The Two Testaments

Dr. Beverly Gaventa, a distinguished New Testament scholar from Baylor University, dives into the intriguing world of Romans 16. She highlights the vital roles of women like Phoebe, who carried Paul's letter, and Junia, whose status as an apostle is up for debate. Their contributions challenge traditional views on women's leadership in early Christianity. The discussion sheds light on the intimate connections among early Christians and how these relationships shaped the early church.

Carol A. Newsom, a prominent scholar from the Candler School of Theology, delves into the complexities of Job 42, exploring Job's enigmatic response to God and the misinterpretation of a key translation. She discusses the surprising approval of Job’s speech and the tension within the epilogue, emphasizing themes of resilience and transformation. Newsom also reflects on Job's re-engagement with life, the significance of his daughters, and how the narrative grapples with profound questions of suffering and divine justice.

Recent world events have raised with a new intensity the question of how to respond to unjust suffering. This conversation with Dr. Tremper Longman (Westmont College) on Job’s complaints addresses that very issue, so we’re re-releasing it this week. We hope you find it helpful.From the ArchivesJoin us as Dr. Tremper Longman (Westmont College) talks to us about Job 6–7. We discuss a number of things including: the translation of Job, the book’s connections with ancient Near Eastern texts, Job’s bold complaints, and the merits of lament as a response to suffering.Relevant Work by Tremper LongmanTremper Longman is the author of stacks of books, including two particularly relevant to our discussion:* Job. Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom and Psalms. Baker Academic, 2012.* The Fear of the Lord is Wisdom: A Theological Introduction to Wisdom in Israel. Baker Academic, 2017.This Week’s BlurbsIn this episode, Tremper Longman recommends:* Tisby, Jemar. The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in Racism. Zondervan, 2019. * McCauley, Esau. Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope. IVP Academic, 2020.* The TV show, WandaVision, directed by Matt Shakman, starring Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany.Other Books and Articles Mentioned in This Episode* Walton, John and Tremper Longman III. How to Read Job. IVP Academic, 2015. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thetwotestaments.substack.com

Episode on 15:14–16:27 is LiveJoin us as Dr. Rafael Rodriguez (Johnson University) talks to us about Romans 15:14–16:27. We discuss a number of things including: (1) Paul’s priestly ministry of the Gentiles; (2) the ethnicity of Paul’s audience.Books by Rafael RodriguezThis post contains affiliate linksDr. Rodriguez is the author and co-editor of these two relevant books:* If You Call Yourself a Jew: Reappraising Paul’s Letter to the Romans. Cascade Books, 2014.* ed. with Matthew Thiessen. The So-Called Jew in Paul’s Letter to the Romans. Fortress Press, 2016.This Week’s BlurbsIn this episode, Rafael Rodriguez recommends HBO’s:* “Mare of Easttown,” starring Kate Winslet, Julianne Nicholson, and Guy Pearce.Visit our website at thetwotestaments.com, where you can subscribe, see our release schedule, and meet our guides through Romans.Sign up now so you don’t miss an episode. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Vurbl, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, and Pocket Casts.You can also watch us on Youtube. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thetwotestaments.substack.com

This episode explores the divine speeches in Job, including the anti-creational move from order to chaos, the connection between creation and God's covenant name, and God's care for and pride in the animals. It discusses the descriptions of Behemoth and Leviathan and Job's newfound understanding and admiration for the wonders of creation. The episode also includes a recommendation for Dr. Bill Brown's book on wisdom.

Episode on Romans 12–15 is LiveJoin us as Dr. Mike Bird (Ridley College) and Dr. Nijay Gupta (Northern Seminary) talk to us about Romans 12–15:13. We discuss a number of things including: Paul’s cultic metaphors; Paul’s ethics; why Paul enjoins obedience to the government; and the identity of the strong and the weak. Speaking of metaphors—scholarship on Paul’s letters is likened to a UFC brawl and to New York City’s smelly odors and lack of parking spaces.Enter the Giveaway to Win a Free BookThis post contains affiliate linksThis week we are giving away copies of books by Mike Bird and Nijay Gupta (thanks to Eerdmans):* Mike Bird. An Anomalous Jew: Paul Among Jews, Greeks, and Romans. Eerdmans, 2016.* Nijay Gupta. Paul and the Language of Faith. Eerdmans, 2020. To enter this giveaway, look out for the giveaway posts on social media: follow us and retweet the giveaway post on Twitter, or share the giveaway post on Facebook or on Instagram. Giveaway closes Sunday, February 20 at 11:59 pm. USA only.This Week’s BlurbsIn this episode, Nijay Gupta recommends:* Mike Bird. Romans. The Story of God Bible Commentary. Zondervan, 2016.* Scot McKnight. Reading Romans Backwards: A Gospel of Peace in the Midst of Empire (Baylor University Press, 2021).Mike Bird recommends:* Nijay Gupta. Paul and the Language of Faith. Eerdmans, 2020. * Teresa Morgan. Roman Faith and Christian Faith: Pistis and Fides in the Early Roman Empire and Early Churches. Oxford University Press, 2017.Other Books and Articles Mentioned in This Episode* Brian Rosner. Paul and the Law: Keeping the Commandments of God. IVP Academic, 2013.Visit our website at thetwotestaments.com, where you can subscribe, see our release schedule, and meet our guides through Romans.Sign up now so you don’t miss an episode. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Vurbl, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, and Pocket Casts.You can also watch us on Youtube. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thetwotestaments.substack.com

