New Testament Insights

Insights and new perspectives on the New Testament

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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.

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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.

Mysticism and Spirituality

Mysticism in the New Testament - A Conversation w/Daniel Matt

One of my favorite scholars leading the charge in the study of Jewish Mysticism is Professor Daniel Matt. Recently, Professor Matt took some time to answer a few of my questions about the connections between the Kabbalah and the New Testament.

Mysticism and Spirituality

The Garments of the Soul

The Garments of the Soul refer to our; deeds, words, and thoughts. When we understand these Rabbinic metaphors, we unlock a new insight into The Parable of the Wedding Banquet in the Gospel of Matthew.

New Testament Insights

Guest Article: Rethinking the Roots. The Rising Debate on Replacement Theology

I'd like to introduce you to Ty Nichols, guest author on the Hidden Orchard Project. Some of you may already know Ty from his work in this space. He is the author of the book, "Jesus IS Jewish"; he is a national speaker and a fervent leader in his community.

Mysticism and Spirituality Featured

Holy Spirit vs. Ruach HaKodesh: Revealing the Essence of Divine Presence

One of the most elusive concepts in the Bible is the idea of the Holy Spirit. Though Judaism and Christianity share some common ground in recognizing Ruach HaKodesh/Holy Spirit as an aspect of the Divine Presence, the nuances and theological underpinnings differ significantly.

Mysticism and Spirituality

Podcast Episode - Jewish Mysticism for MJ - Part 2

In our time, I spoke with Drake Dunaway and David Cook about the importance of understanding the basics of Jewish mysticism when exploring the 'New Testament', and a host of other topics.

New Testament Insights Featured

Abolishing the Torah

Often used as a proof-text for the abrogation of the Torah [commandments], in Matthew 5 we see Jesus citing a well-known Midrash to prove quite the opposite. Despite many modern (popular) interpretations, he forbids his audience from ever thinking of such an idea!

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Mysticism and Spirituality

Difficult Sayings of Jesus: "Eat of My Flesh"

A particular passage in the Gospel of John has been difficult for many readers to understand for centuries. The text indicates that many in Jesus's day had a hard time with it too.

New Testament Insights

Podcast Episode - Jewish Mysticism for MJ - Part 1

In a recent podcast discussion, we spoke about the importance of understanding the basics of Jewish mysticism when exploring the 'New Testament'.

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Messiah

Messiah: Part 1, The Beginning

If we could summarize the question from which we focus this work, it is, "Why do we need Messiah?" As usual, we'll begin this journey back to the beginning, the birth of the world.

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Mysticism and Spirituality

Hair Coverings and Angels

Years ago, I stumbled across a bizarre and very compelling explanation for an enigmatic passage in 1 Corinthians. Searching the Rabbinic literature, we might find a connection that makes some sense in understanding.

Mysticism and Spirituality

The Parable of the Bridesmaids

The Parable of the Bridesmaids is a timeless lesson of vigilance and preparation. When we overlay the themes of the rabbinic tradition, we see more information under the surface to help us prepare.

New Testament Insights

Judge Not and the Art of Rebuke

It is not uncommon for the prohibition against judging others to be misconstrued as a blanket ban on all forms of evaluation and critique. In some cases, these words are used as a mantra to ward off all manner of criticism.

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New Testament Insights

Unraveling the Controversy of Healing on Shabbat in the Gospels

Some of Jesus's more contentious conflicts stem from his healing on this Holy day. But if healing on Shabbat is generally permitted in Jewish law, what is the real point of the story?

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Mysticism and Spirituality

Understanding and Protecting from Evil Eye

Evil Eye, known in Hebrew as "Ayin Hara" (עַיִן הָרָע), is the belief that a malevolent gaze can bring some degree of harm or misfortune to those it befalls. Mentioned a few times in the Gospels, it is a topic worth exploring in modern times.

New Testament Insights

Revisiting the Sermon on the Mount

As Jewish Scholar Pinchas Lapide stated, Jesus's teachings in the Sermon on the Mount are timeless, and still relevant today. In essence, they make up the core of a Jewish lifestyle as taught in the Rabbinic tradition.

New Testament Insights Featured

From Midrash to Manger: The Intriguing Interplay of Jesus's Birth and Rabbinic Tradition

When we look closely at the birth narratives in the Gospels, we'll find these stories conform to an archetypal pattern, sharing many parallels with the Rabbinic Midrash. How does this knowledge alter our view of these texts?

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Mysticism and Spirituality

Angels Ascending and Descending on the Ladder

Jesus quotes a very deep midrash in the Gospel of John. Many readers miss this reference, but his audience did not. Journey with us as we unpack these metaphors and seek understanding.

New Testament Insights

How to Read the Letters of Paul

The writings of the Apostle Paul, commonly known as the Epistles, hold immense significance in Christian theology. How will we re-evaluate his letters if we view them within a specific Rabbinic correspondence framework?