Churches that misunderstand Jesus’ teaching on divorce increase the suffering and scandal of divorced members. What is the context of Jesus’ teaching on divorce? Did he teach that all second marriages, with a former spouse still living, are adulterous? I argue from scripture that he didn’t.
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In this essay I look at three aspects of the social history of first century CE Galilee. This provides a context for the ministry of Jesus of Nazareth, which mostly took place in Galilee around 30 CE.
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Salome I, the sister of Herod the Great was one very powerful and dangerous woman. This article highlights her domestic intrigues and political power.
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What was the ‘place of prayer’ in Philippi where some women, including Lydia of Thyatira, had assembled (Acts 16:13-15)? Was it a Jewish ‘prayer-house’?
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This article looks at the origins and development of the Passover meal as recorded in the Bible. It also looks at the Seder of early Judaism and the Eucharist of early Christianity.
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This article looks at the Septuagint, the ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, and gives possible answers as to when, where and why it was produced, and by whom.
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Mary and Martha of Bethany are well-known Bible figures whose characters are often polarized in the retelling of their story. What is the background of these women, their age, marital status, level of wealth?
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Before its destruction in 70 CE, the Jews in the Diaspora maintained ties with the temple in Jerusalem by sending gifts, tithes, and taxes. This article discusses this practice.
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In this post I look at Salome, the daughter of Herodias, who “danced” for Herod Antipas. How old was she? Did she actually dance? Was she out to deliberately seduce her step-father? What became of her?
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In the time of Jesus, Samaria was situated between the regions of Galilee and Judea. This article briefly looks at the history of the Samaritans.
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On the face of it, the title “the Son of Man” doesn’t seem that impressive. What does this title really mean? What are its implications?
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