Luke Loves Dual Portraits

I’ve spent a number of years at the post-graduate level analyzing Luke’s two-volume Luke-Acts. I’ve observed that, among many other astonishing techniques, Luke consistently pairs two people together in order for us to compare. He creates dual portraits for us to gain insight into how two different people respond to God’s revelation, to hardship, or to temptation. And knowing the biases against women in the first century, what is surprising is that the dual portrait consists of a man and a woman.

Thirsty for God When Distanced from Others

When we are absent from someone we love, it is their face, not their arms, hands, or feet that we long to see. The face is what matters to us the most. When we are finally close enough to see their face, it is at that point when relief and joy combine together into a memorable and happy reunion. This is what the Psalmist longs for in a time of social distancing: to once again see the face of the God.

Tim ColeApril 1, 2020Psalm 42, Thirsty for God, Deer, Social distancing, Longing for God, Water, John 4

Jesus' Courtship in Samaria, Part 4

Tim ColeOctober 19, 2016Jesus, Woman at the Well, John 4, Shame, Evangelism

Jesus’ Courtship in Samaria

Justin BusbyOctober 17, 2016Jesus, John 4, Woman at the Well