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Papers by Mark Keown
Stimulus: The New Zealand Journal of Christian Thought and Practice, Apr 1, 2012
A piecing together of Paul's understanding of the mission of the local church.
Stimulus: The New Zealand Journal of Christian Thought and Practice, Nov 1, 2012
Journal for the study of Paul and his letters, 2015
Philippians 1:19–26 is a difficult passage in which Paul appears simultaneously to have genuine c... more Philippians 1:19–26 is a difficult passage in which Paul appears simultaneously to have genuine concern for his potential death (1:20–21, 23a), the capacity to choose his fate and to withhold disclosing this choice in writing (1:22c), and yet utter certainty of release (1:25). This article proposes a fresh solution for Paul's situation, namely, that at the time of writing, Paul, with help from friends at his point of incarceration (1:13; 4:22), was considering escape from prison dependent on the outcome of his forthcoming trial. To make this case, I first explicate the dilemma the text poses. Then, I discuss other possible solutions, noting that all have limitations. I then outline the elements of a possible escape plan, demonstrating how it fulfils the requirements of Philippians, the historical setting in which escape was not uncommon, and Paul's thought and mission that includes his previous escape (2 Cor 11:32). I finally counter possible objections to the idea, arguing that none of them are terminal. I argue not that Paul necessarily used escape to leave his imprisonment but that escape is a plausible suggestion to be considered alongside a range of others by students of Paul and Philippians.
Stimulus, 2023
Colossians 4:5-6 is one of the few passages where Paul directly urges his converts to share the f... more Colossians 4:5-6 is one of the few passages where Paul directly urges his converts to share the faith. Paul's words are sage advice with timeless relevance. In this article, I unpack the text and make suggestions concerning evangelism today.
College. In this paper, I will consider some implications of Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 14 ... more College. In this paper, I will consider some implications of Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 14 for the use of language in the contemporary church. This will not be an in-depth exegesis of the passage, but I will draw from it to make some comments for a way ahead concerning the use of language in a contemporary multicultural church with a dominant common language-in our case, English. I will briefly describe our Auckland setting, my church context, and our passion for interculturalism. I will then look at 1 Corinthians 12-14, state my thesis, consider Paul's concerns, and give some thoughts for my church and others. 2. The New Zealand and Auckland Scene Like many western countries, New Zealand is becoming increasingly diverse. Auckland, where I live, is labeled a super-diverse city. In the 2018 NZ census, 45 percent of Aucklanders identified with an ethnic minority (compared with 40.2 percent of London [2011]). Since European colonization, New Zealand has largely been known as a European country. While this remains the case, certainly in the northern areas of New Zealand (NZ), the demographics have shifted considerably. At the 2018 census, according to Lorna Thornbar, 53.2 percent of Aucklanders identified as European, 28.2 per cent as Asian, 15.5
Stimulus, 2018
An exploration of how Paul's interaction with Philemon is a great example of restorative justice ... more An exploration of how Paul's interaction with Philemon is a great example of restorative justice concerning the fugitive Onesimus. https://hail.to/laidlaw-college/article/JPbSchD.
Ephesians and Colossians are clearly written by the same author, whether someone writing in Paul'... more Ephesians and Colossians are clearly written by the same author, whether someone writing in Paul's name after his death or, as I consider more likely, the Apostle Paul in the period AD 52 to 62. The common authorship is evident with the similar style, theology, and ecclesiology, among other similarities. 1 The mention of Tychicus toward the end of both letters suggests Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon were delivered around the same time (Eph 6:21; Col 4:7). The absence of en Ephesō in some important witnesses indicates it was designed to be distributed widely. 2 While Eph lacks an obvious occasion, such as division or false teaching, the material I will cover today indicates that cultural inclusion is one of its key themes. Colossians was likely written to Colossae, and there are indications of cultural issues in the church. Paul's teaching propounds an inclusive church. 2 This paper will assess the two letters drawing out Paul's vision of an inclusive and intercultural church. First, I will consider Ephesians focusing on 2:11-21, and second, Colossians, especially 3:1-17.
