Browse all RAF articles, newest first.
Why Are Believers Called “Saints” (Hagioi) in the New Testament?
What does the New Testament mean by saints? Explore hagioi, holiness, and belonging to God’s people beyond later ideas of exceptional religious status.
Sometimes I Wish the Bible Would Just Say What It Means
Why does meaning require more than quoting a verse? Explore how context, language, and the author’s purpose shape responsible biblical interpretation.
What the Apostles Actually Taught Churches
What did the apostles teach their churches? Explore the relationship between gospel proclamation, sustained instruction, community practice, and maturity.
Peter at Antioch
Why did Paul confront Peter at Antioch? Read Galatians 2 in its setting of shared meals, Gentile inclusion, and conduct consistent with the gospel.
Calling Levi– How Jesus Built a Community with the “Wrong” People
Explore the calling of Levi within Jesus’ ministry, considering tax collectors, table fellowship, and the public implications of becoming a disciple.
Why Forgiveness Without Gatekeepers Threatens Religious Control
Read Jesus’ acts of forgiveness against their social and religious setting, considering authority, access, and the reactions of those around him.
Eating with Sinners
Why did Jesus eat with sinners? Explore table fellowship, social boundaries, repentance, and the kingdom setting of these Gospel encounters.
Jesus Heals on the Sabbath
Explore Jesus’ Sabbath healings in their Gospel settings, focusing on mercy, restoration, and disputes about what faithfulness to God’s law required.
Why “Faith Alone” Cannot Survive When Pistis Means Allegiance
What does pistis mean in discussions of faith alone? Explore trust, allegiance, and lived faith while keeping the argument of each passage in view.
Why Repentance Comes Before Explanation
Explore why repentance belongs within Jesus’ call to follow, and how changed direction, conduct, and allegiance relate to understanding his teaching.