In the social reading of the Capernaum Synagogue incident Jesus restores the tattered fabric of the community, exchanging the way things were for a newer and better way.
Tangled up in Techēlet: Tzitzit (Ritual Tassels) in the Time of Jesus
Although the wearing of tzitzit is enjoined in Scripture, we do not find records of its actual observance until the Second Temple period.
The Names of Jerusalem in the Synoptic Gospels and Acts
What can the Greek and Hebrew forms of Jerusalem’s name tell us either about the sources of the Synoptic Gospels and Acts or the audiences to whom these works were addressed?
A Passion Play in an Unusual Vein
The story of Jesus’ passion told through readings by Johnny Cash and songs by Bob Dylan.
What Is the Leaven of the Pharisees?
The Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke give three different answers. Which, if any, is original?
Failures of the Aramaic Solution: Aramaic’s Inability to Explain Jesus’ Halachic Questions on the Sabbath (Luke 14:5; Matt. 12:11-12a)
How well does Aramaic explain Jesus’ sayings on healing on the Sabbath?
Stephen’s Speech (Acts 7:1-53) and Early Jewish Scriptural Interpretation
Discover connections between Stephen’s Speech and ancient Jewish literature.
A Synoptic Approach to ‘Lord of the Sabbath’
Listen to Lindsey discuss his approach to the ‘Lord of the Sabbath’ pericope.
The Torah in the Sermon on the Mount
Neither in his personal conduct, nor in the Sermon on the Mount, did Jesus consider himself to be superior to the Torah’s commandments.
Jesus’ Temptation and Its Jewish Background
How Jewish tradition informs our understanding of the temptation narrative.
The Historical Jesus, a Tanna? Charity and Deeds of Loving-Kindness in the Gospels and Early Rabbinic Thought
When nearly precise rabbinic parallels to stories and sayings in the Gospels exist, it may indicate that the Gospels are preserving traditions of the early Jesus movement and, perhaps, the historical Jesus.
Teaching with Authority: The Development of Jesus’ Portrayal as a Teacher within the Synoptic Tradition
When Jesus’ teaching is falsely portrayed as entirely new, it obscures what in Jesus’ message is truly unique.
Audio JP: Like Lightning from Heaven (Luke 10:18): Jesus’ Apocalyptic Vision of the Fall of Satan
Listen to Joshua Tilton’s JP article “Like Lightning from Heaven (Luke 10:18): Jesus’ Apocalyptic Vision of the Fall of Satan.”
Audio JP: “Shake the Dust from Your Feet”: What Did the Apostles’ Action Signify?
Listen to Joshua Tilton’s JP article, “‘Shake the Dust from Your Feet’: What Did the Apostles’ Action Signify?”
Audio JP: Gergesa, Gerasa, or Gadara? Where Did Jesus’ Miracle Occur?
Listen to Ze’ev Safrai’s JP article “Gergesa, Gerasa, or Gadara? Where Did Jesus’ Miracle Occur?”