New Testament Insights

Insights and new perspectives on the New Testament

Featured

Live Online Member Discussion - The Davidic Messiah

Join us for a thought-provoking online discussion as we explore the mysteries surrounding the tradition of Messiah Ben David. November 3rd, 2024 @ 3pm ET

New Testament Insights

Salvation Part 1: What Does It Mean to be "Saved"?

In this short series, we will walk through a high-level history of this term, its usage in the Bible and Rabbinic tradition, and its appearance in Jewish mysticism. We will also seek to understand parallels and divergences between Jewish and Christian traditions.

New Testament Insights

Spotlight: Nicodemus. Nakdimon ben Gurion.

In this series, we'll explore the tradition behind key figures in the Jewish tradition that also appear in the Apostolic literature. In this focus, we'll look at the tradition on Nicodemus, known in Hebrew as Nakdimon ben Gurion.

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New Testament Insights

From Hidden to Revealed: On the Road to Emmaus

A peculiar and famous encounter is recorded in the Gospel of Luke, known to many as "the Road to Emmaus" contains many Midrashic hints that point to a deeper idea than is seen on the surface.

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New Testament Insights

Video: Torah for the Nations

In this discussion, we wade into the confusing space of Biblical commandments, and whether they are for Jews, Gentiles, or everyone (or no one).

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Mysticism and Spirituality

Through A Glass Dimly

Speaking to his audience in Corinth, Paul makes a statement about the spiritual state of mankind and the limited potential for prophetic capacity. His language suggests he is referencing a tradition in Kabbalah regarding the current state of mankind.

New Testament Insights

Proofs of Oral Torah: Jannes and Jambres, A Couple of Troublemakers from the Rabbinic Tradition

We explore the intriguing reference to Jannes and Jambres, and its implications, in Paul's second letter to Timothy (2 Timothy 3:8). These figures are notably absent from the Christian canonical Bible but appear throughout the Jewish midrashic and kabbalistic tradition.

New Testament Insights

Lost in Translation - The Problems With Sola Scriptura

For some, Sola Scriptura is a cause for celebration, but for others, this doctrine paved the way for some significant problems down the road. How is this doctrine different from the native worldview of Jesus and the Apostolic community?

Paid-members only

Mysticism and Spirituality

Gematria - Decoding the Hidden Secrets of Torah

What is Gematria, is it a valid form of Biblical interpretation - and if so, is it found in scripture? In this article, we explore this idea and how Daniel used Gematria to decipher the fateful message for King Belshazzar.

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Mysticism and Spirituality

From Life to Afterlife: Judgment of the Soul in Jewish Tradition - Part 2

In part 2, we review the stages of judgment the soul may undergo as it transitions from the physical to the world of souls.

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Videos

Video Replay Online Study - The Destruction of the Second Temple

This is the video replay from our recent Online Group Study. Thanks for those who were able to attend, and keep a look out for more in the future.

New Testament Insights

From Ruin to Resilience - Jewish Revival Post-Temple Destruction

The first century in Israel was a period marked by deep religious, cultural, and social complexity, which has led to distorted and negative perceptions of the people of Israel that are alive and well today.

Torah

Soul Refinement - From Stumbling Blocks to Stepping Stones

In this article, we will explore the dimensions of the prohibition against causing others to stumble. It is a recurring concept in the Talmud and a teaching forwarded by Jesus.

Paid-members only

Mysticism and Spirituality

Video Replay: Understanding Ibur Online Study Session

This is the Replay video from our 'live' online study on July 22 @7pm.

New Testament Insights

The Roots of Gentile Inclusion: Noahide Laws and the Jerusalem Council

In this article, we explore the Noahide laws. In addition, we'll take a unique look at these laws, their relevance to the Jerusalem Council of Acts 15, and their implications for Gentiles today.

Mysticism and Spirituality

From Life to Afterlife: Judgment of the Soul in Jewish Tradition - Part 1

What happens to the soul when it moves from the physical to the spiritual world? In this 2-part series, we explore what the tradition has to say about angels, the life review, and tips on how we might spend our time differently.

Members only

Mysticism and Spirituality

Video: Walking Through the Lower Sefirot - An Introduction

In this video, we discuss how the discipline of Mussar can be tied to the lower (7) Sefirot. If you engage in spiritual development through the interface of character refinement - an understanding of the Sefirot will help you learn to look deeper.

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New Testament Insights

Proofs of Oral Torah: Haggai's Quiz

Though some may not be convinced of the validity of the Oral Torah, one way to illustrate the its vitality is through the exploration examples in the Biblical texts themselves that affirm its importance.

Paid-members only

Paid-Full Access

Soul Series: Yechidah pt. 5

In our Soul Series, we've explored the levels of the soul that we may perceive more frequently in our day-to-day life. Yechidah is the final and ultimate stage of consciousness that humankind awaits.

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New Testament Insights

Do Not Let Your Left Hand Know What Your Right Hand is Doing

In Jewish thought, the right-hand holds a special place in customs, rituals, and observances. This pattern is reflected in everyday activities from hand-washing, tying shoes, touching a Mezuzah, wrapping Tefillin and more.

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New Testament Insights Featured

Under Grace, Under the Law, and Under Sin

Of the most problematic ideas attributed to Paul is his teaching that Grace supersedes or replaces the Torah and commandments. This has led to an abandonment - and often vilification - of the commandments, which are a critical aspect of Biblical spiritual development.

News

Book Available, ILLUMINATION. Revealing the Jewish-ness of the New Testament

“Illumination: Revealing the Jewish-ness of the New Testament” is a journey of enlightenment, uncovering the hidden layers of the New Testament, and bringing to light the deep Rabbinic influences found within its pages.

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New Testament Insights

The Healing of the Woman and the Young Girl

One of the Gospel's most famous and well-known healing stories is of the healing of the woman and the young girl. What if this story was written as more of a Midrash, would there be a deeper message for us to glean?

New Testament Insights

The Missing Context of the New Testament - pt. 1

One of the most important components to understanding the "New Testament" is found amid an incident that most Bible readers have never heard of. We'll learn how a particular disagreement between predominant Pharisaic schools shaped the contours and the perplexing milieu of first-century Judaism.

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Holidays and Festivals

The Courage of Esther: Self-Sacrifice and Divine Purpose

Let's explore the Messianic archetype of Esther; her unwavering resolve to self-sacrifice for her people; how she gained favor in the upper worlds to avert the harsh decree - And, how her story finds resonance in the Gospel narrative of Jesus's trial.