Seeking Proof Finding Grace

Ron Campbell
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

Every week we take a close look at God's great love for us. Along the way we will answer some of the most difficult questions like: Were we created or are we a cosmic accident? If there is a God, how can I know who He is? Does God really love me? If so, why does He allow so many bad things to happen? Come join us on the greatest journey of all!

  1. 9h ago

    How Oral Traditions Were Really Passed On: Podcast 118

    This week we look at how oral traditions are really passed on in the area around Judea.  How wrong did the form critics gets it?  The answer is very, very wrong!  This makes much more sense as we look at how the Gospels themselves took shape when they were committed to writing.   Richard Bauckham, Jesus and the Eyewitnesses, 2006    “The Gospels are unreliable sources for the history of Jesus not merely because of the fallibility of human memories but more decisively because the Christian communities had no real interest in preserving traditions about the past but formulated Jesus’ traditions for quite the different purpose of witnessing to the present, living Lord Jesus.”  Richard Bauckham, Jesus and the Eyewitnesses, 2006  page 241    Bauckham quoting Vincent Taylor “if the Form-Critics are right, the disciples must have been translated to heaven immediately after the resurrection.”  Vincent Taylor, The Formation of the Gospel Tradition, 1935    “The assumption of the comparability with folklore – freely altered and created in transmission – can be questioned at several points.  The time span between Jesus and the Gospels is much shorter than the periods of time spanned by the tradition studied by folklorists.  Moreover the nature of the traditions is very different.  If the analogy with oral traditions in traditional societies is to carry any weight, there must be much more careful distinction between different types of traditions and the different ways in which they are treated.”  “Virtually every element in this construction has been questioned and rejected by some or even most scholars.  Many of these criticisms are rooted in the much better and fuller information that is now available about the way oral traditions operate in predominantly oral societies.”  Richard Bauckham, Jesus and the Eyewitnesses, 2006  page 247    “That the Gospel traditions were transmitted purely orally for several decades was assumed by the form critics rather than demonstrated.  The world of the early Christian communities was not a purely oral one, but a predominantly oral society in which written texts had a place that was closely related to orality.”  Richard Bauckham, Jesus and the Eyewitnesses, 2006  page 248    “The fact that these informants – whether the Twelve or the other disciples – were not the only eyewitnesses but also prominent teachers in the early Christian movement shows, in coherence with what we have learned from Papias, that they did not merely start the traditions going and then withdraw from view, but remained for many years the known sources and guarantors of traditions of the deeds and words of Jesus.”  Richard Bauckham, Jesus and the Eyewitnesses, 2006  page 30    “The traditional setting is the gathering of villagers in the evening for the telling of stories and the recitation of poetry.  These gatherings have a name: they are called the haflat samar.  Samar in Arabic is a cognate of the Hebrew shamar, meaning to preserve.  The community is preserving its store of tradition.  By informal we mean that there is no set teacher and no specifically identified student.  As stories, poems and other traditional materials are told and recited through the evening, anyone can theoretically participate.  In fact, the older men, the more gifted men, and the socially more prominent men tend to do the reciting.  The reciters will shift depending on who is seated in the circle…I have often been seated in such circles when some piece of traditional oral literature is quoted.  I might not happen to know the story and so proceed to ask what it is all about.  Someone then says, “Elder so-and-so knows the story.”  The ranking social/intellectual figure then proceeds to tell the story with pride.”  K.E. Bailey, “Informal Controlled Oral Tradition and the Synoptic Gospels”, Themelios 20 (1995) 363-367.

