Update: Manny Pacquiao Did Not Say Gay Men Should Be Put to Death*

My boyfriend Terry is Gay and loves Manny Pacquiao

Jesus affirmed a gay couple.

The Greek word that the Roman centurion uses in this passage to describe the sick man – pais – is the same word used in ancient Greek to refer to a same-gender partner.

Discussion: Matthew 19:10-12

From our days in Sunday school, many of us are familiar with the Gospel story where Jesus healed the servant of a Roman centurion. This story is recorded in Matthew 8:5-13 and Luke 7:1-10. In Matthew, we are told that the centurion came to Jesus to plead for the healing of his servant. Jesus said he was willing to come to the centurion’s house, but the centurion said there was no need for Jesus to do so — he believed that if Jesus simply spoke the word, his servant would be healed. Marveling at the man’s faith, Jesus pronounced the servant healed. Luke tells a similar story.

Just another miracle story, right? Not on your life!

In the original language, the importance of this story for gay, lesbian, and bisexual Christians is much clearer. The Greek word used in Matthew’s account to refer to the servant of the centurion is pais. In the language of the time, pais had three possible meanings depending upon the context in which it was used. It could mean “son or boy;” it could mean “servant,” or it could mean a particular type of servant — one who was “his master’s male lover.” Often these lovers were younger than their masters, even teenagers.

To our modern minds, the idea of buying a teen lover seems repugnant. But we have to place this in the context of ancient cultural norms. In ancient times, commercial transactions were the predominant means of forming relationships. Under the law, the wife was viewed as the property of the husband, with a status just above that of slave. Moreover, in Jesus’ day, a boy or girl was considered of marriageable age upon reaching his or her early teens. It was not uncommon for boys and girls to marry at age 14 or 15. Nor was it uncommon for an older man to marry a young girl. Fortunately civilization has advanced, but these were the norms in the culture of Jesus’ day.

In that culture, if you were a gay man who wanted a male “spouse,” you achieved this, like your heterosexual counterparts, through a commercial transaction — purchasing someone to serve that purpose. A servant purchased to serve this purpose was often called a pais.

The word boy in English offers a rough comparison. Like pais, the word boy can be used to refer to a male child. But in the slave South in the nineteenth century, boy was also often used to refer to male slaves. The term boy can also be used as a term of endearment. For example, Jeff’s father often refers to his mother as “his girl.” He doesn’t mean that she is a child, but rather that she is his “special one.” The term boy can be used in the same way, as in “my boy” or “my beau.” In ancient Greek, pais had a similar range of meanings.

Thus, when this term was used, the listener had to consider the context of the statement to determine which meaning was intended. Some modern Christians may be tempted to simply declare by fiat that the Gospels could not possibly have used the term pais in the sense of male lover, end of discussion. But that would be yielding to prejudice. We must let the word of God speak for itself, even if it leads us to an uncomfortable destination.

Is it possible the pais referred to in Matthew 8 and Luke 7 was the Roman centurion’s male lover? Let’s look at the biblical evidence.

The Bible provides three key pieces of textual and circumstantial evidence. First, in the Luke passage, several additional Greek words are used to describe the one who is sick. Luke says this pais was the centurion’s entimos doulos. The word doulos is a generic term for slave, and was never used in ancient Greek to describe a son/boy. Thus, Luke’s account rules out the possibility the sick person was the centurion’s son; his use of doulos makes clear this was a slave. However, Luke also takes care to indicate this was no ordinary slave. The word entimos means “honored.” This was an “honored slave” (entimos doulos) who was his master’s pais. Taken together, the three Greek words preclude the possibility the sick person was either the centurion’s son or an ordinary slave, leaving only one viable option — he was his master’s male lover.

A second piece of evidence is found in verse 9 of Matthew’s account. In the course of expressing his faith in Jesus’ power to heal by simply speaking, the centurion says, “When I tell my slave to do something, he does it.” By extension, the centurion concludes that Jesus is also able to issue a remote verbal command that must be carried out. When speaking here of his slaves, the centurion uses the word doulos. But when speaking of the one he is asking Jesus to heal, he uses only pais. In other words, when he is quoted in Matthew, the centurion uses pais only when referring to the sick person. He uses a different word, doulos, when speaking of his other slaves, as if to draw a distinction. (In Luke, it is others, not the centurion, who call the sick one an entimos doulos.) Again, the clear implication is that the sick man was no ordinary slave. And when pais was used to describe a servant who was not an ordinary slave, it meant only one thing — a slave who was the master’s male lover.

