S4E24: The Parable of the Shepherd and the Gate
The Apocalyptic Gospel Podcast
In this episode we discuss Jesus’ “illustration” of the shepherd and the gate from John 10:1-18. Jesus speaks these words in response to the negative reaction by the religious leaders to the healing of blind man (9:40). Akin to the parable of the lost sheep, Jesus invokes Israel’s prophetic indictment of self-serving leadership. As the “good shepherd,” Jesus asserts his messianic role as the eschatological Davidic shepherd (Eze 34; Ps Sol 17). Show notes The Gospel of John and the Memra tradition - Genesis 15; Jeremiah 1; Psalm 119; Psalm 33:6; Proverbs 8 (3:53)...
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S4E23: The Parable of the Persistent Widow
The Apocalyptic Gospel Podcast
In this episode we discuss the parable of the persistent widow from Luke 18. Jesus speaks this parable in context to the discussion of the sudden and apocalyptic coming of the messianic kingdom in Luke 17:20-37. As has been common throughout Jewish liturgical history, this parable is spoken to encourage faith and prayer for the coming of the Messiah and the day of the Lord. Show notes The apocalyptic context of the parable - Luke 17:20-37 (5:32) Allegory: the widow and the judge - Lamentations 1:1; Isaiah 54:4 (13:02) The “elect” in its covenantal context - Isaiah 65:9-22; 1 Enoch...
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S4E22: The Parable of the Dishonest Manager
The Apocalyptic Gospel Podcast
In this episode we discuss the parable of the dishonest manager from Luke 16. Within an apocalyptic context, the parable is quite simple and straightforward. The dishonest manager responds wisely in light of his own future judgment, whereas the “sons of this age” (v. 8) respond unwisely with their “unrighteous wealth” (v. 11), spending it on that which does not lead to “eternal dwellings” (v. 9) in the age to come. Show notes The apocalyptic context of the parable (4:42) Understanding allegory in the parables (8:43) “Shrewd”, “astute”, and “wise” (12:50) The...
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Q&A #12 with Bill, John, and Josh
The Apocalyptic Gospel Podcast
Bill, John, and Josh tackle your questions in this twelfth Q&A episode. Among many topics, we discuss dispensationalism, Galatians and circumcision, interacting with other disciples who hold to supersessionism and preterism, the idea of Jesus as a failed apocalyptic prophet, and how first century Jews understood “Abraham’s bosom”. Show notes: How does your eschatology differ from the eschatology expounded upon in the Scofield Reference Bible? (2:27) How do you reconcile Paul’s discussion about circumcision having no value in Galatians with him circumcising Timothy in...
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S4E21: The Parables of Lost Things
The Apocalyptic Gospel Podcast
In this episode we discuss the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son found in Luke 15. Jesus uses familiar imagery in each of these parables to indict the religious leaders for their lack of concern for the sinners and marginalized within Israel. Particularly, the imagery of sheep/shepherds and God as Israel’s father were commonly known based on the covenant (Deut 32) and the prophetic tradition (Isa 63; Jer 50; Ezek 34; etc.). Rather than an individualized or ethnicized interpretation, these parables are best understood in an intra-Jewish (apocalyptic) context. Show...
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S4E20: The Parable of the Tower and the Army
The Apocalyptic Gospel Podcast
In this episode we discuss the parables of the Tower and the Army in Luke 14. As with his other parables, Jesus affirms the apocalyptic framework that was common in first century Judaism. He calls the crowds to persevering discipleship by "hating" one’s life and renouncing family, possessions, and security in order to “complete the tower” (Luke 14:28-29) and endure until the end and, thus, to inherit eternal life. Show notes The apocalyptic context of the parable (5:15) Semitic hyperbole: Jesus said to “hate” your own life - Malachi 1:2-3; Deuteronomy 33:8-9 (8:36) He “cannot...
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S4E19: The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree
The Apocalyptic Gospel Podcast
In this episode we discuss the parable of the Barren Fig Tree from Luke 13:6-9. This parable uses familiar imagery from the prophets to reiterate the urgent need to repent and to live life in light of the coming judgment. Within the context of Jewish remnant theology, this parable is best understood as Jesus reminding his audience that unless they repent (vv. 1-5), they will be cut down and perish in the coming judgment. Show notes The apocalyptic context of the parable (4:45) Vineyards and figs in the prophetic tradition - Isaiah 5; Jeremiah 8:13; Hosea 2:12; Joel 1:7; Isaiah...
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S4E18: The Parable of the Rich Fool
The Apocalyptic Gospel Podcast
In this episode we discuss the parable of the Rich Fool from Luke 12:13-21. Jesus exhorts his followers to steward wealth with sobriety in light of the coming judgment and the age to come. The apocalyptic context of the parable is often overlooked in commentaries, but Jesus’ words to his first-century hearers are just as applicable today as they were then (if not more!). Show notes The apocalyptic context of the parable (5:54) A lack of sobriety concerning the coming judgment - 1 Corinthians 15:32-34; Isaiah 22:12-13; Matthew 24:38 (9:57) The rich are oppressing the poor - 1...
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S4E17: The Parable of the Good Samaritan
The Apocalyptic Gospel Podcast
In this episode we discuss the parable of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10:25-37, emphasizing divine mercy and love of neighbor. The immediate context of the parable highlights many apocalyptic themes which frame its interpretation. This parable was spoken not to subvert Jewish apocalyptic eschatology or define a new kingdom ethic, but like many of Jesus’ other parables, was given to evoke a moral response of repentance in light of the age to come and the day of judgment. Show notes The apocalyptic context of the parable - Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-34 (4:24) Is this parable...
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S4E16: The Parable of the Talents
The Apocalyptic Gospel Podcast
In this episode we discuss the parable of the talents from Matthew 25:14-30. Like many of Jesus’ other parables, common apocalyptic themes frame his message. The day of judgment and accounting is foregrounded in light of Jesus’ call to live faithfully and wholeheartedly for the age to come. These common apocalyptic themes are then rehearsed immediately after the parable of the talents in Matt 25:31-46. Show notes The apocalyptic context of the parable (4:28) The master, the minas/talents, and the settling of accounts - 4 Ezra 7:33-38 (9:08) A parable of delay and the appropriate...
info_outlineBill, John, and Josh tackle your questions in this tenth Q&A episode. Among many topics, we answer your questions about the parable of the mustard seed and leaven, replacement theology, understanding the role and purpose of Israel, and we make some observations about tithing and Greek words in the New Testament.
Show notes:
- Could the parable of the mustard seed be about the growth of the word of the gospel? (2:13)
- Is Jesus introducing replacement theology and de-emphasizing the importance of Jerusalem in John 4? (11:06)
- Is there some persuasive counterargument we can make for understanding Israel on pragmatic grounds without having to resort to simply asserting "we should understand Israel properly because the Bible says so"? (24:15)
- Is there biblical support for the millennial kingdom? (34:31)
- What is your take on the meaning of John 1:17? (44:48)
- Why is leaven required in the Thanksgiving and Wave Offering? (55:09)
- Does 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 suggest that the return of Christ can happen at any time? (56:50)
- How should we relate to those who believe that we should be “bringing heaven to earth”? (59:21)
- Can you comment on the biblical support for tithing? (1:02:51)
- Does the Greek word for “forever” convey a worldview of apocalyptic expectation? (1:07:00)