Theopolis Logo

Writing

Explore our collection of theological essays, biblical studies, and reflections on faith and culture.

See all
harshit-sharma-wertrhhtz4s-unsplash-2
Revelation

The Seven Thunders, An Interpretive Suggestion

And He cried out with a loud voice, as when a lion roars; and when He had cried out, the seven thunders spoke their voices (Revelation 10:3). In Revelation 10 John sees Jesus come down to him from heaven with a little book in His hand. Jesus cries out with…

by James B. JordanOctober 7, 1994
hebrew-manuscript-2
Biblical Chronology

Genesis 5 & 11: Chronological-Theological Reflections

The numbers found in Genesis 5 & 11 display characteristics that indicate a complex and meticulous symbolic schematization operating at several levels. Because these numbers are so potent symbolically, unbelieving scholars have universally (as far as I know) treated them as artificial. Believers take them literally, but believers must also…

by James B. JordanOctober 7, 1994
screen-shot-2023-04-04-at-5-01-54-pm
Revelation

The Kings From the East

And the sixth angel poured out his bowl upon the great river, the Euphrates; and its water was dried up, that the way might be prepared for the kings from the east [sunrising]. (Revelation 16:12) The kings from the east in Revelation 16:12 are generally assumed to be enemies of…

by James B. JordanSeptember 10, 1994
timothy-eberly-djj49s6ud2o-unsplash
Biblical Studies

Covenants and Dates

During my brief sojourn as a pastor during the 1980s, I had several occasions to be involved in settling disputes between men in the congregation I served. A typical dispute went like this: Two men formed a company to do business. After a few years, the business went sour, and…

by James B. JordanSeptember 10, 1994
kiwihug-l4gw27xzn1i-unsplash
Revelation

The Grape Harvest of Revelation 14:17-20

The two harvests of Revelation 14:14-20, of grain and of grapes, are most often understood as symbolic of God’s judgment against the wicked, or against Babylon, as amplified in chapters 16 & 17. Some commentators, however, notice that the gospels speak of the grain harvest as a reaping of the…

by James B. JordanAugust 10, 1994
aaron-burden-h8s0pf2rcqs-unsplash
Deuteronomy

The Chronology of the Pentateuch (Part 6)

(Conclusion of Chapter 16 in the previous Biblical Chronology Article) Month 3, 2513 According to Leviticus 23:15-16, Pentecost was to be observed 50 days after the sabbath after Passover, or 49 days after the Feast of First Fruits. I initially based my reflections on the Jewish tradition that the Law…

by James B. JordanAugust 10, 1994

Showing page 276 of 309

See all
See all

Sermon notes, Easter Sunday

INTRODUCTION “You are not greater than our father Jacob, are you?” asked the Samaritan woman at the well of Sychar to the stranger who offered her living water. By His death and resurrection, Jesus answers that question: He is the true Israel, greater than Jacob. THE TEXT “Then Jacob went…

April 10, 2006
History

Existentialism redux

A web article on structuralism contrasts the objectivity of structuralism with the subjectivism of the existentialism that preceded it: “So while Existentialism emphasizes subjectivity, Structuralism embraces an objectivity so impersonal that it tends to dispense with the individual altogether. All myths are homologous, capable of being generated out of one…

April 10, 2006

Eucharistic meditation, Palm Sunday

Gal 2:20: I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me. In this…

April 9, 2006

Mark’s Gospel: Palm Sunday

What is the cross? For Mark, the cross is not so much Jesus’ passive suffering as His last great act of power. While Matthew shows Jesus as the great teacher of Israel, Mark shows Jesus as a man of action. In the first verse of his gospel, he identifies Jesus…

April 9, 2006

Mark’s Gospel: Palm Sunday

What is the cross? For Mark, the cross is not so much Jesus’ passive suffering as His last great act of power. While Matthew shows Jesus as the great teacher of Israel, Mark shows Jesus as a man of action. In the first verse of his gospel, he identifies Jesus…

April 9, 2006
Philosophy

Continental v. Analytic

R. R. Reno helpfully explains the attractions of Continental philosophy to theologians by suggesting that Continental philosophy has “become a form of theology.” More elaborately: “As an intellecutal practice, this branch of modern philosophy organizes itself around the task of discerning and proclaiming the deep meaning that is necessary to…

April 9, 2006

Showing page 1861 of 2212

Browse by Category

In Medias Res

Your weekly digest for all things Theopolis.

Donate

Theopolis is nearly 100% donor-supported. Consider joining us on our mission.