In this episode, we open Geerhardus Vos’s Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments (pp. 348–352), exploring insights on the development and method of Jesus’s teaching. We examine Vos’s distinction between subjective and objective development, discussing why Vos rejects the idea that Jesus’s understanding evolved over time. Instead, we explore the progression of Jesus’s teachings as a deeper unfolding of divine truth, perfectly aligned with his dual nature as both fully divine and fully human.

We also explore the unique teaching methods Jesus employed during his ministry, focusing on his use of parables and concrete imagery to communicate the mysteries of the kingdom of God. From the simple similitudes comparing natural processes to spiritual realities, to the complex parables proper, Vos illustrates how Jesus’s teachings were both profound and adaptable, responding to the readiness of his disciples and the opposition of his critics.

Join us as we unpack these key theological themes and discuss the implications of Vos’s analysis for understanding the unchanging yet progressively revealing nature of Christ’s teaching ministry. Learn how the divine and human natures of Christ shape his perfect teaching and how Vos’s theological insights continue to challenge modern interpretations of Jesus’s life and ministry.

Watch on YouTube and Vimeo.

Chapters

• [00:07] Introduction
• [01:48] Development in Jesus’s Teaching
• [04:53] Subjective Development of Jesus’s Teaching
• [17:38] Objective Development of Jesus’s Teaching
• [34:03] The Method of Jesus’s Teaching
• [38:46] Teaching through Parables
• [50:13] Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

In this episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey leads a discussion with Lane Tipton and Danny Olinger on Geerhardus Vos’s sermon, “The Christian’s Hope,” from his book Grace and Glory. The group explores the profound eschatological themes of 1 Peter 1:3-5, examining the nature of Christian hope as rooted in the resurrection of Christ and the believer’s heavenly inheritance. They unpack how this hope should shape the Christian life, influencing how we view suffering, earthly success, and our ultimate calling. The conversation highlights how Vos’s insights are still relevant for modern Reformed believers, particularly in a world distracted by temporal concerns. Tune in for a rich discussion on how our eschatological hope fuels a life of faithful pilgrimage toward the new heavens and new earth.

Watch on YouTube and Vimeo.

Chapters

• 00:07 Introduction
• 05:01 The Pilgrim Life and 1 Peter 1:3–5
• 07:49 The Historical Context of 1904
• 10:42 The Nature of Hope
• 21:15 The Christian Perspective on American and European Culture
• 27:02 Postmillennialism and Amillennialism
• 35:14 The Characteristics of the Heavenly Inheritance
• 40:48 The Powerful Witness of Christian Hope
• 48:17 Christ’s Blessing upon the Church
• 53:42 The Christian Purpose
• 57:42 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Danny Olinger, Lane G. Tipton

Join us as we discuss the four divisions of revelation by Christ beginning on p. 344 in Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments. We will unpack Vos’s comprehensive categorization of revelation by Christ, which he divides into four distinct yet interconnected periods:

1. Natural or General Revelation: Extending from creation and continuing indefinitely, revealing God’s nature and attributes through the world around us.
2. Old Testament Revelation: Spanning from the entrance of sin to the incarnation, highlighting God’s redemptive plan through the history and prophecy of the Old Testament.
3. Revelation during Christ’s Earthly Ministry: Covering his life, teaching, miracles, death, resurrection, and ascension, manifesting the fullness of God in human form.
4. Revelation through His Chosen Servants: Extending from Christ’s ascension to the death of the last apostle, communicated through the inspired writings and teachings of his disciples under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

We explore how these revelations unfold in a linear, biblical-theological manner, emphasizing Christ’s activity before and after the incarnation. We discuss the significance of natural revelation, the pivotal moments of Old Testament prophecy, the profound truths revealed during Christ’s ministry, and the ongoing impact of apostolic teaching.

Listeners will gain a deeper appreciation for the coherence and unity of God’s redemptive plan as revealed in Scripture. We also reflect on the continuing relevance of these revelations for the church today and how they inform our worship, theology, and daily living.

Chapters

• 00:00:07 Introduction
• 00:02:34 The Essential Revelatory Function of the Logos
• 00:04:50 The Four Divisions of Revelation by Christ
• 00:13:11 Natural/General Revelation
• 00:26:36 The Prologue to John’s Gospel
• 00:33:25 Revelation under the Economy of the Old Testament
• 00:44:05 Revelation in Jesus’ Public Ministry
• 00:47:14 Character- and Word-Revelation
• 00:58:04 Revelation Post-Ascension
• 01:01:01 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

In chapter 5 of Geerhardus Vos’ Biblical Theology (pp. 343ff), the focus is on the various aspects of Jesus’ revelation during his public ministry. Vos argues that the revelation mediated by Jesus is often mistakenly confined to his earthly life, ignoring his pre-existence and post-existence, both of which are integral to the comprehensive scheme of divine revelation.

Vos outlines that Jesus’ earthly revelation functioned within a specific framework, implying limitations that did not exist in his pre-existent and post-existent states. These limitations were not due to any inadequacy in Jesus’ knowledge or power but were part of a divine scheme that required a progressive unfolding of revelation. Vos emphasizes that Jesus did not intend to reveal the entire volume of divine truth during his earthly ministry but functioned as a pivotal link within the continuum of revelation that includes both the Old and New Testaments.

Chapters

• 00:00:07 Introduction
• 00:04:31 The Revelation of Jesus
• 00:20:57 The Generation of the Son
• 00:32:51 The Son as a Divine Person
• 00:44:07 Jesus’ Post-Existence
• 00:48:25 The Progressive Covenantal Character of Christ’s Ministry
• 00:55:24 Beyond the Incarnation
• 01:01:34 Kenosis
• 01:08:20 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into the intriguing account of Jesus’ temptation by Satan in the wilderness. Join us as we explore the profound insights offered by Geerhardus Vos on pages 339–342 in his work Biblical Theology and unpack the ultimate issue at stake in this cosmic confrontation: Who should be God, and whose Messiah would Jesus be?

