A United Methodist Pastor's Theological Reflections

"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory (nikos) through our Lord Jesus Christ." - I Corinthians 15:57


Wednesday, October 6, 2010

The New Testament Word/Phrase of the Week


The New Testament bible scholar, Dr. Tom Wright, has produced a glossary of New Testament words/phrases that is really helpful for the study of scripture. What I like most about his definition of New Testament words is that he helps us to know what a Jewish person from the 1st century would have understood these words/phrases to mean. Too often, we allow our 21st century world view to get in the way of the original meaning.

The New Testament Word/Phrase of the Week: Herodians

Herod the Great ruled Judaea from 37 to 4 BC; after his death, his territory was divided between his sons Archelaus, Herod Antipas (the Herod of the gospels), and Philip. The Herodians supported the claims of Antipas to be the true king of the Jews. Though the Pharisees would normally oppose such a claim, they could make common cause with the Herodians when facing a common threat (e.g. Jesus, Mark 3:6).
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