The multivalent image of the sparrow in ancient Jewish thought made it a useful vehicle for conveying messages about human and divine relationships.
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.
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.
My Search for the Synoptic Problem’s Solution (1959-1969)
As a consequence of my endeavor to produce a Modern Hebrew translation of the Gospel of Mark I began to develop a different picture of the interrelationship of the Synoptic Gospels than that which is espoused by most New Testament scholars.
Sidebar: Helen Twena Discusses the Salome Portrait on JP 55’s Cover
I portrayed Salome by means of a bold, modernistic collage.
Medieval Jargon on First-century Lips
The following article is an attempt by the author to explain and correct an unfortunate choice of terminology early in his career. That poor choice may have influenced others as they were formulating their own ideas on ancient Jewish hermeneutics. While doing so, they tapped a rather startling source in support of their conclusions.
Character Profile: A New Portrait of Salome
The recent discovery of an ancient coin with a crisp imprint of Salome make this a fitting time to set the record straight—to rectify the public perception of this ancient Jewish aristocrat. Her image has been fictionalized to the point of grotesque caricature by writers of the past 150 years. Famous for her role in the execution of John the Baptist, Salome has been depicted repeatedly as morally depraved. Dilligent historical research, however, reveals a different story.
“And” or “In order to” Remarry?
Apparently, contrary to normal Greek usage, Greek’s kai (“and”) in the sense of “in order to” occurs in the Synoptic Gospels.


