Greetings, dear friends! I’m thrilled that you’ve been following my blog, where I explore a wide range of topics related to the Bible in its original ancient—often Jewish and Hebraic—context.
I don’t believe the Bible needs to be rewritten, but I’m convinced it desperately needs to be reread with fresh eyes.
In the Think & Interact section of my blog (accessible via the menu), I cover topics grouped into categories like Torah, Hebrew, Gospels, Paul, Mary, Prayer, and Hot Topics. However, I’ve noticed that some of you have questions that don’t neatly fit into these categories. To address this, I’m creating a dedicated space for those off-topic questions.
If you’ve been pondering something, this is your perfect opportunity to ask! Many of you appreciate my honest approach to theology—I’ll always admit when I don’t know something. Transparency is important to me, so you’ll know when I’m certain and when I’m not.
I invite you to submit your questions here. Are you ready to dive in? Simply leave your question in the comments section below.
Let’s explore and learn together!
Hi dr eli thanks for all your amazing views on the gospels and epistles, just out of curiosity which bible translation do you personally use/ study from/meditate/write notes in ,
Thanks, Michael! I like NASB but it is wooden enough when I am too lazy not to read something in Hebrew or Greek :-). But back in the day I went back and forth between NASB and NIV.
These are my preferences. I am sure there are good arguments for using others as well. For example, NOTHING beats KJV in trying and often succeeding to capture Hebrew rhythm and poetry in English (maybe Robert Alter’s translation). KJV has other problems, though, but still, it’s a great Bible to read!
I will soon be preparing an study on the Choosing the best translation for you.
Shalom shalom to you sir, I’ve just recently watched the seminar about Soul and Mind (Sept. 13th) and reviewed other courses on IBC on the same topic. I seek some clarification if possible. The spirit of a person, upon the death of the body separates from the body. Does the kind of life the flesh lives depends on the final location? Does the spirit of a person have no influence on the behavior of the flesh? Is the flesh and the spirit one in a manner of speaking. If so, does the flesh and the spirt become one at conception?
Clinton, shalom!The spirit, upon bodily death, separates from the flesh, as the body is mortal while the spirit is eternal. The life led by the flesh—its actions, choices, and alignment with spiritual principles—can influence the soul’s ultimate destination, often understood as a reflection of one’s moral and spiritual conduct. The spirit doesn’t directly control the flesh’s behavior but provides a divine spark, guiding conscience and moral discernment. Flesh and spirit are distinct yet interconnected; the spirit animates the body, and they unite at conception, forming a holistic being. The flesh, driven by free will, can align with or resist the spirit’s guidance. Thus, a life led in harmony with spiritual values shapes both earthly existence and the soul’s journey post-death.
Thank you for reading your very helpful book on the Jewish Gospel of John. I found your idea that John was addressed perhaps primarily to the Samaritans to be very interesting. Do you know any of the Samaritans living in Israel or the West Bank today? I had a good friend from Eritrea who has now passed on, who told me that it is their tradition that the apostle John came to their land and left with them a copy of his Gospel. My friend, Ghebriel Meron, told me that the tradition was that they put the manuscript in the ark of the covenant, (which the claim to have), and that is in Aksum.
Enjoy! For others Max refers to this – https://drelisblog.com/free-materials/
What are your comments on before the world and people created God “elected” those to be saved
Did God know who would accept Salvation and this is where the elect come in. KJV Bible
Thank you. Sandra
I think the best treatment on this matter is found in the Westminster Confession of Faith (look it up).
Is it ok to take the Word in John 1v1 and the Word of Life in 1 John v1 to be the Jewish Torah? I found a verse in Zechariah 9v13 which says there will a conflict between the Hebrews and the Greeks which may relate to this question. Could you explain the difference between the Torah and the Greek Logos?
I can answer the first question easily. It depends on what people mean by Torah; if by Torah they mean the Eternal Word of God, then of course Torah and Logos are one and the same thing. However, if by Torah we mean the more conventional Torah of Moses (also known as the Law of Moses), then of course that cannot possibly be true, since the Torah of Moses is not eternal in the sense that it did not exist from all eternity. With the exception of 10 words/commandments, everything was written through fallible human beings (mostly Moses) in space and time. I trust this helps.