The Death of Christ , 2022
An essay intended for publication in Discovering the New Testament but deleted. It discusses the ... more An essay intended for publication in Discovering the New Testament but deleted. It discusses the death of Jesus, what happened, and its significance.
all, this is how he wanted to be known. Unlike the notions "Lord" or "Son of God" which are Greek... more all, this is how he wanted to be known. Unlike the notions "Lord" or "Son of God" which are Greek ideas, and like "Messiah" (Christ), it is very a Jewish concept with no real parallel outside of the Jewish writings. It is found in all four Gospels. Yet outside the Gospels it is used very infrequently found only in Acts 7:56; Heb 2:6 2 (quoting Ps 8:5), and Rev 1:13 and 14:14 (alluding to Dan 7:13). This indicates that, while it was important to Jesus, it did not remain an important Christological title for the early church after his ascension. As Jesus preferred it, it is critical we do not neglect it in considering who is Jesus.
Bible Studies, Discovering the New Testament, Oct 31, 2018
Journal for the Study of Paul and His Letters, 2015
Philippians 1:19–26 is a difficult passage in which Paul appears simultaneously to have genuine c... more Philippians 1:19–26 is a difficult passage in which Paul appears simultaneously to have genuine concern for his potential death (1:20–21, 23a), the capacity to choose his fate and to withhold disclosing this choice in writing (1:22c), and yet utter certainty of release (1:25). This article proposes a fresh solution for Paul's situation, namely, that at the time of writing, Paul, with help from friends at his point of incarceration (1:13; 4:22), was considering escape from prison dependent on the outcome of his forthcoming trial. To make this case, I first explicate the dilemma the text poses. Then, I discuss other possible solutions, noting that all have limitations. I then outline the elements of a possible escape plan, demonstrating how it fulfils the requirements of Philippians, the historical setting in which escape was not uncommon, and Paul's thought and mission that includes his previous escape (2 Cor 11:32). I finally counter possible objections to the idea, arguing ...
Stimulus: The New Zealand Journal of Christian Thought and Practice, 2012
A piecing together of Paul's understanding of the mission of the local church.
Stimulus: The New Zealand Journal of Christian Thought and Practice, 2012
Christian Origins and the Establishment of the Early Jesus Movement
It is commonly held in NT scholarship that there was expectation of an imminent parousia within t... more It is commonly held in NT scholarship that there was expectation of an imminent parousia within the first generation of the church.1 For example, I.H. Marshall, writing in 1970, states, "[o]n this point there is there is complete agreement among scholars."2 It is commonly viewed that this hope was dashed and that later writings such as Luke-Acts, the inauthentic Paulines, and some of the General Epistles reflect the church dealing with the so-called "delay of the Parousia." The expectation of an imminent Parousia is especially held for Mark's3 Gospel (especially Mark 9:1; 13:30)4 and the undisputed Pauline Epistles (e.g. Rom 13:12; 1Cor 7:26; Phil 4:5). This essay will explore this claim from the perspective of Mark and Paul. I will argue that, while it is likely that there were Christians who considered that the Parousia was imminent (e.g. 2Thess 2:1-2;52 Pet 3:4),6 it is unlikely the authors of Mark and the Pauline corpus held to a view of an imminent Parousia. I am not the first to argue this. Many have argued against an imminent Parousia in Mark and Paul on a text by text basis.7 Rather, I will argue that this is unlikely on three other connected grounds.
Journal for the Study of the New Testament
Nienhuis argues convincingly that many standard ‘Introductions to the New Testament’ are so thick... more Nienhuis argues convincingly that many standard ‘Introductions to the New Testament’ are so thick that they do not leave students time to read the scriptures themselves. Hence his own Introduction is a slim volume with few footnotes which invites readers to focus on the Bible. Nienhuis wrote it in the conviction that the Bible is the Word of God which teaches us how to be disciples of Jesus. He thus includes applications of the message of the books, and at some places becomes almost sermonic. His third conviction is that the origins and authorship of the documents are of little importance, so he largely ignores these matters. The fourth conviction behind this book, the one where this reviewer’s doubts begin, is that the canonical order of the books is meaningful; hence Nienhuis discusses the transitions from one book (or group of books) to the next. Nienhuis’s fifth conviction, known from his previous publications, is that the Catholic Epistles (CE) are a special, well-ordered and highly significant collection. Like Acts and Hebrews, the CE are meant to guard against misreadings of Paul. In my view the resulting picture of the CE – of which 2 and 3 John are not even discussed! – is almost a caricature. After the introduction, the book has eight more chapters: one on each of the gospels, Acts, Paul, the CE and Revelation. Each is followed by questions for personal devotional reflection. There are a ten-page glossary, a short list of further reading, and indexes. The style is clear and accessible. Not only students, but also groups within churches might use this book with profit – provided someone gives an alternative view of the CE.
