In the New Testament world, genealogies were important. In fact, two of the four Gospels include records of Jesus’ ancestry. Find out more about Jesus’ lineage and its significance. Family roots were very important to the Jewish people. In traditional cultures, genealogies identify the status of people in relation… Read More

Who were these bandits who attacked the stricken traveler? There are two distinct terms in the Greek language of the New Testament. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Luke chooses the term “lestes,” which describes a violent member of a group. Before one can fully appreciate the story… Read More

For many North Americans, interactions with animals are summarized neatly in terms of pets, pests, and meat. Yet the lives of the ancient Israelites and the early Christians were filled with animals. They play important roles in Biblical stories as a source of praise to God and revelation of the… Read More

The Letters of Paul include some of the oldest writings in the New Testament. The dates of his earliest letters most likely fall in the period A.D. 50–60 and were written before the Gospels, Acts, and other New Testament writings. The Letters of Paul include some of the oldest… Read More

Education in Israel remained a constant and powerful force in Israelite homes and society. The form and content of education changed with the needs of various times and places. In early days, the educational needs had primarily been served by the tribe and the family. By the first century B.C.,… Read More

The term Hellenism describes the military and political control by Greek leaders over five centuries beginning with Alexander the Great (336–323 B.C.). Hellenism also refers to the large cultural movement that expanded across the empire. This epoch produced a new view of humankind. Education was responsible for this advance. Read More

Even before the time of Jesus, Jewish teachers had discussed the Law of Moses and whether there were one or more commands that summarized the whole law. This debate is easily seen in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. The debate also seems to be behind Luke’s account, which immediately… Read More

A negative view of Samaritans is found in many sources. These include the Hebrew scriptures, the New Testament, first century historian Josephus, and rabbinic writings. Learn more about the history of the Samaritans. The parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10.29–37 plays upon, and reverses, the typically negative… Read More

In “The Good Samaritan,” an interesting and subtle dynamic has gone mostly unnoticed. A recklessly eager lawyer schemes to draw Jesus into an argument. Instead of offering an answer that would be open to legal nitpicking, however, Jesus tells a story. In Luke’s telling of “The Good Samaritan,” an… Read More

Although parables are related to other kinds of speech like riddles and proverbs, parables emphasize story. Jesus’ parables are short stories that refer to God’s realm of power, God’s kingdom. In Luke’s Gospel the parable of the Good Samaritan is part of Jesus’ conversation with a lawyer about… Read More