In this episode of Exploring the Language of Scripture, Daniel Mikkelsen and New Testament scholar Ian Paul tackle the complexities of the Book of Revelation, addressing common fears and misunderstandings about this often daunting text.

They explore how understanding biblical Greek and Hebrew, alongside the cultural context of scripture, can transform the way we read the Bible—especially Revelation. Ian sheds light on how Greek grammar reveals new dimensions of familiar passages, such as the Lord's Prayer and John 3:16. He also explains why Revelation is so saturated with Old Testament references, and how its apocalyptic imagery—dragons, beasts, and more—should be understood.

Throughout the conversation, they emphasise the importance of reading scripture in community and explore how Revelation offers both challenge and comfort to Christians today. If you've ever wondered how to approach Revelation with confidence, or how biblical languages deepen your understanding of scripture, this episode is for you.

#RevelationExplained #BiblicalLanguages #ChristianTheology

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Don’t miss the next episode: In the next episode, we’ll discuss Temples in the New Testament with Nick Moore.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction
02:03 - Meet Today's Guest: Ian Paul
04:10 - Ian Paul's Journey into Greek and Hebrew
07:10 - Why Original Languages Are Like 3D, Not 2D
09:36 - The Role of Translation in Biblical Interpretation
13:08 - The Complexity of Biblical Texts and Their Interpretations
16:17 - Why Bother Learning Greek?
19:47 - Are We Misunderstanding the Lord's Prayer?
24:25 - Greek Grammar and New Insight into John 3:16
26:20 - When Translations Go Wrong
28:28 - Why Study the Book of Revelation?
34:07 - Why Is Revelation a Feared Book?
36:53 - Why Is Revelation So Strange?
39:44 - What Is Apocalyptic Literature?
45:49 - How Revelation Contains the Full Story of Scripture
49:30 - Revelation Tells Us How It Should Be Received
51:57 - The Most Quoted Old Testament Book in Revelation
53:43 - Revelation: A Book of Challenge and Comfort
55:14 - The Culture Promises What Only God Can Give

Music Credits:
https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/aspire
License code: JUQLWLEQO66EYXCY

Please, let us know what you thoughts on the episode.

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Support the Podcast:
If you enjoyed this episode of "Exploring the Language of Scripture," please consider supporting us. Your support helps keep the podcast ad-free, bring in more guests, and improve our content. Join our supporter programme and access exclusive benefits (such as exclusive Q&As and content, priority for Greek tutoring application, and discounts on tutoring) here: Support the Podcast.

Podcast Keywords:
biblical languages, New Testament, Old Testament, Christ, bible study, Relationship with God, learn biblical languages, Biblical Theology, Christianity, Covenants, New covenant, old covenant, language acquisition, Biblical Greek, Biblical Hebrew.

In this episode of Exploring the Language of Scripture, host Daniel Mikkelsen interviews Craig Blomberg, Professor Emeritus of New Testament at Denver Seminary, renowned for his work in New Testament scholarship and biblical theology. Together, they explore why non-Pauline letters, like James, are often overlooked in the Protestant world. The conversation delves into the significance of biblical languages, how careful interpretation can uncover fresh theological insights, and touches on topics such as double-mindedness and the nature of wisdom in James. They also discuss how traditions have shaped the focus on Paul over other New Testament writings. The episode wraps up with reflections on discipleship and key passages from the broader New Testament.

