To this point in our series on Paul’s use of the Old Testament we’ve focused on Paul’s “storied reading” of the Old Testament—specifically, how the Old Testament profile of messiah emerges. In the last episode we talked about how Malachi sets up Romans in terms of Israel’s covenant failure and the expectation of a divine messiah. In this episode we look at how the theme of Israel’s elective vocation is reconfigured by Paul to focus on the work of Christ and the resurrection. In Romans 1-3, this will take the form of how Paul understands faith/faithfulness and Torah keeping.

Dive into the crucial yet often overlooked book of Malachi and its surprising influence on Paul's writings. Discover how this minor prophet shapes messianic themes and challenges traditional views of Israel’s identity. Explore the significant link between covenant loyalty and redemption through Christ, and how Paul's reinterpretation opens the door for Gentile inclusion in God's family. The discussion reveals the intricate connections between the Old and New Testaments and highlights the importance of Israel in the divine narrative.

Dr. Matt Halstead, a scholar focusing on the historical and messianic implications of biblical texts, delves into the rich landscape of Daniel 9. They explore how the concept of the 'anointed one' connects to Jesus and the messianic expectations of the time. The podcast examines the historical context of Onias III's assassination and its relevance to these prophecies. Halstead emphasizes the interconnectedness of servanthood and kingship in scripture, highlighting cultural influences on biblical interpretation and the continuity from Daniel to the New Testament.

In the previous episodes with Dr. Matt Halsted, we discussed how trying to articulate the Old Testament’s messiah merely by appeal to passages that contain that word (Hebrew, mashiach) was fundamentally misguided. To this point, we’ve explored reading the Bible as story, understanding prophecy as “act, then re-enactment,” and a series of motifs that provide us with elements of a messianic resume (Davidic dynasty language, sonship, the seed/offspring, “branch” language, and servanthood themes from Isaiah). In this episode we turn to Daniel 7 to introduce another resume element—the “son of man” language intimately associated with ruling the nations in the divine council scene of that chapter.

In the previous episodes with Dr. Matt Halsted, we discussed how trying to articulate the Old Testament’s messiah merely by appeal to passages that contain that word (Hebrew, mashiach) was fundamentally misguided. In the previous episode with Dr. Halsted, we took a look at the merging of “messiah language” (various story elements and motifs) with “David language” (motifs about his dynasty and catch phrases like “branch” and “servant”). This episode continues that discussion with specific concentration on the Servant of Isaiah.

Dr. Matt Halsted, an expert on messianic interpretations of the Old Testament, delves into the rich tapestry of messianic language intertwined with Davidic themes. The conversation highlights the prophetic nuances within the Old Testament and the critical role of Psalm 132 in understanding the Davidic Covenant. They explore the duality of kingship, servanthood, and how these concepts inform New Testament views of Jesus. Halsted also examines the continuity of messianic themes across scripture, enhancing our grasp of these essential narratives.

Dr. Matt Halsted, an expert in interpreting Old Testament messianic themes, dives deep into the Old Testament’s narrative structure. He emphasizes a storied approach to understanding the Messiah, challenging traditional views. Halsted explores the significance of key motifs like 'offspring' and the covenant with Abraham, connecting them to Paul's interpretations. They highlight the intertwining narratives within scripture, showcasing how the themes of rulership and sonship in the Davidic covenant inform the New Testament and enrich the reader's understanding of God's redemptive plan.

Many Bible students would be shocked by the fact that many scholars, including a number in evangelical ranks, believe the New Testament portrayal of Jesus as Messiah is basically foreign, or goes creatively beyond, what the Old Testament says about Messiah (Hebrew: mashiach). In this episode, Dr. Heiser and Dr. Matt Halsted chat about the problem of building a messianic profile on just the word mashiach. Though problematic, this strategy is at the heart of the notion that the Old Testament messiah-talk does not align with the New Testament Jesus.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Matt Halsted, a renowned expert in biblical interpretation, sheds light on the complex relationship between Paul and the Old Testament. He dives into the controversies surrounding Paul’s citations and how they challenge our understanding of hermeneutics. The conversation touches on the significance of contextualizing Paul's writings within first-century Judaism. Additionally, Dr. Halsted emphasizes the importance of a nuanced approach to biblical texts, revealing deeper connections to messianic thought and the intricacies of interpretation.

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