In our modern translations of the Bible, all one has to do to move from the Hebrew scriptures to the story of Jesus is turn a page – a action so simple it suggests the connection between the two “testaments” is obvious. Of course the story of Jesus is connected to the story of Abraham,...
Tag: gospel
Understanding the Bible 14.875: Christmas (Christmas Eve 2013)
There is no understanding the Bible without recognizing love at the center – or so I have been arguing from the first installment of this series. The whole project of salvation is rooted in the love of God for his people and indeed all creation. And I imagine that this is not so hard to...
Gospels, Part 3: Miracles – Salvation Enacted
Much of Jesus’ ministry – and the Gospel descriptions thereof – revolve around his “miracles” (the Gk. word is best translated “works of power”). But what was their purpose? Did they simply serve to impress his audience, to demonstrate his might or authority? Or are they part and parcel of the declaration that “the kingdom...