The BEMA Podcast – Episode 438: Talmudic Matthew — Truly(?) I Say to You

Release Date: February 20, 2025

Summary

In Episode 438 of The BEMA Podcast, hosted by BEMA Discipleship, Marty Solomon and Brent Billings, alongside guest L. Grover Fricks, embark on an in-depth exploration of two pivotal verses from the Sermon on the Mount. This episode, titled "Talmudic Matthew — Truly(?) I Say to You," delves into the intricate relationship between Jesus' teachings and Jewish traditions, unraveling the profound layers of historical and linguistic context that shape our understanding of these scriptures.

1. Exploring "Law and Prophets"

The episode opens with Brent Billings prompting a discussion on the phrase “law and the prophets” from the selected verses. Marty Solomon introduces the components of the Hebrew Bible—Torah (Law), Nevi'im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings)—highlighting that Jesus focuses on the Torah and Nevi'im, thereby omitting the Ketuvim. This omission sparks curiosity about Jesus' intent and the authority attributed to these sections within Jewish tradition.

Notable Quote:

Brent Billings [03:01]: "We have Torah and Nevi'im, but Jesus specifically mentions them, not the Ketuvim. Why?"

This selective mention underscores Jesus' emphasis on the foundational laws and prophetic teachings, suggesting a direct continuity and fulfillment rather than a dismissal of Jewish scripture.

2. Abolish vs. Fulfill

Transitioning to the theme of abolishing versus fulfilling the Law, Marty Solomon reflects on historical Talmudic interpretations. He recalls a discussion where abolishing the Law was met with severe consequences, emphasizing the enduring nature of divine commandments.

Notable Quote:

Brent Billings [07:36]: "Abolishing and fulfilling isn't about canceling or finishing it. It's more like the conversation Americans have about what is freed."

This segment clarifies that Jesus' mission was not to nullify the Law but to bring it to its intended completion. The hosts draw parallels with modern political dialogues, illustrating the timeless relevance of these theological concepts.

Additionally, Brent introduces a Talmudic story about a Christian philosopher, highlighting early Jewish-Christian interactions and misconceptions. This narrative serves to illuminate the challenges faced in accurately interpreting Jesus' role and the foundational shifts his teachings introduced.

3. Decoding "Truly" – The Power of "Amen"

One of the episode's focal points is the translation and significance of the word "truly," rendered as "aletheia" in Greek but more accurately represented by "Amen" in the original context. Brent Billings offers a profound analysis of "Amen," tracing its Hebrew roots to Emunah (faithfulness) and Emet (truth).

Notable Quote:

Brent Billings [11:12]: "Amen means something that is solid and durable and capable of undertaking weight. It's the underlying picture that translates over to our idea of truth."

This exploration reveals that when Jesus uses "Amen," he is not merely emphasizing truth but also asserting divine authority and reliability. Unlike traditional uses where the congregation affirms the speaker's words, Jesus employs "Amen" to validate his own statements, signifying his unique authority and divinity.

Notable Quote:

Brent Billings [17:22]: "Jesus amends himself. We continually miss Jesus's claims of authority and ultimately divinity because we don't know the culture and because we translate stuff away."

This shift from communal affirmation to self-affirmation marks a pivotal moment in the sermon, highlighting Jesus' role as the ultimate authority in interpreting and fulfilling the Law.

4. Understanding "Iota" and "Dash"

The discussion progresses to the terms "iota" and "dash," symbols of the smallest components of the Law. Marty Solomon identifies "iota" with the Hebrew letter Yud, the smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet, emphasizing its foundational significance.

Notable Quote:

Brent Billings [24:04]: "Yud is the smallest Hebrew character indeed. It's homophonic with I, which reinforces its symbolic meaning in the text."

Brent further delves into the grammatical functions of the Yud, outlining its roles in indicating future tense, causality, and possession within Hebrew grammar. This linguistic deep dive underscores the meticulous precision of the original scripture and its thematic implications.

Notable Quote:

Brent Billings [33:14]: "The future orientation is also in God's name. Torah is an arm of God, like his commandments aren't going to pass away, no part of God will pass away either."

The term "dash," translated from the Greek "kiraia," is interpreted as a symbol of both thorns and crowns, representing the dual nature of Jesus' mission—suffering and glory. This metaphor encapsulates the paradoxical essence of the Christian faith, where sacrifice leads to ultimate triumph.

5. Synthesis and Theological Implications

Brent and Marty synthesize their discussions, presenting an amplified interpretation of the verses:

Amplified Version:

"Think not that I have come to do away with the authority of God's commandments. I have not come to walk them out poorly, but to walk them out the way they were intended. Amen. I am the divine authority. I will bear the thorn in the crown until heaven and earth pass away. The future, God wrote, will not pass away. He will bring all things to pass. And because we are his, he may do with this world as he chooses."

This rendition encapsulates Jesus' fulfillment of the Law, his divine authority, and the enduring nature of God's commandments, offering listeners a profound and nuanced understanding of the scripture.

Notable Quote:

Marty Solomon [31:11]: "And totally feels like the kind of thing that could happen. And yet Jesus is not even close to done with this sermon."

6. Conclusion and Reflection

In wrapping up, the hosts reflect on the depth and richness of the Sermon on the Mount, acknowledging the complexities that arise from a surface-level reading. They encourage listeners to engage deeply with the text, emphasizing the value of historical and cultural contextualization in interpreting Jesus' teachings.

Notable Quote:

Brent Billings [35:03]: "Unbelievable. The accent's getting worse. Okay. But honestly, I'm so excited to be in the series. I'm so excited to spend deep time in the Sermon on the Mount."

The episode concludes with an invitation to revisit earlier episodes for a comprehensive understanding and a heartfelt thank you to their supporters, reinforcing the community-driven nature of BEMA Discipleship.

Key Takeaways:

1. Historical Context Matters: Understanding Jewish traditions and Talmudic interpretations is crucial for comprehending Jesus' teachings.

2. Fulfilling the Law: Jesus' mission was to fulfill, not abolish, the Torah and the Prophets, emphasizing the continuity of divine commandments.

3. The Power of "Amen": Jesus' use of "Amen" signifies his divine authority and the unassailable truth of his statements.

4. Linguistic Insights: Detailed analysis of Hebrew terms like "Yud" and "kiraia" reveals deeper theological meanings embedded in the text.

5. Enduring Relevance: The Sermon on the Mount continues to offer profound insights into living out faith authentically and faithfully.

Final Thoughts:

Episode 438 of The BEMA Podcast serves as a compelling exploration of the Sermon on the Mount, blending rigorous scholarly analysis with accessible discussion. By unpacking the layers of historical context, linguistic nuance, and theological significance, Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and L. Grover Fricks provide listeners with a richer, more informed appreciation of Jesus' teachings and their enduring impact.

For those eager to delve deeper, the hosts recommend starting from episode 0 or -1 and progressing through episode 204 to fully grasp the extensive work contained within Seasons 1–5 of the podcast series. Additional resources, including Wikipedia articles on Halacha and the Book of Tobit, are available in the show notes at baymondisabembership.com.

Connect with BEMA Discipleship:

• Website: baymondisabembership.com
• Support: The ministry is entirely supported by listeners. Contributions sustain their mission to deconstruct and reconstruct biblical texts through historical lenses.

Thank you for engaging with The BEMA Podcast. Join Marty, Brent, and their community in this enlightening journey through scripture and history.