#biblicalstudies #newtestament #James

Support the Podcast:
If you enjoyed this episode of "Exploring the Language of Scripture," please consider supporting us. Your support helps keep the podcast ad-free, bring in more guests, and improve our content. Join our supporter programme and access exclusive benefits (such as exclusive Q&As and content, priority for Greek tutoring application, and discounts on tutoring) here: https://podcast.ntgreektutoring.co.uk/enroll

Don't miss the next episode: Where we will discuss Revelation with Ian Paul

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:54 Meet Craig Blomberg
03:43 A Journey into New Testament Studies
07:33 Greek Grammar and Romans
8:28: What We Often Miss
13:00 How Greek Shaped Luther and the Reformation
16:56 Why We Overlook Non-Pauline Letters
18:52 Wisdom from James: Trials, Wealth, and Generosity
27:26 The Double-Minded Person in James
31:14 Defining Wisdom in the Letter of James
35:10 Applying Wisdom to Everyday Life
38:45 Jesus' Genealogy and Its Link to Discipleship

Music Credits:
https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/aspire
License code: JUQLWLEQO66EYXCY

Please, let us know what you thoughts on the episode.

Support the show

Support the Podcast:
If you enjoyed this episode of "Exploring the Language of Scripture," please consider supporting us. Your support helps keep the podcast ad-free, bring in more guests, and improve our content. Join our supporter programme and access exclusive benefits (such as exclusive Q&As and content, priority for Greek tutoring application, and discounts on tutoring) here: Support the Podcast.

Podcast Keywords:
biblical languages, New Testament, Old Testament, Christ, bible study, Relationship with God, learn biblical languages, Biblical Theology, Christianity, Covenants, New covenant, old covenant, language acquisition, Biblical Greek, Biblical Hebrew.

In this episode of Exploring the Language of Scripture, Daniel Mikkelsen, founder of NT Greek Tutoring, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Conrad Elmelund, a PhD candidate at Lund University. They delve into the significance of textual criticism and its role beyond mere apologetics.

Conrad sheds light on the distinction between textual criticism (lower criticism), which examines manuscript evidence, and biblical criticism (higher criticism), which explores the sources and composition of the text. They discuss the impact of studying the New Testament in its original languages, the role of textual criticism in understanding the Gospels, and how textual transmission affects our interpretation of Scripture.

The episode also explores Conrad’s personal journey into biblical languages, the nuances of textual transmission, and the historical context of manuscript copying. They highlight the value of being part of a longstanding tradition of Bible readers and the importance of recognising one's place within this historical continuum.

Join Daniel and Conrad as they unpack these essential topics and reflect on how textual criticism enriches our understanding of the Bible and our connection to its historical legacy.

#TextualCriticism #BiblicalLanguages #NewTestamentStudies


Don't miss the next episode: Exploring the Epistle of James with Craig Blomberg.


Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
02:03 Meet Conrad Elmelund
03:52 Passion for Biblical Languages
08:35 Expertise in New Testament Studies
10:52 Insights Gained from the Greek Text
15:06 Navigating Clarity and Ambiguity
17:14 Stimulating Thoughtful Reflection
22:05 Ongoing Discoveries in Scripture
23:38 Textual Criticism vs. Biblical Criticism
28:17 The Interplay of the Gospels
32:11 The Value of Textual Criticism
36:48 Unpacking Textual Transmission
38:32 The Challenges of Manuscript Copying
41:40 The Impact of Textual Traditions
45:32 Approximating the Original Text
47:27 Understanding the Author’s Voice
50:19 Interpreting within a Historical Context
53:52 The Legacy of the Text
57:39 Being Part of a Historical Tradition

Music Credits:
https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/aspire
License code: HRXIIHMCKTFP3HYS

Please, let us know what you thoughts on the episode.

Support the show

Support the Podcast:
If you enjoyed this episode of "Exploring the Language of Scripture," please consider supporting us. Your support helps keep the podcast ad-free, bring in more guests, and improve our content. Join our supporter programme and access exclusive benefits (such as exclusive Q&As and content, priority for Greek tutoring application, and discounts on tutoring) here: Support the Podcast.

Podcast Keywords:
biblical languages, New Testament, Old Testament, Christ, bible study, Relationship with God, learn biblical languages, Biblical Theology, Christianity, Covenants, New covenant, old covenant, language acquisition, Biblical Greek, Biblical Hebrew.