It has occured to me that some folk may take my unwillingness to provide
lengthy exposes and recapitulations of already documented evidence to
various questions as some sort of high-handed, cheap escapism. So, if I
may, let me explain the reasons why I respond rather briefly:
1- I assume that folk have standard reference books nearby if not at hand.
2- I assume that folk involved in academic study of the GNT will make use of
these reference tools.
3- I find it unnecessary to rehash old items.
4- I presume that students of the text are willing to do their own work when
pointed in the right direction.
To put it another way- I see lists such as this as an opportunity for us to
share with others data they cannot easily find or do not yet know. Thus, if
a subject has been discussed here or in print, I do not think it necessary
to reply at lenght- rather I think that one can simply be pointed in the
right direction and will read and study for him or her self.
If I have misunderstood, and each minor or major issue must be thoroughly
rehearsed each time it is asked, please let me know. My answers are
generally never intended to be flip or unkind. I do, sometimes, respond
curtly- but never rudely or unkindly.
Thanks,
Jim
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Jim West, ThD
Quartz Hill School of Theology
jwest@highland.net