Thank you for your thoughts on Acts 20:7. I once heard a lecturer, who had
his doctorate in Biblical Languages from the Chicago University I think it
was, suggest that SYNHGMENWN here meant that when the first day arrived they
had been assembled and were still assembled. I've read other things about
this verb form and other interpretations of it but I was interested to read
that you see this as "part of a genitive absolute." Do you have some source
for this that you could share with me? I've always thought of it as somehow
qualifying SABBATWN. Or may be you might be able to just give me your
insights on how you arrive at this being a genitive absolute. Apparently
you don't see any perfective force in the verb. I'd be interested in your
reasons for that too. I'm aware of course that it need not have the
perfective force and I think that what you say makes a lot of sense.
And while I'm here, thank you for your thoughts on John 9:3. You know, I've
read the chapter many times in Greek but haven't see the connexion you point
out with hOTI in v.2. I makes sense. For me it doesn't matter a lot
whether the use of hINA in v.3 indicates purpose or result--theologically I
mean. What does matter for me is what the Greek can be seen to say here.
I've been reading a lot of dictionary references in connexion with hINA and
the aorist subjunctive but haven't found it easy to sort through.
John