Kata Markon

[JFAlward AT aol.com]

In response to Jeffrey Gibson comments about peirasmos:  Does it mean "test," 
or "tempt," I've revised one of the paragraphs in my article, "The Sleeping 
Disciples," at http://sol.sci.uop.edu/~jfalward/Sleeping_Disciples.htm


Revised paragraph:

In Mark's sleeping disciples parable above, the disciples are cautioned by 
Jesus that while they intend to serve him well (the spirit is willing), their 
need for rest (the body is weak) might tempt (peirasmos) them to close their 
heavy eyes and fall asleep.  Some commentators read peirasmos as a "test, " 
or "trial."  Either way, Mark 14:38 means the same thing:  Jesus is warning 
the disciples about the contest between the will of the body to close its 
eyes, and the will of the mind to remain awake.  Thus, with either meaning of 
the word "peirasmos," Jesus is telling the disciples to pray that they do not 
fail the body's test, and close their eyes--in other words, succumb to the 
temptation to close their eyes.

Joseph F. Alward, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Physics
University of the Pacific
Stockton CA 95201
Web page:  "A Skeptical View of Christianity and the Bible"
http://members.aol.com/jalw/joseph_alward.html