Jump to navigation

Home

Christian Library

Main menu

  • Browse
  • Log in
  • OTP

Search

You are here

  1. Library > 
  2. New Testament
Subscribe to RSS - NT Themes

NT Themes

The Instant Track to Sainthood – Regeneration

  • Semi-Technical
  • Geoff Thomas

This article provides a discussion on the New Testament word "saint," against the Roman Catholic concept of sainthood.

  • Read more about The Instant Track to Sainthood – Regeneration
  • Share
  • Add new comment

The Promise of the Arrival of Elijah in Malachi and the Gospels

  • Semi-Technical
  • Walter C. Kaiser Jr

Was John the Baptist the fulfillment of the promise of Malachi 3 and Malachi 4 concerning the prophet who was to come on the day of the Lord? Kaiser offers a hermeneutical solution to this question as a generic fulfillment, meaning that Elijah has come "in the spirit and power" witnessed in John the Baptist, and will yet come in the future.

  • Read more about The Promise of the Arrival of Elijah in Malachi and the Gospels
  • Share
  • Add new comment

The "with Christ" Motif in Paul's Thought

  • Semi-Technical
  • John D. Harvey

In this article Harvey makes a distinction between the "with Christ" and "in Christ" motifs as used by the apostle Paul. In studies when the "with Christ" concept is addressed, it is frequently associated with Paul's eschatology. This essay wants to examine the available data and reach some conclusions about how Paul uses the phrase.

  • Read more about The "with Christ" Motif in Paul's Thought
  • Share
  • Add new comment

New Testament Miracles and Higher Criticism: Climbing up the Slippery Slope

  • Semi-Technical
  • Craig L. Blomberg

How does a historian need to view supernatural events or miracles? This article argues for the historicity of the miracles and surveys some of the difficult passages in this regard: Mark 4:35-41, Mark 6:32-44, Mark 11:12-14, and John 2:1-11. Blomberg also asks the question whether Matthew 17:27 functions as a pure metaphor.

  • Read more about New Testament Miracles and Higher Criticism: Climbing up the Slippery Slope
  • Share
  • Add new comment

The Descent of the Eschatological Temple in the Form of the Spirit at Pentecost Part 1: The Clearest Evidence

  • Semi-Technical
  • Gregory K. Beale

In this article Beale argues that some Old Testament and early Jewish references to a heavenly temple in the latter-days have contributed to the depiction of the Holy Spirit appearing as fire and other associated features in Acts 2.

  • Read more about The Descent of the Eschatological Temple in the Form of the Spirit at Pentecost Part 1: The Clearest Evidence
  • Share
  • Add new comment

The Descent of the Eschatological Temple in the Form of the Spirit at Pentecost Part 2: Corroborating Evidence

  • Semi-Technical
  • Gregory K. Beale

This article continues the argument that certain Old Testament and early Jewish references to a temple form the background for the Holy Spirit appearing as of fire and associated features in Acts 2. It examines a number of Old Testament citations in Acts 2 in order to determine whether or not they relate to a temple theme.

  • Read more about The Descent of the Eschatological Temple in the Form of the Spirit at Pentecost Part 2: Corroborating Evidence
  • Share
  • Add new comment

The Temple of God

  • Semi-Technical
  • Robert G. Zimmer

The temple forms an integrative part of the history of the people of God. The presence of God in the temple made it special. This essay provides an overview of the role and function of the temple in both the Old and New Testaments.

  • Read more about The Temple of God
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Christ the First-Fruits

  • Popular
  • Roger Fay

This article looks at the meaning of firstfruit in the Old Testament. The concept of firstfruit was fulfilled in Christ's resurrection. The author discusses what it means for Christ's church that Jesus presented the harvest to the Father.

  • Read more about Christ the First-Fruits
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Genealogies in Scripture

  • Popular
  • R. E. H. Uprichard

This article explains why we have genealogies in the Bible, and looks at the differences between the genealogies of Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38.

  • Read more about Genealogies in Scripture
  • Share
  • Add new comment

The Way

  • Basic
  • George P. van Popta

This article is about Jesus Christ as the way of salvation, and the church as those who belong to The Way.

  • Read more about The Way
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Saint - Are You a Saint?

  • Basic
  • George P. van Popta

This article is about the church as saints of Jesus Christ.

  • Read more about Saint - Are You a Saint?
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Even the Boring Parts - On Exegeting Genealogies

  • Popular
  • Matthew W. Kingsbury

This article is on genealogies and the interpretation of genealogies. Ruth 4:18-22 is also discussed.

