The Biblical Unitarian Podcast

Hebrews 1:10-12 is one of the most difficult passages for Biblical Unitarians, especially in light of its apparent designation of Jesus as the creator of the heavens and the earth. This episode offers a few suggestions on ways in which the text probably was intended to be understood by the author of Hebrews, focusing specifically on the precise wording of the citation from Psalm 102, the ongoing a...

Hebrews 1:6 presents some interesting interpretive issues for such a lesser-known passage. We discuss the meaning of the "world" where God led Jesus (and whether this was the first time or the second time this has occurred). We also explore the meaning of "firstborn" in the current argument between Jesus' status and that of the heavenly angels. We also look into how the heavenly realm is framed in...

Hebrews 1:5 cites two passages from the Old Testament that both speak about God becoming the Father of the Son. Some have interpreted these passages in light of the argument in the Book of Hebrews to refer to Jesus' birth, where Jesus came into existence. Others have suggested that these quotations are referring to Jesus' baptism or even his resurrection/exaltation. This episode discusses the meri...

In this episode, we explore whether the author of the Book of Hebrews teaches Wisdom Christology in the opening three verses. We give an honest listen to what other scholars are saying about this possibility, we interact with modern objections, we look at the evidence for allusions to personified wisdom, and discuss the possibility of typology as the probable relationship between wisdom and Jesus....

As we begin our study of the Book of Hebrews, we need to identify the main actors--God and Jesus. This episode looks at the person of God, his roles, and the ways in which he interacts with his creation. We also look at Jesus, the various ways he is described, and the difficult passages involving him. Lastly, we explore how God and Jesus interact and are distinguished throughout the Book of Hebrew...

This episode explores the history, language, and persons involved in the transmission of the Johannine Comma, which is the textual corruption of 1 John 5:7-8 that mentions the oneness of the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit. The facts presented are organized into ten points. Please consider supporting this Podcast and future projects by donating at: https://www.paypal.me/10mintruthtalks      ...

As we wrap up our study of Pauline Yahweh texts for Jesus, we look at 1 Cor 10:26, 2 Cor 3:16-17, and the future "day of the Lord." David Capes, a leading scholar in the field of early high Christology, argues that these passages clearly indicate that Jesus is the referent to OT Yahweh texts. This episode looks closely at each of these passages, their OT counterparts, and suggests that Dr Capes is...

As we continue to understand how Paul uses OT Yahweh passages for Jesus, we note that Paul cites Jer. 9:24 in both 1 Cor. 1:31 and 2 Cor. 10:17. Yet Paul's intent does not seem Christological in either instance. Furthermore, we explore Paul's quotation of Isa. 40:13 for both the Father and for Jesus (allegedly). While it is ultimately concluded that Paul does occasionally cite Yahweh passages for...

This week's episode continues to explore the ways in which Paul cites OT Yahweh passages for Christ (and for God). We note that Paul is flexible with some of his quotations, demonstrating that the original referent in the OT citation can come to have a new referent in Paul's letters. We also explore a passage that David Capes, a leading scholar in the field of early high Christology, argues is a O...

In this episode, we begin exploring how the Apostle Paul used OT YHWH texts for both God and for Jesus. We note how Philippians 2 indicates that God has shared the divine name with the risen and exalted Jesus. We also see another passage referring to Jesus' lordship that indicates that he possesses the shared divine name, which Paul indicates with a YHWH citation from the Old Testament. Lastly, we...

The New Testament authors felt comfortable using Yahweh texts from the Hebrew Bible for the human Jesus. Some scholars have concluded that this data indicates that the NT authors identified Jesus as Yahweh, but this is problematic for many reasons. This episode will introduce the concept of OT Yahweh passages used in the NT for Jesus, looking at some examples as well as some helpful parallels in s...

This episode closely studies Titus 2:13--a passage that is often used to suggest Jesus Christ is called "God." Titus 2:13 is a well-known ambiguous passage when it comes to the Greek, and it is certainly possible that Jesus is distinguished from the great God (i.e., the Father). This episode will look at both interpretations, examine the strengths of their arguments, and offer a nuanced reading th...

