Exegetically Speaking

Toward the close of his short letter to Philemon, Paul offers to pay any debt Onesimus may owe Philemon, and adds (ESV), "I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it—to say nothing of your owing me even your own self." The last words are often viewed as heavy-handed, but are better understood as an instance of paralipsis in which Paul "brings up something without bringing it up." He is employing a tactful approach to mention a delicate matter. Dr Seth Ehorn, an alum of the MA in Biblical Exegesis program at Wheaton Graduate School, is Assistant Professor of Classics and Biblical Languages at Houston Christian University. Among other things, he has published 2 Maccabees 1-7: A Handbook on the Greek Text and 2 Maccabees 8-15: A Handbook on the Greek Text, both in the Baylor Handbook on the Septuagint Series. He is currently working on a commentary on Paul's Letter to Philemon. He has contributed several previous episodes to Exegetically Speaking.

In an important line, Paul is frequently understood to be referring to at least two laws, the law of Moses, which the apostle is no longer "under," and a law of Christ, which he is still "under" (1 Cor. 9:21). Jewish parallels and the Greek words Paul uses suggest, however, that it is Paul's commission to preach the gospel that can override some Mosaic laws when they hinder his mission. Paul appears to be a transgressor of Moses' law but he insists he is conducting himself lawfully with respect to Moses because of Christ who commissioned him. Dr. Paul Sloan is Associate Professor of Early Christianity at Houston Christian University. He has published Jesus and the Law of Moses: The Gospels and the Restoration of Israel within First-Century Judaism. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4raJmyq M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/4piXJQ9

In the opening line of Mark's Gospel Jesus is referred to as "the Son of God," except that the Greek phrasing in this instance, somewhat non-typically, lacks any definite article. That this idiom echoes imperial propaganda is seen to be likely when a Roman centurion employs the same wording as he observes how Jesus died on their cross. Dr. Christopher Hays, a return contributor to this podcast, is president of Scholar Leaders and host of Faith on the Road Podcast. Among his publications are When the Son of Man Didn't Come: A Constructive Proposal on the Delay of the Parousia and Eight Million Exiles: Missional Action Research and the Crisis of Forced Migration. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/49x9aP4 M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/3XH7R8U

When the king of Egypt is first introduced in our OT book of Exodus he is not named, nor thereafter. But the book itself in Hebrew is called "Names," and even the midwives are named (Exod. 1:15). Egyptians tended to treat the kings of their enemies the same way. Dr. Oliver Hersey is the 11th president of Jerusalem University College. This college, located on the southwestern corner of Mount Zion, equips for ministry by providing immersive study of the ancient and modern contexts of Israel and the surrounding regions for a deepened understanding of God and his word. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4qXJAsL M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/4i2FEmo

John's longer letter begins with a series of clauses headed by neuter relative pronouns without clear antecedents. In particular, the neuter gender draws our attention. To what do they refer and how does this relate to John's larger concerns? Dr. Elizabeth Mburu, who contributed earlier to this podcast, is Associate Professor of New Testament and Greek at Africa International University, Nairobi, Kenya, and is the regional coordinator for Anglophone Africa for Langham Literature. She is on the board of the Africa Bible Commentary and is the editorial coordinator and New Testament editor for its revision. Her publications include Qumran and the Origins of Johannine Language and Symbolism and African Hermeneutics. She is currently writing the commentary on 1-3 John for the Word Biblical Commentary Series. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4qL6SBW M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/3XePdVF

Andrew Perrin, Professor of Humanities and a Dead Sea Scrolls specialist, delves into the fascinating world of ancient manuscripts. He discusses how the Dead Sea Scrolls enhance our understanding of biblical texts and scribes’ techniques. Perrin highlights intriguing details from 4Q Jeremiah A, including a notable variant at Jeremiah 14:6 involving a 'bald donkey.' The conversation emphasizes the significance of messy manuscripts for textual development and the ongoing necessity of text critiques in biblical studies.

The RSV's translation of the "cleansing of the temple" in John 2:15 is in part, "And making a whip of cords, he drove them all, with the sheep and oxen, out of the temple." John's Greek, however, suggests that Jesus was using the whip only on the animals, which might have other implications for interpretation. Dr. Croyis the author of a widely used beginning Greek grammar, A Primer of Biblical Greek, and The Mutilation of Mark's Gospel, among other things. His newest book, forthcoming in December, 2025, is The Martyrdom of Polycarp: Translation, Introduction, and Commentary. He previously held teaching posts at Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University, and Southern Nazarene University, at the last of which he continues in a part-time teaching role as Professor of Greek and New Testament. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4ov2J2Z M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/47D9xGd

The opening words of Matthew's Gospel are translated as, "An account of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah" (NRSV), or "This is the genealogy . . ." (NIV), or "This is a record of the ancestors . . ." (NLT). A comparison with the parallels in Genesis and a look at what Matthew actually composes suggest that Matthew had something else in mind. David Capes, formerly Dean of Biblical & Theological Studies at Wheaton College, is the host of Exegetically Speaking and the Director of Academic Programming at the Lanier Theological Library & Learning Center, which sponsors this podcast series along with Wheaton College. His publications include The Divine Christ: Paul, the Lord Jesus, and the Scriptures of Israel. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/47eidS5 M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/4hc5Omd

The Colossian churches had shifted their attention from Christ to calendrical matters, mediatorial figures, mystical visions, and philosophical notions. Paul is calling them to focus on Christ, who is the center and circumference of reality. In 2:9, Paul's language makes Christ's full deity unavoidable and unmistakeable. Dr. Malcolm Yarnell III, who has been on this podcast before, is Research Professor of Theology at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and is Teaching Pastor at Lakeside Baptist Church. His publications include God, Volume 1 of Theology for Every Person. The second volume, Word, is forthcoming (February, 2026). Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/48gx7tf M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/4o8XupB

In this discussion, New Testament professor Jennifer Houston McNeel explores the intriguing nuances of John 7:38. She dives into the often-overlooked significance of punctuation in ancient Greek manuscripts. Jennifer raises fascinating questions about the term 'koilia,' suggesting it could translate as 'Jesus’ womb.' This interpretation resonates with broader themes of birth and living water in John's writings. Additionally, she connects these ideas to her research on maternal imagery, enhancing our understanding of motherhood in the New Testament.