Paul and His Social Relations, 2012
This chapter discusses how the theme of social relationships runs through the letter, including d... more This chapter discusses how the theme of social relationships runs through the letter, including divine-human relations, relationships within the church community, and also relationships toward society. It then shifts our attention to the Christ-hymn and in particular Phil 2:6–8, setting this passage in its context and explaining its rhetorical import within the fabric of the Philippian letter. The chapter discusses how the pattern of the Christ-hymn is paradigmatic for Paul’s understanding of social relationships both in terms of church and world in Philippians. It describes the other Pauline epistles (aside from the Pastorals), demonstrating that this Christ-pattern underpins Paul’s understanding of social relationships in those writings as well. The chapter demonstrates that Paul’s understanding of social relationships in all contexts is theologically driven, particularly by his Christology and by the pattern of the cross. Keywords:christ-pattern; church; Jesus; Paul; Pauline Epistles; Philippians; social relationship
Stimulus, 2012
A discussion of how much churches should sing in their gathered worship.
Stimulus, 2012
A piecing together of Paul's understanding of the mission of the local church.
Stimulus Journal, 2016
Richard Bauckham in his epic work Jesus and the Eyewitnesses suggests that those named in the Gos... more Richard Bauckham in his epic work Jesus and the Eyewitnesses suggests that those named in the Gospels are likely participants and witnesses to the events with which they are associated. I draw out the implications of this for the question of who did evangelism in the early Christian movement. Those named were likely people who told their story in the process of early evangelization.
Stimulus Journal, 2015
A brief discussion of Paul's slogan in 1 Cor 4:6 and its importance for contemporary Christians.
Stimulus: The New Zealand Journal of Christian Thought and Practice, Apr 1, 2012
A piecing together of Paul's understanding of the mission of the local church.
Stimulus: The New Zealand Journal of Christian Thought and Practice, Nov 1, 2012
Journal for the study of Paul and his letters, 2015
Philippians 1:19–26 is a difficult passage in which Paul appears simultaneously to have genuine c... more Philippians 1:19–26 is a difficult passage in which Paul appears simultaneously to have genuine concern for his potential death (1:20–21, 23a), the capacity to choose his fate and to withhold disclosing this choice in writing (1:22c), and yet utter certainty of release (1:25). This article proposes a fresh solution for Paul's situation, namely, that at the time of writing, Paul, with help from friends at his point of incarceration (1:13; 4:22), was considering escape from prison dependent on the outcome of his forthcoming trial. To make this case, I first explicate the dilemma the text poses. Then, I discuss other possible solutions, noting that all have limitations. I then outline the elements of a possible escape plan, demonstrating how it fulfils the requirements of Philippians, the historical setting in which escape was not uncommon, and Paul's thought and mission that includes his previous escape (2 Cor 11:32). I finally counter possible objections to the idea, arguing that none of them are terminal. I argue not that Paul necessarily used escape to leave his imprisonment but that escape is a plausible suggestion to be considered alongside a range of others by students of Paul and Philippians.
Stimulus, 2023
Colossians 4:5-6 is one of the few passages where Paul directly urges his converts to share the f... more Colossians 4:5-6 is one of the few passages where Paul directly urges his converts to share the faith. Paul's words are sage advice with timeless relevance. In this article, I unpack the text and make suggestions concerning evangelism today.
