On Mark 13:32

QUESTION: Sidney Collett, in "All about the Bible," says that Mark 13:32 should be rendered, "Neither the Son if not (or but as) the Father," Christ thereby asserting not his ignorance, but his Deity, being one with the Father. Can this translation be substantiated?

ANSWER: No. The Greek language has two kinds of negatives, the objective, which, because it denies directly in plain terms, never coalesces with "if"; and the subjective negative, which is used in suppositions and is so weak as very often to coalesce with "if," making a new word, meaning unless, except, save, as in this text. It is often translated "but" in the sense of "identification with," as Collett has rendered it in defiance of all classical and Hellenistic usage. The word "alone" or "only" is sometimes pleonastically added, as in Matt. 24:36, "but my Father only." See also Matt. 17:8; 21:19; Acts 11:19; Phil. 4:15.

— Steele's Answers, pp. 230.

The Greeks Who Wanted to See Jesus (John 12:20-23)

QUESTION: Did the Greeks who desired to have an interview with Christ (John 12:20-23) secure an introduction to him?

ANSWER: The sacred scholars disagree in their answer. Christ's reply to the request was evidently made to Andrew and Philip with the intention of granting the request, but the voice from heaven interrupted and changed the scene. If these monotheistic Greeks were anxious to ask Jesus whether they were excluded from the benefits of his mission, they would find an encouraging answer in his declaration, "If I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men unto myself." If they did not secure a personal interview, they doubtless were in the multitude of listeners to Christ's address.

— Steele's Answers pp. 157, 158.