Tim Mackie, Lead Scholar at BibleProject, and Jeannine Brown, a New Testament professor at Bethel University, dive into Jesus' teachings on divorce from the Sermon on the Mount. They explore the historical context of Deuteronomy 24, revealing how Jesus challenges conventional views on divorce. The conversation sheds light on covenant loyalty, ethical implications, and the impact of these teachings on women in first-century society. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for compassion and understanding in navigating modern divorce issues.
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insights INSIGHT
Pharisees' Test
The Pharisees tested Jesus's stance on divorce, not to learn but to trap him in the ongoing debate.
Their loaded question aimed to categorize him and divide his followers, highlighting the controversy's divisiveness.
insights INSIGHT
Two Schools of Thought
The Torah's ambiguity on divorce sparked debate between the House of Shammai and the House of Hillel.
Shammai advocated for divorce only in cases of adultery, while Hillel permitted it for any reason, even minor offenses.
insights INSIGHT
Divorce Power Imbalance
In first-century Jewish culture, only men could initiate divorce.
This gave women limited power, making them vulnerable in the case of any-cause divorce.
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The Gospel of Matthew (New International Commentary on the New Testament)
R. T. France
This commentary by R. T. France is part of the New International Commentary on the New Testament series. It is distinguished by its clear focus on what Matthew himself meant to convey about Jesus, rather than delving into the prehistory of the material or detailed Synoptic comparisons. France's approach emphasizes the cultural and historical context of first-century Palestine and provides a user-friendly style that is both scholarly and accessible. The commentary includes France's own English translations at the beginning of each section, using contemporary idioms and prioritizing clarity. It is praised for its solid exegesis, literary insight, and usefulness for both scholars and preachers[1][3][5].
The Gospel of Matthew (New International Commentary on the New Testament)
R. T. France
This commentary by R. T. France is part of the New International Commentary on the New Testament series. It is distinguished by its clear focus on what Matthew himself meant to convey about Jesus, rather than delving into the prehistory of the material or detailed Synoptic comparisons. France's approach emphasizes the cultural and historical context of first-century Palestine and provides a user-friendly style that is both scholarly and accessible. The commentary includes France's own English translations at the beginning of each section, using contemporary idioms and prioritizing clarity. It is praised for its solid exegesis, literary insight, and usefulness for both scholars and preachers[1][3][5].
Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels
A Compendium Of Contemporary Biblical Scholarship
Jeannine Brown
Nicholas Perrin
Joel B. Green
The Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels is a unique reference book that bridges the gap between scholars and readers by providing accessible summaries of key topics related to Jesus and the Gospels. It covers cross-sectional themes, methods of interpretation, and significant background information, making it a valuable resource for both scholars and the general public. The second edition is significantly revised, reflecting recent advancements in biblical scholarship.
Sermon on the Mount E13 – In Matthew 5:31-32, Jesus offers a quote from the Torah about when it is lawful to divorce, and then he shares his perspective. But what is the context of these words, and how would Jesus’ original audience have heard them? It’s easy for modern readers to miss, but Jesus is entering a longstanding debate concerning a passage about divorce in Deuteronomy 24—and his take is surprising. In this episode, Jon, Tim, and special guest Jeannine Brown discuss the story surrounding divorce in ancient Israel, the Bible’s ideal of covenant loyalty, and the wisdom we can find in Scripture to navigate divorce in our culture today.
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Show Music
Original Sermon on the Mount music by Richie Kohen
BibleProject theme song by TENTS
Show Credits
Jon Collins is the Creative Producer for today’s show. Production of today’s episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer; Cooper Peltz, managing producer; Colin Wilson, producer; and Stephanie Tam, consultant and editor. Tyler Bailey, Frank Garza, and Aaron Olse are our audio editors. Tyler Bailey is also our audio engineer, and he provided our sound design and mix. JB Witty does our show notes, and Hannah Woo provides the annotations for our app. Special thanks to Jeannine Brown. Today’s hosts are Jon Collins and Michelle Jones.