Colossians 1:21-23

From: Mr. Gary S. Dykes (yhwh3in1@lightspeed.net)
Date: Thu Dec 16 1999 - 05:48:00 EST


Thought I would throw out these ideas and questions, hoping to get some
good feed back.

Most English translations of this paragraph (Col. 1:21-23) render it in
such a way that a condition seems to exist, based mainly upon the particle
EI or EIGE of verse 23. Most render it as "if", hence..."if indeed you
remain in the faith having been and remaining established and steadfast..."
{the "having been and remaining" is one of the methods by which I render
some prefect passive participles).

Instead, I suggest translating EI as "since", and removing the possible
misconception here. Viewing this "EI" as presenting an epexegetical
statement demonstrating WHY we will be presented before God as HOLY and
BLAMELESS. (Because we do remain in the faith, via the power of Christ).

In verse 22, we have an emphatic contrast to the statement presented in
verse 21. I accept the aorist infinitive as genuine here (which supports my
scheme) APOKATHLLACEN. This fact, this one-time accomplishment, allows Paul
to be able to present before God, some of the fruits of his labor. Herein I
suggest that Paul is the presenter. What thinketh you?

I see no true protasis/apodosis condition existing, if an "if" were correct
-- we are left with no resolution other than to suppose that "we" would not
then be presentable? this seems awkward, but appears to be the reasoning of
most English translators.

How can one become "unreconciled"? Does "SINCE" make better sense here to
some of you? It is a fairly common meaning of this particle (see the
lexicons).

I realize that some of the above observations may repel some theological
persuasions (Arminian vs Calvinism) but I hope to keep this on a
contextual/grammatical level. Another point strengthening the aorist
"reconcile" of verse 22, is the use of the term in verse 20, it appears to
be a timeless reality, a settled fact.

Thanks for your input.

Mr. Gary S. Dykes email -- yhwh3in1@lightspeed.net
Swanson's Errata List -- http://userzweb.lightspeed.net/yhwh3in1/

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