Apantesis — Encounters with Biblical Texts and Their Ancient World

Jerome Wright
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Apantesis is a Greek word meaning “an encounter.” This podcast invites thoughtful encounters with biblical texts and their ancient world. Exploring scripture in its historical context, the core question Apantesis asks: what did these writings mean to those who first heard them—and what, if anything, do they mean today? Not debate or propaganda—just calm conversation and honest exploration.

  1. 06/09/2024

    The Coming Of God (Mat 24:1-3)

    We often see/hear this phrase in the modern Christian community: "Jesus is coming back." As with most concepts in the Church, there's always a scripture reference to support. The most popular textual reference for the 'coming of Jesus' is Mat 24:1-3. In this episode, I will challenge you to take a second look at the narrative and ask if we can confidently say that Jesus is coming back in our lifetime or after.

    The Coming Of God (Mat 24:1-3)

  2. 01/03/2024

    What Did Demon Possession Mean in the Ancient World? Pt 2

    During the reign of Jeroboam and those kings who succeeded him, Israel became immersed in the doctrines of idolatry, such as the concept of demon possession. ~ The deception of this false spirituality so deluded Israel that they even took part in many of its dangerous rituals. The most extreme of which was the sacrifice of their children.

    What Did Demon Possession Mean in the Ancient World? Pt 2

  3. 09/28/2023

    What Did Demon Possession Mean in the Ancient World? Pt 1

    Since movies are still being made about the existence of demons, there remains some sense of relevance in our culture on this...and you'll find that a large number still believes in it - and so the ideology continues to inform people's thinking on the spiritual realm.  However, I found myself thinking more about God's perspective on spirituality. Asking, what did God teach in the scriptures about the spiritual realm? In this episode, we'll explore God's teachings on the spiritual realm and see for ourselves where demons fit in it.

    What Did Demon Possession Mean in the Ancient World? Pt 1

  4. 08/27/2023

    Was Hating Others A Condition for Discipleship?

    The concept expressed in Luke 14:25-28 has been troubling for some people because it would seem at first glance that Jesus was teaching hate as a condition for discipleship. But was that the case? Tune in as I explore what Jesus truly meant when he used "hate" in his conversation with his disciples.

    Was Hating Others A Condition for Discipleship?

  5. 07/31/2023

    Are We Living in the Last Days? Pt 2

    When Jesus and the 1st-century believers spoke of the last days, they were, in essence, referring to the closing days of an age coming to an end. It was a time associated with ONLY the 12 tribes (Israel) in the 1st Century - the Roman Empire (Greco-Roman world) was not concerned or preoccupied with notions of the last days. In this episode, we'll continue exploring the historical meaning of “last days” and why the first-century context may shape how we read these passages today.

    Are We Living in the Last Days? Pt 2

  6. 07/24/2023

    Are We Living in the Last Days? Pt1

    When something tragic happens, such as increased crime, senseless killings, or even natural disasters. You might hear someone say that we’re living in the last days. Many Christians today believe the phrase “last days” refers to events happening in our own time. But how did the earliest readers of the New Testament understand this expression? In this episode, we explore the historical meaning of “last days” and why the first-century context may change how we read these passages today.

    Are We Living in the Last Days? Pt1

  7. 07/19/2023

    Did Angels have sex with women?

    A few years ago, I heard of a perspective on Gen 6:1-7; it alleged that the terminology sons of God were angelic beings. Specifically, the claim was that the sons of God were divine beings who had sex with human women—as a result, they produced a hybrid human race of giants called Nephilim. In this episode, I'll debunk this teaching, showing that it doesn't align with the overall context of what Moses wrote in Genesis.

    Did Angels have sex with women?

  8. 07/17/2023

    Lucifer in Isaiah 14: King of Babylon or Satan? Pt4 - (Garden of Eden Imagery)

    Ezekiel 28 is another set of bible verses to support the traditional story about Lucifer/Satan. Many in the Christian community have been told an interpretation of these texts in various ways: (about a beautiful angelic being named Lucifer who lost his way and became evil incarnate.) As far back as I can remember, the story's main points have remained unchanged. - BUT who or what was Ezekiel writing about?

    Lucifer in Isaiah 14: King of Babylon or Satan? Pt4 - (Garden of Eden Imagery)
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About

Apantesis is a Greek word meaning “an encounter.” This podcast invites thoughtful encounters with biblical texts and their ancient world. Exploring scripture in its historical context, the core question Apantesis asks: what did these writings mean to those who first heard them—and what, if anything, do they mean today? Not debate or propaganda—just calm conversation and honest exploration.

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