We grapple with the perplexing questions surrounding Jesus’ temptability and peccability. How could a sinless Jesus be tempted, and what does this imply about his ability to sin? We examine Vos’s argument that the things Satan suggested were not inherently sinful, only wrong due to God’s prohibition, and consider how this differs from modern interpretations that see the temptations as allurements towards a worldly, political messianic role.

Vos’s work invites us to ponder the profound mystery of a fully human Jesus who is intimately united with the Holy Spirit and possesses a divine nature. We consider how these unique aspects of Jesus’ identity make his sinlessness even more unthinkable than Adam’s, and we wrestle with the implications for our understanding of Jesus’ impeccability.

Through a careful analysis of Vos’s insights and a lively discussion of the theological complexities involved, we aim to shed light on this pivotal moment in Jesus’ earthly mission and its significance for our faith. Join us as we explore the depths of Jesus’ commitment to the path of humiliation and suffering, and the ultimate triumph of his messianic glory.

Chapters

• 00:00:07 Introduction
• 00:02:33 Calvinism: The Plan of Salvation
• 00:07:31 Camden’s Trip to Budapest and Vienna
• 00:14:09 Temptability and Peccability
• 00:22:50 Bavinck and Vos on the Person of the Son
• 00:37:59 The Nature of Jesus’ Temptation
• 00:42:48 Other Theories of the Messianic Nature of the Temptation
• 00:46:41 Christ’s Victory Comes through Suffering unto Glory
• 00:52:06 Satan’s Intent to Circumvent Redemption
• 01:00:17 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

In this installment of Vos Group, we turn to p. 336 of Vos’ book Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments, focusing on the temptations of Jesus Christ. This discussion ventures into the heart of Jesus’ wilderness temptations, offering a rich, theological analysis that challenges and enlightens. We consider the strategic use of Old Testament quotations by Jesus during his confrontation with Satan, underscoring the deep, theological significance of these moments.

This episode not only unpacks the unique messianic nature of Jesus’s temptations but also firmly opposes a moralizing interpretation, instead highlighting the redemptive work accomplished through Christ’s victory over sin. Through a careful examination of Jesus as the obedient Son and true Israel, this episode reveals the layers of meaning in these biblical narratives, connecting them to broader themes of redemption, covenant theology, and the Christian life. As we understand Jesus’ role as the mediator who binds and spoils the strong man, this episode encourages believers to find their identity in Christ, resting in his victorious work on our behalf.

Chapters

• 00:07 Introduction
• 04:44 Jesus’ Temptation as a Prime Example of His Earthly Ministry
• 08:43 The Wilderness Temptation
• 17:10 The Temple Temptation
• 23:05 The Mountain Temptation
• 28:44 The Emphases of Matthew and Luke
• 38:38 Overcoming in Jesus and Entering Paradise
• 45:01 Looking Ahead
• 48:11 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

In this installment of our Vos Group, we turn to pp. 335–336 of Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to explore the uniquely messianic nature of these temptations, examining how Christ’s experiences differ significantly from human temptations. A key theme of this passage is the comparison of Christ’s temptation with Adam’s, emphasizing Christ’s role as the second Adam and the federal head encountering temptation.

Vos warns against a moralizing interpretation of the temptations, instead focusing on their theocentric character and their relation to true religion. The episode further explores the role of the Holy Spirit in these temptations, particularly in empowering Christ and highlighting the inauguration of the kingdom of God.

The discussion is rich in its exploration of redemptive history, connecting Christ’s wilderness temptations to the broader biblical narrative, from Adam’s failure to Israel’s typological sonship, leading to Christ’s successful fulfillment of God’s commands as the obedient Son of God. This comprehensive analysis aims to deepen understanding of Christ’s work and encourages listeners to appreciate the significance of these biblical events in the context of the entire history of salvation​​.

Chapters

• 00:07 Introduction
• 04:32 The Religious Character of Jesus’ Temptations
• 09:39 Jesus’ Temptation Compared and Contrasted with Adam’s
• 16:40 Encouragement for Sinners
• 19:54 The Nature of the Temptations and Jesus’ Use of the Law
• 25:25 Satan’s Strategy in Tempting Jesus
• 32:33 Israel’s Temptation and Christ as the Obedient Son of God
• 40:21 The Work of the Spirit in Jesus’ Temptation
• 53:08 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

In this installment of Vos Group, Lane Tipton and Camden Bucey discuss pp. 330–333 of Geerhardus Vos’ book, Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments. In this section, Vos focuses on the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, a pivotal event in the Gospels. Vos examines various interpretations and challenges to the historicity and objectivity of this event, discussing theories that view it as mythological or parabolic. He argues for its historical and objective reality, using scriptural references such as Matthew 12:29 to support his view. Vos emphasizes the dual nature of the event as both a temptation by Satan and a probation by God, underscoring its importance in the Messianic mission of Jesus. He contrasts this with the temptation of Adam in Genesis, noting differences in their respective contexts and purposes. Vos also explores the implications of the event on the understanding of Jesus’ sinlessness and His role in atonement. Throughout, he maintains a theological perspective that situates the temptation within the broader narrative of redemption and Christ’s mission.

