JFJ Forums

Hello, everyone

I was hoping someone could help me with a couple of questions.  

I have come to the conclusion that in order to understand the NT better, I need to make a move in thinking by trying to understand it within the context of the writers and Jesus being Jewish.

I think there are contexts within Hebrew thought and writing style for the NT that the Greek/English is not giving me.

Can anyone recommend some reading I can do to make myself more familiar with culture, use of language, etc.?  

Or are there other suggestions on how to go about learning some of this?

Thanks for any suggestions you may have.

i find that reading a hebrew and greek lexicon helps me by what the writters of the bible are refering to.


sometimes we might get an idea what a verse means but when you check it with a greek lexicon it means something different.


a greek lexicon would be a good start to get to udnerstanding The NT words

Thank you for the suggestion.  I use a Marshall interlinear Greek/English Bible now as a study tool.

My thinking came about in a rather offhanded way - someone gave an outlandish thought on binding and loosening.  When I started determining what exactly this means in a way they could study for themselves, I found that within a Jewish context, it speaks towards rabbis' interpretation of the law for people.  That idea is TOTALLY lost in Greek or English thought.

It occurred to me there are probably many contexts in the NT gospels I am missing simply from being unfamiliar with Jewish culture, writing styles and contexts.

I read a small commentary by D. Bivin, who supports the idea of an original Hebrew text behind the Aramaic or Greek versions, and he made several convincing arguments.  

So - basically, since there is so much to choose from as far as reading material and my time is short most days, my sister suggested this website as a place someone might be able to recommend reading material on these ideas.

I appreciate your suggestion.  

Be well.
J.

I'm shaking my head, here - I wrote a reply and did not include the important question.

Do you have a preference as to Hebrew and Greek lexicons?

Hi jackson,

I recommend these ministries to you:

Perry Stone--Voice of Evangelism: http://www.voe.org/
Perry uses Hebrew roots, word studies, and prophetic interpretation to reveal the fullness of God's word
as the Spirit is being poured out--even upon our very generation!
Get some of Perry's DVDs. They are typically 2 hrs long and packed with Hebrew cultural details and prophetic insights. Perry's staff has made many great props that make the teaching most interesting and help you understand at a glance many of the significant points being made.


Jews for Jesus: http://www.jewsforjesus.org/resources

Zolla Levitt Ministries: http://www.levitt.com/

Ariel Ministries: http://www.ariel.org/


GoyOfY'shua has often recommended:
Yeshuat Yisrael Congregation's webpage:http://www.yeshuatyisrael.com/
It looks to have a lot of great info on it!


I think Grant Jeffrey also has some profound insights: http://www.grantjeffrey.com/

We know what we worship:
for salvation is of the Jews.

from John 4:21-26

Thank you very much for the posted sites.  I will be sure to visit them.

I've been searching around a bit and found a lot of good material on the web.  I posted on a thread, but I have to admit to being a bit lost on this forum and now I am not quite sure where I posted them.

*Shakes head*

Thanks.
Be well

I read a book called Copercus and the Jews.  It was requiered reading for a certain messianic synagogue.  To be honest, it was so into the Jewishness I was offened by it at first.

But the book has some good points.  In particular diathekay covenant, the New Covenant, I forget what he said but it made sense.

The author also says the greek of the NT is Jewish Greek.

Hi jackson,

To find your previous posts:

1. Log on.

2. L Click on User CP at the top of the page.

3. L Click on View Profile in the bottom left column on your
User Control Panel page.

4. L Click on Find All Posts in the Forum Info box displayed on the
left side of your Profile page.

There they are.


And Welcome to these forums!

FN

Also, check the thread "Should I get a Hebrew Bible?" (or something like that.)

LOTS of great info there!!!!

I read an excellent book about New Testament history.  It is a novel that includes as much historical fact as possible and then fills in the gaps with believable fiction.

Pontius Pilate: A Novel (Paperback)
by Paul L. Maier (Author) "A salvo of trumpet blasts echoed across Rome, saluting the sunrise on the first of April, A.D. 26..." (more)

This novel is $2.78 at amazon.com. Paul Maier is a Lutheran pastor with a PHD in Biblical History.  He was also a seminary professor.

He has other good books about early Christian history, as well.