Episode on Job 32–37Join us as Dominick S. Hernández (Talbot School of Theology) guides us through Elihu’s Speeches in Job 32–37. We discuss a number of issues in this text, including: whether these chapters are a later addition, Elihu’s contribution to the book, whether his words are reliable, his appeal to revelation, his misquotations of Job, and his anticipation of the divine speeches.Enter the Giveaway to Win a Free BookThis post contains affiliate linksThis week we are giving away copies of two of Hernández’s books:Illustrated Job in Hebrew. GlossaHouse, 2020.Proverbs: Pathways to Wisdom. Abingdon, 2020.To enter this giveaway, look out for the giveaway posts on social media: follow us and retweet the giveaway post on Twitter, or share the giveaway post on Facebook or on Instagram. Giveaway closes Sunday, February 13 at 11:59 pm. USA entries only.This Week’s BlurbsIn this episode, Dominick Hernández recommends:* Greenstein, Edward. Job: A New Translation. Yale University Press, 2019.* Hawley, Lance R. Metaphor Competition in the Book of Job. Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2018.* His blog post, “From Hippies to the Hood: How the Jesus People Movement Changed my Life.”Other Books and Articles Mentioned in This Episode* Janzen, J. Gerald. Job. Interpretation. John Knox Press, 1985.* Smith, Cooper. Allusive and Elusive: Allusion and the Elihu Speeches of Job 32–37. Brill, 2022.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thetwotestaments.substack.com

Episode on Romans 9–11 is LiveJoin us as Dr. J. Ross Wagner (Duke Divinity School) talks to us about Romans 9–11. We discuss a number of things including: (1) if the Calvinism-Arminianism debates illuminate or obscure Paul’s point in these chapters; (2) Paul’s use of the metaphor of a foot race; (3) the meaning of “and so all Israel will be saved” (Rom 11:26).Essay by Ross WagnerThis post contains affiliate linksDr. Wagner is the author of a number of books. An especially helpful and accessible essay by Dr. Wagner is:* “‘Enemies’ Yet ‘Beloved’ Still: Election and the Love of God in Romans 9–11” in God and Israel: Providence and Purpose in Romans 9–11. Edited by Todd D. Still (Baylor University Press, 2017). This Week’s BlurbsIn this episode, Ross Wagner recommends:* Williams, Rowan. The Lion’s World: A Journey into the Heart of Narnia (Oxford University Press, 2013).Visit our website at thetwotestaments.com, where you can subscribe, see our release schedule, and meet our guides through Romans.Sign up now so you don’t miss an episode. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Vurbl, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, and Pocket Casts.You can also watch us on Youtube. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thetwotestaments.substack.com

Edward L. Greenstein, a biblical studies scholar from Bar Ilan University, dives deep into Job's final discourse. He discusses Job's fervent commitment to justice, presenting a poignant challenge to divine silence amid suffering. Greenstein reflects on the societal dynamics of reputation, exploring Job's past status and current scorn. The podcast also highlights the nuances of translation and interpretation, urging listeners to reconsider the enduring moral themes in the Book of Job while promoting discussions on equality and integrity.

Dr. Haley Jacob, a theology scholar from Whitworth University, dives into Romans 8:18–39, revealing profound insights on suffering and glory. She discusses the transformation of believers, emphasizing the purpose behind suffering as part of God’s redemptive narrative. The conversation also explores the concept of being conformed to Christ's image, challenging traditional views to highlight the importance of generous living. Additionally, they unpack the true nature of glory in the Christian identity, emphasizing unity and hope amidst adversity.