Exegetically Speaking

In his lecture to philosophers in Acts 17, Paul declares that God has so ordered human history that people “would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us” (NIV). The verb translated “reach out for” (ψηλαφάω) can be illuminated by the blinded Cyclops in Homer’s Odyssey or by the biblical Isaac trying to identify which of his sons was talking to him. Dr. Jones is the Teaching & Training Pastor at Kingsland Baptist Church, Katy, TX, a Greek instructor at Lanier Theological Library (which sponsors this podcast along with Wheaton College), and is currently teaching Greek, Latin, and Medical Terminology at Rice University. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/3I3fUVG M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/3OMWS9X

The spiritual gift of “tongues” in 1 Cor. 12-14 was evidently by itself unintelligible, requiring that someone render what was being said in plain Greek if the Corinthian church was to benefit from it. When discussing the negative effect the utterance would have if left unintelligible, Paul calls a part of the audience the ἰδιῶται (idiotai). Are these believers, unbelievers, Christian catechumens, or what? Jon C. Laansma is the Gerald F. Hawthorne Professor of New Testament Greek and Exegesis in the Classical Languages program at Wheaton College, and the Wheaton-based director of this podcast series. He is currently working on a commentary on 1 Corinthians for the T&T Clark International Theological Commentary series. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/3I3fUVG M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/3OMWS9X

The Greek of the New Testament writers is known as Koiné Greek. What did it sound like? Some recent research has aided our hearing. Dr. Alexander Loney is Associate Professor of Classical Languages and the Coordinator of the Classical Languages program at Wheaton College. His publications include The Ethics of Revenge and the Meanings of the Odyssey and (co-editor) The Oxford Handbook of Hesiod. In this conversation, Dr. Loney makes reference to the book of Benjamin Kantor, The Pronunciation of New Testament Greek. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4283x3T M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/3OawE0E

We’ve heard of biblical literacy, but if we don’t know what to do with the Bible once we’ve read it, we might be suffering from hermeneutical illiteracy. The lack can be especially apparent in approaches to the Old Testament. Dr. John Walton, Old Testament Professor Emeritus at Wheaton Graduate School, is a frequent contributor to this podcast. One of his most recent publications is Wisdom for Faithful Reading: Principles and Practices for Old Testament Interpretation. An earlier but related work is Old Testament Theology for Christians: From Ancient Context to Enduring Belief.  B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/48mVHG2 M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/490LOxR

John Walton, an Old Testament Professor Emeritus at Wheaton Graduate School, dives into the intricate concept of biblical authority. He emphasizes the importance of authorial intent, arguing that understanding what the original authors meant is crucial for proper interpretation. Walton contrasts different models of authority, including performance and Christology, showcasing how they influence our reading of Scripture. He advocates for careful exegesis to avoid distorting the intended messages of biblical texts, enriching our understanding of faith and context.

Colossians 1:15-20, which many think was an early Christian hymn, is one of the uniquely rich and intense expressions of the identity and work of Christ. Daniel J. Treier models a wise union of exegetical care and theological sophistication while reading this passage. Prof. Treier is the Gunther H. Knoedler Professor of Theology and Director of the Ph.D. Program at Wheaton College & Graduate School. His most recent publication is Lord Jesus Christ (New Studies in Dogmatics). Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/3tlYW1e M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/3Tvez18

Amy Peeler, Biblical Studies Professor, discusses Paul's use of a pregnancy/maternal metaphor in Galatians 1:16 and his view of himself as a maternal figure birthing Christ into the world through preaching the gospel.

Ben Witherington III passionately argues against unfounded speculations and mistranslations in Luke's nativity stories, challenging the popular understanding of Jesus being born in a barn. He suggests a rustic setting at the back of a house or even a cave. The power of the original story is emphasized, and Wheaton College's programs are promoted.

Through a Hebrew word play, the writer of Ecclesiastes highlights the neck and neck race between those who accumulate wealth and those who take it from them. Dr. Phil Ryken, who has been a regular on our podcast, is the President of Wheaton College, 8th in the college’s history. Relevant to this conversation, he has published Why Everything Matters: The Gospel in Ecclesiastes. You can hear many of his talks at Family Life Ministry – Podcast or at Every Last Word. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Hebrew, Latin: https://bit.ly/3SOu1VG M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/3SOtIKw

Grant Flynn, Visiting Assistant Professor of New Testament at Wheaton College, discusses the cries of the harvesters in James 5:4, highlighting the exploitation of workers by wealthy landlords. He explores connections between biblical passages, emphasizing the cultural context and textual alignment. The podcast also addresses the importance of staying sharp in the Greek language and the eschatological perspective of James.