The Intercession of the Spirit - Rom 8:26

Samuel Bloomfield in Recensio Synoptica (see links to all the volumes of Recensio Synoptica at the right) explains the intercessory work or advocacy of the Holy Spirit of God as we read in Rom 8:26 as follows:

In order, however, more clearly to comprehend this little understood point of Christian Theology, especial attention must be paid to the primitive sense of entugxanein and intercedere, which is, " to go between any two persons, to manage any one's business with another." Now this may be done in various ways; either by acting as Speaker, and Advocate, or as Pleader, (which last office belongs to our Saviour), or (as is that of the Holy Spirit) suggesting the best means of accomplishing any business; and therefore aiding and acting uper hmwn, on our behalf, or (to use an illustration drawn from human affairs) as a Solicitor or Attorney acts on behalf of another, by suggesting to him what is proper for him to say, and putting him in the right way to proceed
in any business. And it is truly observed by Taylor, that " the Spirit of God makes intercession for the Saints, not by making supplication to God in their behalf, but by directing and qualifying their supplications in a proper manner, by his agency and influence upon their hearts; which, according to the Gospel scheme, is the peculiar work and office of the Holy Spirit." And I would add, that this answers to the description of the Paraclete, or Holy Spirit, Joh. 14, 16 & 17., by which is meant Teacher, Helper, Comforter. (See the Dissertation there on the sense of Paraclete.) Click here for Recensio Synoptica Rom 8:26
Click here for Summary concerning Recensio Synoptica

Pericope de Adulterae

You may have previously read or heard the phrase, "Pericope de Adulterae." But what does it mean?

Pericope was defined over at the Theological Word of the Day blog as:
"A single unit of thought in the Scripture. This could comprise a sentence or verse (as in the Proverbs), a paragraph, or a series of paragraphs which makes up one argument or narrative. For example, the story of Abraham”s encounter with the angels and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is one pericope and the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus is one pericope. When teaching or preaching the Scriptures, it is considered best to teach one pericope at a time, not necessarily one verse or chapter at a time."

The "Pericope de Adulterae" is the name given to the narrative regarding the woman caught in adultery found at John 8:1-11. The passage contains some very familiar phrases which have worked their way into our language, and literature, and culture:

Let the one without sin cast the first stone.

Where are your accusers?

Neither do I condemn thee.

Go and sin no more.



Most, or all, modern versions place this "Pericope" in brackets or notate it as not originally part of the gospel John. Now, I like to think, that in the main, I try to avoid contentious topics in this blog, yet I hope my friends bear with me as I register my conviction that this passage is authentic. Sometimes things may not be as they are popularly perceived and we should occasionally be encouraged to look a little closer and to consider a matter more carefully. I believe when considering "Which Greek Text is preferred?" that prior to rejecting passages known to be in use by believers for 1700 years by all, such a further investigation is warranted.

Perhaps you may be lacking access or exposure to the arguments in favor of the Pericope de Adulterae's authenticity and would appreciate the opportunity to dig deeper and consider more carefully. Enough said. If you would like access to "the other side" which is really the traditional side see the three links below. Keep in mind, the matter is much deeper than a few offhand comments by me or those included in the margins of some bible versions, I only hope with the links below to give you a glimpse into a few more facts than you may have been previously aware. Perhaps you will be persuaded to treat with reverent fear any thoughts of lightly dismissing the Pericope de Adulterae in case indeed it is the very Word of God.

First an incredible book, Recensio Synoptica Annotationis Sacrae, by Samuel Bloomfield. (It's not really written in Latin though like good old books includes Latin quotes sometimes with the translation thereof.) This link even includes a button, which, when pushed causes the book to be read out loud. Read from page 274-284. The Link should take you straight to page 274 of Vol III.

http://www.archive.org/stream/recensiosynoptic03bloo#page/274/mode/2up

The next link is Appendix I from John Burgon's book, Causes of the Corruption of the Traditional Text of the Holy Gospels:
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/burgon/corruption.iii.xviii.html

Finally by the able Edward F. Hills, you will want to page down to item #4 of the link below where the discussion of the Pericope de Adulterae begins.
http://www.jesus-is-lord.com/kjvdcha6.htm

Recensio Synoptica Annotationis Sacrae

At the right I have added a new collection of links accessing the works of Samuel T. Bloomfield.

Recensio Synoptica Annotationis Sacrae by Samuel T. Bloomfield described as:

"Bloomfield's Recensio Synoptica Annotationis Sacrae is a Critical Digest commentary of collected notes Synoptically Arranged and Annotated in all the books of the New Testament. It is a massive labor and filled with classical references and original annotations. Many years in preparation and the basis of his later Greek New Testament Commentary in two volumes."

The above includes volume 9 which is Bloomfield's Greek and English Lexicon.

Plus Greek New Testament with English Notes by Samuel Bloomfield described as:
"Bloomfield's New Testament Commentary on the Greek Text based on patristic and classical sources. His previous Lexicon and his Recensio Synoptica in 8 vols is the basis of this commentary. He is always instructive and good hermeneutical source for older views on the text.mjm,2010."

I often consult Bloomfield's Greek New Testament. Many times he refers you to his larger work, the Recensio Synoptica. The links have been added to this blog in hopes that it will be for some a convenient reference.

From Wikipedia:

Samuel Thomas Bloomfield (1790–1869), English scholar and Biblical textual critic.

He was educated at Sidney College, Cambridge. Bloomfield published Recensio Synoptica, and doctrinal Annotations on the New Testament (in 8 volumes, 1826). He also edited a Greek and English lexicon to the New Testament, revised and enlarged from Robinson's lexicon (1829); a translation of Thucydides (3 volumes, 1829).

Bloomfield's Greek New Testament has been largely used, both in England and the United States.

I was originally directed to Bloomfield's works by a good friend who also pointed me to Spurgeon's Recommendation in Commenting and Commentaries. Spurgeon writes:

889. BLOOMFIELD (S. T., D.D.) The Greek Testament, with English Notes; chiefly original. 2 vols., 8va. Lond., 1841 8/6 to 14/-
890. " " Additional Annotations on the New Testament. 8vo. Lond., 1850. 2./6. We frequently get more from Bloomfield than from Alford, though he is not so fashionable. His notes are full of teaching.
891. " " Recensio Synoptica Annotationis Sacrae; being a Critical Digest of the most important Annotations on the New Testament. 8 vols., 8va. Lond., 1826. 15/-to 21/-[A considerable part of this work was included in recent editions of the editor's Greek New Testament.] "It would be impossible to convey to our readers an adequate idea of the mass of information which the learned author has brought to bear upon the numerous passages which he has undertaken to illustrate, and we can safely say, that the enquirer will find very few of which Mr. Bloomfield has not given a complete and satisfactory exposition."