John’s language about “the Jews” is even more condemnatory that Matthew’s. Consistently, Jesus’ opponents are called “the Jews.” They are “from below,” from “this world”. They are children of the devil: You are from your father the devil, and you … Continue reading
Category Archives: A Look at the New Testament
During the past number of weeks, I have been sharing ideas about the Gospel of St. John. On the Great Day, Easter, we heard the opening verses of His Gospel. It so very many ways these opening verses are the … Continue reading
In the last installment of this article, I began sharing thoughts about the Prologue of the Gospel John that we heard proclaimed today on Pascha. As it continues, it announces more major themes of John’s Gospel: life, light and enlightenment. … Continue reading
I have been sharing thoughts about the Gospel of John during the past several weeks. This week I would like to share thoughts about the beginning of John’s Gospel, the Prologue, since we will be hearing it next weekend on … Continue reading
I have been considering the Gospel of John in this article. While few verbal parallels are found between John’s gospel and the three Synoptics, the few that exist could be accounted for if both John and the synoptic authors knew … Continue reading
In the last installment of this article I began sharing ideas about the Gospel of John. I highlighted some differences in John’s Gospel when compared to the three Synoptic Gospels. There are some things, however, that John’s Gospel has in … Continue reading
The next book in the chronologically ordered New Testament is the Gospel of John. While John’s Gospel is different from the synoptic gospels, its language has shaped Christian understandings of Jesus and his significance perhaps even more than the first … Continue reading
This ongoing article has been presenting ideas during the past several weeks, about the Letter of Paul to the Hebrews. With this installment I will conclude the consideration of this Letter. The ending chapters (12-13) of the Letter contain practical … Continue reading
During the past several weeks I have been presenting ideas about the Letter of Paul to the Hebrews. Within its late first-century historical context, the language of Hebrews is thoroughly subversive. It subverts the foundation of temple theology – the … Continue reading
In the last issue I was addressing the idea that sprang up in the West about Jesus’ death being necessary to atone for the sins of mankind. An idea and attitude which, I’m sure, all of my readers are keenly … Continue reading