The third piece of evidence is circumstantial. In the Gospels, we have many examples of people seeking healing for themselves or for family members. But this story is the only example of someone seeking healing for a slave. The actions described are made even more remarkable by the fact that this was a proud Roman centurion (the conqueror/oppressor) who was humbling himself and pleading with a Jewish rabbi (the conquered/oppressed) to heal his slave. The extraordinary lengths to which this man went to seek healing for his slave is much more understandable, from a psychological perspective, if the slave was his beloved companion.

Thus, all the textual and circumstantial evidence in the Gospels points in one direction. For objective observers, the conclusion is inescapable: In this story Jesus healed a man’s male lover. When understood this way, the story takes on a whole new dimension.

Imagine how it may have happened. While stationed in Palestine, the centurion’s pais becomes ill — experiencing some type of life-threatening paralysis. The centurion will stop at nothing to save him. Perhaps a friend tells him of rumors of Jesus’ healing powers. Perhaps this friend also tells him Jesus is unusually open to foreigners, teaching his followers that they should love their enemies, even Roman soldiers. So the centurion decides to take a chance. Jesus was his only hope.

As he made his way to Jesus, he probably worried about the possibility that Jesus, like other Jewish rabbis, would take a dim view of his homosexual relationship. Perhaps he even considered lying. He could simply use the word duolos. That would have been accurate, as far as it went. But the centurion probably figured if Jesus was powerful enough to heal his lover, he was also powerful enough to see through any half-truths.

So the centurion approaches Jesus and bows before him. “Rabbi, my . . . ,” the word gets caught in his throat. This is it — the moment of truth. Either Jesus will turn away in disgust, or something wonderful will happen. So, the centurion clears his throat and speaks again. “Rabbi, my pais — yes, my pais lies at home sick unto death.” Then he pauses and waits for a second that must have seemed like an eternity. The crowd of good, God-fearing people surrounding Jesus probably became tense. This was like a gay man asking a televangelist to heal his lover. What would Jesus do?

Without hesitation, Jesus says, “Then I will come and heal him.”

It’s that simple! Jesus didn’t say, “Are you kidding? I’m not going to heal your pais so you can go on living in sin!” Nor did he say, “Well, it shouldn’t surprise you that your pais is sick; this is God’s judgment on your relationship.”

Instead, Jesus’ words are simple, clear, and liberating for all who have worried about what God thinks of gay relationships. “I will come and heal him.”

At this point, the centurion says there is no need for Jesus to travel to his home. He has faith that Jesus’ word is sufficient. Jesus then turns to the good people standing around him — those who were already dumbfounded that he was willing to heal this man’s male lover. To them, Jesus says in verse 10 of Matthew’s account, “I have not found faith this great anywhere in Israel.” In other words, Jesus holds up this gay centurion as an example of the type of faith others should aspire to.

Jesus didn’t just tolerate this gay centurion. He said he was an example of faith — someone we all should strive to be like.

Then, just so the good, God-fearing people wouldn’t miss his point, Jesus speaks again in verse 11: “I tell you, many will come from the east and the west [i.e., beyond the borders of Israel] to find a seat in the kingdom of heaven, while the heirs [i.e., those considered likely to inherit heaven] will be thrown into outer darkness.” By this statement Jesus affirmed that many others like this gay centurion — those who come from beyond the assumed boundaries of God’s grace — are going to be admitted to the kingdom of heaven. And he also warned that many who think themselves the most likely to be admitted will be left out.

In this story, Jesus restores a gay relationship by a miracle of healing and then holds up a gay man as an example of faith for all to follow. So consider carefully: Who is Lord — Jesus or cultural prejudice?

