acts 6 is traditionally considered as the description of the origin of the special service of deaconship. The essence and duty of diaconal service is inferred from Acts 6:1-7; it is the service responsible for the care of the poor and promotion of mutual support and love in the church. This article re-examines Acts 6. It investigates whether this text truly describes diaconal service and what it conveys about the content and essence of the seven’s service. This study shows that Acts 6 does not describe the institution of a special service (office) and that the content and essence of the special diaconal service cannot be derived from this text. Acts 6:1-7 is a description of the dynamic work of the Holy Spirit within the church, related to the difficulties that arise with service (διακονία) due to rapid growth.
Breed’s biblical pastoral model Scripturally grounded in 2 Peter 1:3–11: An exegetical elucidation: In his recent research, Gert Breed has formulated a biblical pastoral model. From his own publications as well as from publications of other researchers, it is clear that Breed’s model is of great value to pastoral counsellors. Although elements of the model are included in other people’s research publications, Breed has not yet published a complete description of his model. The purpose of this article is to provide Breed’s pastoral model with a biblical foundation from 2 Peter 1:3–11 within the context of the entire letter. The method used in this study was to do exegesis of 2 Peter 1:3–11 according to the grammatical-historical model, and to use the results of the exegesis to biblically ground the different elements of Breed’s pastoral model. The article found that seven important elements of Breed’s model can be Scripturally grounded in 2 Peter 1:3–11, namely: (1) the meta-theoretical starting point regarding the Bible as the Word of God; (2) the need for someone receiving counselling to be born again; (3) the importance of a counselee’s relationship with God; (4) change in the life of a counselee through insight; (5) external and internal motivation of a counselee; (6) perseverance in a new life; and (7) the counselee as diakonos of Jesus Christ. Breed’s pastoral model is already useful for pastoral counsellors. The exegetical grounding presented in this study increases the usefulness of the model.
The change in the moral-ethical situation in South Africa, in the light of the motif of knowing in 2 Peter 1:3-4
In this article it is argued that in 2 Peter 1:3-4 a motif of knowing is present as a clearly repeated and meaningful semantic unit. An attempt is made to indicate that a profound knowledge of Jesus Christ was instrumental in giving the apostles accepted religious beliefs. These accepted beliefs enabled the apostles to act in such a manner that their behaviour reflected correct religious beliefs and attitudes. The profound knowledge of Jesus Christ also played an important role in the establishment of a covenantal relationship between God and the first readers of 2 Peter. This knowledge also enabled these readers to withstand the moral corruption in the world. In conclusion the possible significance of the motif of knowing in 2 Peter in changing the present South African moral-ethical situation is highlighted
(v. 1-8), decoration (v. 8-9), learning, teaching and the wielding of authority (v. 11-12
Exegesis of 2 Peter 3:1–2 and its significance for contemporary Christians with specific reference to views of the so-called New Atheists. Die Bybel: 2020-vertaling, in Afrikaans translation of the Bible, has been introduced at a time when the Bible, the God of the Bible and believers who accept the Bible as the Word of God are seriously under suspicion. The question is how Christians are supposed to act and react in the light of these developments. The religious conviction of Peter’s first readers was under great pressure as a result of false teachers. This article exegetically indicates the guidance that Peter gives to his readers according to 2 Peter 3:1–2 and points out its significance for contemporary Christians. The exegesis in the article is concentrated on 2 Peter 3:1–2 within the context of the letter and is done according to the grammatical-historical model as practised in the Reformed tradition. The article cites examples of the New Atheists’ questioning of the Christian faith. Reference is then made to 2 Peter 3:1–2, regarding what believers must do when their faith is questioned. The article found that Christians today, like Peter’s first readers, are still under great pressure because of atheists’ hostile actions. Like Peter’s first readers, modern-day believers need guidance so that they do not succumb to the pressures on their steadfastness. Christians must think purely of the Old Testament prophets and the apostles of Jesus Christ and the revelation they received from God and Jesus Christ. When Christians think purely about prophets and apostles, they will understand the meaning of these people’s message in their present circumstances and will be able to act appropriately. 2 Peter 3:1–2 provides guidance to Christians whose faith is under pressure due to the hostile actions of unbelievers.Contribution: The article contributes to the understanding of the guidance that Peter gave to his first readers according to 2 Peter 3:1–2 and provides guidance to Christians whose faith, like Peter’s first readers, is being questioned.
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