Greek verbs have been traditionally labeled “tenses,” but many grammarians have for some time argued that “tense” is not the best way to explain what is going on. The linguistic category of “aspect” is a more powerful theoretical explanation. But what is “verbal aspect” and how does this theory affect the reading of Greek texts? Dr. Constantine Campbell is Professor and Research Director at the Sydney College of Divinity (Norwest, Australia). He has published widely on Koiné Greek grammar and the New Testament writings. Examples include, Basics of Verbal Aspect in Biblical Greek and The Letter to the Ephesians. The Pillar New Testament Commentary. He is also a jazz saxophonist and a visiting instructor at The Australian National University School of Music.  Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4elFSSP  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/3zDIfl0 

Because he was known for his baptisms, and because English transliterates the Greek words, John’s nickname as “the Baptist” provokes little thought. It ought to. Dr. James F. McGrath is Clarence L. Goodwin Chair in New Testament Language and Literature at Butler University. His publications include Christmaker: A Life of John the Baptist and (forthcoming), John of History, Baptist of Faith: The Quest for the Historical Baptizer. He co-edited, The Mandaean Book of John: Critical Edition, Translation, and Commentary. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/3Blt406  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/3zpFfIW 

Phil. 1:27 is translated by the NIV as, “conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel,” while the NLT translates it as, “you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News.” Here and in 3:20 Paul is using a Greek verb and noun that he uses nowhere else in his letters, aside from a related word in Eph. 2:12. What is the implied message in using this language while addressing this particular church? Dr. Jeannine Brown is the David Price Professor of Biblical and Theological Foundations at Bethel Seminary. Her many publications include Philippians: An Introduction and Commentary and Scripture as Communication: Introducing Biblical Hermeneutics. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/3MyAQGD  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/47fHaw8 

The Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6 reads in the NIV: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” In the Greek wording, the first occurrence of the word ‘heaven’ is plural in form, but the second is singular. Close attention to this difference across the Greek OT and NT reveals a difference in meaning between those forms of the same word. Dr. Scott Hafemann is Honorary Reader in New Testament at St. Mary’s College, the University of St. Andrews, and was the first holder of the Gerald F. Hawthorne Chair of New Testament Greek and Exegesis at Wheaton College. His many publications include Paul: Servant of the New Covenant: Pauline Polarities in Eschatological Perspective, and 2 Corinthians: From Biblical Text - to Contemporary Life (NIV Application Commentary). Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/3MD7nLq  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/47fdj6Q 

Prof. N. T. “Tom” Wright returns to our podcast to discuss Eph. 3:10 and its vision for the church in the present age: God’s “intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known.” God created us so that through us he could show the world who he is, in particular, by a community of all races and nations drawn together in love. Rev. Dr. N. T. Wright is Research Professor Emeritus of New Testament and Early Christianity at St Mary’s College in the University of St Andrews and Senior Research Fellow at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. His work has established him as the foremost voice among New Testament scholars of the present generation, not least due to his many commentaries, topical studies, and the multi-volume, Christian Origins and the Question of God. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/3zbWrl0  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/47lwSe2 

The Gospels tell us the story of John the Baptist and Jesus in distinct ways. Mark’s narrative is a fast-moving action story, comparable in some ways to John Grisham’s style. Attention to Mark’s use of the aorist tense in particular helps us appreciate where the real action is. Michael Kibbe earned his Ph.D. at Wheaton Graduate School, and is Associate Professor of Bible at Great Northern University, Spokane, Washington, a gem of a program. For more information about Great Northern University in Spokane, visit their website: https://gnu.edu. Among Michael’s publications are, Godly Fear or Ungodly Failure?: Hebrews 12 and the Sinai Theophanies and From Topic to Thesis: A Guide to Theological Research, which was followed by From Research to Teaching: A Guide to Beginning Your Classroom Career. GREEK Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4dpd6k1  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/3X7hH4w 

Psalm 46 is a psalm for our moment, and its encouraging message is amplified when read in Hebrew. The psalm reminds us that amidst the nations in uproar, and battles, and devastations, and mountains falling into the sea, the God of Jacob is our high fortress, lifting us above the chaos. Our instinct in turmoil is to tighten our grip on things. The psalmist advises us to let go and know that the Lord is God. Dr. Megan Roberts is an alumna of the M.A. in Biblical Exegesis at Wheaton College, and Professor of Old Testament and Program Director of Bible/Theology at Prairie College, Alberta, Canada. Her dissertation, Memory Formation in Isaiah 40–55: Healing to Accomplish Comfort, is forthcoming with Brill. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/3As5Gxy  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/4der6wI 

1 Peter 2:23 is translated in the NIV as, “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats.” Close attention to the Greek grammar can illuminate that Christ’s non-retaliation was an enduring one, outlasting the repeated attacks made on him. Dr. Darian Lockett is Professor of New Testament at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, and a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America. Among his publications are, Letters for the Church: Reading James, 1-2 Peter, 1-3 John, and Jude as Canon and Letters from the Pillar Apostles: The Formation of the Catholic Epistles as a Canonical Collection. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/3yeGTfX  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/4d6MGmV 

In Daniel 12:2-3 the dead awake, some to life, some to shame and contempt. This has long been understood to refer to bodily resurrection, one of a few such OT passages. But there are indications in the text’s language that its intended sense is otherwise. John Walton, Old Testament Professor Emeritus at Wheaton Graduate School, is a frequent contributor to this podcast. One of his most recent publications is The Lost World of the Prophets: Old Testament Prophecy and Apocalyptic Literature in Ancient Context. Among his others, note also: Wisdom for Faithful Reading: Principles and Practices for Old Testament Interpretation. He is currently working with Dr. Aubrey Buster(Associate Professor of OT at Wheaton College) on a commentary on Daniel. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4c8xjcd  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/3Mbc2UZ 

1 Timothy 4:1 is translated by the NLT, “Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith.” Some take the Greek behind “the last times” to mean “the last days,” the extreme end of history. But is that Paul’s meaning? Dr. Jermo van Nes is Assistant Professor of New Testament at Evangelische Theologische Faculteit, Leuven, Belgium. Among his publications are, (co-editor) Let God Be True: Perspectives on Romans 3, (author) Pauline Language and the Pastoral Epistles, and (co-editor), Drawing and Transcending Boundaries in the New Testament and Early Christianity.   Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4cNrBO3  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/3LujQjY