Daily Bread - DEC/24/07
Luke 2:14 - Glory to God in the highest and Peace on earth good will towards men.

There have been many modern scholars who argue that the text should read, "Glory to God in the highest Peace on earth to men of good will (Douay); "among men with whom he is pleased (RSV)." However I would argue that since the choice comes down to the genitive or the nominative case then I am in favor of the Koine text tradition as DOXAN/ EIRENE/ENDOKIA, (Glory/Peace/Good Will) are all in the nominative case. Some may argue that it only makes sense to go with the GNT text that have the genitive case because after all those who will benefit form God's grace are those who are favorably disposed towards God. However, the Peace that was brought to us by the Lord Jesus Christ extends, according to Paul, to those who are near and to those who are far off (Ephesians 2:17; Colossians 1:20). Especially in light of the fact that His blood was shed not only for our sins but for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2; Titus 2:11; John 12:32). Jesus provided a kipper for all of mankind when He went into the Holies of Holies with His own blood (Leviticus 16:16; Hebrews 9:24, 26). Thus He extended Peace to all mankind not to just those who were favorably disposed toward Him but even those who were His enemies (Romans 5:10; Colossians 1:21).

Merry Christmas,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen