Knowledge of One’s Language

Educated speakers are notoriously unreliable in analyzing their own language. If Chrysostom weighs two competing interpretations, his conclusion should be valued as an important opinion and no more. If, on the other hand, he fails to address a linguistic problem because he does not appear to perceive a possible ambiguity, his silence is of the greatest value in helping us determine how Paul’s first readers were likely to have interpreted the text.

Moisés Silva, Philippians, 27.

The Paradox of Love

You, sir, have taught me the paradox of love. Strong yet gentle, patient yet pressing ahead, mature and yet young . . . This indeed would puzzle any sage, and fill him with wonder like a ship on the sea or a serpent on a rock . . .

- Petite Huguenotte, Letters to my Fiance