Chapters

• 00:00:07 Introduction
• 00:06:31 Jesus’ Temptation in the Wilderness
• 00:10:46 Myth and the Liberal Interpretation of Scripture
• 00:19:08 Matthew 12 and the Binding of the Strong Man
• 00:27:16 Eschatology and the Kingdom of God
• 00:30:28 The Impeccability of Jesus
• 00:51:34 Jesus Historically Casts Out Demons
• 00:53:28 The Holy Spirit, Messianic Sonship, and the Kingdom of God
• 00:59:00 Practical Applications of Jesus’ Temptation
• 01:05:34 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

In this installment of Vos Group, Lane Tipton and Camden Bucey discuss pp. 322–329 of Geerhardus Vos’ book, Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments. In this section, Vos discusses John’s testimony of Jesus after his baptism.

The testimony of John the Baptist as depicted in the Gospel of John emphasizes Jesus’ unique divine nature and eternal preexistence, distinguishing him from all others in redemptive history. This underlines John’s role as the one preparing the way for Jesus, who fulfills Old Testament prophecies as the sacrificial Lamb of God. It also highlights the immutable deity of Christ, who, despite his incarnation, remains unchanged in his divine person and essence. The narrative showcases Jesus’ baptism as an act of vicarious repentance and affirms his authority to bestow the Spirit, underscoring the theological depth of his identity and mission as witnessed by John the Baptist.

Chapters

• 00:07 Introduction
• 07:00 The Pre-Existence of Christ Revealed at His Baptism
• 12:10 Christ before and after John
• 15:36 John 1:15, 30
• 26:12 Malachi 3 and the Trinity
• 30:43 The Ecumenical Tradition and Scripture
• 33:42 Divine Relationality
• 39:32 The Immutability of the Person of the Son
• 44:16 The Religious Significance of Christ’s Divinity
• 49:34 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

Today, we turn to pages 318–322 of Vos’ Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to explore the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. Our goal is to offer a nuanced understanding by identifying both the similarities and differences between John’s baptism of Jesus and the baptisms John performed upon the people.

Vos aims to steer clear of two misconceptions: the first being that Jesus’ baptism and the people’s baptisms were entirely distinct events, and the second that they were essentially the same.

The baptism of Jesus holds dual significance. Firstly, it serves as a public and objective revelation of the Holy Spirit’s glory, manifested as the Spirit descended from heaven onto Jesus. Secondly, it has a sacramental meaning for Jesus himself, as he received something from the Spirit that furthered his earthly mission, which was a journey of suffering leading to glory.

In addition, we’ll examine the connection between Jesus’s baptism and his role as the Messiah, offering insights into both pneumatology—the study of the Holy Spirit—and eschatology—the study of end times.

Chapters

• 00:07 Introduction
• 00:37 Discussing the Recent Course on Aquinas’ Trinitarian Theology
• 09:49 John’s Baptism of Jesus
• 23:22 The Redemptive-Historical Roles of Jesus and John
• 27:05 Jesus Identifies with His People
• 29:55 The Objective Office of Messiah
• 41:42 The Descent of the Spirit upon Jesus
• 46:54 The Sacramental Significance of Jesus Baptism
• 50:31 The Beginning of the New Creation
• 58:49 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

We turn to pp. 315–318 of Geerhardus Vos’s book, Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to discuss revelation connected with John the Baptist. Our discussion examines the complexities of John’s role in the grand scheme of Biblical theology, unearthing profound insights about revelation and prophecy. We explore John’s unique connection with Elijah, and the significance of his testimony to Jesus and baptism.

Join us as we ponder Vos’s interpretation of Biblical revelation, shedding light on how it relates to the shadowy figure of John the Baptist. We navigate the delicate interplay between Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment, guided by the astute scholarship of Vos.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Introduction
• 00:02:49 Thoughts on Studying Vos
• 00:14:10 John the Baptist and Elijah
• 00:21:50 Dispensational Interpretations of OT Prophecy
• 00:30:11 Repent in Preparation of the Coming of Christ
• 00:34:37 John’s Baptism
• 00:43:47 The OT Background to the Baptism of John
• 00:51:27 Considering John’s Baptism Redemptive-Historically
• 01:01:50 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

We turn to pp. 311–314 of Geerhardus Vos’s book, Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to discuss revelation connected with John the Baptist. In this section, we are reminded of the importance of being methodologically self-conscious in our biblical theology. Vos provides valuable insights into John the Baptist’s mission and his place in the unfolding of God’s plan of salvation.

Through an exposition of Matthew 11:2-15, we explore Jesus’ correction of mistaken views and his explanation of John’s significance as “more than a prophet” as well as Vos’ biblical theology, emphasizing the redemptive event as preceding the interpretive word. Whether you’re a biblical scholar or simply interested in the history of special revelation, this episode is sure to provide you with valuable insights and a deeper understanding of John the Baptist’s role in the unfolding of God’s plan of salvation.

Chapters

• 00:00:07 Introduction
• 00:01:32 Join Our New Online Community
• 00:07:37 New Course Available on Van Til and Barth
• 00:16:10 Vos, John the Baptist, and Methodological Considerations
• 00:23:32 Baldensperger and the History of Religions School
• 00:29:04 John the Baptist in Luke 1
• 00:36:54 Baldensperger’s View of Luke 1–3
• 00:44:45 The Christian Philosophy of History
• 00:50:14 John the Baptist in Matthew 11:2–15
• 00:57:46 John and Impending Judgment
• 01:01:45 John Living under the Old Covenant
• 01:05:46 Rejoicing in Suffering for Christ
• 01:18:16 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

We turn to pp. 309–310 of Geerhardus Vos’s book, Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to discuss aspects of the nativity. The convergence of the coming of Jehovah and the coming of the Messiah is found in Jesus Christ and revealed particularly at the time of the nativity. Two Old Testament roots support this convergence: the circle of Mary and Joseph, who stand in the line of David, and the circle of Zacharias and Elizabeth, where the idea of Jehovah’s coming prevails.

