The Reformed Olive Press

 

  Paul's Thorn in the Flesh: The "Super-Apostles" as Opposition One of the most debated passages in Paul's writings is 2 Corinthians 12:7, where he describes his "thorn in the flesh": 2 Corinthians 12:7 English Standard Version 7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited." Many interpretations of this passage focus on Paul’s "thorn" as a physical ailment, such as poor eyesight, chronic pain, or another illness. However, a compelling case can be made that Paul's thorn in the flesh was not a sickness but rather the opposition of the so-called "super-apostles" in Corinth—a group of rival teachers who sought to undermine his authority and message. In 2 Corinthians 10–12, Paul defends his ministry against false apostles who boasted in their own strength and credentials. He sarcast...

      The Saints of Revelation 14: The New Jerusalem Descending from the Mountains of Pella  Revelation 14 paints a striking image of the Lamb standing on Mount Zion with 144,000 faithful saints, marked by God and singing a new song. From a full preterist perspective, this passage is not a futuristic prophecy but a depiction of events fulfilled in the first century. The saints here represent the faithful remnant of Israel—those who heeded Jesus’ warning in Matthew 24 and fled to the mountains during the Roman siege of Jerusalem. Many of these early believers took refuge in Pella, escaping the destruction that befell the old Jerusalem. Rather than seeing the New Jerusalem as a physical city descending from the sky, Revelation presents it as the faithful people of God—the saints who emerged from tribulation to become the true dwelling place of God. Just as the old Jerusalem was judged and destroyed, the new covenant community arose, established in Christ and no longer ...

                                  1 Corinthians 12:28 Prooftext for Female Eldership  According to 1 Corinthians 12:28, notice that the Female Prophet (with a covered head) has a higher calling than the Male Pastor role. Yet, if a woman asked her Male Pastor to prophesy Sunday morning at your Church would it be wrong according to scripture? Would you walk out?    1 Corinthians 12:28 New American Standard Bible 28 And God has appointed IN THE CHURCH first apostles,  SECOND PROPHETS , THIRD TEACHERS, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, and various kinds of tongues.     1 Corinthians 11:4-5 New American Standard Bible 4 Every man who has something on his head while   praying or PROPHESYING  disgraces his head. 5 But  EVERY WOMAN  who has her head uncovered  while praying or PROPHESYING  disgraces her head, for it is...

                    The True Light: Knowing the Father Through His Son (John 1:9-13)  John 1:9-13 presents a powerful message about the true light that shines into the world. While many read this passage as a reference to Jesus being the light, a biblical Unitarian perspective recognizes that the ultimate source of light is the Father Himself. Throughout Scripture, God is described as light (1 John 1:5), the one who gives understanding and life to all. Jesus, as the Messiah and Son of God, is the one who reveals the Father, making Him known to those who receive him. This passage highlights the tragic reality that, though the light was in the world, many failed to recognize it. Yet, for those who did receive Jesus—acknowledging him as the one sent by the Father—they were given the right to become children of God. This was not by human lineage or effort but by God's own will. In these verses, we see the Father's desire to bring people...

  Here is the Statement of Faith incorporating the theological views of the Reformed Olive Press: Full Preterism, Biblical Unitarianism, Open Theism, Egalitarianism, Conditional Immortality, and the New Pauline Perspective. Statement of Faith 1. The Nature of God We believe in the one true God, the Father Almighty, who alone is immortal and the source of all life (1 Tim. 6:16; John 17:3). He is personal, relational, and sovereign over creation, yet He engages dynamically with His people, responding to prayer and human decisions in real time (Jer. 18:7-10; Exod. 32:14). 2. Jesus Christ, the Messiah We affirm that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, born of a virgin, anointed by God’s Spirit, and fully human (Matt. 16:16; Acts 2:22; 1 Tim. 2:5). He was crucified for our sins, raised bodily from the dead, and exalted to God's right hand as Lord and King (Acts 2:36; Rom. 1:3-4). He will reign until all enemies are subjected under God’s rule (1 Cor. 15:24-28). 3. The Holy Spirit The H...