This is what happens when you are a big character.  You cannot open your big mouth.  You cannot express an opinion.   You just have to keep it to yourself or you will be criticized or people affected by your comment will hate you.  Regular people like us, we can say anything and nobody cares.  But for you big people, you gotta  be careful.

Pacquiao should sue your sorry ass and your irresponsible journalism that's worth 2 cents.  Why don't you get your facts straight...dennis romero and this stupid flip granville ampong.

All Mature people Know Right from Wrong.

All mature people know right from wrong.

insecure and ignorant people commenting so much hate here.... wow me included? lol

http://www.youtube.com/everado...

Its time to let it go, and start being a loving person. Judge not!

Judge not!  Love your neighbor as thyself.  Nonviolence and tolerance.  Love is the key! 

Manny,  if you are a strict believer in the Bible then let’s remember these parts as well:

Deut 21:18-21If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them: Then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the gate of his place; And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton, and a drunkard. And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die

Exo 31:15Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.

The Bible can be used (and misused) to support just about any argument in the world, no matter how outlandish. Do we kill police officers who work on Sunday and protect us from crime? Do we blow away the waitress that serves us Sunday brunch? Next Sunday, let’s line up each member of each NFL team just before game time and execute them by firing squad. Maybe we should do the same with NASCAR drivers.

And, for the record, isn’t the minister who preaches from the pulpit working on a Sunday? Off with his head.

The Bible is a collection of essays written by men who recorded what they saw, heard and were told at the time., They were the journalists, the reporters, the bloggers of their time and — as human beings — it is not beyond the bounds of reasonable thought to think that each put his spin on things. The Bible is not a book written by God but a book written by those who believed they were reporting the word of God.

Nothing more, nothing less. 

I wonder if he is aware that the outspoken homophobes are the ones that have the most repressed homosexual tendencies themselves. Larry Craig, Ted Haggard, George Rekers...need I go on ???  lol

The reporters must be responsible. You guys are shame! Shame! shame!

You at L.A. Weekly need to apologize.  Even Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith of ESPN called you hacks out.  

Its not Manny who says that verse in Leviticus "If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads." Its Granville Ampong the one who interviewed Manny. Read the article carefully. Stupid Haters

I like to argue but it turns out to be hateful, and a full of racist, and a bunch of bigoted people. I am Gay and CATHOLIC but i don't pay attention to what other people say. For those people who are gay haters.. wait till your son and daughters will be GAY and you will feel what is like to be!

why not a separate article issuing an apology to Manny. updating an incorrect article  validates some of the untruths originally reported. 

Are you ready to apologize? Also, get a lawyer in case Pacquiao files a lawsuit against your slandering ass.

All you ignorant so called journalist be put to jail with many gays inside! Dennis Romero, you should be ashamed to yourself! lol

The previous INACCURATE headline to this article is still being shown up in the Most Popular Stories. I cannot even believe the shameful incompetence of this publication.

All of you gay hating righteous jerks.....look at yourself in the mirror before you judge others...Jesus did say, " Let he who is without sin cast the first stone"....so get off your high horses...dumbass!

 Go pacman  fuck the world you say what the fuck you what to say shit. I went to lacma last year with my nephew and there was an exibit  of naked boxers and 2 guy's wrestling naked that's what they want show are children THAT NOT ART!!!

Universally, there are only two sexes, male and female, so, how can a male marry a male and vice versa? Can they produce offspring? Only earthly lusts I think and nothing more. As they grow old lust fades and emptiness begins.

 When we judge or criticize another person, it says nothing about that person; it merely says something about our own need to be critical...Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes... That way when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them and you have their shoes....

So what's becoming clearer and clearer from discussions on forums such as this one is that the real disagreement -- what's beneath all of the mud slinging -- is between the life and rights sought by atheists versus the life and rights sought by those who believe in God and that the Bible is an inspired document of God's teachings.    Quite a dilemma.  The atheists don't care because they believe we're no different from a plant or cow or worm.  Those who believe that there's a God worry about not letting our communities become the Biblical equivalent of Sodom and Gomorrah.  I am beginning to think the two cannot live together.  Perhaps it's time for us to accept that.

