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Category: Bible Background

How We Get Paul's Theology Wrong

Ben Witherington maintains that behind Paul’s theologizing in Romans and other letters is not abstract ideas like God’s sovereignty, grace, nor even some order of salvation. Rather, it is stories—including that of Adam, Moses, and Jesus. This is what we might call Paul’s narrative thought world.

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Seedbed - Seven Minute Seminary

What is Covenant?

What is covenant according to the Bible? In this Seven Minute Seminary, Dr. John Walton explains that a covenant is more than a political agreement, administrative concept, or a promise. In the Old Testament, the covenant is God’s initiative to reveal himself so that by knowing God, they might have a relationship with him.

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Seedbed - Seven Minute Seminary

Who Wrote the Gospels?

Who wrote the Gospels? Higher criticism of the Bible challenges the traditional attributions of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. In this Seven Minute Seminary, Ben Witherington explains how authority and authorship worked in the ancient world and how this relates to the four Gospels.

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The Origins of the Church at Rome

Paul wrote a letter to the Romans, but what did this church look like, and where did it originate from? In this helpful article, Jason Myers shares the internal evidence and important historical information that gives us insightful clues to help us understand this all-important work of literature.

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Introduction to the Book of Romans

Dr. Ben Witherington III offers us an introduction to the book of Romans, highlighting key points of background history that are important to keep in mind as we read the letter. In doing so, he reminds us that the work is an occasional letter, not a systematic treatment of or introduction to Christian doctrine.

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Genesis 2 and the Ancient Near East

How should we understand Genesis 2 in light of Genesis 1? What are the issues involved? Is Genesis 1 and Genesis 2 portraying the same event? Dr. Sandy Richter leads us in discussion on how to read Genesis 2.

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What is the Ancient Near East?

What is the ancient Near East? Is it useful for understanding the Bible? Dr. John Walton explains that without knowing the ancient background to texts, we may be tempted to fill in the gaps with our own modern cultural notions rather than the ones the biblical text assumed.

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The Story of Noah

How should we understand the story of Noah in Genesis 6-9? What are some of the issues involved? Dr. John Walton of Wheaton College explains.

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Archaeology and the Bible

So what is archaeology and why is it important for biblical studies? Such questions have enjoyed a recent revival, particularly in light of a few recent media blitzes in response to archaeological data that impacts how one views Scripture’s credibility and truthfulness. Archaeology deals with empirical data that illuminates history and can aid interpretation by illuminating realities that inform one’s understanding of the text.

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Reading Genesis 1 in Context (Part II)

How should we understand Genesis 1-2 in context? What are the issues involved? Dr. Sandy Richter leads us in an introduction to these few chapters that are so foundational to the Christian faith. She argues that the central question for readers of the biblical text should be, “What is this author trying to say?”

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Reading Genesis 1 in Context (Part I)

How should we understand Genesis 1-2 in context? What are the issues involved? Dr. Sandy Richter leads us in an introduction to these few chapters that are so foundational to the Christian faith. She argues that the central question for readers of the biblical text should be, “What is this author trying to say?”

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