Additionally, Vos notes that the name “Jesus” means “Jehovah is Salvation,” signifying Jesus’ divine identity as the one who delivers his people from the guilt and power of sin. Finally, Vos emphasizes that the inclusion of the Gentiles into God’s covenant people is another important aspect of Jesus’ redemptive work revealed with the incarnation.

Chapters

• 00:07 Introduction
• 01:31 The Coming of the Son of David
• 11:41 The Coming of the Lord
• 15:43 John the Baptist’s Ministry
• 21:45 The Name of “Jesus”
• 27:54 Simeon and the Inclusion of the Gentiles
• 36:42 Jesus Has No Earthly Father
• 39:52 Creation and Incarnation
• 50:09 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

We discuss Geerhardus Vos’s sermon on Hebrews 12:1–3, “Running the Race,” from his collection Grace and Glory: Sermons Preached at Princeton Seminary.

Chapters

• 00:07 Introduction
• 01:11 Historical Context
• 06:06 Doctrine and Exhortation
• 18:05 A Cloud of Witnesses
• 21:19 The Imagery of Running
• 24:40 Union with the Ascended Christ
• 29:24 A Grumbling Spirit
• 38:27 Run the Race with Patience
• 45:23 The Sermon Ends on an Indicative
• 53:00 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Danny Olinger, Lane G. Tipton

We turn to pp. 306–308 of Geerhardus Vos’s book, Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to discuss revelation connected with the nativity. From the various texts that range from the annunciation of the angel to Joseph to the prophecy of Anna, Vos takes the “characteristic features” of these narratives and arranges them in a topical manner.

Chapters

• 00:07 Introduction
• 10:32 Continuity with the Old Testament
• 20:02 Revelation as an Organism
• 30:29 The New Redemptive Character of Revelation
• 36:04 The Absence of Political Aspects
• 47:18 The Absence of Legalism
• 53:37 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

We turn to pp. 305–306 of Geerhardus Vos’s book, Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to discuss revelation connected with the nativity. Throughout history, God interprets his supernatural works with his inspired Word. At this critical moment in history, the coming of Christ the redeemer, the Lord reveals himself further to his people.

Chapters

• 00:07 Introduction
• 03:23 The New Testament and Critical Scholarship
• 12:20 The Incarnation and the History of Special Revelation
• 19:43 Dogmatic Considerations Regarding the Pre-Existent Messiah
• 37:46 Supernatural Acts in History
• 49:14 The Prophecy of Zacharias
• 54:48 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

We turn to pp. 302–304 of Geerhardus Vos’s book, Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to discuss the nature of New Testament revelation. Vos explains how the new dispensation in Christ is the final dispensation of revelation. Referencing Hebrews 1:1–2, we discuss how this revelation is organic, progressive, and climactic in Christ.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction
• 05:58 The New Dispensation
• 07:42 Hebrews 1:1–2
• 14:33 Organic Revelation
• 23:01 Progressive Revelation
• 35:26 Climactic Revelation
• 45:56 Christ and the Apostles
• 52:11 Conclusion

Links

• Grace in Common episode on organic theology
• Vos Group #1: An Introduction to Geerhardus Vos’ Biblical Theology
• Vos Group #2: The Nature and Method of Biblical Theology, Part 1
• Vos Group #3: The Nature and Method of Biblical Theology, Part 2

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

We turn to pp. 299–301 of Geerhardus Vos’s book, Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments. Vos discusses three ways in which the structure of New Testament Revelation can be determined from within Scripture itself.

1. From indications in the Old Testament
2. From the teachings of Jesus
3. From the teachings of Paul and the other apostles

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Introduction
• 00:07:43 The Structure of New Testament Revelation
• 00:15:11 Organic vs. Artificial
• 00:21:32 Old Testament Indications of the Nature of Revelation
• 00:27:04 The Old and the New
• 00:38:23 The Teaching of Jesus
• 00:43:00 Abrogation and Perfection
• 00:52:03 Hebrews 10:19-24 and the Era of Religious Fellowship
• 00:56:58 Paul and the Teaching of the Other Apostles
• 01:01:21 Hebrews 1:1-2
• 01:06:06 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

We discuss Geerhardus Vos’s sermon, “Heavenly Mindedness” from his collection Grace and Glory: Sermons Preached at Princeton Seminary. In this sermon, Vos directs the Christian to consider the heavenly realities, where Christ is, as the proper focus and posture for the Christian throughout this present earthly pilgrimage.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction
• 03:45 Historical Context of the Sermon
• 08:44 Key Passages on Faith
• 12:54 A Biblical Theology of Faith
• 16:11 Faith and the Foundation of the Christian Life
• 19:58 Vos’s Exegesis and the History of Redemption
• 22:06 Faith and the Vitality of the Christian Life
• 23:44 Supernaturalism and History
• 26:45 Themes Picked up by Kline
• 30:04 Abraham’s Pilgrimage
• 36:27 The Remedy for the Ills of the Modern Life
• 38:40 Heavenly-Mindedness vs Mysticism
• 48:38 The Means of Grace
• 57:59 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Danny Olinger, Lane G. Tipton

Lane Tipton and Camden Bucey turn to pages 289–296 of Geerhardus Vos’ book, Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments. In this section, Vos introduces several significant interpretive practices which are critical for a proper understanding of the eschatology of the prophets. These are the principles of (1) finality and consummation, (2) prophetic idiom, and (3) the coming of the Messiah as the “gift of God.”

