Three Crosses

Behind the Sermon – Ephesians 5:18-22 – Structure, submission, and the Spirit.

In this episode of Behind the Sermon, we look at the grammar behind Ephesians 5:18–22 and see how Paul’s instructions to households flow from his broader call to mutual submission and a Spirit-filled Christian life.

Behind the Sermon – John 1:9-10 – The World

In this episode of Behind the Sermon, we explore John 1:9–10 and ask what John means by “the world.” By tracing how the term is used across the Gospel, we uncover a deeper picture of humanity in need of life and light. Along the way, this sheds light on the meaning of John 3:16 and the extent of God’s grace.

Behind the Sermon – 1 Corinthians 7:15 – What Does Paul Mean by ‘Leave’?

In this episode of Behind the Sermon, we ask what Paul means when he says, “If the unbeliever leaves, let it be so.” Does he mean temporary separation, abandonment in a broader sense, or something more definite in the first-century world?

Behind the Sermon – 1 Corinthians 7:6 – What is Paul’s Concession?

In this episode of Behind the Sermon, we examine a few small words in 1 Corinthians 7 that make a significant difference to how we understand Paul’s teaching on marriage, intimacy, and singleness. By considering what Paul means when he says, “I say this as a concession, not as a command,” we see why he is unlikely to be treating marriage as a reluctant concession, but is instead responding to the Corinthians’ questions about celibacy and sexual relations.

Behind the Sermon – John 1:13 – Grace in place of Grace

In this episode of Behind the Sermon, we take a closer look at a debated phrase in John’s Gospel: “grace in place of grace” or “grace upon grace.” What seems like a minor translation difference opens up a much bigger question about the law and the fullness of God’s grace revealed in Christ.

Behind the Sermon – John 1:19 – Who are “the Jews” in John’s Gospel?

In this episode of Behind the Sermon, we tackle a misunderstood phrase in John’s Gospel: ‘the Jews.’ Why does John speak this way when Jesus, John the Baptist, and the disciples are all Jewish themselves? As we explore the priests, Levites, Pharisees, and the tension surrounding John the Baptist’s ministry, we begin to uncover a deeper question about authority, identity, and what it means to belong to the people of God.

Behind the Sermon – John 1:43 – Who Found Philip?

In this episode of Behind the Sermon, we become detectives as we investigate a surprising question from John 1:43, Who found Philip? As we follow the clues through the passage, this small detail opens up a fresh perspective on how Jesus’ first followers came to him and on the important role witnesses play in John’s Gospel.

Behind the Sermon – John 1:34 – God’s Chosen One (s2, E5)

In this episode of Behind the Sermon, we explore the fascinating world of textural criticism, a journey that explores the text of John’s Gospel, the surprising identity of Jesus, and Isaiah’s suffering servant.