College. In this paper, I will consider some implications of Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 14 ... more College. In this paper, I will consider some implications of Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 14 for the use of language in the contemporary church. This will not be an in-depth exegesis of the passage, but I will draw from it to make some comments for a way ahead concerning the use of language in a contemporary multicultural church with a dominant common language-in our case, English. I will briefly describe our Auckland setting, my church context, and our passion for interculturalism. I will then look at 1 Corinthians 12-14, state my thesis, consider Paul's concerns, and give some thoughts for my church and others. 2. The New Zealand and Auckland Scene Like many western countries, New Zealand is becoming increasingly diverse. Auckland, where I live, is labeled a super-diverse city. In the 2018 NZ census, 45 percent of Aucklanders identified with an ethnic minority (compared with 40.2 percent of London [2011]). Since European colonization, New Zealand has largely been known as a European country. While this remains the case, certainly in the northern areas of New Zealand (NZ), the demographics have shifted considerably. At the 2018 census, according to Lorna Thornbar, 53.2 percent of Aucklanders identified as European, 28.2 per cent as Asian, 15.5
Stimulus, 2018
An exploration of how Paul's interaction with Philemon is a great example of restorative justice ... more An exploration of how Paul's interaction with Philemon is a great example of restorative justice concerning the fugitive Onesimus. https://hail.to/laidlaw-college/article/JPbSchD.
Ephesians and Colossians are clearly written by the same author, whether someone writing in Paul'... more Ephesians and Colossians are clearly written by the same author, whether someone writing in Paul's name after his death or, as I consider more likely, the Apostle Paul in the period AD 52 to 62. The common authorship is evident with the similar style, theology, and ecclesiology, among other similarities. 1 The mention of Tychicus toward the end of both letters suggests Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon were delivered around the same time (Eph 6:21; Col 4:7). The absence of en Ephesō in some important witnesses indicates it was designed to be distributed widely. 2 While Eph lacks an obvious occasion, such as division or false teaching, the material I will cover today indicates that cultural inclusion is one of its key themes. Colossians was likely written to Colossae, and there are indications of cultural issues in the church. Paul's teaching propounds an inclusive church. 2 This paper will assess the two letters drawing out Paul's vision of an inclusive and intercultural church. First, I will consider Ephesians focusing on 2:11-21, and second, Colossians, especially 3:1-17.
The Death of Christ , 2022
An essay intended for publication in Discovering the New Testament but deleted. It discusses the ... more An essay intended for publication in Discovering the New Testament but deleted. It discusses the death of Jesus, what happened, and its significance.
all, this is how he wanted to be known. Unlike the notions "Lord" or "Son of God" which are Greek... more all, this is how he wanted to be known. Unlike the notions "Lord" or "Son of God" which are Greek ideas, and like "Messiah" (Christ), it is very a Jewish concept with no real parallel outside of the Jewish writings. It is found in all four Gospels. Yet outside the Gospels it is used very infrequently found only in Acts 7:56; Heb 2:6 2 (quoting Ps 8:5), and Rev 1:13 and 14:14 (alluding to Dan 7:13). This indicates that, while it was important to Jesus, it did not remain an important Christological title for the early church after his ascension. As Jesus preferred it, it is critical we do not neglect it in considering who is Jesus.
Bible Studies, Discovering the New Testament, Oct 31, 2018
Journal for the Study of Paul and His Letters, 2015
Philippians 1:19–26 is a difficult passage in which Paul appears simultaneously to have genuine c... more Philippians 1:19–26 is a difficult passage in which Paul appears simultaneously to have genuine concern for his potential death (1:20–21, 23a), the capacity to choose his fate and to withhold disclosing this choice in writing (1:22c), and yet utter certainty of release (1:25). This article proposes a fresh solution for Paul's situation, namely, that at the time of writing, Paul, with help from friends at his point of incarceration (1:13; 4:22), was considering escape from prison dependent on the outcome of his forthcoming trial. To make this case, I first explicate the dilemma the text poses. Then, I discuss other possible solutions, noting that all have limitations. I then outline the elements of a possible escape plan, demonstrating how it fulfils the requirements of Philippians, the historical setting in which escape was not uncommon, and Paul's thought and mission that includes his previous escape (2 Cor 11:32). I finally counter possible objections to the idea, arguing ...
