The Carson Center Podcast

D. A. Carson, co-founder of The Gospel Coalition and an esteemed New Testament professor, discusses the powerful themes of Ezekiel's visions and the prophet's unwavering duty amidst societal decline. He emphasizes the courage required to deliver God's messages, even when faced with resistance. Carson draws parallels between historic moral declines and today's challenges, advocating for a robust engagement with Scripture. The conversation highlights the essential role of prophetic leadership, empathy, and commitment to the Gospel in a biblically illiterate culture.

 Don Carson discusses the strengths and weaknesses of new hermeneutics, arguing that while it offers helpful insights, all Scripture carries an enduring relevance that transcends cultural shifts. He emphasizes the need for humility in biblical interpretation, the clarity of Scripture, and the role of the Holy Spirit in understanding God's Word. He teaches the following:New hermeneutics must be balanced by Scripture's transcendent relevanceScripture is clear and accessible for all believers to understand and obeyGod's revelation is complete under the New CovenantUnderstanding Scripture requires both intellectual effort and the Holy Spirit's guidanceHow to evaluate command, sharing, and servant models of leadershipHumility and a teachable spirit are essential when interpreting God's WordHelp The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together

Don Carson addresses the challenge of biblical inerrancy and interpretation, particularly in the context of textual variants and modern pluralism. He emphasizes that while textual variations exist, they do not compromise major doctrines, and he calls for a deeper understanding of genre, grace, and cultural relevance in Scripture interpretation.He teaches the following:Why textual variants don't undermine inerrancy or key doctrinesGod's sovereignty shown through Scripture's preservationHow Genesis 1-3 combines history and symbolismCommon grace should not be twisted to oppose God's truthParables like the Good Samaritan should be modernized carefullyPluralism rejects objective truth, complicating evangelismBiblical interpretation must account for cultural relevance

In his lecture on Genesis 39, Don Carson examines the literary structure of the text and highlights Joseph's faithfulness in resisting temptation. Focusing on themes of faithfulness and divine blessing, and the significance of biblical parallelism, Carson compares Joseph's rise in Egypt with broader patterns of Hebrew poetry and scripture interpretation.He teaches the following:How the structure of the text highlights faithfulness and blessingParallelism in Hebrew poetry for its significance for understanding biblical textsThe importance of understanding biblical literary genreApplying wisdom literature in a pluralistic societyHow to interpret apocalyptic texts in light of their genreThe subjective nature of biblical interpretation and its implications for objective truthBiblical interpretation and cultural humilityHelp The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together

In this lecture, Don Carson explores the role of logic in biblical study, emphasizing the multiple meanings of "logic" and the importance of avoiding exegetical fallacies. He highlights the tension between God's sovereignty and human responsibility, urging the development of a biblical framework for understanding these concepts rather than relying solely on systematic theology, while acknowledging the limitations of human understanding.He teaches the following: Logic, its various meanings, and its application in biblical studyBiblical interpretation and God's sovereigntyGod's sovereignty and human responsibilityLimitations of understanding God's nature and sovereigntyUnderstanding biblical theology and its application in evangelismStructure and interpretation of the Sermon on the Mount

Don Carson teaches on the complexities of interpreting 1 Timothy 2:12, emphasizing the need for a thoughtful, context-driven approach to gender roles in the church. He looks to other passages to challenge narrow interpretations of Scripture, urging believers to consider the broader biblical and linguistic context to faithfully understand God’s design and Scripture's meaning.He teaches the following:Applying biblical interpretation principles to understand gender rolesUsing biblical language and meaning to avoid narrow interpretationsThe use of synonyms in John's GospelBiblical examples for the meaning of "love"Biblical metaphors and their cultural contextThe balance between God's sovereignty and human responsibility

Don Carson explores spiritual rebirth through Jesus's conversation with Nicodemus in John 3, emphasizing the distinction between natural and spiritual birth and God's essential role in salvation.He teaches the following:Spiritual birth and its relationship to natural birthThe importance of connecting expository preaching with broader biblical truthModeling good Bible study and application, rather than just teaching itUnderstanding the semantic range of words in different languagesThe evolution of words in the Bible and their changing meanings over time

Don Carson focuses on Jesus's message to the church in Laodicea and the parable of the 10 virgins in order to illustrate the importance of understanding biblical texts within their historical and cultural context.Carson teaches:How Jesus uses Laodicea's economic symbols to critique spiritual lukewarmnessHow the contextual reading of Scripture is an essential precursor to careful biblical exegesisThe symbolism behind Jesus’s foot-washing and what it means for us today

Every Christian wants to know how to read their Bible well. Don Carson provides foundational principles for rightly handling God's Word and addresses challenges that may arise in biblical interpretation.He teaches:Principles of biblical interpretation that emphasize understanding cultural contextThe importance of using the whole Bible to interpret difficult passagesThe role of the original languages in understanding the ScripturesHow prayer shapes our study of the BibleHow to handle difficulties, using examples about baptism and the kingdom of God

What does it mean to be a faithful and wise servant in God's kingdom? In his lecture on the Olivet Discourse, Don Carson delves into Matthew 24:45–25:46, illustrating how faithfulness and wise stewardship of our God-given talents lead to greater responsibility and joy. He contrasts this with the fate of wicked servants, who will face punishment. Carson highlights the importance of being prepared and using God's gifts wisely as we await Christ's return, living faithfully in the present.