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction
• 02:48 Finality and Consummation
• 13:53 The Forshortening of Prophetic Insight
• 22:54 Prophetic Idiom and the Future Glory of Isaiah
• 42:58 The Coming Messiah as the Gift of God
• 51:06 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

Lane Tipton and Camden Bucey turn to pages 269–286 of Geerhardus Vos’ book, Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments, to consider social sin in the time of the prophets.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction
• 05:41 Join Our Private Chat Server
• 10:07 The Corruption of Ritual Worship
• 11:53 Social Sin
• 20:34 The Problem of the City
• 25:54 Social Justice and Humanitarianism
• 33:48 Social Sin and Theonomy
• 41:47 Transformation through the New Covenant
• 50:27 The Old and New Covenants
• 55:48 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

Danny Olinger, Lane Tipton, and Camden Bucey discuss Geerhardus Vos’s sermon, “The More Excellent Ministry” from 2 Corinthians 3:18. This sermon is included in Grace and Glory: Sermons Preached at Princeton Theological Seminary. In this sermon, Vos proclaims the good news of the consummate and unfading glory of Christ’s new covenant ministry and its implications for the church this side of Christ’s death and resurrection.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction
• 04:21 The Polemical Context of 2 Corinthians 3
• 10:59 The New Covenant Ministry
• 17:08 2 Corinthians 2:14–17 and Christ’s Triumph
• 28:06 Transitory vs. Eternal
• 31:32 Covered vs. Uncovered
• 34:54 The Function of Moses’ Veil
• 40:13 New Covenant Ministry Is Bound Up with Christ
• 42:28 A Ministry of Abundant Forgiveness and Righteousness
• 50:08 The Transforming Power of the New Covenant
• 53:39 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Danny Olinger, Lane G. Tipton

Lane Tipton and Camden Bucey turn to pages 267–269 of Geerhardus Vos’ book, Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments, to consider the collective sin of the nation during the time of the prophets. Vos addresses several passages in this section, including Amos 5:25, Isaiah 1:10–17, and Hosea 6:6.

Links

• OPC Report of the Committee to Study Republication

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction
• 05:13 Critics, the Prophets, and the Old Covenant
• 12:28 The Passover and Redemptive-History
• 19:32 Amos 5:25
• 28:33 Isaiah 1:10–17
• 36:17 Hosea 6:4–10
• 40:47 Israel’s National Sin
• 49:06 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

Lane Tipton and Camden Bucey turn to pages 264–266 of Geerhardus Vos’ book, Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments, to consider the collective sin of the nation during the time of the prophets. Vos speaks particularly of the prophet Amos, and his indictment of false worship practices among the people.

Links

• OPC Report of the Committee to Study Republication

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Introduction
• 00:09:14 Collective National Sin
• 00:17:33 Oppression of the Poor and Sexual Immorality
• 00:24:40 Licentious Idolatry
• 00:28:24 The Covenant-Historical Context
• 00:35:26 The Motivation of the Apostates (Amos 8:1–6)
• 00:42:04 A Critical Interpretation of the Prophets’ View of Sacrifices
• 00:45:57 Manners of False Worship
• 00:55:17 Cultural Forces and the Church
• 01:00:33 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

We turn to pages 263–264 of Geerhardus Vos’ book, Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments, to consider the sin of Israel and the resulting rupture of their covenant bond with the Lord.

Links

• OPC Study Committee Report on Republication, Chapter 8

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

We turn to pages 256–263 of Geerhardus Vos’ book, Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments, to discuss the bond between the Lord and Israel. In this chapter, Vos considers revelation during the period of the prophets, but in this section, he specifically considers the unique perspective on covenant (berith) offered by Isaiah and Hosea.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

We turn to pages 255–256 of Geerhardus Vos, Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to consider the ways in which the Old Testament prophets use anthropomorphism to describe God. The “emotional” or “affectional” dispositions of Jehovah’s nature is the next set of attributes. He says, as a guiding principle, “we are here in a sphere full of anthropomorphism” and says that “an anthropomorphism” is never without an “inner core of important truth” that “must be translated into more theological language” where we can “enrich our knowledge of God” (255).

Vos makes an absolutely critical observation here that needs sustained attention to the theological issues he raises here. They are as important in our day as in Vos’ if not more so. Anthropomorphic language ascribes the qualities of the creature to God’s acts in time. But such language is never intended by Reformed theologians to be taken in a univocal way, as though God literally possesses creaturely qualities.

1. God’s acts in time do not require him to be temporal.
2. God acts in the contingent historical order of creation do not require him to be contingent and historical.
3. God’s acts in relation to mutable and passible creatures do not require that he be mutable and passible like the creature.
4. There is no point of univocity between the Creator and the creature—no mutual sharing in mutability and temporality.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

We turn to pages 250–255 of Geerhardus Vos, Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to consider God’s righteousness—particularly as it is revealed during the time of the Old Testament prophets.

Vos speaks of God’s righteousness as “midway between the transcendental and communicative attributes” (250). God is the righteous judge. In human terms, a judge is righteous because he adheres strictly to the standard or law over him. How does this apply to God, who has no standard or law above him? “Underlying the decisions of Jehovah lies His nature” (251). The law is righteous because it is based upon God’s nature, not the other way around.

Vos speaks of God’s forensic or judicial righteousness branching out in several directions, as a righteousness of cognizance, retribution, vindication, salvation, and benevolence.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

Danny Olinger, Lane Tipton, and Camden Bucey discuss Geerhardus Vos’s sermon, “Hungering and Thirsting after Righteousness” from Matthew 5:6. This sermon is included in Grace and Glory: Sermons Preached at Princeton Theological Seminary.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Danny Olinger, Lane G. Tipton

We turn to pages 245–250 of Geerhardus Vos’s book Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to discuss the prophet’s view of God’s holiness. Vos contrasts the concept of holiness found in pagan religions with that of the biblical prophets. The concept of holiness in Scripture is God-centered. It begins with the Lord, his transcendence, and then radiates outward to creation as he is revealed. This is how we must consider holiness when it is applied to creation—whether to man made in his image, to places, or to consecrated objects used in worship.

