Textual Community

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Adonis Vidu about his recent work on the divine missions and inseparable operations. We discuss the relationship between these two works, some of the central moves he makes in his treatment of these areas, and also the role of Trinitarian theology in the life of the believer and ministry among the churches.  Vidu is Professor of Theology at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and teaches courses on theological method, Trinitarian theology, and contemporary systematic theology. His most recent book is on the Divine Missions:  The Divine Missions: An Introduction  His previous book is an extended treatment of Inseparable Operations:  The Same God Who Works All Things: Inseparable Operations in Trinitarian Theology Thanks for listening!   Clarifying Note: The views of special guests are their own & do not necessarily reflect my own or the organizations with which I am formally and informally affiliated.

Lingering on the Lectionary: Providence, Praise, and a Love that Never Ends Reflection on the readings for Jan 30 from the Revised Common Lectionary (Year C, Fourth Sunday after Epiphany). Biblical Texts: Jer 1.4–10; Ps 71.1–6; 1 Cor 13.1–13. 

In this episode, I talk with my colleague and Luther whizzbang William (Billy) Marsh about historical theology and his scholarship on the Reformation era, including the significance of Martin Luther. In our discussion, Billy explains some strategic insights into Luther's hermeneutical development and messianic theology. He also shares about his own theological process and a few of the key distinctives of biblical commentaries during the Reformation.    Billy is Associate Professor of Theology and Director of the MDiv program at Cedarville University. His first book is on Luther as a biblical theologian: Martin Luther on Reading the Bible as Christian Scripture: The Messiah in Luther's Biblical Hermeneutic and Theology His work on Matthew in the IVP Reformation Commentary Series, co-edited w/ Jason K. Lee, is available now:  Matthew (Reformation Commentary on Scripture: NT Vol 1) Thanks for listening! Clarifying Note: The views of special guests are their own & do not necessarily reflect my own or the organizations with which I am formally and informally affiliated.

Lingering on the Lectionary: The Joyful Feast of Messiah's Presence Reflection on the readings for Jan 16 from the Revised Common Lectionary (Year C, Second Sunday after Epiphany). Biblical Texts: Isaiah 62.1–5; Ps 36.5–10; John 2.1–11. 

Lingering on the Lectionary: New Beginnings and the Beginning of All Things Reflection on the readings for Jan 2 from the Revised Common Lectionary (Year C, Second Sunday after Christmas Day). Biblical Texts: John 1.1–18; Eph 1.3–14. 

In this episode, we reflect upon the opening chapters of Luke's Gospel narrative. In their own ways, both Matthew and Mark give a meaningful and extended introduction to the birth of Jesus and the beginning of his ministry. Luke chooses to begin by juxtaposing the story of Mary and the story of Elizabeth. Mary's song in particular is rife with theological and intertextual richness. In her reflection on God's sovereignty and their role in redemptive history, Mary echoes the Song of Hannah and the Song of Miriam. These profound and beautiful words provide the stunning backdrop for the story of Jesus's birth in Luke 2.  Biblical Texts: Luke 1; 1 Sam 2; Exod 15.

In this episode, we reflect upon the opening chapters of Mark's Gospel narrative. Because it does not include a birth/infancy narrative, the Gospel of Mark is sometimes neglected during advent season. One of the ways to see how Mark helps us reflect upon the incarnation is to connect Jesus's birth to his messianic ministry. Both the birth of Jesus and the later ministry of Jesus are informed by careful reflection on intertextual connections to the OT. Mark's opening also shows some illuminating biblical-theological connections between the beginning of Jesus's life on earth and the beginning of his ministry in Galilee.  Biblical Texts: Mark 1; Isaiah 40; Malachi 3. 

In this episode, we reflect upon the opening chapters of Matthew's Gospel narrative. Matthew chooses to begin his story of the incarnation (which actually starts in Matt 1.18) with an intertextually loaded opening section (Matt 1.1–17). As we reflect upon Messianic expectation during the season of Advent, the beginning of Matthew's Gospel provides important resources for us as we reflect on the biblical-theological themes that inform the Christmas story.   

A Theology of Giving Thanks Prepares us for Advent: In this episode, I reflect on a theology of giving thanks. The shape of Christian thanksgiving is to the Lord and for the Lord. A robust theology of giving thanks also prepares us to understand and participate in a season of advent (which requires us to wait, to remember, and to give thanks). Biblical Texts: Ps 9; Ps 25; Jer 33.  This episode also features some of my family members!  For the categories of thanks to the Lord and from the Lord, see these quotations from Jason Lee:  https://www.chedspellman.com/2011/11/giving-thanks-for-god.html

In this episode, I briefly reflect on the ministry and death of Anabaptist pastor Michael Sattler from the Reformation era. His letter to his congregation on the eve of his death provides a stark contrast to the culture of celebrity that often encroaches upon the churches. In particular, I think about the implications of this statement he makes in the letter:  "The Lord can certainly raise up for Himself another laborer to complete His work."  For a overview of Sattler's life, ministry, and theological significance, see:  https://www.academia.edu/10907109/I_Wait_Upon_My_God_Exploring_the_Life_and_Letters_of_Michael_Sattler_SWJT_ For the text of this episode, see:  https://www.chedspellman.com/2021/08/michael-sattler-and-nature-of-pastoral.html