Stimulus: The New Zealand Journal of Christian Thought and Practice, 2012
A piecing together of Paul's understanding of the mission of the local church.
Stimulus: The New Zealand Journal of Christian Thought and Practice, 2012
Christian Origins and the Establishment of the Early Jesus Movement
It is commonly held in NT scholarship that there was expectation of an imminent parousia within t... more It is commonly held in NT scholarship that there was expectation of an imminent parousia within the first generation of the church.1 For example, I.H. Marshall, writing in 1970, states, "[o]n this point there is there is complete agreement among scholars."2 It is commonly viewed that this hope was dashed and that later writings such as Luke-Acts, the inauthentic Paulines, and some of the General Epistles reflect the church dealing with the so-called "delay of the Parousia." The expectation of an imminent Parousia is especially held for Mark's3 Gospel (especially Mark 9:1; 13:30)4 and the undisputed Pauline Epistles (e.g. Rom 13:12; 1Cor 7:26; Phil 4:5). This essay will explore this claim from the perspective of Mark and Paul. I will argue that, while it is likely that there were Christians who considered that the Parousia was imminent (e.g. 2Thess 2:1-2;52 Pet 3:4),6 it is unlikely the authors of Mark and the Pauline corpus held to a view of an imminent Parousia. I am not the first to argue this. Many have argued against an imminent Parousia in Mark and Paul on a text by text basis.7 Rather, I will argue that this is unlikely on three other connected grounds.
Journal for the Study of the New Testament
Nienhuis argues convincingly that many standard ‘Introductions to the New Testament’ are so thick... more Nienhuis argues convincingly that many standard ‘Introductions to the New Testament’ are so thick that they do not leave students time to read the scriptures themselves. Hence his own Introduction is a slim volume with few footnotes which invites readers to focus on the Bible. Nienhuis wrote it in the conviction that the Bible is the Word of God which teaches us how to be disciples of Jesus. He thus includes applications of the message of the books, and at some places becomes almost sermonic. His third conviction is that the origins and authorship of the documents are of little importance, so he largely ignores these matters. The fourth conviction behind this book, the one where this reviewer’s doubts begin, is that the canonical order of the books is meaningful; hence Nienhuis discusses the transitions from one book (or group of books) to the next. Nienhuis’s fifth conviction, known from his previous publications, is that the Catholic Epistles (CE) are a special, well-ordered and highly significant collection. Like Acts and Hebrews, the CE are meant to guard against misreadings of Paul. In my view the resulting picture of the CE – of which 2 and 3 John are not even discussed! – is almost a caricature. After the introduction, the book has eight more chapters: one on each of the gospels, Acts, Paul, the CE and Revelation. Each is followed by questions for personal devotional reflection. There are a ten-page glossary, a short list of further reading, and indexes. The style is clear and accessible. Not only students, but also groups within churches might use this book with profit – provided someone gives an alternative view of the CE.
Paul and His Social Relations, 2012
This chapter discusses how the theme of social relationships runs through the letter, including d... more This chapter discusses how the theme of social relationships runs through the letter, including divine-human relations, relationships within the church community, and also relationships toward society. It then shifts our attention to the Christ-hymn and in particular Phil 2:6–8, setting this passage in its context and explaining its rhetorical import within the fabric of the Philippian letter. The chapter discusses how the pattern of the Christ-hymn is paradigmatic for Paul’s understanding of social relationships both in terms of church and world in Philippians. It describes the other Pauline epistles (aside from the Pastorals), demonstrating that this Christ-pattern underpins Paul’s understanding of social relationships in those writings as well. The chapter demonstrates that Paul’s understanding of social relationships in all contexts is theologically driven, particularly by his Christology and by the pattern of the cross. Keywords:christ-pattern; church; Jesus; Paul; Pauline Epistles; Philippians; social relationship
Stimulus, 2012
A discussion of how much churches should sing in their gathered worship.
Stimulus, 2012
A piecing together of Paul's understanding of the mission of the local church.