In this episode, we explore how the concept of God's "word" (Aramaic: "memra") is used in Targum Neofiti. After surveying the four ways in which this Aramaic Targum interprets the activity of the God of Israel in light of his word/memra, we turn to the prologue of John's Gospel (John 1:1-18) in order to see how the context created by Neofiti's use of word/memra helps us better understand God and h...

This episode explores how the "Word of God" (Aramaic: "memra") was used to explain the activity of the God of Israel in the Jewish Targum Onkelos. After organizing the various ways that Onkelos understands and uses the "memra" of God in the Torah, we look at John 1:1-18 to see if our reading of that passage is illuminated by the Jewish context created by Targum Onkelos. We conclude that the memra...

In this episode, we continue exploring how early Christians understood Jesus functioning within sacrificial terminology that was reserved for God alone. The Book of Hebrews has a lot to say about Jesus as a high priest and as one who sacrificially offered himself to the one God. We also look at Paul's theology of the death of Jesus to see how the cross is understood in terms of a sin offering. Las...

In this episode, we explore the function of sacrifices in the Ancient Near East, particularly in the ways they were differentiated from acts of worship and bowing down. Since the gods were understood to be the intended object of the offering of sacrifices and burnt offerings, we are able to examine early Christian "sacrificial" language to see whom they regarded as the true object. We note in our...

In this episode, we explore a 2004 article written by James Dunn on whether Jesus Christ was a Jewish monotheist. Dunn argues from Jesus' pious upbringing, his teachings within the gospel accounts, and the lasting impact upon his earliest followers that Jesus was, in fact, an adherer to monotheism. Please consider supporting this Podcast and future projects by donating at: https://www.paypal.me/10...

In this episode, we explore the often overlooked meaning of the phrase Maranatha, which is an Aramaic expression meaning "Our Lord, Come!" We look into the significance of Paul using this phrase without translating it into Greek for his Greek-speaking audience. We also explore the arguably earliest Aramaic targums to see how the noun mar ("Lord") was used to determining whether Maranatha could ref...

In the final episode dealing with Mark's Christology, we look at the events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus. First, we explore the significance of a concentration of "King of the Jews" references in Mark chapter 15, asking why it is that Mark has waited until Jesus' death to associate this royal title with Jesus. Next, we look at Jesus' citation of Psalm 22 in calling God "My God" and discern...

In the final days before Jesus' death on the cross, Mark's narrative continues to unpack what it means to be the Son of God. In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked passage where Jesus is anointed with a costly perfume, which arguably furthers Mark's agenda of redefining the meaning of Son of God to include notions of one who dies for the people. Next, we look closely at Jesus' prayer in...

In this episode, we will devote all our attention to Mark 13:32, where Jesus claims his ignorance regarding the exact dating of the Son of Man's coming. Only the Father knows this crucial date. We examine the implications of this admission by Jesus for Mark's Christology and consider if high views of Jesus fit with the conclusions of this verse. We also survey early Christian interpreters of Mark...

Mark chapter 12 offers much data regarding monotheism, Christology, and Jesus' relationship to God. In this episode, we first explore the Parable of the Wicked Tenants, where Jesus is sent by God and God is portrayed in an interesting manner. Second, we look closely at how Jesus defined the Jewish God, and in doing so, expresses his commitment to unitary monotheism. Lastly, we explore how to make...

Jesus' entry into Jerusalem entails noteworthy stories regarding his authority and relationship to God. In this episode, we first examine the parodying nature of the triumphal entry and focus on the Christological understanding of the crowds witnessing the event. Second, we look closely at Jesus' actions within the temple and his words towards the new temple community consisting of the disciples....

This episode focuses entirely on the initial dialogue between the rich young ruler and Jesus, where Jesus plainly deflects the good compliment and claims instead that no one is good but God alone. While this basic statement made by Jesus clearly suggests that he is not the good God, this has not stopped an army of internet apologists from trying to find ways to get the text to say that Jesus reall...

This episode looks at the portrayals of Jesus within Mark chapter 9. We first explore the account of the Transfiguration to see if we should conclude that Jesus is either divine or a prophet like Moses. We then turn to look at predictions of the suffering Son of Man and ask what this means and where the Old Testament speaks of the suffering of the Son of Man. Lastly, we explore what Mark possibly...