New Testament Insights

Insights and new perspectives on the New Testament

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New Testament Insights

The Healing of the Blind Man

What is the lesson of the healing of the blind man? Is it simply a recorded event, or is there more for readers to take away from this moral?

Mysticism and Spirituality

New Book - Exploration of the Soul

Though concealed from many, the Bible's inner wisdom and soul, particularly its exploration through the Jewish tradition, remain some of humankind's most practical, timeless, and profound writings.

Videos

Developing the Soul - Mussar Series. Part 4 ▶

In this final session, we recap some of the concepts of this study, focusing on some common areas of imbalance many of us will want to be aware of.

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Mysticism and Spirituality

What Does the Bible Say About the Afterlife?

The concept of the afterlife, particularly heaven, and hell, has been the subject of fascination and contemplation across various religious and cultural traditions. But, what does the Bible say about these topics?

Mysticism and Spirituality

Developing the Soul - Mussar Series. Part 3 ▶

In this study session, we look at an often-overlooked presupposition that we must consider when we begin spiritual development. In this, we look at the issue of impurity that stems from the sin of Adam.

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New Testament Insights

Unexpected Encounters: Jesus and the Canaanite Woman

Jesus is surrounded by his students while teaching when a woman suddenly interrupts, asking him to heal her daughter. We naturally expect him to immediately heal a child with care and compassion. However, his response is an unexpected curveball.

Mysticism and Spirituality

Developing the Soul - Mussar Series. Part 2 ▶

In this session, we look at the concept of Derech Eretz, also known as "Decency" or customs and manners. Derech Eretz is defined as, then ancient Jewish principle that refers to the decorum, dignified behavior, and gentlemanly conduct that should characterize a Jew at all times.

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Mysticism and Spirituality

What Is A "Baptism of Fire?"

What did John [the Baptist] mean when he said Jesus would 'baptize with fire'? The answer can be found in the Kabbalah, and is surprisingly practical for understanding some more complex metaphors in the Bible.

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Mysticism and Spirituality

The First Adam and Second Adam: Adam Kadmon and the Logos

With this article, we will start to cover some of the more complex concepts that are featured in the New Testament. Hopefully, we'll lay a foundation to understand ideas many see as controversial and/or a major departure from Jewish thought.

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New Testament Insights

The Pharisees Who Wash the Outside of Cups

Though it can lead to flawed conclusions, reading the Gospels and Epistles without understanding the complicated and technical discussions of Jewish law behind them is simple. We should know that these knowledge gaps are not inconsequential and can result in oversimplified interpretations.

New Testament Insights

Paul's Eagerness to Celebrate Shavuot

Did you know that Paul was adamant about keeping the festival of Shavuot at the Temple in Jerusalem? If not, it is likely because many English translations have obscured this account.

News

Book Available on Amazon - Into the Orchard.

"Into the Orchard" is a book that is designed to fast-track the learnings and correct the misunderstandings one may encounter when trying to understand the Jewish context of the New Testament.

Torah

Messiah

Much of the New Testament relies on a reader's pre-knowledge of the Jewish Oral Torah, often referred to as the "Mesorah". From this, we derive ubiquitous concepts like, Messiah, the World to Come, Sin, heaven and Hell.

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New Testament Insights

Casting Their Nets

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New Testament Insights

A Lamp Under a Basket

Understanding Biblical metaphors and multi-faceted imagery is vital to unlocking the hidden dimensions of interpretation. In this article, we will unpack a few layers to reveal a deeper message in a familiar passage from what is called, "the Sermon on the Mount".

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New Testament Insights Featured

New Wine in Old Wineskins

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New Testament Insights

The Cursing of the Fig Tree

There is a bizarre story that seems to be out of place in the hagiographical flow of the Gospels. It is the story in which Jesus takes his vengeance out upon a random fig tree on the side of the road. This story concludes with many rightfully scratching their heads,

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New Testament Insights

Rolling Away the Stone

After the crucifixion narrative, the Gospel writers record that the large stone used to cover the tomb of Jesus was rolled away, opening the tomb. There is an idea in the Zohar that might give us insight into new meaning

New Testament Insights

Burial Shrouds and Customs in the Gospel Accounts

On Easter Sunday, it is customary to see the crosses out front of your local Churches draped in a white, or linen sash. Have you ever wondered where this idea originated? Believe it or not, it is derived from within the Jewish oral tradition of the first century.

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New Testament Insights

From Water to Wine

Among the most well-known stories in the Gospels, Jesus turning 'water to wine' is arguably one of the most commonly known. While some see a story that highlights mastery over the physical elements, the Rabbinic metaphors indicate that there is more to this story than meets the eye.

Midrash

The Last Seder

Many in the church see the "Last Supper" as the Biblical grounds for what is called "Communion. In light of this, I explained how "The Last Supper" features many elements of an early Passover Seder. As it turned out, this was completely new to him, and we never got to discuss the original topic.

Mysticism and Spirituality

Parable of the Talents

In the Zohar, there is a discussion based upon the Torah commandment to 'pay a laborer his wages the same day he works for them'¹. In the Peshat/plain meaning, this is great model of mercy, ensuring a person has what they need to survive and feed their family.

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New Testament Insights

Decoding Golgotha

Is the Gospel of John a straightforward account of events that happened, or has the author concealed a deeper message for readers? In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating and peculiar language of Jewish mysticism and the connections to the crucifixion scene.

New Testament Insights

Who Killed Jesus?

There is a perennial tension in the Jewish community that emerges around the time of Easter. In past centuries, the yearly retelling of the "Passion" would spark fiery pogroms and blood libels throughout Europe, as Christians sought to avenge the death of Jesus,

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Mysticism and Spirituality

Chaya - Soul Series pt. 4

Chaya means "life", and is often associated with a more holistic span of life energy than the previous levels of the soul. The first appearance of this word is seen upon the creation of humankind.