In this article, Finnish scholar Risto Santala appraises the synoptic theory of Robert L. Lindsey and its importance for New Testament studies.
Could Bethsaida Be West of the Jordan?
The Jordan River was not the border of the land of Israel in the time of Jesus.
Another Look at Peter’s Great Confession
Lessons taught on 27 December, 1997 and January 3, 1998.
Enemies of the Harvest
In his famous Parable of the Sower, Jesus referred to seed sown in soil that was full of thistles. What did these thistles look like, and how did they succeed in choking the grain plants?
Spring or Sponge? Will We Choose to Be a Blessing?
Sermon preached on October 4, 1997.
Is there apostolic authority and authorship of New Testament Scriptures?
It seems to me that the governing thesis of the Jerusalem School, i.e., that the authentic teachings of Jesus must be “reconstructed” from our existing Gospels, contradicts this principle of apostolic authority.
Mark’s Account of the Cleansing of the Temple: Literary Device or Historical Fact?
Do the Gospels together comprise an accurate, factual account of what Jesus said and did, so that although they give us different views of the same facts, they are all equally correct? Or, are they only partly a factual account, thus requiring us to tease out the historical facts from the literary glosses of later editors?
Ostracon from Qumran Throws Light on First Church
An inscribed potsherd discovered at Qumran provides an amazing parallel to a practice of Jesus’ first community of followers. According to the Book of Acts, members of that community sold their possessions and distributed the proceeds according to individual need.
The “Desert” of Bethsaida
The Feeding of the Five Thousand could not have taken place, as some English translations suggest, in a “desert place” because the text tells us there were villages nearby. By analyzing the meaning of the word translated “desert,” the topography at the scene of this miracle can be clarified.
World Out of Control: How to Come Under Jesus’ Control
Sermon preached on September 6, 1997.
Openheartedness: Key to Living Successfully in an Ambiguous World
Sermon preached on August 30, 1997.