  • Read more about Even the Boring Parts - On Exegeting Genealogies
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Barnabas - The Church Builder

  • Popular
  • A. N. Hendriks
  • Read more about Barnabas - The Church Builder
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Apostles

  • Popular
  • J. I. Packer

This article explains the origin, authority, and function of the apostles.

  • Read more about Apostles
  • Share
  • Add new comment

The Elders in Jerusalem in the Book of Acts

  • Popular
  • Jakob van Bruggen

Who were the elders mentioned in Acts 12, 15, and 21? These elders had a very unique function in the church. This article looks at the relation of these elders and the apostles, and these elders and the normal elders that were appointed in each church.

  • Read more about The Elders in Jerusalem in the Book of Acts
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Hebrews 13:14 - For Here We Have No Continuing City

  • Popular
  • P. H. R. van Houwelingen

How important should the city Jerusalem be for the Christian? This article studies the earthly Jerusalem and the heavenly Jerusalem.

  • Read more about Hebrews 13:14 - For Here We Have No Continuing City
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Of Wine and Wineskins

  • Popular
  • Tim Nichols

This article makes observations about wine and wineskins from the texts dealing with the matter (Matthew 9:14-17; Mark 2:18-22; Luke 5:33-39).

  • Read more about Of Wine and Wineskins
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Gold, Incense, and Myrrh

  • Popular
  • Peter J. Leithart

This article shows that the gifts of the magi for the infant Jesus, recorded in the infancy narrative, were not only kingly gifts but also priestly gifts. The article then discusses the import of the three gifts.

  • Read more about Gold, Incense, and Myrrh
  • Share
  • Add new comment

What Would Jesus Drink?

  • Popular
  • Nicholas T. Batzig

What exactly did the Lord Jesus mean when he spoke of the cup he had to drink? This article examines what the Old Testament prophets foretold about that cup, and its impact upon the soul of the Lord when he made mention of it.

  • Read more about What Would Jesus Drink?
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Three Reasons Jesus's Miracles Still Matter Today

  • Popular
  • Vern S. Poythress

This article gives three reasons why the miracles of Jesus are still relevant today: they show that he is fully God, fully human, and the one and only Messiah.

  • Read more about Three Reasons Jesus's Miracles Still Matter Today
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Gentiles and the Ministry of Jesus: Further Observations on Matt 10:5-6; 15:21-28

  • Semi-Technical
  • J. Julius Scott

How did Jesus relate to the Gentiles and what was their role in his ministry? Was Jesus' ministry confined to the Jews? Matthew 10:5-6 and Matthew 15:21-28 are considered to give insight on these aspects of Jesus' ministry.

  • Read more about Gentiles and the Ministry of Jesus: Further Observations on Matt 10:5-6; 15:21-28
  • Share
  • Add new comment

The "Faith of Abraham" Theme in Paul, James and Hebrews: A Study in the Circumstantial Nature of New Testament Teaching

  • Semi-Technical
  • Richard N. Longenecker

Different New Testament writers may employ the same theme in a very different way. This essay explores this reality in Paul (Romans 4 and Galatians 3), James 2, and Hebrews 11. Different circumstances called for a different application. The function of the theme of the faith of Abraham in three different authors is explored.

  • Read more about The "Faith of Abraham" Theme in Paul, James and Hebrews: A Study in the Circumstantial Nature of New Testament Teaching
  • Share
  • Add new comment

The Inaugurated Eschatological Indicative and Imperative in relation to Christian Living and Preaching

  • Semi-Technical
  • Gregory K. Beale

The popular understanding that "latter-days" refers only to the end of the world needs radical adjustment. Beale demonstrates how “inaugurated eschatology” sheds light on a Christian understanding of the end times. The theological idea of the relation of the indicative to the imperative in the New Testament is used to enhance such an understanding.

  • Read more about The Inaugurated Eschatological Indicative and Imperative in relation to Christian Living and Preaching
  • Share
  • Add new comment

A Delightful Inheritance

  • Popular
  • Nigel T. Faithfull

Christians have a wonderful inheritance in Christ. This inheritance was symbolized in the Old Testament through the promise of Canaan. In the new covenant the inheritance is made real through the work of Christ, who is our assurance.

  • Read more about A Delightful Inheritance
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Cyprus in the New Testament

  • Popular
  • Nigel T. Faithfull

This article looks at the missionary travels of Paul through Cyprus. Looking at the cities that Paul visited, this article maintains that the Bible does not record myth, but real people, real cities, and real events. It is real history.

