Mark leaves a curious note in his telling of Jesus' sea crossing that has left interpreters puzzled. Though seemingly uncharacteristic of Jesus, the evangelist writes that he "desired to pass by" his swamped disciples (ἤθελεν παρελθεῖν αὐτούς) (Mark 6:48). For many readers this is troubling. Why would Jesus desire to pass by his helpless friends … Continue reading Theophany at sea or apathetic Jesus?
After a brief survey of historical reconstructions that pit Jesus against the Jewish purity rites in order to capitalize on a politically relevant Messiah, Paula Fredriksen writes this: [Certain] reconstructions have argued that, as part of his mission to Israel, Jesus took his stand precisely against the biblical laws of purity. Whatever moral content these … Continue reading Did Jesus flaunt the Mosaic purity laws?
Seed and soil The people of Antiquity subscribed to what is called the "seed and soil" theory of human reproduction. According to this theory the father conveyed life and form to the child in and through his seed. As with a plant seed then, most if not all morphological features were passed on by the … Continue reading Virgin birth in ancient context: sowing the father’s πνεῦμα
And [Jesus] could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he was amazed at their unbelief. (Mark 6:5-6) And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief. (Matthew 13:58) Matthew's subtle redaction of Mark here and elsewhere has … Continue reading “He could do no mighty work”
The History and Reception of the New Testament
Because The Internet Really Needs Another Blog
Scribes of the Kingdom 