Less Directive Discipling? / Ethiopian Eunuch or Nubian Official?

Author

Douglas Jacoby
February 07, 2024

Good afternoon!

Thank you for your prayers and for your interest in our ministry. We trust the Lord is smiling on you.

Vicki and I are currently at home in NW coastal England. Below: some recent photos. Following: food for thought. We hope you like the newsletter.

Morecambe Bay, Lancashire, Northwest England

In today’s bulletin, five things to ponder:

  • Would “discipling” work better if it were less directive? What if we never counseled others, unless they specifically asked for direction?

  • An invitation to an evidences course with Resurrection scholar Mike Licona.

  • A moving song of praise by Michael Farren.

  • Poignant words of truth—about truth.

  • Was the Ethiopian Eunuch actually Ethiopian? Or even a eunuch? My friend Mark Wilson provides strong evidence for a different understanding of Acts 8.

LESS DIRECTIVE DISCIPLING?

From the LK10 website: “Are you burned out? Tired of church as usual? Looking for deeper connection with others and with Jesus? Then you’re in the right place. LK10 trains people like you to start Jesus-led, joy-fueled communities. We’re re-imagining church as a simple, organic, and participatory family.”

Several leaders in my own fellowship are rethinking discipleship, and striving for a less directive, more organic and effective way of mentoring. Check this out and see what you think.

AIM EVIDENCES & EVANGELISM

Many people question God, the Bible, and the Christian faith. That’s a good thing, since there are solid answers. In a world where significant doubt surrounds matters of faith, it's crucial to equip ourselves with the skills to engage in meaningful conversation. Whether you're a seasoned believer looking to deepen your understanding, or a curious seeker seeking answers, this course is designed for you.

AIM Evidences & Evangelism combines theological foundations with practical techniques, equipping you to navigate complex discussions with clarity, confidence, and compassion.

Christian Evidences & Evangelism kicks off with a live online session Saturday 17 February, 9:30-11:00 ET. (You will receive a Zoom link a few days before the live session to the email that you use to register on the website. The link will also be inside the course itself once you are registered.).

On Saturday 27 April, 9:30am-1:00pm ET we will enjoy a second live session with author, speaker, apologist, professor, and expert on the Resurrection of Jesus Mike Licona, Ph.D. Mike has authored or co-authored seven books, including an award-winning work on the Resurrection, and several volumes on apologetics and evangelism. You don’t want to miss this! It’s such a special opportunity that we will allow non-students to attend the April session for only $29.

Note: If you are new to AIM and do not already have an account in our course system, you will be asked to create an account before you can complete registration.

OH PRAISE (THE ONLY ONE)
Hear the tune HERE.

There is no greater truth than this
There is no stronger love we know
God Himself comes down to live
And make a sinner's heart His throne

There is no greater peace than this
No other kindness can compare
He clothes us in His righteousness
Forever free, forever heirs

Oh praise the only One
Who shines brighter than ten thousand suns
Death and hell call Him victorious
Praise Him

Oh praise the One true King
Lift it loud till earth and heaven ring
Every crown we lay down at His feet
Praise Him

There is no sweeter joy than this
There is no stronger hope we hold
We are His forevermore
Safe, secure by Christ alone

Oh praise the only One
Who shines brighter than ten thousand suns
Death and hell call Him victorious
Praise Him

Oh praise the One true King
Lift it loud till earth and heaven ring
Every crown we lay down at His feet
Praise Him

There is no sound that's like the song
That rises up from grateful saints
We once were lost but now we're found
One with Him, we bear His name

One with Him, we bear His name
Oh praise the only One
Who shines brighter than ten thousand suns
Death and hell call Him victorious
Praise Him

Oh praise the One true King
Lift it loud till earth and heaven ring
Every crown we lay down at His feet
Praise Him

Songwriters: Michael Farren / Krissy Nordhoff / Riley Engquist. Lyrics © Farren Love and War Publishing

THE TRUTH

  • When a person has a reputation for telling the truth, he doesn’t have to prove everything he says. — Anon.

  • Ten million assertions, even when magnified and accelerated in a hundred million tweets and “likes,” still never add up to truth or wisdom, or what is right and good. — Os Guinness, Renaissance

  • If you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end; if you look for comfort you will not get either comfort or truth, only soft soap and wishful thinking to begin, and in the end, despair. – C.S. Lewis (1898-1963)

PHILIP & THE NUBIAN OFFICIAL (ACTS 8)

Up for something academic and intriguing? N.T. scholar Mark Wilson has written a fascinating paper on the Ethiopian Eunuch. It is quite technical, but the reasoning solid and the conclusions (for me at least) are unassailable. Learn about the reason for the African official’s trip to Israel, as well as the length, route, and political circumstances.

I’d realized the treasurer wasn’t necessarily a eunuch (castrated), as the word eunoûchos also means official. For example, in Gen 39 (Gk LXX) Potiphar is a eunoûchos, yet he has a wife. The Heb (MT) sāris too means either eunuch or official; meaning is determined from context. (For my own talk on the two “Ethiopian Eunuchs” of the Bible, click here.) But Mark Wilson took me much further.

Read his compelling article CLICK HERE.

It seems Acts 8:27 may have a double translation problem!

UNTIL VALENTINES DAY…

… when you may expect a short piece on the origins of Valentine’s Day, guidance on understanding what the Bible says about the Palestine,

and for all website members—a free book.

Warm greetings from Morecambe Bay,
Doug