Pacman is a boxer - his sports is unknown to all these angry gay people so I don't think he needs to worry too much about the impact to his career for having AN OPINION!. BTW - if the Grove can ban a person for saying they do not think gay people should marry - can another private property owner ban someone for saying they are pro-gay marriage? Let's face it - all these gay people are so shrill and angry and love to play the victim. BTW - even if you guys were allowed to marry - i am sure many would prefer the free swinging lifestyle anyway so stop being such hypocrites and let someone have an opinion. You're so loud and annoying with your "i'm such a victim" chant. Go find some stranger at Rage and take a load off

I was reading through a lot of these comments...and how funny and hypocritical people are.

FIRST off, as everyone SHOULD know, the 'bible' is a book of fairy tales as it was WRITTEN BY MAN! That's right! By Man! And guess what, MAN MAKES MISTAKES (and since man is also greedy/power hungry, 'altered' some lines).

SECOND off, if man is created in God's image, then that means I can call this 'God' a bigoted, spiteful, malicious, uncaring, power hungry, murdering and IMPERFECT deity that is not all he's 'hyped' up to be.

Do I believe in God? Nope, but I much prefer to be ME and treat each person with the same respect as they give me. Maybe all Christians/Catholics/etc... should drop religion and quit blaming a potentially non-existent figure for their wars and hate (I think you would call that "Satan")

Fuck him..wish mayweathet will put him to sleep!

Another KO by Pacquiao, what is right is right, gays are not normal nor natural, so marriage is not for them, a contract will do fine, period.

this writer is bullshit get the facts straight before posting!

So now we know Manny did NOT say gays should be put to death, yet the links to this article say he did. And all the bashing and slander towards Manny still remain. (The Krista Ranillo thing is just some tabloid rumour, not that it has anything to do his stance on gay marriage). Why isn't the LA Weekly and The Grove apologizing to Manny after falsely accusing him of something he didn't say? It's ironic the article quotes some group called "The Courage Campaign", but to me, it's Manny that's displaying courage after being ripped by the media for something he never said. Manny, I'm still a fan of yours.

Civil right v first amendment rights v Obamination. What next?!? Checkout my blog post I just wrote about this very topic ~~~~> http://embracethaprocess.blogs...

So, Mr. Romero, you completely failed at reading comprehension with the original article, misconstrued what was written and misquoted Manny Pacquiao with these terrible words.  Now, instead of having the decency to retract everything and apologize to the man, you make this half-hearted correction with an asterisk.  You, sir, are an embarrassment to journalism.

Many, like Manny, have a right to their crowd/presidential dissenting opinion.  It is a show ofintolerance not to accept Manny's opinion.  Typical of the 'Love us we're gay' community.

Fuckin filibeaners...

Manny Pacquiao and the religious zealots out there should remember that the bible was written by people, not some deity called "god".  Only man is responsible for what is in the bible.  It would never be the will of a "god" to kill or murder beings of any kind.  That said, I do not believe in any god.  It's a belief for fools and deluded people.  Bunch of nuts!! 

"How Catholic of him."

Was that necessary ?

As for some of the comments charging Filipinos in general, the parts of the Philippines that I have been to are much more LGBT tolerant than most international communities - including our own.

I would wonder what the reaction from Republicans be if a Mexican Congressman came over to the US and stated that Republicans were the children of the Devil.  Or if the British Prime Minister came over to the US and told us how to run our country.  Because in essence, that's what Paquiao has done in the US.  As an elected member of the Philippine Congress, he is a foreign legislator in a foreign, sovereign land.  Despite his laurels and position as a boxer, he nonetheless needs to tread lightly when he opens his mouth in the US, regardless of the medium or the venue.  The fact that he hasn't done so speaks ill for his professionalism.  

People maybe affected for a little bit with your twisted ignorance but only until facts came out. You Mr. Romero, as a writer, should know better.

What about lesbians? He's alright with them as long as it's in porn form right? Hypocrite! 

Manny Pacquiao Says Gay Men Should Be 'Put to Death'??? who wrote this shit? this aint true..i watched his interview in the news and said that he didn't say such things.. dennis romero, fail blog, such a shame!