The liberal theologians Vos often addresses have no issue acknowledging the “holiness” of man understood as moral goodness. But for Vos, ethical goodness requires the comparison and relation to a holy God. In this sense, it is not possible to de-spiritualize Scripture and retain the Bible’s concept of holiness.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

In this episode of Vos Group, we turn to Vos’s sermon, “The Wonderful Tree,” in the collection of his sermons, Grace and Glory: Sermons Preached at Princeton Seminary. Preaching on Hosea 14:8, Vos describes the nature of religion as consisting of what God is for man and of what man is for God. Hosea features what God is for man in the metaphor of an evergreen cypress, offering life-giving sustenance and shade in all seasons. This sermon is the longest of Vos’s that we possess, and it demonstrates several surprising features, which Danny Olinger, Lane Tipton, and Camden Bucey discuss.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Danny Olinger, Lane G. Tipton

We turn to pages 243–244 of Geerhardus Vos’s book Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to discuss the prophet’s view of God’s relation to time and space. In terms of God’s relation to time and space, two relations occur. What we have to affirm first of all is that God is everywhere present in all of his fullness. But Vos speaks of a special relation to Zion (on earth) and heaven itself as the temple dwelling of God. Two things help us grasp the significance of this: the notion of covenant and the location of the fellowship.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

In 1922, Reformed Press published six sermons by Geerhardus Vos in a volume titled Grace and Glory. In 1994, Banner of Truth published the same collection with ten additional sermons, which were discovered and edited by James Dennison. Banner has now brought this full collection back into print with a new edition: Grace and Glory: Sermons Preached at Princeton Seminary.

Danny Olinger, author of Geerhardus Vos: Reformed Biblical Theologian, Confessional Presbyterian, joins us to speak about Vos’s sermons in their biblical context as well as the historical context in which they were written and delivered. Rev. Olinger is General Secretary for the Committee on Christian Education of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Danny Olinger, Lane G. Tipton

We turn to pp. 238–243 of Vos’s book, Biblical Theology, to speak about the Old Testament prophets and their understanding of the nature and attributes of God. Vos affirms that God is Spirit. This brings into view not that God is immaterial per se, as Vos notes, but rather the “energy of life in God.” This is critical to appreciate. That God is Spirit reminds us that while he is immutable in his being, he is impassible in his actions.

He acts, and his actions condition all that he acts upon, without he himself being mutually conditioned by that on which he acts. That is, God is pure act in the sense that he immutably and sovereignly acts in such a way that he is not acted upon, and in that action, changed by the creation on which and in which his actions terminate. Vos says in his Reformed Dogmatics, there is no time distinction in God, yet his acts fall in time. And they fall in time as the acts of an all-conditioning God, who is living and active, but in a way that he is not acted upon or changed by the creature.

The Westminster Shorter Catechism states that God is a Spirit, “infinite, eternal and unchangeable.” This helpfully distills the essence of what Vos is after. While immutable, God is active and living and all of his acts express his immutable being and purpose. So, a key here is that immutability and spirituality require one another: God is immutable in his life; immutable in his purposes; and his agency in creation expresses immutable but living and acting Trinitarian persons, who are exhaustively and entirely the one true God.

Isaiah 57:15 is a key text: “For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.’”

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

We turn to pp. 235–238 of Vos’s book, Biblical Theology, to speak about the Old Testament prophets and varying views of monotheism. The prophetic era begins with Samuel and the introduction of kingship in the theocracy, and the fundamental conflict between the prophets and the kings is between those who are fundamentally theocentric and those who are fundamentally political.

And the kings concerns, representative in Saul, is a carnal, earthly concern to maintain political power. The kings long to maintain the appearance of royal splendor. They do not have a fundamentally theocentric concern about them. The increasing propension of the kings is to gain and maintain political power, outward glory, and the prestige and praise of man. Saul is the prototype of this thing. The theocracy, for the kings who follow in the pattern of Saul, do not perceive the spiritual and theocentric core of the kingdom of God. And they wind up persecuting not only David, but as Stephen makes clear, they persecute and even kill the prophets. But in Isaiah we find the theocentric concern coming to its full fruition in the Old Testament.

Vos notes that there are three unique features that stand out with Isaiah, and these, taken together, comprise the eschatological intensification of the prophetic office—these become a prolepsis of the nature of the true religion that will come by the Spirit of the ascended Messiah. First, a vivid perception of divine majesty. Second, transcendence and majesty of Jehovah in contrast to the creature. Third, unqualified service to the divine glory, which is a common theme pre- and post-exile.

The monotheism of the later prophets such as Isaiah is a sign of the great advancement of the kingdom toward the original heavenly telos that was held out to Adam under the covenant of works. The monotheism of the later prophets such as Isaiah is the movement toward the great realization of the heavenly kingdom in the person and work of Christ.

As we discuss monotheism it is not the “ethical monotheism” of the critics but the eschatological monotheism of the true religion whose center of gravity is God’s glory in heaven that comes into view. That is the fundamental concern—the central importance—of the development of monotheism. The “gods” are absolutely powerless to deliver from judgment on earth or to enable entrance into the glory-heaven of Jehovah.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

We turn to pp. 234–235 of Vos’s book, Biblical Theology, to speak about the nature and attributes of God as understand by the Old Testament prophets.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

We turn to page 234 of Vos’s book, Biblical Theology, to speak about the understanding of monotheism which the biblical prophets possessed. On pages 206–211 of the book, Vos dealt with the modernist conception of the issue, adding a footnote that his positive treatment would be saved for later. Now we arrive at that later portion. As we begin to address this new section, we revisit some of the ground we covered in Vos Group #55, while expanding that material.

