Sentence construction and grammar Have it's place I agree. Yet if you study Greek and consider the construct of how this verse is put together. It certainly cast alot of doubt on the Calvinist claims of being appointed before belief. Especially when every where else in scripture belief always comes first. Actually imo this verse should have been translated by considering how Salvation occurs every where else in scripture.
There is a problem here. First, translation is not supposed to be about interpretation (although, inevitably, some interpretation does happen). But, the translators' main task is to bring the original language into the new language. So, when translating a passage, such as this one, the other passages should not be brought to bear. This is not to say, however, that in interpretation--after the translation--other passages should not be brought to bear.
I think you're confusing translation and interpretation.
But, I also have to ask how do you suggest this passage be translated?
I Believe it is dangerous to base your doctrine on just one verse that you feel agrees with your particular view.
See you after church.
MB
I agree--it is dangerous to base any one doctrine on just one verse (hence, things like snake handling should not be practiced, etc.).
But, as far as election is concerned, Acts 13:48 is not the only verse. Election is interwoven through the pages of scripture from Genesis 1 to Revelation 22.
In fact, Genesis is full of God's electing purposes. Do we really think that Jacob, for instance, was Mr.-Believer-Guy when God chose him? It is quite the contrary. Almost everything suggests that the better choice would have been Esau (though neither of the boys were believers; Jacob would certainly become one later).
How about Exodus? Are we to think that Moses was everything a believer should have been? Not in the least. Of course he murdered the Egyptian, but even when God appeared to him at the burning bush, Moses' faith was quite in doubt.
So, faith in Moses' life and faith in Jacob's life came as a result of God's electing purpose.
I could go on. I won't. I think these two examples give us plenty to discuss.
Blessings,
The Archangel