Reading the Book serves as a good introduction for looking at not just the Gospels, but the entire biblical text from a fresh perspective.
The Numbers Game: Bible Codes (Numerology and Gematria)
Biblical writers infrequently consciously used numerical patterns or codes in their compositions.
The “King James Only” Debate
Have you read a book called New Age Bible Versions by Gail Riplinger? She claims that the only reliable translation of the Bible is the King James Version.
What is the meaning of “firstborn male” in Luke 2:23?
Is the consecration of the boy only done if he is the firstborn? Or is it done if he is simply the oldest?
God’s Mercy and Our Disobedience
Reading a passage from the New Testament against the backdrop of ancient Jewish tradition can sometimes add to the its significance. Romans 11:30-36 is one such passage, where without knowing the Jewish tradition to which Paul alluded, we run the risk of not hearing his emphasis clearly: God is merciful and his ways, incomprehensible.
Deliver Us From Evil
Just as good poetry can convey multiple allusions, so “Deliver us from evil” can carry a variety of notions of protection from doing and experiencing evil.
Noun Chains in the Gospels
Hebraisms in the Synoptic Gospels are as ubiquitous as cats in Jerusalem.
The Synagogue the Centurion Built
Would a Roman officer have had the means to finance the construction of a synagogue in the lakeshore town of Capernaum?
Mendel Got It Straight!
A reader asks about Mendel Nuns “Bethsaida” versus the PBS series “I Claudius” which espouses Josephus’ description of “Bethsaida”.
Insulting God’s High Priest
Recent research has shown that Sadducees, not Pharisees, were responsible for the death of Jesus. An incident recounted in the Book of Acts provides a glimpse of the Sadducean high priests’ corrupt behavior. Little wonder the Sadducees were despised by the common people.
Emulating the Ways of Sodom
As our disposable incomes have swelled and our pursuit of life’s finer things has gained momentum, has our concern for the destitute also swelled?
Character Profile: A New Portrait of Salome
Salome’s image has been obscured and marred due to the personas created for her by writers of the past 150 years. Salome is famous for the part she played in the execution of John the Baptist. Since 1863, she has been depicted in books and films as morally depraved. Diligent research reveals, however, that the real Salome is much different than popular portrayals.
We Are the Pots; Jesus Is the Stone!
A reader presupposes his allegorical theology upon the words of Jesus and Joseph Frankovic responds.
Walk after Me!
Sharing personal insights from his own spiritual journey and his study of the Scriptures, the late Dwight Pryor, founder of the Center for Judaic-Christian Studies, reflects on the life of Jesus for Christian readers of Jerusalem Perspective (JP).