New Testament Insights

Insights and new perspectives on the New Testament

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New Testament Insights

Messiah: Part 3, New Testament Insights

Does Jesus fulfill the role of Messiah? If so, which one - the Josephic or the Davidic? In this article, we explore what the Gospel writers seemed to think, picking up the clues from the Rabbinic tradition.

New Testament Insights

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

This parable exemplifies how Jesus often co-opts Rabbinic Midrash to illustrate a point. In this, he uses many metaphoric elements of the Jewish oral tradition, teaching the surprising spiritual dynamics of repentance.

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Mysticism and Spirituality

Messiah: Part 2, The New Normal

In Part 2, we look at the key dynamics humanity now faces after Adam's sin, the role of the Messiah to repair these, and how we have a shared responsibility to participate.

Mysticism and Spirituality

The Nefesh - Soul Series pt. 1

“Some people are inclined to contemplate the essence of their souls. Others can live their entire lives - even lives of intellectual activity - without taking an interest in their souls at all.

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Mysticism and Spirituality

The Divine Council

Does G_D rule the world through a Divine Council of supernal angels? For many, this may be a new idea, however, deep within the Rabbinic tradition, this is quite ancient.

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New Testament Insights

Was Paul the First Christian Convert?

Of course, Paul converted, right? The chapter heading says so, and his name was changed to Saul, wasn't it?

New Testament Insights

The Divorce of Israel

Did G_D divorce the Jewish people? Has He abandoned any covenantal ties with the people of the promise, or has a misunderstanding occurred?

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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