Student Evangelical Journal Aiming At Theological Interpretation

Paul’s Use of Deuteronomy in Galatians 3: A Rhetorical and Intertextual Analysis

2025-12-29T08:34:18+00:00

This article argues that Paul’s use of Deuteronomy 27:26 and 21:23 in Galatians 3:10–14 is neither incidental nor merely evidential but constitutes the decisive rhetorical and theological pivot of his argument for justification by faith. Against readings that treat Paul’s citations as prooftexts supporting a pre-formed theology, this study contends that Paul actively reconstructs the Deuteronomic curse tradition to expose the internal logic of law-based righteousness and to articulate its redemptive resolution in Christ. Employing a rhetorical–intertextual methodology that combines close Greek exegesis with comparative analysis of the Septuagint and Hebrew texts, the article demonstrates that Deuteronomy 27:26 functions to totalise the law’s demand and universalise its curse, while Deuteronomy 21:23 is deliberately reappropriated to present the crucified Christ as the covenantal representative who bears that curse on behalf of others. The study concludes that Paul does not abolish the law but redefines its theological function, transforming curse from a terminal judgment into the means by which Abrahamic blessing and Spirit-empowered life are realised through faith.

Single Meaning, Multiple Context and Referents: Pendekatan Intertekstual terhadap Penggunaan Perjanjian Lama dalam Perjanjian Baru

2025-12-27T15:34:39+00:00

The use of the Old Testament (OT) in the New Testament (NT) presents significant hermeneutical challenges, particularly when a single OT text appears to retain a stable meaning while being employed across diverse contexts and referents. This article aims to examine and articulate the concept of single meaning with multiple contexts and referents as an intertextual hermeneutical framework for understanding the relationship between the OT and NT. This study employs a qualitative-descriptive method using a hermeneutical-intertextual approach, including textual analysis, biblical scholarship review, and engagement with contemporary hermeneutical theory. The findings demonstrate that NT authors do not negate the original meaning of OT texts; rather, they interpret and expand these texts within new contexts shaped by christological fulfillment and progressive revelation. Consequently, a single textual meaning may be expressed through multiple contexts and referents without compromising theological coherence. This study concludes that this approach provides a responsible interpretive model that upholds fidelity to the original meaning while accounting for the dynamic nature of biblical revelation.

Dekadensi Kepemimpinan dan Kritik Profetik dalam Hosea 7: Metafora, Disorientasi Politik, dan Krisis Perjanjian

2025-12-30T03:15:03+00:00

This article re-examines Hosea 7 as a sustained prophetic critique of Israel’s political and spiritual leadership during the eighth century BCE. While previous scholarship has tended to treat Hosea 7 primarily as a collection of poetic metaphors or moral denunciations, this study argues that the chapter functions as a coherent theological discourse exposing systemic leadership failure rooted in covenantal infidelity. Employing a metaphorical-theological approach integrated with historical and literary analysis, this research demonstrates that the metaphors of the oven, the unturned cake, the gray hair, the foolish dove, and the deceitful bow collectively construct a multidimensional critique of moral decay, political opportunism, and spiritual disorientation among Israel’s leaders. The findings highlight that leadership collapse in Hosea 7 is fundamentally theological rather than merely political, arising from the loss of prophetic ethics and loyalty to YHWH. By extending this prophetic critique to contemporary Christian leadership, the study contributes to biblical leadership studies by proposing a theologically grounded evaluative framework that emphasizes covenantal integrity, prophetic accountability, and God-centered authority as essential markers of faithful leadership.

Re-examining the Influence of the Old Testament Background on Joseph's Fatherhood in Mathew 1:18-20

2025-12-27T14:20:55+00:00

This study re-examines the influence of the Old Testament background on the portrayal of Joseph’s fatherhood in Matthew 1:18–20. Addressing gaps in prior scholarship that treats legal or theological aspects separately, this article integrates Jewish conceptions of righteousness, law, and familial duty to explain Joseph’s actions. Through grammatico-historical exegesis, the study shows that Mary’s pregnancy during betrothal constituted a serious legal violation. Joseph’s intention to divorce her quietly reflects his identity as dikaios, balancing Torah justice (mishpat) and compassion (chesed). The analysis further argues that divine revelation transforms Joseph’s righteousness, leading him beyond legal compliance to obedient faith. By accepting Jesus as his legal son, Joseph fulfills Old Testament ideals of Davidic lineage and responsible fatherhood. Consequently, Joseph’s fatherhood exemplifies a transition from legal piety to faithful discipleship, offering ethical implications for parenting and church teaching.

Progressive Covenantalism sebagai Kerangka Hermeneutik dalam 1 Petrus 2:9

2025-12-31T01:29:59+00:00

This study examines Progressive Covenantalism as an alternative hermeneutical framework for understanding the relationship between Israel and the Church, with a focus on 1 Peter 2:9. In response to the sharp contrast between Dispensationalism and Covenant Theology, this paradigm views the Church as the progressive fulfillment of God's promises in Christ, while still acknowledging Israel’s distinctive role. A qualitative approach is employed through analysis of the Greek text, intertextual study with the Old Testament, and comparative evaluation of key theological literature from the three paradigms. The findings indicate that Progressive Covenantalism more effectively maintains redemptive-historical continuity without negating Israel’s vocation. This approach offers significant implications for the development of ecclesiology and theological discourse in Indonesia. The main contribution lies in introducing Progressive Covenantalism to the Indonesian theological context and offering a balanced interpretive model for 1 Peter 2:9.

Keywords: Progressive Covenantalism, 1 Peter 2:9, Israel and the Church, Hermeneutics