The Apocalyptic Gospel Podcast
The Apocalyptic Gospel
The Apocalyptic Gospel Podcast explores the Gospel as a first-century Jew would have understood it. A conversation about the Gospel, the Kingdom of God, or the Day of the Lord in the first century would have evoked a body of ideas not immediately present with a simple word study of these terms. In this weekly podcast, a pastor, campus minister, and missionary mine the Torah, Biblical Prophets, and Second Temple writings for the origin and development of these ideas as we help give context to this first-century Jewish message and encourage disciples of Jesus to boldly proclaim it and patiently wait for the God of Israel to fulfill his covenantal promises.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 28, 2020 • 46min
E16: Acts 15: The Jerusalem Council, part 3
In this episode we develop the quote of Amos 9:11-12 in Acts 15. Rather than a redefinition of the prophets' words about the Gentiles flowing to Jerusalem to worship the God of Israel, James quotes Amos 9 to affirm that the Gentiles turning to God in his time accords with the vision of the "eschatological pilgrimage" of the nations to Zion in the age to come. Like the cross and the Spirit, the novelty of God's mercy being extended to the Gentiles is actually an affirmation of the apostles' Jewish apocalyptic hopes.
Oct 21, 2020 • 38min
E15: Acts 15: The Jerusalem Council, part 2
In this episode, we take a deeper dive into Acts 15 to understand the primary question that is being asked and the answer that is being offered. We analyze three particular points in the passage that often create confusion: circumcision (v. 1, 5), "conversion" (v. 3), and the "yoke" (v. 10). Rather than being an anti-Judaism or anti-Torah council, the apostles answer the question of what to do with the Gentiles who are turning to the God of Israel.
Oct 14, 2020 • 35min
E14: Acts 15: The Jerusalem Council, part 1
In this episode we give an overview of Acts 15 and the Jerusalem Council where the apostles gather to discuss the issues brought up recently by many Gentiles turning to the God of Israel. Rather than redefining the hope of Israel, the apostles conclude that the Gentiles can be saved from the wrath to come and inherit eternal life without becoming Jews. We work through an overview of the major themes surrounding the discussion in the passage.
Oct 7, 2020 • 53min
E13: Acts 10: The Discipleship of the Gentiles
In this episode we explore Peter's vision of the "great sheet" filled with unclean animals and the events which followed. Peter's interpretation of the vision and the first sermon towards a Gentile audience are often interpreted within a redefined narrative of redemptive history which sees God establishing a 'new people'. We revisit the events and the how they are described in Acts 10-11 to show that they are actually intended to reinforce the Jewish apocalyptic framework and the Gentiles' place within that hope.
Sep 30, 2020 • 1h 2min
Q&A #2 with Bill, John, and Josh
Bill, John, and Josh tackle your questions in this second Q&A episode. Topics include cross-cultural discipleship, why some solid Old Testament scholars reject first century Jewish eschatology, and how Jews perceived the destruction of the temple in light of Jesus' words. Don't miss the "rapid fire" round at the end!
Sep 23, 2020 • 51min
E12: The Death of Jesus Within Apocalyptic Thought, part 2
In this week's episode we discuss the language that the apostles used to describe the effects of the crucifixion of the Messiah. Terms like justification, redemption, propitiation, and reconciliation were understood within the context of first-century Jewish apocalyptic thought, rather than in contrast to it or disconnected from it. Passages like 2 Cor. 5 and Romans 5 illustrate clearly that Paul had the day of judgment and the resurrection of the dead in mind when he was theologizing about the cross.
Sep 16, 2020 • 45min
E11: The Death of Jesus Within Apocalyptic Thought, part 1
The apostles understood the cross within a first century Jewish apocalyptic worldview. As seen in 1 Cor. 15:3, the interpretation of the Messiah's death was handed down by the apostles and revolved around Isaiah 53 and the Levitical sacrificial tradition. Thus Paul's gospel centered on Jesus Christ, "who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age" (Gal. 1:4).
Sep 9, 2020 • 1h 7min
E10: Acts 2, Part 3: Psalm 16 and Psalm 110
The podcast explores the apocalyptic interpretation of Scripture used by Peter in Acts 2, focusing on Psalm 16 and Psalm 110. They discuss the use of Psalms in 2nd Temple Literature, the significance of the phrase 'son of man' in apocalyptic thought, progressive revelation, translation of Psalm 16 in the Septuagint, the apocalyptic nature of 1 Peter 1, and the need for an apocalyptic hermeneutic when interpreting Peter's teachings.
Sep 2, 2020 • 44min
E9: Acts 2, Part 2: Peter, Pentecost, and Joel 2
This podcast explores Peter's sermon in Acts 2, discussing the meaning of 'last days' and its connection to Jewish eschatology. It delves into prophetic texts, emphasizes the urgency of not giving a specific date, and explores the theme of salvation within the Jewish apocalyptic tradition. The podcast also explores the relationship between eschatology and the gifts of the Spirit, debunking the false dichotomy and emphasizing living in alignment with the future day of judgment.
Aug 26, 2020 • 50min
E8: Acts 2, Part 1: The Gift of the Spirit and the Hope of Israel
Exploring Acts 2 as an affirmation of Jewish apocalyptic expectations, debunking misconceptions and highlighting the role of the Holy Spirit in Jewish apocalyptic literature and the zealot movement. Understanding the significance of signs and wonders, confirming Jesus as the Messiah, and delving into the evolving conversation about the Holy Spirit in the Hebrew Bible and second temple Judaism.
