[corrected version] This paper argues that the portrayal of the Parousia in Mark’s Gospel has multi-faceted implications for his theology of discipleship. The introductory section will demonstrate that the Olivet Discourse in Mark 13 and the rest of the narrative indeed include abundant references to Christ’s return (contra Wright; cf. France) and will also provide … Read more
Most scholars recognize Jesus’s self-reference “Son of Man” in the final form of Mark as clearly asserting his identity as the apocalyptic figure from Dan 7 (and possibly 1 Enoch). While this may be true as a conclusion drawn from a reader’s repeated experience and investigation of the text, those who argue for this view … Read more
A general assumption exists in New Testament scholarship that “Christ” quickly became used as a name rather than as a title within the first few decades after the resurrection. This assumption perhaps is most common in Pauline scholarship outside of a small group of New Perspective scholars. Many passages in the New Testament demonstrate this … Read more
In the first-century Greco-Roman world, perfume played a diverse role in social life, encompassing hygiene, cosmetics, medicine, and religious rituals. The significance of smell was revitalized in the 1980s as anthropologists, including Anthony Synnott, shed light on its often unnoticed yet crucial societal functions. Studies in socio-anthropology emphasize smell as a socially constructed phenomenon laden … Read more
Abstract: This is a co-authored presentation with Leo Percer (Associate Professor of Biblical Studies at Liberty University). With the rise of the internet and other technological innovations, the world has witnessed a rise in “on-line communities.” Technological advances (including but not limited to Artificial Intelligence—i.e., AI) create a problem and an opportunity for the 21st … Read more
In this work the following thesis will be defended: In Matthew 2:23, Matthew makes a theological link between Jesus and Samson in order to substantiate his understanding of Christ as Nazirite/Judge/Deliverer par excellence. Therefore where Samson failed to deliver his people as Nazirite/Judge/Deliverer, Christ does not. Not only should Christ be viewed theologically as NT … Read more
This paper is a synopsis of the author’s recently released monograph, Paul and Secular Singleness in 1 Corinthians 7 (Cambridge University Press, SNTS 184, April 2024). The present paper examines the social context that Paul was addressing in Corinth on the question of marriage and singleness in 1 Corinthians 7 and argues that contrary to … Read more
In what sense is Paul’s boasting language “rhetorical”? Following the seminal essays of E. A. Judge (1968) and Christopher Forbes (1986), the standard line on Pauline boasting is that he boasts to beat his opponents at their own game and, simultaneously, to reengineer the very concept of honor itself. In this view, Paul’s boasting is … Read more
The pericope of the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15 has frequently puzzled expositors and perturbed readers. The manner and matter of Jesus’ conversation with her seems stark and even harsh compared to other gospel narratives, prompting some progressive interpreters to cite this passage as demonstrative of ethnocentrism, implicit bias, and even racism. Yet she persists … Read more
Given how frequently it is cited by modern Christians, it is somewhat surprising to discover that the NT authors did not utilize Psalm 118:24—“This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it” (NASB)—in their appropriation of OT texts. This paper will explore how modern Christians can appropriate … Read more