... although there probably are already books on them. If so please do tell.
1. A Biblical Theology of Christ the prophet
We've all heard plenty on how Christ fulfils the Levitical (and Melchizedek's) priesthood. We know that Christ was great David's greater son, the King of the Jews, and all things will be put under him. Traditionally though there are three offices of Christ; priest, prophet and king. However, how much do you appreciate how Jesus fulfilled OT prophecy. I often hear some vague Barthian notions about Christ as the Word of God, and the ultimate revelation of God is in his death and resurrection, but what about the rich detail, and real connections with the OT? Specifically I have in mind Elisha's ministry which parallels Jesus' to an amazing degree. It seems to me a howling hole in historical Jesus studies, and Christology. Maybe I'm showing my ignorance, but does anyone know of any resources on this as I can't work it out on my own.
2. A study on the relationship of the signs and wonders of the Apostles and Moses
Beginning with Moses highlights a recent book on Signs and Wonders and a look down the contents is sadly unsurprisingly focused only on the NT and contemporary world. A search of occurrences of the phrase in the bible (e.g. in ESV) shows how the phrase was especially applied to the miracles and plagues that Moses performed in Egypt. It seems crazy to me to undertake a study of the miracles of Jesus and especially the Apostles without giving this serious thought. God’s works through Moses brought salvation a people and judgment to another and so demonstrated who was truly God. I can see many parallels with Jesus, the Apostles, the Jews, the Gentiles and sinners (cf. Leithart). Is there also a link here with Elisha, his miracles amongst the gentiles, and his condemnation of a corrupt nation?
As you can see my thoughts are garbled, I need help! But seriously though, this is not just idle speculation or intellectual games we are playing. All these ponderings are centred on Christ and a muffled desire to know him better, and the wish to have a wider vocabulary with which to praise him. Any suggestions are welcome.
i remember asking justin mote last year why there was so much focus on kingdom, and why not a gospel & prophecydom, or gospel & priesthood.
ReplyDeleteHe said he thought kingdom was so dominant and was a determining context into which prophecy and priesthood sat, but the major theme he would consider writing on would be temple.
Justin Mote should know better. Priesthood and Prophecy dominates the bible to as great a degree as Kingdom does. And while he and Goldsworthy also think that it is a more inclusive concept than the rest, I have to say I think that Priesthood is just as inclusive. It is clear how Priesthood includes prophecy, but throughout the OT priests also have a role in rule, just as kings had a role in the cult (although in both the case of priest and king the roles become more defined until Jesus brings them together again).
ReplyDeleteTrouble is I don't think many people have as clear an understanding of prophecy as they do of kingdom and priesthood. I don't I'm sure.