Many times in the scriptures, we read of the Lord’s outstretched hand or arm. It serves as a metaphor both for his forbearance and for his invitation to come to him. Nephi reports the Lord’s assurance that “mine arm is lengthened out all the day long (2 Nephi 28:32). We find such references scattered throughout Isaiah’s writings. “His anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.”
Herod the Great is perhaps best known for the massacre of the innocents portrayed in the Gospel of Matthew. Interestingly, many scholars believe that Herod claimed to be a messiah, and Ehud Netzer’s discovery of King Herod’s tomb at Herodium led to additional evidence. In this interview, biblical archaeologist and Masada expert Jodi Magness expounds on her related article in the Journal of Ancient Judaism.
On November 1, 1831, Joseph Smith received a revelation at a church conference held in Hiram, Ohio, in which the elders were discussing the preparation of a Book of Commandments—a compendium of teachings and revelations to the prophet Joseph Smith. The Lord sent a message through Joseph and designated that it should be placed at the opening of the book as its “preface.” The revelation was published as Chapter 1 of the Book of Commandments and has appeared as Section 1 in every succeeding edition of the Doctrine and Covenants.1
The Virgin Mary is best known today as the Mother of God. Ancient Christians held the same belief, but it’s unclear what else they knew about her. The New Testament, apocryphal writings, and biblical archaeology shed light on certain aspects of her life, such as her likely age was when Jesus was born. Mary also serves as a lens through which we can view the history of Christian theology and the nature of Jesus. In this interview, biblical scholar Mary Joan Leith discusses the role of Mary in early Christianity.
The New Testament is considered scriptural canon for Latter-day Saints, alongside the Old Testament, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price. This article compiles scholarly and devotional insights about the second half of the Bible, addressing themes such as history, theology, and revelation. It features interviews with scholars like N. T. Wright, Thomas Wayment, Amy-Jill Levine, Camille Fronk Olson, S. Kent Brown, Eric Huntsman, Terryl Givens, and many others.
The prophet Brigham Young spent two years studying the Book of Mormon before he accepted it as the word of God. He said that he “wished time sufficient to prove all things for myself.” Today, scholars seek historical confirmation of the scripture’s origins to complement their own divine witnesses. In this interview, Stephen D. Ricks discusses evidence that names in the Book of Mormon have ancient origins.
Margaret Barker is a world-renowned biblical scholar. She’s been quoted by the likes of N. T. Wright and given an award by the Queen of England. Interestingly, the Methodist preacher is also a favorite of many Latter-day Saint scholars. In this interview, Kevin Christensen tells the story of how Barker first encountered the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—and why so many of the faith’s scholars are drawn to her work.
As Moroni’s instructions on the ordinances turn toward the administration of the “flesh and blood of Christ unto the church,” he offers the Book of Mormon‘s only statements on ritualized prayer (Moroni 4:1). He provides the precise wording of the blessings on the sacrament—wording that he indicates came from Jesus Christ four hundred years earlier, wording that would be essentially affirmed in a subsequent revelation to Joseph Smith fourteen hundred years later. These words clearly matter. They would thus seem to warrant our close attention.
N. T. Wright is one of today’s most influential biblical scholars. His one-volume introduction to the New Testament illuminates the history, theology, and literature of the first Christians. Co-authored with Michael F. Bird, the book is accessible to lay readers and scholars alike. In this interview, N. T. Wright discusses The New Testament in Its World, gives tips for understanding the Apostle Paul, explains why the Bible isn’t a guide for getting into heaven, and more.
The Gospels repeatedly designate Jesus as a rabbi. For some, the term adds an extra layer of depth to the historical Jesus. But it’s not that simple for everyone. For example, calling Jesus a rabbi associates him with Judaism. It also reinforces his role as a historical figure. Both implications go against the grain of certain ideologies. In this interview, Mary Magdalene author Bruce Chilton explains more—and reflects on reactions to his book, Rabbi Jesus: An Intimate Biography.