New Testament

Where is the cross and atonement found in the Book of Revelation?

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Any discussion of ‘the cross’ in the Book of Revelation immediately faces a substantial challenge: in contrast with almost every other book in the New Testament, it is barely mentioned at all overtly. Its solitary explicit appearance comes in an extended prophetic narrative in chapter 11: the bodies of the ‘two witnesses’ will ‘lie in … Continue Reading

Did Jesus teach in Greek?

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The question of whether Jesus spoke and taught in Greek has, at times in the past, been a subject of serious debate. But for some reason this issue has disappeared from serious consideration, at just the time in NT studies which is actually quite hospitable to the suggestion. The fact that Jesus spoke Aramaic is … Continue Reading

Good and bad examples to follow in Phil 3 video discussion

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The Sunday lectionary NT epistle for Lent 2 is Phil 3.17–4.1. It follows on from the better-known autobiographical passage—which we will discuss in three week’s time in Lent 5. Paul uses neologisms—words that he appears to have created—to urge his readers together to imitate his example, and the examples of his co-workers, and avoid the … Continue Reading

What happens when we die?

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The latest Grove Biblical booklet is Death and ‘Hell’ by Paul Marston, and addressed the burning question (!) of what happens when we die, and the nature of death and hell. He begins by exploring why this is such an important question, theologically and pastorally. This booklet considers two distinct questions: (i) what happens immediately after … Continue Reading

How big should local churches be?

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Some years ago, one of the fringe meetings at a session of the General Synod focussed on the needs of ‘mid-sized churches’, in this case defined as worshipping communities of 20 to 60. The reason for this was a question that William Nye, Secretary General of Synod and the Archbishops’ Council, had raised: Without meaning … Continue Reading

Was John the first gospel?

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The British New Testament Society meets at the end of August every year, and draws around 180 scholars from the UK, from Europe and some even come from the US for the weekend. It comprises three main papers from eminent scholars, a series of specialist groups, looking at sections of the New Testament, which meet … Continue Reading

Why is the Ascension of Jesus the most important event in the New Testament?

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What would you identify as the climax and completion of Jesus’ life and ministry? Surprisingly, this is not a trivial question. One of the key differences between John and the synoptic gospels is that, where the synoptics portray the crucifixion as a necessary but incomplete act on the way to the resurrection, John portrays it … Continue Reading