  • Read more about Cyprus in the New Testament
  • Share
  • Add new comment

The Book of Life

  • Popular
  • Timothy J. E. Cross

The book of life shows us that heaven will be a city with citizens - those whose names are written in the book of life. It also shows something about the work of Christ who qualified these citizens to be in the book.

  • Read more about The Book of Life
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Living as Children of the Light

  • Basic
  • Sarah Vandergugten

How does the Bible talk about light? This article is about all the different meanings of light.

  • Read more about Living as Children of the Light
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Light

  • Basic
  • Andrew J. Pol

This article is about Jesus Christ as our light and life (John 1:4).

  • Read more about Light
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Water, Spirit, Fire (Part 3)

  • Popular
  • Adam McIntosh

This article discusses the relationship of the Holy Spirit to water, and how this concerns the relationship between Spirit baptism and water baptism. It discusses relevant passages in Acts, such as Acts 8, Acts 10, and Acts 19.

  • Read more about Water, Spirit, Fire (Part 3)
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Mary of Bethany

  • Semi-Technical
  • F. S. Parnham

This is a biblical meditation on the faith and obedience of Mary of Bethany.

  • Read more about Mary of Bethany
  • Share
  • Add new comment

How Did the Strangers and Sojourners Live? Oikos in Luke: notes on a core Lucan concept

  • Semi-Technical
  • T. M. Hofman

This article looks at the concept of house and household throughout Luke and Acts. Luke uses this concept to describe how the gospel changes social structures. The author discusses the kingdom and the organization of the early church.

  • Read more about How Did the Strangers and Sojourners Live?
  • Share
  • Add new comment

The Women at the Tomb: The Credibility of their Story

  • Popular
  • Richard Bauckham

How credible is the story of the women at the tomb at the time of Jesus' resurrection? And has this story been accurately recorded in the Gospels?

  • Read more about The Women at the Tomb: The Credibility of their Story
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Locusts and Honey

  • Popular
  • Peter J. Leithart

Why did John the Baptist need to live on a diet of locusts and wild honey? This article suggests it was to symbolize his special role in redemptive history.

  • Read more about Locusts and Honey
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Jesus' Burial Clothes

  • Popular
  • James B. Jordan

This article explains the meaning of the burial clothes of the Lord Jesus. It shows how his linen garments spoke of his work as great high priest on the great Day of Atonement. It also indicates how the myrrh and aloes were associated with marriage and kingship.

  • Read more about Jesus' Burial Clothes
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Jesus' Miracles: Types of Spiritual Realities

  • Semi-Technical
  • Nicholas T. Batzig

This article explores the thesis that the healing miracles of the Lord Jesus are really spiritual parables for us. It offers five observations, drawn from Herman Ridderbos' The Coming of the Kingdom, about what the miracles teach us, concluding with the note that Jesus took the sickness of his people upon himself at the cross.

  • Read more about Jesus' Miracles: Types of Spiritual Realities
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Jesus, the True and Greater Gardener

  • Semi-Technical
  • Nicholas T. Batzig

This article considers the theological significance of two garden settings in which Christ carried out his redemptive work: the Garden of Gethsemane and the Garden-tomb. Since the first Adam was called to guard and keep the Garden, and failed, the second Adam was called to do the same—and he succeeded. This article draws the redemptive-historical line from the first garden to the final garden, showing how Jesus is the heavenly gardener and we are a garden to God.

  • Read more about Jesus, the True and Greater Gardener
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Social Involvement in the Apostolic Church

  • Semi-Technical
  • A. Skevington Wood

This article gives an overview of the care taken by the apostolic church of the social needs of people. Relevant texts discussed include Acts 4:32-37, Acts 6:1, Acts 11, 1 Corinthians 16:1-3. 2 Corinthians 8:1-7, and 2 Corinthians 9:1·15.

  • Read more about Social Involvement in the Apostolic Church
  • Share
  • Add new comment

How Should We Read Jesus's Parables?

  • Basic
  • Jared C. Wilson

This article considers ways in which the parables of the Lord Jesus should and should not be read.

  • Read more about How Should We Read Jesus's Parables?
  • Share
  • Add new comment

How Are the Apostles Judged? A Note on 1 Corinthians 3:10-15

  • Semi-Technical
  • Craig A. Evans

How is the work of an apostle to be evaluated? Evans comments on 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 to offer an answer.

