"Jesus tells us not to pray like the Gentiles (Matthew 6:7-8). But how did the Gentiles pray?
Greek prayers consisted of attributing as many titles as possible to the deity being invoked, in the hope of attracting their attention. Pagan prayers generally reminded the deity of favors granted or sacrifices offered, with the goal of attempting to obtain a response, much like drawing up a contract. Jesus centers effective prayer on a relationship of intimacy, not on a model of a business partnership, as in ancient paganism.
What was unusual about Jesus casting out demons "with authority"?
There were many exorcists (individuals who attempted to cast demons out of other people) in Jesus' time. They relied on two main methods to expel demons: (1) sickening or frightening the demon into leaving (for example, by placing a foul-smelling root under the nose of the possessed person in the hope that the demon could not stand the odor); (2) invoking the name of a superior spirit to get rid of an inferior one. People were therefore astonished that Jesus could be so effective by simply ordering the demons to leave.
In order to truly understand and apply the Bible, we need two crucial sources of information. The first is the Bible itself, quite simply. The second is a good understanding of the cultural context of the passage you are reading.
Only with the context can you fully grasp the author's original concern and purpose. This unique commentary provides, verse by verse, the cultural context essential for a more enriched study of the Bible.
Written in clear, non-technical language, this invaluable aid contains:
- A glossary of important cultural terms and historical figures.
- Maps and charts.
- An updated bibliography of commentaries and other resources for each book of the New Testament.
- Introductory essays on the importance of cultural context and the use of this unique commentary."
Author: Tod Bolsinger
ISBN: 9782895762003