The Bible as Literature

In today’s program, Fr. Paul explains how the dust of the ground is the curse, and uncovers a parallel in the text between Adam in the story and the kings that oppress God’s city city, a reading that hinges on the versatility of the Hebrew word marshal.(Episode 71) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

This homily was delivered on June 8, 2019 at St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in loving memory of Daniel Anthony del Castillo. May his memory be eternal.  ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Critics of the Bible often complain about its violent stories. How could the Bible be considered sacred, they ask, when it is full of so much cruelty and abuse? The answer—of course—is that it is human civilization that is overflowing with cruelty and violence, and the Bible holds this fact up to our face. Almost always, those who cringe at its stories are those who can’t face the truth about them...

This week, Fr. Paul continues his discussion of Genesis 3, highlighting the functional connection between nahash and idolatry, and concluding with a review of the Bible’s critique of Plato. (Episode 70) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

So often, we hear Scripture in translation and assume a meaning for its words based on how we use those words in our modern language. When we do this, we make three mistakes. First, we forget that the way words are used can change over time; second, we disregard the problem of translation; third, and most importantly, we ignore the author's use of the term, which may part ways even with the way th...

This week, Fr. Paul explains the Hebrew word play in Genesis 3, underscoring, as always, the criticality of the original languages. While he has often emphasized that Genesis 1-4 contains the entire message of the Bible, he is quick to point out that this message is found in the hearing of the original Hebrew words, which reappear later in the biblical canon, and not in the understandings in our m...

The famous Negro Spiritual, “Keep Your Eyes on the Prize,” captures the spirit of Matthew 10. The hymn calls to mind an array of Scriptural passages to encourage and enjoin the faithful to run the race set before them.  In its famous verse: “Keep your hand on the Gospel plow; Won't take nothing for my journey now;” the hymn’s anonymous authors understand that in the work the Bible demands of us, w...

This week, Fr. Paul expands on his discussion of the creation of woman, noting the introduction of two new words to define ha adam—ish and ishah—terms that twist the original intention of God in the story. (Episode 68) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Insofar as Matthew’s Genealogy in chapter 1 dismantles and ridicules the patrilineal line of David, it provides context for our understanding of the names of the Twelve in chapter 10. Where the name Matthew looks ahead, offering the hope of his gospel for Israel, the names that come after foreshadow a gift—a “Matthan”—already rejected. These names, which should mark hope and a return from exile, i...

In this week’s episode Fr. Paul continues his discussion of Genesis 2 highlighting its interconnection with Genesis 3. Beginning with verse 16 and the Lord God’s commandment than man not partake of the tree of knowledge, Fr. Paul will explain how death as punishment in the biblical story is not the same as natural death. He will also talk about his famous reading, that the creation of woman, who w...

As in the case of the Matthean Genealogy, our understanding of the summoning of the Twelve Apostles in Matthew 10 depends heavily upon the meaning of names. Not only their meaning, but their placement within Matthew’s list and their language of origin, taken in context of the broader narrative—all of which is amplified by the importance of the number twelve as a metaphor for the tribes of Israel. ...

In this week’s episode Fr. Paul explains how verse 15 of Genesis 2, literally impossible to hear in translation, serves as a powerful hinge for the entire Bible. (Episode 66) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Among the many themes emphasized in the Gospel of Matthew, none are more ominous than the admonitions given to those who would teach. It is the teachers of the people who must protect what is sacred; it is the teachers, above all others, who must not judge; it is the teachers who are responsible for the wellbeing of the flock; and, in Matthew 9, it is these teachers, entrusted with knowledge and t...

In this week’s episode, Fr. Paul continues his discussion of Genesis 2 with the importance of rain, breath, and the garden of Eden, located toward the east in the Syrian desert, a critical point in his book, the Rise of Scripture. (Episode 65) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Of the many attributes of a society in decline, none are more despicable than the degradation of speech. The inability to listen, the intent to smear and demonize so that others are not heard, the ideological delusion that leads us to believe such smears, born of our lies and marketing spin—all of this—is extremely dangerous and the epitome of evil because it erodes our ability to form community....

Fr. Paul explains the interplay between Genesis 1:1 and 2:4. (Episode 64)  ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Instead of teaching Hebrew and Greek (to empower others to read Scripture) modern Christians talk about how wonderful Jesus is, how much he has done for them, and how much they love him. Instead of leading Bible study, they “testify” to miracles in their life and why others should “believe.” The problem with this approach is that it is in direct disobedience to Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew.  Ric...

This week, Fr. Paul begins his discussion of Genesis 2. (Episode 63)  ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Ritual purity, which depends on the Temple and its customs to relieve people of their burdens, falls short of the cleaness demanded in the Bible. Does touching something really make you unclean, or was the Law given to show that you are not clean and you cannot make yourself clean? At this point, whether or not we got the point is a mute point, since the Temple has been destroyed.  Richard and Fr....

In this week’s episode Fr. Paul explains the significance of the phrase “male and female he created them.” (Episode 62) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

When the disciples of John ask why the disciples of Jesus do not fast, they betray their disregard for the Lord’s unique station as the Messiah and earthly representative of the Father. Jesus is their king who brings the Law of the Kingdom. As the Bridegroom, he is the head of the feast and the reason for the gathering. He is also the only person able to do what that Law requires. As such, the onl...

The first part of Fr. Paul's concluding remarks on Genesis 1, (Episode 61)  ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

By reason of his profession, Matthew, like Paul (who persecuted the church), was sent to preach the gospel as one despised by his addressees. How could a Jew who collaborates with Roman authorities approach his fellow Jews to collect taxes for their occupier? Worse, how could the Lord send such a person to preach his Gospel? Richard and Fr. Marc discuss the Gospel of Matthew 9:9-13. Episode 272 Ma...

Fr. Paul discusses the Hebrew terms ish and isha in Isaiah 2 as they relate to Genesis. (Episode 60) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Students of the Bible often wrongly emphasize the sins of individuals over and above the forgiveness of sins as a general proclamation of the King. When this proclamation is contextualized in the New Testament, it pertains to redemption—literally, ones purchase in the marketplace—and the paying off, or “forgiveness” of former debts. The news of this forgiveness is a warning: yes, your debts have b...