  • Read more about How Are the Apostles Judged? A Note on 1 Corinthians 3:10-15
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Small Words - Kata

  • Popular
  • Michael Austin

Small words can have significant meaning in the Bible. Here focus is given to the meaning of kata, from the Greek κατά, which intimates that something follows appropriately or fittingly as a result of a particular action or plan.

  • Read more about Small Words - Kata
  • Share
  • Add new comment

The Task of '' the Seven '' of Acts 6:1-7

  • Popular
  • Jakob van Bruggen

Who were “the seven” in Acts 6 and what was their function in the early church of Jerusalem? This article examines the relation of “the seven” to the other offices in the church.

  • Read more about The Task of '' the Seven '' of Acts 6:1-7
  • Share
  • Add new comment

The Meaning of the Mount of Olives

  • Semi-Technical
  • James B. Jordan

This article explains the meaning and significance of the Mount of Olives in Scripture. It suggests that this is the location where Christ was crucified.

  • Read more about The Meaning of the Mount of Olives
  • Share
  • Add new comment

New Testament Principles of Wholeness

  • Semi-Technical
  • Wiard Popkes

Doe the New Testament speaks of wholeness? Is wholeness a gift of God? Who and what is regarded as whole'? The author tries to discover what he calls principles of wholeness. Different areas of wholeness and the "wholeness" of God are considered.

  • Read more about New Testament Principles of Wholeness
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Prophet and Teacher in the New Testament Period

  • Technical
  • W. Harold Mare

According to 1 Corinthians 12:28, 29 and Ephesians 4:11, are prophets and teachers two distinct offices? How should we see the relationship between the two positions? This paper reflects on this relationship and the place of New Testament prophecy.

  • Read more about Prophet and Teacher in the New Testament Period
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Paul and the Historical Jesus: A Case Study in 1 Corinthians

  • Semi-Technical
  • Stephen J. Bedard

Is it true that the life and teachings of the historical Jesus was at best unimportant and at worst unknown to Paul? This paper devotes attention to 1 Corinthians as a case study on Paul’s knowledge of the life of Jesus.

  • Read more about Paul and the Historical Jesus: A Case Study in 1 Corinthians
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Paul's use of the "in Christ" Formula

  • Technical
  • Brenda B. Colijn

Paul's use of the expression "in Christ" or "in the Lord" has received a great deal of attention in the past century. His use of this formula has implications for his understanding of the person and work of Christ, the Bible's teaching on salvation, what we believe about the return of Christ and the Christian life.

  • Read more about Paul's use of the "in Christ" Formula
  • Share
  • Add new comment

The Historical Jesus among the Rabbis: Prayer, Divorce and Earthly Rewards

  • Technical
  • David Instone-Brewer

This article compares the recorded teachings of Jesus to what is now known about the teaching of rabbis in the first half of the first century. The author looks at three examples: prayer, divorce and earthly rewards. Knowledge of the Rabbinic teachings is used to illuminate the meaning of the recorded words of Jesus.

  • Read more about The Historical Jesus among the Rabbis: Prayer, Divorce and Earthly Rewards
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Mary – Grace and Hope: An Evangelical Anglican Response

  • Technical
  • Martin Davie

Davie was requested to give an Evangelical response to the ARCIC document "Mary – Grace and Hope in Christ". He here offers a helpful introduction to the report’s contents and central conclusions. Davie highlights seven elements in it that Evangelicals could welcome. However, he also notes problems with its argument and, in particular, its claims to have made advances in agreement in relation to the Marian dogmas that divide Anglicans and Roman Catholics.

  • Read more about Mary – Grace and Hope: An Evangelical Anglican Response
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Philemon - The Bible, Slavery and Onesimus

  • Semi-Technical
  • Margaret Killingray

The societies featured in the Bible almost all practiced some form of slavery. When we understand the background to the economic and social life of those societies, whether slavery, marriage or land ownership, it can illuminate the practical and theological implications of the text. This article brings together some of the recent debates and conclusions focusing, particularly on slavery in the New Testament, giving particular attention to Paul’s letter to Philemon.

  • Read more about Philemon - The Bible, Slavery and Onesimus
  • Share
  • Add new comment

The Sign of Jonah

  • Popular
  • Hendrick J. Room

This article provides an exposition and application of the sign of Jonah as discussed in Matthew 12:38-41, Matthew 16:1-4, Mark 8:11-12, and Luke 11:16, 28-31, along with study and discussion questions on the topic.

  • Read more about The Sign of Jonah
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Right sidebar

Featured content

Loading ...

Left sidebar

Library

Loading ...
Forgiveness is man’s deepest need and highest achievement. H. Bushnell
  • Share