Stimulus Journal, 2016
Richard Bauckham in his epic work Jesus and the Eyewitnesses suggests that those named in the Gos... more Richard Bauckham in his epic work Jesus and the Eyewitnesses suggests that those named in the Gospels are likely participants and witnesses to the events with which they are associated. I draw out the implications of this for the question of who did evangelism in the early Christian movement. Those named were likely people who told their story in the process of early evangelization.
Stimulus Journal, 2015
A brief discussion of Paul's slogan in 1 Cor 4:6 and its importance for contemporary Christians.
"What Must I Do To Be Saved?" , 2022
A study of instances in Luke-Acts where people are asked what they must do. These include questio... more A study of instances in Luke-Acts where people are asked what they must do. These include questions asked of John the Baptist, Jesus (the Good Samaritan and rich man encounters), Peter (at Pentecost), and Paul (the Philippian jailor). It leads to the question of Luke's soteriology.
Implications of 1 Corinthians 14:1-25 for Multicultural Church Gatherings, 2021
In my view, "tongues" in 1 Corinthians 14 are not the same as those in Acts 2, known languages. H... more In my view, "tongues" in 1 Corinthians 14 are not the same as those in Acts 2, known languages. However, I do think that the passage is helpful when in multicultural church settings as the principles apply. First, it implies each church intentionally choose a lingua franca. For missional reasons, the dominant language of the culture may be appropriate. Or, the dominant language of an ethnic group. Then, all verbal communication in other languages should be translated for the wider church. This ensures understanding and edification.
The Vision of Intercultural Church in Ephesians 2 and Colossians 3, 2022
In this paper, presented at SBL in 2022, I discuss the stunning vision for intercultural church i... more In this paper, presented at SBL in 2022, I discuss the stunning vision for intercultural church in these two passages. In fact, I survey the whole of the letters and argue that culturalism lies at the core of their purposes. In fact, it may be the main theme in Ephesians. I discuss Ephesians 2:11-21 and Colossians 3:1-4:1 in particular, noticing how in Christ, Paul conceives of a people fully united in Christ regardless of ethnicity and culture. These are not blurred out, but recognised. They are, however, subsumed into Christ so that the dominant culture of the new Christian regardless of background is the culture of God's Kingdom. This is seen in Christ, into whose image we are being morphed.
Paul, the Demonic, and Mental Health, 2022
In this paper, presented at SBL in 2022 in the Pauline Theology section, I discuss Paul's underst... more In this paper, presented at SBL in 2022 in the Pauline Theology section, I discuss Paul's understanding of exorcism and its potential implications for dealing with mental health today. I note that Paul never mentions exorcism in his letters, although Luke notes two occasions where Paul casts out demons in Philippi and Ephesus. As such, this raises the question of why Paul is silent on the matter. I explore this and come up with a number of possible explanations. I also consider the importance of this for dealing with mental health today. This paper is to be published in 2023.
Initial Discipleship and Sexual Holiness in Paul, 2022
This paper was presented at ETS in 2022 and argues that there is no evidence Paul mentioned sexua... more This paper was presented at ETS in 2022 and argues that there is no evidence Paul mentioned sexual ethics in his evangelism in Acts. Furthermore, where he does mention sexual ethics in his letters, this is "in-house" language from a Christian apostle to people already Christian.
However, he regularly reminds readers of his teaching in terms of sexual ethics especially in 1 Cor 6:9-11; Gal 5:19-21; and 1 Thess 4:1-8. As such, it stands to reason that sexual ethics and holiness was a key aspect of his discipleship of new converts. Hence, in these passages, he can refer back to his earlier teaching.
This has implications for contemporary practice. First, we should not make sexual holiness a key aspect of our proclamation. Second, we should ensure new converts are instructed carefully and well concerning sexual holiness.
Engaging with Outsiders: Insights into Sharing the Gospel from Colossians 4:5-6, 2023
This paper is a discussion concerning the evangelistic importance of Colossians 4:5-6. The passag... more This paper is a discussion concerning the evangelistic importance of Colossians 4:5-6. The passage urges believers to share the gospel with wisdom, grace, saltiness, and appropriate apologetic responses. It is perhaps the best text to understand how Paul conceived his converts sharing the gospel on an everyday basis. It is soon to be published in Stimulus.
