The Messiah Is Jesus, with David Ritsema: John 20:31

The Messiah Is Jesus, with David Ritsema: John 20:31

Author: Wheaton College April 6, 2026 Duration: 12:17

John 20:31 is usually translated as John's purpose statement: "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God" (ESV). But could the clause also be understood as, "that you may believe that the Christ, the Son of God, is Jesus"? What difference would this make for how we read John's Gospel as a whole? In this episode, David Ritsema discusses the grammatical question behind this translation and its implications for John's presentation of Jesus as the Messiah. Dr. David Ritsema is Assistant Dean and Assistant Professor of New Testament at B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary, East Texas Baptist University. His book, The Divine Messiah: A Portrait of Jesus in the Johannine Literature, is forthcoming with Wipf & Stock.

Check out related programs at Wheaton College:

B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4tfjeTr 
M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/4lYiJuC 


Ever wondered what a single Greek word or a subtle Hebrew nuance can reveal about a familiar biblical passage? Exegetically Speaking, from Wheaton College and The Lanier Theological Library, explores exactly that. Host Dr. David Capes guides conversations with scholars who specialize in the biblical languages. Each week, in a concise seven to eleven minutes, these experts unpack a specific text, demonstrating how a knowledge of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek transforms understanding. This isn't about dry grammar lessons; it's about the tangible payoff of seeing scripture through the lens of its native tongue. You'll hear how a verb tense shifts a parable's meaning or how a cultural idiom deepens a prophetic message. The podcast makes scholarly insight accessible, offering listeners a direct line to the foundational tools of biblical interpretation. Whether you're a student, a pastor, or simply curious about the Bible's depth, these focused episodes provide a regular dose of discovery, highlighting why engaging with the original languages remains a vital and enriching practice for anyone interested in the Christian faith. Tune in for a thoughtful, expert-led journey into the text itself.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Exegetically Speaking
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