  2. Jul 26

    Part 8 The Gospels Were Written Early: Podcast 117

    In this eight-part series we will be looking at a timeline from Jesus’ death and resurrection in 33AD up to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70AD and how the gospels and nearly all of the New Testament came together during this time.  This week we wrap up our journey through Acts and most of the New Testament.  A growing consensus recognizes that the best answer is that all four Gospels and most of the New Testament were written before the fall of Jerusalem in 70AD, just 37 years after Jesus’ death and resurrection.     John 5, “After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches.” NKJV, 1982  – notice John’s language – Now there is in Jerusalem…  Not there was…

  3. Jul 19

    Part 7 Paul’s Imprisonment Gives Us Lots of Clues: Podcast 116

    In this eight-part series we will be looking at a timeline from Jesus’ death and resurrection in 33AD up to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70AD and how the gospels and nearly all of the New Testament came together during this time.  This week in Part 7 we start at Paul’s imprisonment around 57AD and discuss how the events mentioned and not mentioned in Acts from 57AD to 62AD help us potentially date the Gospels.     Luke 1, “Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.”  NKJV, 1982    “Festus was now dead, and Albinus was but upon the road; so he assembled the Sanhedrin of judges, and brought before them the brother of Jesus, who was called Christ, whose name was James, and some others…and when he had formed an accusation against them as breakers of the law he delivered them to be stoned…” 20.9.1, Flavius, Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews    From Lexham Bible Dictionary - Josephus provides a brief account of the circumstances and details of James’ death (Antiquities 20.197–203). According to Josephus, the high priest Ananus (the younger) took action against James (circa ad 61) after Festus’ death and Albinus had arrived as the new Judaean procurator (Antiquities 20.197–99). Ananus “convened the judges of the Sanhedrin and brought before them a man named James, the brother of Jesus who was called the Christ, and certain others. He accused them of having transgressed the law and delivered them up to be stoned” (Antiquities 20.200). This action did not go over well with “the most fair-minded and were strict in observance of law,” who secretly reported Ananus’ actions to Agrippa and Albinus (Antiquities 20.201–3a). As a result of his unauthorized action, Agrippa deposed Ananus after only a three-month rule as high priest (Antiquities 20.203b).  Lexham Bible Dictionary quoting from 20.9.1, Flavius, Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews

  4. Jul 12

    Part 6 The Gospels Start to Take Shape: Podcast 115

    In this eight-part series we will be looking at a timeline from Jesus’ death and resurrection in 33AD up to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70AD and how the gospels and nearly all of the New Testament came together during this time.  This week in Part 6 we finally break into the 50’s and what might be the beginning of the Gospels themselves being committed to writing.      Acts 15, “36Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.” 37 Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work. 39 Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.”     “So Matthew published a written Gospel among the Hebrews in their own language, while Peter and Paul were preaching in Rome and founding the church.  After their departure, Mark, the disciple and interpreter of Peter, did also hand down to us in writing what had been preached by Peter.  Luke also, the companion of Paul, recorded in a book the Gospel preached by him.  Then John, the disciple of the Lord, the one who leaned back on the Lord’s breast, himself published a Gospel while he resided in Ephesus.” quoting from Irenaeus (120-202 AD); Eusebius, Hist. Eccl., pp. 5.8.2-4   “The Elder used to say: Mark, in his capacity as Peter’s interpreter, wrote down accurately as many things as he recalled from memory – though not in an ordered form – of the things either said or done by the Lord.  For he neither heard the Lord nor accompanied him, but later, as I said, Peter, who used to give his teachings in the form of cheriai, but had no intention of providing an orderly arrangement of the logia of the Lord...Consequently Mark did nothing wrong when he wrote down some individual items just as he related them from memory.   For he made it one concern not to omit anything he had heard or to falsify anything.””  Quoting from Papias, Eusebius, Hist. Eccl., pp. 3.39.14-16

