Jesus

Are clergy indispensable?

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There is a general, if unspoken, sense that clergy in the Church of England (and often in other denominations too) are indispensable in the local church. And yet this actually sits at odds with the ministry of Jesus and of the early apostolic leadership. This surprising contrast is captured well by the Bishop of Chelmsford, … Continue Reading

Tyndale NT Study Group 27–29 June 2018: the Gospel of John

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We have a really interesting line-up of papers for the NT Study Group this year focussing on the Gospel of John. Do come and join us to engage in some world-class scholarship! The Tyndale New Testament Study Group is part of the Tyndale Fellowship for biblical and theological research, based at Tyndale House in Cambridge, and including evangelical scholars … Continue Reading

What did Jesus really look like?

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I have written previously about whether Jesus had a beard, and three years ago commented on the discussion by Joan Taylor (of King’s College, London) about what Jesus looked like. Joan has now produced a terrific book drawing together her research, and the book takes us an intriguing journey into how people thought about Jesus. The … Continue Reading

The kingdom of God: Now? Not yet? Church? World?

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Last week I spent a very enjoyable few days in snowy Harrogate at the New Wine National Leaders’ conference. The times of sung worship were engaging and refreshing; conversations with friends old and new invigorating; and the teaching was thought-provoking though rather variable. It was fascinating to hear David Stroud (leader of Christchurch London, originally … Continue Reading

Paul’s Understanding of Resurrection (iii)

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Last year, I wrote some reflections for BRF’s Guidelines Bible reading notes, and they have just been published. I contributed my thoughts on texts in Paul’s letters relation to the resurrection. Here is the third and final instalment of what I wrote: 10. Resurrection lives are cross-shaped 2 Cor 4.7—5.5 Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians … Continue Reading

Paul’s Understanding of Resurrection (ii)

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Last year, I wrote some reflections for BRF’s Guidelines Bible reading notes, and they have just been published. I contributed my thoughts on texts in Paul’s letters relation to the resurrection. This is the second section of what I said: 5. Cosmic fulfilment 1 Cor 15.42–58 In the last part of this chapter, Paul moves … Continue Reading

Can Meghan Markle marry into monarchy?

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Everyone is delighted at the news of another royal engagement—and with the anticipation of a royal baby in the new year as well, it is bound to lift our spirits. Most people feel that, amidst the gloom of Brexit and the slow economy, we will have something to celebrate. Most—but not all. Melanie McDonagh in … Continue Reading