The Bible as Literature

Latest Episodes:

Seeding Seed May 05, 2020

Show notes

In this week’s program, Fr. Paul highlights the way in which the original Hebrew terminology of Genesis creates an important and recurring connection to Genesis 1. (Episode 116)

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Son of God Apr 30, 2020

Show notes

Meaning controls understanding and shapes behavior. When a parent names a child, wittingly, or unwittingly, they assign a meaning to their child. In this sense, the modern practice of choosing a meaningless name that sounds nice should give one pause.

In the Gospel of Matthew, the Father controls our understanding of the role of Jesus by controlling when and how Jesus is named Son of God. As a result, we are left with a notion of “king” and “messiah” that dismantles everything we think we understand about divine power.

Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Matthew 17:1-8.

Episode 326 Matthew 17:1-8; Music: Darkness is Coming by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3618-darkness-is-coming

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The Command of Yahweh Elohim Apr 28, 2020

Show notes

This week, Fr. Paul explains the way in which the serpent twists the command of God in Genesis. Shifting to the New Testament, he continues that it is the command of Yahweh Elohim, not theology, that is central to St. Paul’s letters. These letters address the problem of human behavior, not the correct phraseology of human words. (Episode 115)

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Accountability for the Cross Apr 23, 2020

Show notes

In the New Testament, the proclamation of the death of Christ is inextricably bound to the proclamation of his Resurrection. Typical explanations of this link cheapen it by expounding on the psychology of hope, as if the Resurrection is proclaimed as an antidote for the emotional burden of the Cross. On the contrary, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep, is a biblical sign of the coming Kingdom, in which God will hold each of us to account for the Crucifixion. You better believe they’re linked.

Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Matthew 16:24-28.

Episode 325 Matthew 16:24-28; Music: Dead Drop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3624-dead-drop

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Kyrios O Theos Apr 21, 2020

Show notes

In today’s program, Fr. Paul explains how the critical distinction between Elohim and Yahweh Elohim in the Old Testament informs our understanding of the title Kyrios as it is applied to Jesus in the New Testament. (Episode 114)

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Don’t Pick a Side Apr 16, 2020

Show notes

Human beings are tribal. Even in the United States, where community has evaporated, we find a way to pick sides. Driven by primal instinct, we worship, unflinchingly, the twin gods of ideology and brand, allowing fear and greed to control our fate. The Apostle Peter is no different. He too wanted to pick a side. Peter’s confession—rather, the teaching that God put into Peter to confess—rightly proclaimed Jesus as God’s earthly representative and the king of all the nations. On the face of it, this seems like a great idea, until Peter realizes that his side may be in opposition to Jesus’ rule, and that being the Son of Abraham’s God will not lead to the victory Peter desires.

Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Matthew 16:21-23.

The Ephesus School Network is expanding. We now have four podcasts released each week. Our newest addition, Tewahido Bible Study is released on Mondays, followed by Tarazi Tuesdays, Teach Me Thy Statutes on Wednesday, and our flagship program, the Bible as Literature podcast, on Thursdays. More programming is planned in the near future. Our goal is to help you meditate on the precepts of the Lord every day of the week. Please visit ephesusschool.org to learn more and subscribe.

Episode 324 Matthew 16:21-23; Music: Funeral March for Brass by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3785-funeral-march-for-brass

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Yahweh Elohim Apr 14, 2020

Show notes

This week Fr. Paul discusses the movement in Genesis from Elohim to Yahweh Elohim, reminding us that the itinerary of biblical words forces us to be patient as the story unfolds. (Episode 113)

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Simon, Bar Jonah Apr 09, 2020

Show notes

Over the years, we’ve insisted on the biblical principle that the integrity of the teacher is irrelevant to their function. To illustrate this point, God repeatedly chooses sinners, like the Prophet Jonah, to spread his word. Insofar as they repeat the words of Scripture, the one who teaches Scripture has no bearing on the mission. It’s like in fantasy movies, when a ghost or an alien takes over someone’s body and controls their speech. Everyone watching the program knows that it is not they who are speaking. Likewise, when a priest stands up to read the Gospel aloud in the assembly, it is not he who is speaking.

In Matthew, when Peter speaks correctly about the Christ, it is only because God, through his Spirit, put the correct words in Peter’s mouth. Whether he himself lives up to these words is an entirely different matter.

Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Matthew 16:17-20

Please join Richard and Fr. Marc for a free webinar series on Ephesians 4, sponsored by the Orthodox Christian Leadership Inititivative on April 11 and 25 at 8am PST / 11am EST. To register for the webinar, please visit orthodoxservantleaders.com and click “events.”

Episode 323 Matthew 16:17-20; Music: Night Vigil by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5746-night-vigil

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The Moon and the Sun Apr 07, 2020

Show notes

In today’s program, Fr. Paul continues his discussion of the plural Elohim as it relates to the Moon and the Sun in Genesis 1, noting that modern addressees are too far removed from the historical setting to easily grasp the author’s intent. (Episode 112)

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

It’s Time to Take a Stand Apr 02, 2020

Show notes

Beginning with the genealogy in chapter 1, the Gospel of Matthew challenges its addressees to rethink their understanding of the words “king” and “kingdom.” Now, in chapter 16, as they enter a city named after Philip of Macedon, the chips are down. If Peter truly understands the lesson of the bread and can discern the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees, can he tell the difference between the Son of Man and the Son of the gods?

It’s time for Peter to take a stand.

Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Matthew 16:13-16

Please join Richard and Fr. Marc for a free 3-week webinar series on Ephesians 4, sponsored by the Orthodox Christian Leadership Inititivative on April 4, 11, and 25 at 8am PST / 11am EST. To register for the webinar, please visit orthodoxservantleaders.com and click “events.”

Episode 322 Matthew 16:13-16; Music: Devastation and Revenge by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3644-devastation-and-revenge

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★