Jerusalem Perspective contributor Marc Turnage has authored a new book entitled Windows into the Bible: Cultural & Historical Insights into the Bible for Modern Readers, which will be released at the end of March 2016.
Parables on the Character of God

Jerusalem Perspective is excited to announce that in the coming months Dr. R. Steven Notley will be sharing a series of blogs on Jesus’ parables with our readers. In anticipation of these blogs, and as a preview of what we might expect from Dr. Notley, we are sharing two sermons on the parables that Dr. Notley delivered to the Narkis Street Congregation in Jerusalem. Enjoy!
A Statistical Approach to the Synoptic Problem: Part 2—Double Tradition

In the previous article of this series Halvor Ronning examined the statistics of verbal identities involved in comparisons between materials shared by all three Synoptic Gospels (Triple Tradition). Now in Part Two Ronning will bring into consideration the statistics pertaining to materials shared in only two Synoptic Gospels (Double Tradition). Ronning wiargues that the consistency with which an author treats his sources is a major clue for determining the order of Synoptic dependence.
Feast of the Circumcision (New Year’s Day)

The first of January, celebrated around the world as New Year’s Day, is also the eighth day of Christmas and, as such, the Feast of the Circumcision and Naming of Jesus. Of course, no one knows on what day of the year Jesus was actually born, but since it has become traditional to celebrate Jesus’ birth on the 25th of December, it follows that the first of January is the day on which Christians celebrate the circumcision and naming of Jesus.
A Statistical Approach to the Synoptic Problem: Part 1—Triple Tradition

“A Statistical Approach to the Synoptic Problem,” a new series on Jerusalem Perspective by Jerusalem School of Synoptic Research member Halvor Ronning, aims to contribute to the body of empirical data that must be accounted for by any viable theory that attempts to describe the interrelationships between the Synoptic Gospels. To that end, Halvor Ronning has developed and adapted several new methods of quantifying and testing synoptic hypotheses which will be described and applied in “A Statistical Approach to to the Synoptic Problem.”
“Yeshua and Levi the Toll Collector” complex

David Bivin and Joshua Tilton propose a reconstruction of Jesus’ interaction with Levi the toll collector and his teaching in response to criticism that Jesus ate and drank with sinners.
First Online JP Course Now Available – Aleph-Bet: Hebrew Reading and Writing for Christians in 17 Easy Lessons

Twenty years ago, David Bivin taught a 12-hour series of classes entitled “Aleph-Bet: A Beginner’s Introduction to Reading and Writing Hebrew.” The class was video-recorded and produced into a video series available on video cassette tapes (VCR). This incredible class brought the viewer into a basic understanding of how to read and write the language of Jesus’ day. Now, JerusalemPerspective.com is creating an online course where you can study at your own pace and even interact with other students if you would like.
“How to Pray” complex

David Bivin and Joshua Tilton propose a reconstruction of Jesus’ teaching on how his disciples ought to pray and about the character of the God to whom their prayers are addressed.
Matthew 1:1-25: In the Year of Jubilee?

The genealogies of Matthew and Luke reflect diverging Jewish opinions about the time for the advent of the redeemer.
Be Not Afraid

Christmas approaches with its usual frenzy of decorations, shoppers, carols, cookies, and lights—all wrapped in joy, peace, and goodwill that is often, sadly, as thin as colored tissue paper. But this year, it’s even harder to “get into the spirit.” Hearts are heavy with grief and fear, especially following the deadly and deliberate attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, California.
Yet, another reality coexists with this present evil, just as it did on the first Christmas, when human misery also abounded—the reality of goodness.
Jesus and a Canaanite Woman

Does the story of a Canaanite woman’s encounter with Jesus, which is found in the Gospels of Mark and Matthew, show indications of having descended from a Hebrew source? Why did the author of Luke fail to include this story? Explore these questions and more in “Jesus and a Canaanite Woman.”
Matthew 2:1-23: A Nazorean Shall Be Called

Where in the Hebrew Scriptures is it expected that the Redeemer will be called a Nazarene or come from Nazareth?
Sending the Twelve: “The Harvest Is Plentiful” and “A Flock Among Wolves”

Yeshua told his twelve emissaries: “There’s a huge harvest, but a shortage of harvesters. So send word to the owner of the field to hire more workers to help them finish the job.
“Go! But beware, I’m sending you out like a defenseless flock into a pack of ravenous wolves.”
Hebrew Nuggets, Lesson 34: Nazirite

The final lesson in the Hebrew Nuggets series in which we learn the letter ז and the word na·ZIR.
Jesus’ Gospel, by Joshua N. Tilton, Now In Chinese Translation

Jerusalem Perspective is excited to announce the publication of the Chinese translation of Joshua Tilton’s Jesus’ Gospel: Searching for the Core of Jesus’ Message.
Hebrew Nuggets, Lesson 33: Gehenna

In this lesson we will learn one new letter, the Hebrew “g” sound, via the famous Hebrew word “Gehenna.”
Hebrew Nuggets, Lesson 32: Justice

In this lesson we will learn two new letters, the Hebrew “p” sound, including its “final” form, and the second of two Hebrew “t” sounds.