Explore our collection of theological essays, biblical studies, and reflections on faith and culture.
Summary In what follows, I will consider the “year-stamps” employed in Scripture, i.e., statements of the form, “Such-and-such an event took place in the Xth year of Y.” In the process, I will suggest some ways in which the Biblical narrative might relate to events in the extra-Biblical world, though…
In the first essay on the parable of the Prodigal Son, I suggested that the problems commentators and others encounter in interpreting Jesus three-part parable are not accidental. These are not just problems in our ignorance of cultural background. They are intentional features of the stories —stories designed to poke…
The story of the Prodigal Son is perhaps the most well-known story in the Bible. As others have observed, it may also be one of the most misunderstood. In two short essays, I will point out features of this story that are commonly neglected, aspects of Jesus’ parable that might…
The parable of Lazarus and the nameless rich man is not an independent story. It is part of a long context that begins in Luke 15:1, where Jesus is eating with tax collectors and sinners and the scribes and Pharisees grumble. In response to their hardheartedness, Jesus tells a three-part…
The Bible is written so that even when a reader cannot pick up on what might be deeper or more detailed aspects of a text, there is virtually always a message to be heard. In the ancient world, where the “reader” of Scripture would likely be a church official facing…
The distinction between garden (or vineyard) and field begins in Genesis 2. This relates to the ordering of the formless world. Plants of the field are contrasted with the garden planted by God in Genesis 2:5&8. Later on, under the Old Covenant the Israelites will be required to keep their…
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Below is a transcript of a lecture delivered at Disputatio for NSA on Friday, September 17. INTRODUCTION In February of 1666, the English physician Richard Lower performed what he called a ?spectacular experiment?E Using a crude syringe made from a quill and a bladder designed by Christopher Wren, he ?selected…
Another flawed, wooden, speculative, error-ridden translation from Kings, which may still be helpful to someone. I’ve tried to reflect the difficulties and confusions that arise from the Hebrew text, and believe I had succeeded at least in that. Now his house Shlomoh built thirteen years. And he finished all his…
INTRODUCTION When they allude to the typology of the temple, the NT writers seem to be operating with something like the medieval ?quadriga,?Ethe ?fourfold sense of Scripture.?E They know about a literal temple in Jerusalem; they see the temple allegorically foreshadowing Christ and His Church (John 2:13-22; 1 Peter 2:5);…
Here is an outline of a lecture I will be giving at the Christ Church Ministerial Conference later this month. In addition to some new material, it includes material from various earlier outlines and notes posted on this site. INTRODUCTION Scripture teaches that Jesus?Edeath was a sacrifice (Ephesians 5:2; Hebrews…
INTRODUCTION Solomon first devoted his efforts to building a house for Yahweh. When that was complete, he began to build his own house (7:1), which included a number of buildings (7:1-12; cf. 9:10). The design of the Solomon?s own house reinforces his status as the son of Yahweh who lives…
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