A Virtual File Cabinet for Our Studies of Christian Origins & Hebraic Faith
See Post by James Tabor titled Authentic Sayings of Jesus, posted on June 17, 2023. Extracts are below. KINGDOM OF GODThe time is fulfilled, the kingdom of God is at hand. (Mk 1:15a)But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. […]
Continue ReadingHere is a critical comparison of Paul’s self-understanding and how Jesus is portrayed as a new Moses, focusing on evidence from the authentic Pauline letters and from the Gospels—especially Matthew, which most scholars see as the richest source of Mosaic typology for Jesus. Each theme below includes relevant scriptures, scholarly interpretations, and conclusions drawn from […]
Continue ReadingRelated Post here. A very good paper by Dr. James Tabor is available in his Dropbox directory. The file name is Wadi-el-Yabis-Pella-in-John-1.pdf. The paper was written for an SBL group in 2011 and is titled Wadi el-Yabis and the Elijah “Wadi Cherith” traditions in Relationship to John and Jesus in the Gospel of John. Extracts […]
Continue ReadingThis 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 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 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 7/15/2025. Meals Eaten by Jesus and the Disciples – Bible References Event / Occasion Food Eaten Scripture Reference Notes The Last Supper (Passover) Bread, Wine (likely lamb and bitter herbs) Matthew 26:26–29; Mark 14:22–25; Luke 22:14–20; Exodus 12:8 Passover meal redefined as New Covenant. Feeding of the 5,000 Barley loaves, Fish […]
Continue ReadingFrom ChatGPT on 7/15/2-25. Critical Bible scholars, archaeologists, and historians agree that the Dung Gate—one of the southern gates of ancient Jerusalem—was so named because it was the primary exit point for garbage, ashes, and waste, including refuse from the Temple sacrifices, and because of its geographic position near the Hinnom Valley, where waste was […]
Continue ReadingFrom Chat GPT on 7/15/2025 The Gospels do not explicitly name specific gates of Jerusalem that Jesus passed through. However, some gates are mentioned or strongly implied through geography and tradition. Here’s a list of gates most likely associated with Jesus, including relevant scripture references and context: 1. The Golden Gate (a.k.a. Eastern Gate) Tradition […]
Continue ReadingFrom ChatGPT on 7/12/2025. Scroll down for the second response related to where Jesus encountered both. The shekel and the denarius were both units of currency in the ancient world, but they came from different cultures, had different values, and were made of different materials. Here’s a clear comparison: 1. Shekel Sources: 2. Denarius (plural: […]
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