All Episodes
Out of the Rubble
Cautioning against the preconceived meaning of words, Fr. Paul explains that our understanding of a term’s meaning must conform to that term’s usage in the text, in co...
The Sword of Damocles
The meaning of Scripture is plain and straightforward. It is intricate and detailed, yes. It takes time and effort to digest, yes. It presents arguments that demand in...
Reshith
Walking us through the author’s use of the Hebrew word reshith in Genesis, Fr. Paul exposes the deficiency of biblical translations. (Episode 124)
On the Hook
People love rules for two reasons. First, they want clear guidelines on what they need to do to be in good standing, and therefore, off the hook. Second, as rule foll...
Nothing New Under the Sun
In today’s program, Fr. Paul demonstrates the importance of submitting to the order of the Hebrew canon in lieu of historicization. (Episode 123)
If Your Brother Sins
When Jesus said to Peter, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven,” it is usually misunderstood as the gift of personal power, as though Peter is himself in...
Asah and Bara
This week, Fr. Paul explains how the biblical author uses the Hebrew terms Asah and Bara to establish the finality of God’s work. (Episode 122)
The Boot of Caesar
When you see George Floyd under the boot of Caesar, you must hear the words of Scripture: “You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Chr...
Ingenious, Indeed
This week, Fr. Paul revisits the biblical author’s use of toledot, noting that Genesis 1:1 and 2:4 form a diptych, the first part as the title for the entirety of scri...
One of These Things Is Not like the Other
The word scandal or stumbling block frequently occurs in Matthew—it’s as important for his book as the word “immediately” is in the Gospel of Mark. In light of the pro...
Period, Comma?
In this week's program, Fr. Paul explains that the biblical author intended Genesis 1:1-2:4 as a totality on its own and an expansion of Genesis 1:1. (Episode 120)
Turn Like a Child
In the original Greek text of Matthew, when Jesus warns his disciples “unless you are converted and become like children,” his statement calls to mind the Lord’s desir...
A New Thesis
This week, Fr. Paul introduces a new thesis that the scriptural story's entire message is coded in the first creation account in Genesis 1:1-2:4. (Episode 119)
The Law of Love
In Romans 13, St. Paul dismantles the authority of Caesar by reframing Caesar’s value. Caesar is not important because of his station or the might of Rome. He is usef...
By Their Families
This week, Fr. Paul explains that, in the Bible, Israel is chosen by the flip of a coin, demonstrating that it is no different than the other nations. The story shows ...
The Will to Teach
God’s teaching is his will, and his will is the content of his teaching. The speaking and the carrying out of this will has the power to correct our steps, imprinting ...
The First Three Letters
In today’s program, Fr. Paul explains the importance of not only hearing but seeing consonantal Hebrew roots and their interconnection in the original text. (Episode 117)
Son of Man
The title “Son of Man” is a literal translation of the Hebrew phrase ben-adam. In Hebrew, the name Adam means “man.” As such, the biblical expression, son of man, like...
Seeding Seed
In this week’s program, Fr. Paul highlights the way in which the original Hebrew terminology of Genesis creates an important and recurring connection to Genesis 1. (E...
Son of God
Meaning controls understanding and shapes behavior. When a parent names a child, wittingly, or unwittingly, they assign a meaning to their child. In this sense, the mo...
The Command of Yahweh Elohim
This week, Fr. Paul explains the way in which the serpent twists the command of God in Genesis. Shifting to the New Testament, he continues that it is the command of Y...
Accountability for the Cross
In the New Testament, the proclamation of the death of Christ is inextricably bound to the proclamation of his Resurrection. Typical explanations of this link cheapen ...
Kyrios O Theos
In today’s program, Fr. Paul explains how the critical distinction between Elohim and Yahweh Elohim in the Old Testament informs our understanding of the title Kyrios ...
Don’t Pick a Side
Human beings are tribal. Even in the United States, where community has evaporated, we find a way to pick sides. Driven by primal instinct, we worship, unflinchingly, ...
Yahweh Elohim
This week Fr. Paul discusses the movement in Genesis from Elohim to Yahweh Elohim, reminding us that the itinerary of biblical words forces us to be patient as the sto...
Simon, Bar Jonah
Over the years, we’ve insisted on the biblical principle that the integrity of the teacher is irrelevant to their function. To illustrate this point, God repeatedly ch...
The Moon and the Sun
In today’s program, Fr. Paul continues his discussion of the plural Elohim as it relates to the Moon and the Sun in Genesis 1, noting that modern addressees are too fa...
It’s Time to Take a Stand
Beginning with the genealogy in chapter 1, the Gospel of Matthew challenges its addressees to rethink their understanding of the words “king” and “kingdom.” Now, in ch...