Tag Archives: Matthew

Reading the Gospels both Critically and Evangelically

Posted on March 7, 2012 by Darrell Pursiful

Michael Bird: I have to say that there are two approaches to the Gospels which I ardently despise. First, some über-secularists want to read the Bible as nothing more than a deposit of silly ancient magic, mischievous myths, whacky rituals, … Continue reading →

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Is the Sermon on the Mount Gospel?

Posted on November 21, 2011 by Darrell Pursiful

I think I already knew this, but I’m glad Scot McKnight expressed it so well: Here Jesus rises to the mountain — surely an echo of Moses giving the Torah from Mt Sinai — to reveal God’s will for God’s … Continue reading →

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Of Prostitutes and the Kingdom of God

Posted on March 11, 2011 by Darrell Pursiful

“Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors … Continue reading →

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Lessons and Carols 8

Posted on December 23, 2010 by Darrell Pursiful

The Eighth Lesson: The wise men are led by the star to Jesus. In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child … Continue reading →

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The Christmas Story in Q?

Posted on December 21, 2010 by Darrell Pursiful

Doug Chaplin is pondering a few commonalities, including “a clear verbal parallel at the core,” between Matthew and Luke’s versions of the story of Jesus’ birth. What if Matthew didn’t “invent” his story of Mary’s virginal conception in order to … Continue reading →

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Do People Become Angels When They Die?

Posted on December 14, 2010 by Darrell Pursiful

As I sat around the table with the grieving family you could almost tangibly feel the sense of grief and despair. Their teenage daughter (sister, cousin) had been brutally murdered by her boyfriend. Our church was the closest thing any … Continue reading →

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Witherington: Jesus and Wisdom

Posted on December 8, 2010 by Darrell Pursiful

Interesting interview with Ben Witherington III about Jesus as a Jewish “wise man.” This, by the way, is an important theme in BWIII’s excellent commentary on the Gospel of Matthew. Share this: Digg this postRecommend on FacebookTweet about itSubscribe to … Continue reading →

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The Genealogy of Jesus 6

Posted on October 27, 2010 by Darrell Pursiful

After Zerubbabel, Matthew and Luke once again diverge before they both end with Joseph. How are we to understand the biblical accounts of Jesus’ most immediate natural and legal ancestors? The “Marian” Interpretation of Luke 3 Perhaps the simplest explanation … Continue reading →

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Matthew 13:44-50 (Dr. Seuss edition)

Posted on October 25, 2010 by Darrell Pursiful

I am J. J., they say. Here’s a gift for you today. Look! A treasure in the ground It was lost but now it’s found. “I would have that treasure, J. I would give my goods away.” Would you give … Continue reading →

Posted in New Testament, Tomfoolery | Tagged | 2 Comments

The Genealogy of Jesus 5

Posted on September 21, 2010 by Darrell Pursiful

The Father of Zerubbabel Matthew and Luke agree that Zerubbabel was the son of Shealtiel, 1 Chronicles 3:19, however, identifies Pedaiah as his father. Once again, appeal may be made to the Jewish customs of levirate marriage and Zelophehad adoption. … Continue reading →

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