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
Jan 20, 2021 • 59min
E25: The Kingdom of God and the Messianic Banquet
In this episode, we discuss the kingdom and expectations concerning the coming of the messiah and the eschatological banquet developed in the prophets, second temple literature, and the New Testament. The messianic banquet was forefront in the minds of Jesus and the apostles, particularly at the Last Supper. Rather than realizing or redefining these expectations, Jesus affirms the first century Jewish hope of "eating and drinking" at the messianic table (Luke 22:30) in the age to come.
Jan 13, 2021 • 48min
E24: The Kingdom of God and Gehenna
In this episode we discuss some of the ideas of "hell" that were common in the first century Jewish world. Modern problems of worldview and translation often present the idea of hell as a metaphysical reality instead of the overtly eschatological reality that is actually being emphasized by Jesus. "Gehenna", a Greek word used in the New Testament often translated as "hell", is best understood in context to second temple Jewish literature and apocalyptic expectations.
Dec 23, 2020 • 1h 1min
E23: The Kingdom of God and the Sermon on the Mount
In this episode we frame Matthew 5-7 within the framework of first century Jewish apocalypticism. Rather than introducing a universalized, spiritual definition of the kingdom of God, Jesus is functioning as a prophetic renewalist, calling Israel to repentance and wholehearted repentance. Hypocrisy and pretense will ultimately be exposed on the day of judgment. The hearer ought to live authentically and accordingly.
Dec 16, 2020 • 1h
E22: The Kingdom of God and the Beatitudes
In this episode, we discuss Jesus' words in Matthew 5 and Luke 6. The Beatitudes are often understood as abstract attributes that Jesus is exhorting his hearers to emulate. However, viewed in light of the apocalyptic tradition, the Beatitudes are understood as a discipleship mechanism to encourage perseverance unto the inheritance of the kingdom of God and eternal life.
Dec 9, 2020 • 52min
E21: The Magnificat: The Apocalyptic Proclamation of the Incarnation
In this episode we place the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) into the covenantal/apocalyptic setting in which Mary spoke it. The song significantly parallels that of Hannah in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 and echoes the themes that were expressed related to the covenant and God's final vindication of His people. Likewise, Mary understands the birth of Jesus in context to the Davidic covenant, the day of judgment, and other major first century Jewish apocalyptic themes. We hope that this episode transforms and enriches your experience of Christmas and that it can truly become a source of encouragement as you eagerly wait for the blessed hope. Make Christmas Great Again!
Dec 2, 2020 • 1h 7min
E20: The Kingdom of God: The Parables of Jesus
In this episode we spend some time working through many of the parables of Jesus, which have a long history of (mis)interpretation. The parables are often mobilized as evidence for realized eschatology in the teachings of Jesus. However, when taken within the context of first century Jewish apocalyptic expectations the meaning and purpose of the parables become strikingly clear. Rather than redefining the kingdom of God, the parables are aimed primarily at Jesus' unrepentant audience to awaken sobriety and the fear of God related to the coming judgment.
Nov 25, 2020 • 1h 13min
E19: The Kingdom of God: A Brief Look at the Problem Passages
In this episode we work through some of the main passages in the Gospels referencing the kingdom of God that are commonly used to support realized eschatology. Passages that describe the kingdom being "at hand", the kingdom "coming upon you", or the kingdom being "within you" are most easily understood within a Jewish apocalyptic framework. Rather than Jesus and John the Baptist redefining or reimagining the common expectation of Jews in the first century, they simply affirm the words of the prophets about a future eschatological day of judgment and messianic kingdom.
Nov 18, 2020 • 1h 20min
E18: The Kingdom of God in Theological History
In this episode we briefly survey the history of interpretation concerning "the kingdom of God" in the New Testament. In particular, the last century has seen a surge of studies grappling with the first-century context of this controversial phrase. Various theological camps wrestle with the idea of the kingdom in different and often conflicting ways. In the end, Jewish apocalypticism makes the most sense of the vast majority of its occurrences in the New Testament.
Nov 11, 2020 • 1h 6min
E17: Introduction to the Jewish Apocalyptic Kingdom of God
Discover how first-century Jews viewed the 'kingdom of God' through the lens of the Davidic covenant. Explore the connections between the prophets and Jewish apocalyptic themes, revealing a clear expectation of restoration. Dive into Second Temple literature, examining texts that emphasize messianic hope and God's judgment. Learn how familiar apocalyptic motifs are echoed in John the Baptist's messages and the teachings of Jesus. The discussion also highlights the significance of understanding biblical terms within their historical context for deeper faith and commitment.
Nov 4, 2020 • 1h 7min
Why such an apocalyptic gospel?
This episode is a teaching that Bill Scofield gave in a small group setting. Beginning with an overview of how Jews came to think about eschatology in the first century, Bill goes on to develop John chapter 3 where he illustrates that Jews, including Jesus and his followers, maintained an apocalyptic eschatological framework. We hope it is an encouragement to you.