A Missional and Liturgical Reading of the Christ-Hymn Kerygmatic and Ethical Perspectives on the Hymn, 2021
Traditionally the Christ-hymn is interpreted kerygmatically (as a proclamation of the gospel) or ... more Traditionally the Christ-hymn is interpreted kerygmatically (as a proclamation of the gospel) or ethically. I have never been satisfied with such readings. In this paper I argue that the Christ-hymn should be understood missionally. I also argue that as it is either formed from a pre-existing hymn or itself became a hymn that Paul wrote, it should be read liturgically. I hope future Philippians scholars will break away from the kerygmatic/ethical duality into a more nuanced reading.
The Consummation of the Kingdom, 2022
This present age period climaxes with "the end of the age" when God judges his world. This culmin... more This present age period climaxes with "the end of the age" when God judges his world. This culmination is likened to the reaping of a harvest and the destruction of "weeds" by Jesus in Matthew 13:39-40. Angels will separate the evil from the righteous (Matt 13:49). In Matthew 24:3, Jesus is asked: "what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" Whenever this end comes, Jesus promises his disciples he will be present with them "to the end of the age" (Matt 28:20). The "age to come" then is the future, after the consummation of this period of history (Matt 12:32). Even if this age includes persecution, in the age to come, believers will receive eternal life (Mark 10:30; Luke 18:30). As such, those who are rich in this age are not to be proud and reliant on their wealth but set their hopes of God (1 Tim 6:17). They are to live godly lives (Tit 2:12). Having tasted the power of the age to come in the present, they are not to turn away (Heb 6:5). The Day of the Lord The Gospels all speak of "the day" or "the last day," referring to the climax of the present age. While at times "the coming" and "the day" are somewhat separate (e.g., 1 Thess 4-5), overall, writers fuse the Second Coming of Christ and the judgment that will follow, as all stand before God and are judged.
The Resurrection of Jesus , 2022
A discussion of the resurrection of Jesus across the NT
Who is Jesus?, 2022
This essay was originally intended for publication in Discovering the New Testament but was not i... more This essay was originally intended for publication in Discovering the New Testament but was not included. In it, I discuss the various titles for Jesus and his humanity and divinity.
Introduction: Matthew's Gospel and Its Five Discourses According to tradition, Matthew was writte... more Introduction: Matthew's Gospel and Its Five Discourses According to tradition, Matthew was written by the disciple known as either Levi or Matthew. He was a tax-collector who responded to the call of Christ to be his disciple, leaving behind his vocation of taking taxes for the Romans (9:9; Mark 2:13). We do not know much about Matthew/Levi as a disciple. After his response to Christ, he hosted Jesus for a meal and may have been responsible for the conversion of other tax-collectors (9:10). He was one of the Twelve commissioned and sent into mission-preaching, healing, and casting out demons (10:3-10). He is also mentioned by Luke as part of the early church community in Jerusalem that experienced Pentecost (Acts 1:13). No doubt he was an important early missionary in the nascent church. Beyond these details, aside from his Gospel, there is little reliable tradition associated with Matthew. 1 His Gospel was likely written in the Syrian region, perhaps at Antioch. He wrote after Mark's Gospel (mid-60s) and may have drawn on Luke; so perhaps in the period AD 70-90. 2 1 Although some early traditions have Matthew dying of natural causes or that he was martyred in Ethiopia,
The Johannine Prologue and its Resonances, 2024
I argue that the John in John 1:6-8 may be John the author rather than John the Baptist as is uni... more I argue that the John in John 1:6-8 may be John the author rather than John the Baptist as is universally held. I think the argument is sound as the actual John is not specified, the language is more Johannine than Baptistic, and it potentially forms an inclusio with the end of the Gospel.
‘The Apostolic Green Imperative.’ In Living on the Planet Earth: Faith Communities and Ecology. Ed. Neil Darragh. Auckland: Accent Publications, 2016., 2016
A summary of some of the NT indications that Christians should be concerned for the environment, ... more A summary of some of the NT indications that Christians should be concerned for the environment, especially focussing on Romans 8.