On pages 206–211, Vos gives us the key conception of the modernist critics:

The prophets, from Amos and Hosea onwards, are credited with the discovery and establishment of the great truth of ethical monotheism, in which the distinctive and permanent value of Old Testament religion is to be found.

To explain this as crisply as possible, Vos is saying that a particular ethical conception of Jehovah gives rise to the monotheism of the later prophets in the 8th century. It is a monotheism of a particular kind–a monotheism of a specific variety. There is a concrete, historical, situated, ethical dilemma that forges an ethical conception of Jehovah that otherwise would not be formed.

In contrast, Vos emphasizes that the prophets are God-centered. They are religious—meaning they find their delight in spiritual (Spirit-wrought) communion with God. The ethical aspect of monotheism is itself subservient to the glory of God and delight in fellowship with God.

The “prophetic orientation” does not view God as a means to an end, but rather delighting in God himself, as he has revealed himself as sovereign Judge and condescended Lord and Savior of his covenant people. The prophets delight in the God they proclaim and do not re-conceive him as a means to an end other than the glory of God himself as the chief end and delight of his people.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

We turn to pages 230–233 of Vos’s book, Biblical Theology, to speak about the mode by which the Lord delivers his message to the prophet. Man is made in the image of God, which means he has a special capacity to commune with God. Vos marvels at the way in which divine speech is transmitted to those made in his image. God’s word is communicated in servant form without evacuating the message of any of its divine characteristics, such as inerrancy or infallibility. The Holy Spirit works in the prophet in such a way as to inspire and superintend the entire activity of the prophet—whether in speech or inscripturation.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

We take a brief break from our regular schedule in Geerhardus Vos’s book, Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments, to discuss Vos’s sermon “Rabboni,” on John 20:16. This sermon is found in Grace & Glory, a collection of Vos’s sermons preached at the chapel of Princeton Seminary.

John 20:1–18 (ESV)

Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. ² So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” ³ So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. ⁴ Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. ⁵ And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. ⁶ Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, ⁷ and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. ⁸ Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; ⁹ for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. ¹⁰ Then the disciples went back to their homes. 

¹¹ But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. ¹² And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. ¹³ They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” ¹⁴ Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. ¹⁵ Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” ¹⁶ Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). ¹⁷ Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” ¹⁸ Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her. 

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

We turn to pages 224–229 of Vos’s book, Biblical Theology, to speak about the intra-mental state of the prophet, by which Vos means to inquire into “how the soul felt and reacted under the things shown within the vision” (p. 224).

Far too much attention has been given to what is represented by the Greek term ecstasis. The term served first as a translation of the Hebrew tardemah (cf. Gen. 2:21 with Adam and Genesis 15:12 with Abram). In Adam’s case, there is no visionary state. In Abram’s case, there is such a vision (expound the theology of the theophany). But tardemah does not throw any light on Abram’s state of mind.

Ecstasis, on the other hand, has a very definite conception in Greek consciousness that leads in the direction of error. That conception is that of “insanity or mania” and was applied to the oracular process—the process of receiving visions and the resultant state in which it put the seer-prophet. This led to a close association between the prophet and some feature of instability—some manic tendency that seems inherent to the process of receiving a vision.

Vos points us to God’s inspired, inerrant, and infallible revelation in history, which does not bypass the human mind or allow the recipient to escape his humanity, but elevates him to greater communion with God.

In this episode, we turn to pages 220–223 of Vos’s book, Biblical Theology, to discuss the reception of divine revelation through showing and seeing. The prophets were given visions and heard the Lord and angelic beings speaking to them audibly. We explore the significance of this fact with regard to our understanding of God’s progressive revelation in history.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

In this episode, we turn to pages 216–220 of Vos’s book, Biblical Theology, to discuss the reception of divine revelation through speech and hearing. Vos treats this topic because, among other things, it lies at the heart of true religion. If God is not speaking, then we do not know him. If it is merely men who speak, we do not know God and therefore are not in a religious bond of covenantal fellowship with him. It is of the essence of true religion to affirm that God speaks and that prophets hear God speaking and then speak that same Word to the church. You cannot have true religion without such supernatural verbal revelation.

This requires that God speaks to the prophet before the prophet spoke. This is critical, since it utterly destroys the liberal theories that locate the actual words in human agency alone, such as the kernel theory we talked about earlier. The speaking of God is not meant in a figurative way, “but in the literal sense it appears in various ways” (p. 217).

Vos next makes a point that the verbal communication from Jehovah is both external and internal, and that internal (to the soul or audible only to the prophet) does not collapse into the “consciousness theology” and the subjectivism of the liberal concept of “revelation” where revelation simply means a heightened moral consciousness or awareness of nearness to the ethical ideal of the prophetic religion.

Vos urges us not to probe the proportion of internal and external revelation, but to accept that both forms come to the prophets, making them bearers of words that have divine authority.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

We turn to pages 214–216 of Geerhardus Vos’s book, Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments, to discuss the kernel and divination theories of the reception of prophetic revelation. Critical scholars seek to identify human beings as the origin of the prophetic message. Vos defends the orthodox notion that God reveals himself in objective verbal revelation to the prophets, who delivered that inspired and inerrant message to the people.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

We turn to pages 212–213 of Vos’ book Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to discuss the mode of reception of the prophetic revelation. In the fourth section of his book, Vos continues to contrast the modernist conception with that of confessional orthodoxy. He stresses that revelation does not originate naturally but is in its essence, “a real communication” from God to the prophets.

