An Ancient Manuscript and Jesus’ Wife?
Just read the article yourself!
Filling in the Blanks on “Witness”: God Raised Jesus from the Dead
And just what is it that Christians are to witness to? The Acts of the Apostles gives us a simple answer, with broad implications
Letting the Gospel Predominate . . . In the Absolution
A reflection on speaking the Gospel
Heaven’s OK, but It’s Not the End of the World
First Fruits and Last Things
Advent 4 • 2 Samuel 7:1–11, 16 • December 18, 2011
by Jeffrey A. Gibbs The reading offers, in its OT context, a strong example of the truth that “God’s ways are higher and greater than our ways.” Specifically, the reading presents a powerful contrast between David’s (and Nathan’s) understanding of what the God of Israel planned to do for his people and their king on the ..
Seeing in New Ways by Naming Truly—With the Help of Stanley Hauerwas
More thoughts on Stanley Hauerwas’ thoughts. This time from a guy who reads the New Testament for a living
Heaven Is For Real
A Christian Father’s Sincere Love, and a Deeply-Flawed Understanding of Salvation
Epiphany 5 • Matthew 5:13–20 • February 6, 2011
by Jeffrey A. Gibbs The Text’s Limits: A Strong Suggestion Although the lectionary has put together 5:13–16 and 5:17–20, I would strongly suggest separating them. A very solid case can be made for the view that 5:13–16 adhere closely to the Beatitudes (5:3–12). On the other hand, 5:17–20 introduce a new and significant topic in ..
Advent 2 • Matthew 3:1–12 • December 5, 2010
by Jeffrey A. Gibbs Historically Specific Theology Matthew begins by writing, “and in those days.” Recalling that chapter divisions are later additions and (sometimes) unhelpful, I would encourage the following understanding: there is no “break” between chapters 2 and 3. Even though we know that there is a gap of several decades, Matthew’s narrative flows ..
Proper 12 • Genesis 18:(17–19) 20–33 • July 25, 2010
By Dr. Jeffrey A. Gibbs Introduction The text presents two particular problems for interpreters. The first is the question of how “AD Christians” read the “BC Old Testament.” The second pertains to the whole issue of prayer in general, and intercessory prayer in particular. I will comment on the latter problem first. It is dangerously ..
All Saints’ Day · Matthew 5:1-12 · November 1, 2009
By Jeff Gibbs I would suggest that the preacher not try to “cover” the entirety of the Beatitudes; there’s too much here! For a relatively lengthy exposition, see Gibbs, Matthew 1:1-11:1 (CPH, 2006), 234-56. Below are only a few exegetical and homiletical suggestions. One of the major views regarding the structure of the Beatitudes sees 5:3-6 ..
The Resurrection of Our Lord · Colossians 3:1-4 · March 23, 2008
By Jeffrey A. Gibbs, This well-known reading from Colossians presents two (at least!) opportunities for mis-interpretation in our present context. The first might be called an overspiritualizing of the reading. The second would be a moralizing of the text. I will offer brief comments on the text itself, and then speak to each of these ..
Lent 5 · Romans 8:1-11 · March 9, 2008
By Jeffrey A. Gibbs, Romans 8:1-11 is a rich and theologically important text. Here Paul expresses in remarkable fashion both the distinction and the proper relationship between the Spirit’s work to bring salvation to believers (subjective justification) and the same Spirit’s presence in believers to empower them for Christian living (sanctification). Moreover, because the Spirit ..