A Virtual File Cabinet for Our Studies of Christian Origins & Hebraic Faith
This post has four ChatGPT responses beginning with what James Tabor and other scholars say are Jesus’ core teachings. One of the responses compares Jesus’ teachings to Paul’s. There is also a response that contrasts the traditional Christian doctrines with later creedal formulations (e.g., the Nicene Creed). Other scholars include are E.P. Sanders, John P. […]
Continue ReadingFrom ChatGPT on 7/25/2025. Critical Bible scholars widely acknowledge that the name “Moses” (Hebrew: Mosheh, מֹשֶׁה) is likely of Egyptian origin and is related to the Egyptian word “ms” or “mes,” meaning “child of” or “born of,” commonly used as a suffix in Egyptian theophoric names. In Egyptian, the verb ms(i) means “to give birth,” […]
Continue ReadingThree Responses from ChatGPT on 7/23/2025. Yes, **Jesus is associated with both terms—צַדִּיק (tzaddik, righteous one) and מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat, justice/judgment)—though not always explicitly in Hebrew form in the New Testament. These terms reflect how both his followers and his opponents perceived him, and they also appear in early Christian and Jewish literature. Below is how […]
Continue ReadingThree Responses from ChatGPT 7/23/2025. In Hebrew and Aramaic, the terms “mishpat” (מִשְׁפָּט) and “tzaddik” (צַדִּיק) have deep and interconnected meanings rooted in justice, righteousness, and social ethics, especially in biblical contexts. 1. מִשְׁפָּט (Mishpat) – Hebrew 2. צַדִּיק (Tzaddik) – Hebrew In Short: Word Language Root Meaning מִשְׁפָּט Hebrew ש־פ־ט Justice, judgment, legal decision […]
Continue ReadingNote – There are many posts on this site that address Asherah, and they are tagged “Asherah”. Asherah and the Asherim: Goddess or Cult Symbol? Exploring the Biblical and archaeological evidence by Ellen White at BAS, July 19, 2025. White’s article in BAS is very interesting and cites potentially widespread worship of Asherah throughout the ANE. Below […]
Continue ReadingIn addition to the post below, see the post on this site, Sea of Galilee became Sea of Tiberias and Fishing. From ChatGPT on 7/21/2025. In Jesus’ time, several species of fish were prevalent in the Sea of Galilee, which was a major hub of fishing activity. Archaeological evidence, ancient texts, and modern ichthyological studies […]
Continue ReadingFrom Chat GPT on 7/19/2025. Identification with the First Century CE Fish Gate The modern Damascus Gate replaced an earlier entrance, probably the Fish Gate, to the old city of Jerusalem. The Fish Gate, mentioned in the Book of Nehemiah, was a gate in the north wall of Jerusalem, probably a little to the east of […]
Continue ReadingMultiple responses from ChatGPT on 7/18/2025. Here’s how critical biblical scholars, especially those who avoid apologetic or traditional devotional interpretations, typically interpret Paul’s description of his “trip to heaven” in 2 Corinthians 12:1–10—with full citations. 1. Paul’s Vision as a Literary and Rhetorical Strategy Many critical scholars view Paul’s account not as a boast, but as part […]
Continue ReadingMultiple responses from ChatGPT on 7/18/2025. The words of the Shema, recited daily by Jewish individuals, including rabbis, come from Deuteronomy 6:4-9, but in traditional Jewish practice, the Shema is often expanded to include several additional verses. Here’s the full text of the Shema Yisrael as it’s commonly said in daily prayers: The Shema (Deuteronomy […]
Continue ReadingThree Prompts/Responses from ChatGPT on 7/17/2025. First Prompt – How do critical bible scholars understand tax collecting was done by the romans and their staff in Jesus time? Cite all sources. Critical Bible scholars and historians generally understand that Roman tax collection in Jesus’ time—especially in Judea and Galilee—was a system that combined Roman imperial […]
Continue Reading