Our study of Vos is focused on biblical theology, or what Vos termed “the history of special revelation.” A modernized conception of revelation construes history as natural and mechanical in character. History is encased in patterns of natural cause and effect. It is a closed reality. For the Kantian, the mind of man imposes rational categories onto nature. Others view the mind and discovering natural and immutable laws, which don’t exhibit any variation. It is an anti-supernaturalist conception of history. For the modernist, supernatural revelation cannot exist in the sphere of natural history.

Vos, however, is unwavering in his commitment to the self-attesting word of God, which is a supernatural word from the transcendent God, who nevertheless condescends voluntarily to speak to those made in his image.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

We turn to pages 206–211 of Vos’ book Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to continue our discussion of critical theories of prophetism. Vos tackles a modernist, critical theory of the development of monotheism under the prophets. Vos wants the reader to enter into a modernist world–a critical world. In that world, there are three main things you will face:

• A finite and developing conception of deity
• A mechanical and purely natural conception of history
• An errant and merely human conception of the Bible

These are the key features of a “critical” approach to the prophets. But, as Machen pointed out so clearly, these three conceptions represent a different religion: a fundamentally Pelagian conception of religion.

Vos helps us see, by contrast, that the kingdom of God and the demand that he be worshipped exclusively is built into man as the image of God. Adam, from the start, was bound to God in a religious relation by creation that the covenant of works was to advance. Man, from the beginning, exists to worship God–to glorify and enjoy God forever in covenantal fellowship. For the liberal to reverse this relation and insist that God must serve the purpose of man is to lay bare that the critics truly do have a different religion. On this, Vos and Machen are one.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

We turn to pages 202–205 of Vos’ book Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to continue our discussion of critical theories of prophetism. Vos answers critics who believe that Israel derived its understanding of prophetism from Canaanite religion by focusing our attention upon God’s word revealed in history. Contrary to the false prophets, true prophetism is centered on true religion, union and communion with God according to his word.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

Danny Olinger, author of Geerhardus Vos: Reformed Biblical Theology, Confessional Presbyterian, joins us for a special conversation. We take a brief break from Vos’s book Biblical Theology to discuss the influence of Vos upon several other theologians. We then open the floor to questions from people participating in our live webinar.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Danny Olinger, Lane G. Tipton

In this episode of #VosGroup, we turn to pages 200–201 of Vos’ book Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to continue our discussion of critical theories of prophetism.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

In this installment of #VosGroup, we turn to pages 198–199 of Vos’ book Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to consider critical theories of prophetism. We extend and amplify the material in these pages more than usual by connecting Vos’s teaching to the theology of Karl Barth and other modernist approaches.

Broadly, the term can be associated with “instrument of revelation” and this is so important to note. For Vos, contra Barth, there is a direct, organic disclosure of God’s revealed truth in our calendar-time history. It is not in a distinct, third-time dimension that Barth calls Geschichte that “revelation” occurs. For Barth, revelation is Jesus Christ in a distinct time dimension, God’s third time for us, that “revelation” occurs. Revelation is Jesus Christ. The Scriptures, the prophets and calendar time history are not themselves revelation–they only point to revelation. Revelation is a “supra-historical” event in a time dimension altogether different from our calendar time.

But Vos would say this is fundamentally wrong–it is a different religious conception of “revelation” altogether. God speaks directly to Adam in the Garden of Eden in terms of positive, special, verbal revelation. God’s voice can be heard, speaking with inerrant and inescapable authority, in Eden. It is this initial self-revelation from God, in the Garden of Eden, prior to the fall, that supplies us with our conception of revelation. God both acts and speaks in calendar time history, and that special is initially given to Adam under the covenant of works. God’s revelation in nature (image of God) is by divine design subordinate to God’s revelation in positive categories. In other words, Genesis 2:7 (image of God) and Genesis 2:15–17 (Covenant) demand the idea that God reveals himself with absolute authority and clarity directly in history.

Vos says, “But the Reformed have always insisted upon it that at no point shall a recognition of the historical delivery and apprehension of truth be permitted to degenerate into a relativity of truth. The history remains a history of revelation. Its total product agrees absolutely in every respect with the sum of truth as it lies in the eternal mind and purpose of God.”

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

We continue our #VosGroup series in pages 194–197 of Vos’ book Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to consider the biblical conception of prophetism. We discuss the Greek and pagan conceptions and their connection to contemporary modernist conceptions.

Vos has in view here a Hellenic, and not New Testament, conception of the prophet. Some would seek to understand prophet as a foreteller, which brings into view predictive prophecy—a telling of a situation in advance of the actual occurrence of the situation. However, it is not proper to take the concept in this direction only. While there is a predictive element present in much of what the prophets communicate, it is better to take them as foretellers in a local sense. This means that prophet is one who speaks an oracle from God. It is a place in time where one speaks on behalf of God.

However, the Greek terms, as it appears in a Hellenic, extra-biblical context, has a different connotation, and this is critical to grasp, that we must reject. That connotation is this: the prophet in this Greek conception is an interpreter of a fundamentally opaque, hidden utterance from god. Pythia (the name of the high priestess of the temple Apollo at Delphi), would be the interpreter of this fundamentally hidden oracle—a dark saying that needed a human interpreter in order to be rendered intelligible.

The Greek prophet does not stand in a direct relation to the deity, as in the Old Testament prophet, who spoke, by inspiration, directly from God, a word from God. Rather than being a mouth-piece of the deity, as is the case with the Nabi, the prophet in the Old Testament sense of the term, the prophet in the Greek, Hellenic sense, is an interpreter of the deity’s oracle. The oracle comes from the Deity but requires interpretation, an interpretive act, from a prophet, to render that message intelligible or clear. The prophet, in this Hellenic conception, is therefore not one who speaks the words of the deity. Rather, he is one who intercepts a supra-rational, intrinsically opaque, communication from a deity. It is precisely this conception of the prophet that Vos sees being appropriated by the liberals of his day.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton