Episode 446: Talmudic Matthew — Children
Release Date: April 17, 2025
The BEMA Podcast by BEMA Discipleship

Introduction

In Episode 446 of The BEMA Podcast, hosts Marty Solomon and Brent Billings, alongside guest Elle Grover Fricks, delve deep into the intricate meanings behind being "children of God" as presented in the Sermon on the Mount. This episode, titled "Talmudic Matthew — Children," seeks to unravel the cultural, historical, and linguistic layers embedded in Matthew 5, providing listeners with a richer understanding of biblical texts through the lens of Talmudic teachings and ancient Near Eastern contexts.

Understanding "Children of God" in the Sermon on the Mount

The episode opens with a lively discussion on Matthew 5:44-48, where Jesus instructs, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you... you must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Elle Grover Fricks sets the stage by referencing previous discussions and emphasizes the challenge of interpreting these profound commands within their original context.

Brent Billings reads the passage:

"But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven." (03:18)

This reading prompts the trio to explore the deep implications of such teachings, questioning what it truly means to embody the identity of God's children beyond mere sentimentality.

Cultural and Historical Context

Marty Solomon introduces the foundational concepts essential for understanding the passage:

• Patriarchal Culture: A household led by a single patriarch who sets the mission and legacy.
• Patrilocal Culture: Emphasizes belonging and identity centered around the patriarch.
• Communal Culture: Highlights the collective identity and mission of the family.
• Patronage System: A socio-economic structure where patrons provide resources and support to their clients or family members to fulfill specific roles.

Marty Solomon reflects:

"We've got to be a different kind of presence in the world. We can't be the logical presence. That makes sense for everybody." (04:37)

This framework contrasts sharply with modern individualistic cultures, offering listeners a perspective on how ancient societal structures inform the understanding of biblical identities.

Linguistic Insights: Teleios and Tamim

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the Greek word "teleios" and its Hebrew counterpart "tamim."

• Teleios (Τέλειος): Often translated as "perfect," it conveys the idea of maturity and completeness in purpose rather than flawless perfection.
• Tamim (תָּמִים): Translates to "wholeness" or "integrity," frequently associated with sacrificial animals that must be without blemish.

Elle Grover Fricks elaborates:

"Tamim, as seen in Genesis 17, means wholeness, not perfection, wholeness." (40:08)

This distinction is crucial as it shifts the focus from an unattainable state of flawlessness to a more achievable and purpose-driven wholeness, aligning with the biblical mandate for personal and communal integrity.

Perfection vs. Wholeness in Christian Living

The hosts critique the common translation of "tamim" to "perfect," arguing that it injects a Platonic ideal of flawlessness into biblical teachings, which was not the original intent.

Brent Billings shares his perspective:

"I do really like the idea of maturing into purpose. That is such a helpful way to look at that idea." (47:18)

This reframing encourages believers to focus on growing into their God-given purposes rather than striving for an impossible standard of perfection. It highlights a more sustainable and mission-aligned approach to living out one's faith authentically.

Talmudic Insights and Practical Application

Incorporating Talmudic literature, the discussion explores how "tamim" emphasizes bodily and communal wholeness. Elle cites examples from the Talmud, illustrating that "tamim" often refers to physical completeness rather than moral or spiritual perfection.

Elle Grover Fricks notes:

"Whatever you want to do with Matthew, you don't. You don't have to be right like Marty and I are about Matthew being written in Hebrew." (44:00)

This integration of Rabbinical perspectives enriches the conversation, bridging the gap between ancient teachings and modern theological interpretations.

Pursuing Wholeness and Maturity

The episode emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between personal wholeness and effective mission. The hosts argue that nurturing one's own integrity and completeness is essential for genuinely representing God and fulfilling His mission in the world.

Marty Solomon reflects:

"It's not just external mission, it's internal mission. It's about what God's doing in me. It's not about what I can do for God." (46:18)

This holistic approach encourages believers to seek internal growth and healing, ensuring that their external actions align with their transformed identities as children of God.

Conclusion and Forward Look

The episode wraps up by highlighting the importance of moving beyond superficial interpretations of "children of God" to embrace a more profound, purpose-driven identity. The hosts tease the next episode's focus on wages and rewards within the biblical context, promising to continue unraveling the rich tapestry of cultural and historical insights that inform Jesus' teachings.

Brent Billings concludes:

"What is the point of being perfect anyway? Like, okay, so then check done. Nothing else to do but maturing in purpose." (47:40)

This encapsulates the episode's core message: shifting from an unattainable ideal of perfection to a dynamic journey of maturing into one's divine purpose.

Notable Quotes

• Brent Billings (03:18):
  "I love the idea of maturing into purpose. That is such a helpful way to look at that idea."

• Elle Grover Fricks (40:08):
  "Tamim, as seen in Genesis 17, means wholeness, not perfection, wholeness."

• Marty Solomon (46:18):
  "It's not just external mission, it's internal mission. It's about what God's doing in me. It's not about what I can do for God."

• Brent Billings (47:18):
  "I do really like the idea of maturing into purpose. That is such a helpful way to look at that idea."

Final Thoughts

Episode 446 of The BEMA Podcast offers a compelling exploration of biblical identity, urging listeners to move beyond surface-level interpretations. By integrating Talmudic insights and challenging traditional translations, the hosts provide a fresh perspective that emphasizes growth, wholeness, and purposeful living as true markers of being "children of God."

For more insights and detailed discussions, you can find additional resources and show notes at bema discipleship website.