  5. Jul 5

    Part 5 The First Church Council: Podcast 114

    In this eight-part series we will be looking at a timeline from Jesus’ death and resurrection in 33AD up to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70AD and how the gospels and nearly all of the New Testament came together during this time.  This week in Part 5 we look at the very first Church Council in Jerusalem around 50AD and how their decision shaped the future of how the Church operates today.  Spoiler alert!!  It might be better to get your theology from someplace other than network television.       Jeremiah 31:31-33 NKJV "[31] Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah- [32] not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the LORD. [33] But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.   Matthew 26:27-29 NKJV [27] Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. [28] For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.      Acts 15, “6 Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter.  7 And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: “Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, 9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they…22 Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren.”  NKJV   Acts 15, “23 They wrote this letter by them: The apostles, the elders, and the brethren, To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings.  Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, “You must be circumcised and keep the law”—to whom we gave no such commandment—25 it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth. 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: 29 that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.”  NKJV

  6. Jun 28

    Part 4 James’ Death Changes Everything: Podcast 113

    In this eight-part series we will be looking at a timeline from Jesus’ death and resurrection in 33AD up to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70AD and how the gospels and nearly all of the New Testament came together during this time.  This week in Part 4 we look at how James’ death impacted our timeline and Paul’s first missionary journey.  Along the way we also find the very first part of the New Testament being written around 48AD, a short 15 years after Jesus’ death and resurrection.       Acts 11, “Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. 2 Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 3 And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread. 4 So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover. 5 Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. 6 And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. 7 Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands. 8 Then the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals”; and so he did. And he said to him, “Put on your garment and follow me.” 9 So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 10 When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him. 11 And when Peter had come to himself, he said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.12 So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying… 18 Then, as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers about what had become of Peter. 19 But when Herod had searched for him and not found him, he examined the guards and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judea to Caesarea, and stayed there.”  NKJV   Acts 12-13, “25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their ministry, and they also took with them John whose surname was Mark.  13-1 Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers…2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.”  NKJV

  7. Jun 21

    Part 3 Paul Enters the Picture: Podcast 112

    In this eight-part series we will be looking at a timeline from Jesus’ death and resurrection in 33AD up to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70AD and how the gospels and nearly all of the New Testament came together during this time.  This week in Part 3 we look at Paul’s conversion a few years after Jesus’ death in 35AD and his trip to meet with Peter 3 years later in 38AD.     Galatians 1, “15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, 16 to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, (Acts 9:19-22) I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and (Acts 9:23-25) returned again to Damascus. (Acts 9: 26-30) 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. 20 (Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie.)”  NKJV   1st Cor 15, “Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve…8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.”  NKJV

  8. Jun 14

    Part 2 The Post Resurrection Appearances: Podcast 111

    Part 2 The Post Resurrection Appearances: Podcast 111   In this eight-part series we will be looking at a timeline from Jesus’ death and resurrection in 33AD up to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70AD and how the gospels and nearly all of the New Testament came together during this time.  This week in Part 2 we look at all of Jesus’ post resurrection appearances in the 40 days after His resurrection.     a.     Appearance in the garden   Matt 28, verses 9-10 John 20, verses 14-18   b.    Appearance to Peter   1st Cor 15, verses 3-8   c.     Appearance on the road to Emmaus   Mark 16, verses 12-13 Luke 24, verses 13-18   d.    Appearance to the 10   Luke 24, verses 36-43 John 20, verses 19-25   e.    Appearance to the 11 (Thomas)   John 20, verses 26-29   f.      Appearance to 500 (Galilee)   Matt 28, verses 16-20   g.     Appearance at the Sea of Tiberias John 21, verses 1-14               f. Appearance to James   1st Cor 15, verses 3-8               g. Appearance to all the Apostles (Acts 1:4)   Luke 24, verses 49-53 Acts 1, verses 4-11   h.    Last of all to Paul   1st Cor 15, verses 3-8

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About

Every week we take a close look at God's great love for us. Along the way we will answer some of the most difficult questions like: Were we created or are we a cosmic accident? If there is a God, how can I know who He is? Does God really love me? If so, why does He allow so many bad things to happen? Come join us on the greatest journey of all!

Information

  • Creator
    Ron Campbell
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    119
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Seeking Proof Finding Grace
  • Show Website
    Seeking Proof Finding Grace