Week 11- The Christian Faith in Jewish Context (Hebrews and James)

In these lectures, Dr. Tim focuses on some of the key ways that the Christian faith is built upon and grows out of ancient Judaism. The first Christians were all Jewish and understood Jesus Christ and their faith in him as a logical extension of what was taught in Hebrew Scriptures. In Hebrews, the author explains the meaning of Jesus Christ’s life and death in terms of drawn from the Old Testament (e.g., high priest, sacrifice, atonement, etc.) to urge Jesus’s followers not to revert to Judaism in light of the threat of persecution but to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus and to hold on to their faith in him. In James, the author emphasizes the importance of doing good deeds and showing one’s faith in Christ by treating other people fairly and well. James is one of the most practical books in the New Testament and makes clear that true religion that is pleasing to God will include social concern and concrete acts of service. The professor also addresses the thorny question of whether salvation is by works (as James seems to argue) or by faith (so, Paul).