Stephen M. Miller

Jonah, a parable?

Some scholars say Jonah’s fish tale was a fish tale, not fact. Unlike most prophecies, there’s just one prophecy in Jonah—and it doesn’t come true. Also the style of writing with its jarring conclusion, which leaves the readers scratching their head, resembles some of Jesus’ parables—fictional stories with a message. 100 Tough Questions About God and the Bible, p. 139.

How to rest

From one law—don’t work on the Sabbath—Jewish scholars created hundreds of laws to define work, so people would know what not to do on the “Sabbath day of complete rest,” (Exodus 32:15 NLT). No cooking, great for the ladies (cold meals planned ahead, like a picnic). No lighting a fire, bad news for a winter’s day when the pilot light goes out. Understanding Jesus, p. 145.

Kosher birds

Jewish law allowed God’s people to eat most birds, including chicken, turkey, and duck. But no scavenger birds or birds of prey: falcon, eagle, or hawk. They weren’t kosher. See Leviticus 11. Understanding Jesus, p. 172.

Kosher fish

Jewish law allowed God’s people to eat kosher fish with scales and fins: salmon, bass, tuna. But not fish without scales and fins: catfish, sturgeon, dolphin. And no tasty shellfish: lobster, shrimp crab, oyster, clam. See Leviticus 11. Understanding Jesus, p. 172.

The unforgivable sin

The unforgivable sin. Bible experts don’t agree on what it is. But most agree on this much: If you’re worried that you’ve committed it and there’s no way you can get forgiven, you didn’t commit it. “If we confess our sins to God, he can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away,” (1 John 1:9 CEV). Bible Snapshots, p. 213.

Know your Jew

There were three groups of Jews in Jesus’ time, a bit like three denominations: Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes. Christian parallels: Pharisees/seminary Bible profs; Sadducees/pastors; Essenes/monks. Understanding Jesus, p. 214.