Strangers in Jerusalem Podcast

Follow Strangers in Jerusalem Podcast
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Hi everybody, I'm Dr. Trevan Hatch. In this podcast, I explore the Jewish context of the New Testament (especially the Gospels) and the Jesus traditions. I look at the Jewish elements in Jesus' teachings, how the authors of the Gospels utilized the Hebrew Scriptures as they composed their Gospels, what early Jews thought about a "messiah," and a host of other aspects of Jesus' Jewish world. I plan to post one new video every week. You can also get this material on my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtxAhHk24wrfPzFrMrNxcLA

Strangers in Jerusalem


    • May 25, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 31m AVG DURATION
    • 38 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from Strangers in Jerusalem Podcast with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Strangers in Jerusalem Podcast

    38- Why Matthew Hated the Pharisees and Peter (Interview w/ Backyard Professor)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2023 116:01


    In this episode, I explain the few major factors that shaped the political message of the Gospels. I explain why the author of Matthew demonized Pharisees, and why he demonized Peter.

    37-The Pharisees are the Good Guys (Interview w/ Backyard Professor)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2023 87:12


    In this episode, I detail why I think the Pharisees are the good guys in the ancient Jewish world. I explain what we do with the seemingly hostile passages about Pharisees

    36- Interview with The Cultural Hall Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2023 57:36


    In this interview, I talk about messianic expectations at the time of Jesus. Please check out The Cultural Hall Podcast. For the video version: https://youtu.be/FEaaUlCnGSE

    jesus christ cultural hall
    35- Daily Life at the Time of Jesus- Interview with Kerry Muhlestein

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2023 47:44


    In this video, we talk about some aspects of daily life at the time of Jesus. We also discuss the messianic expectations during this time period. For the video version: https://youtu.be/uat98auPxUI

    34- The Rabbis and Jesus: The Striking Similarities b/t Jesus and Talmudic Sages

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2023 42:03


    In October 2019, I gave a lecture to a group of Jewish Latter-day Saints. In this lecture, I talk about the striking similarities between Jesus and the Rabbinic sages. Why are some of the Jesus stories so similar to those of the Sages in Rabbinic literature? Check out the YouTube version: https://youtu.be/7iHukpm1vAQ Check out my book on the topic, A Stranger in Jerusalem: Seeing Jesus as a Jew- https://www.amazon.com/Stranger-Jerusalem-Seeing-Jesus-Jew/dp/B09V8CJBNP/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3D8WGGTNZXRTI&keywords=trevan+Hatch&qid=1674856471&sprefix=trevan+hatch%2Caps%2C118&sr=8-1 

    33-The ”Angry God” and Canaanite Genocide

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2023 40:10


    In this lecture, I discuss the basic issue of genocide in the Joshua Conquest story. I touch on the basic points of the problem, the archaeology, and the history. This lecture serves as a primer for my university class discussion. To see the visual version of the episode: https://youtu.be/0_D80CD1VV8 

    32- The Entire Book of Genesis in One Hour

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2023 70:20


    Here is the video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/jPz8DjsXMis

    31- Interview w/ Gospel Tangents Part 3 (”Crucify Him,” Adulterous Woman, Historicity)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2023 40:58


    In this episode, I discuss the "Crucify him" episode, the problems with the historicity of the setting and the Barabbas character. I also talk about the historicity of the Gospels.

    30- Interview w/ Gospel Tangents Part 2 (Paul, Jesus, Pharisees)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2023 70:02


    Part two of my interview with Gospel Tangents (Rick Bennett). We talk about the first Christian schism that rocked the early Jesus movement and influenced how the Gospels were written. We also talk about Jesus' relationship with the Pharisees (that it was more cordial than not)

    29- Interview w/ Gospel Tangents Part 1 (Birth Stories, Judas, and More)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2023 53:57


    Here we do a multipart interview about Jesus, Paul, Pharisees, and more with Rick Bennett of Gospel Tangents.

    28- Amos, Obadiah, and Jesus

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2022 36:18


    In this episode, I discuss the context and some content of Amos and Obadiah. I also discuss how some of the themes in the Minor Prophets, including Amos, influenced the teachings of Jesus.

    27- The Legacy of David and Solomon

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2022 50:34


    In this video, I discuss David and Solomon in both the Hebrew Scriptures and the Gospels. I explain their legacy in the texts, throughout early Jewish history, and their association with Jesus as portrayed by the authors of the Gospels

    26- Jesus and the Pharisees- Radio Interview

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2022 65:50


    This episode is a recording of an interview with The Mystic-Skeptic Podcast, which later aired on Radio Free Nashville on May 18, 2022.

    25- Jesus the Jewish Miracle Worker- Nature & Food Miracles

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2021 13:38


    In this episode, we look at Jesus as a Jewish miracle worker who performs food and nature miracles. For the video version of this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJz75ZJIRyo&t=31s For Trevan Hatch's book: https://www.amazon.com/Stranger-Jerusalem-Seeing-Jesus-Jew-ebook/dp/B07WGQJ6JM/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2KFABM0BPINRC&dchild=1&keywords=trevan+hatch+stranger+in+jerusalem&qid=1625160640&sprefix=trevan+hatch%2Caps%2C185&sr=8-3 

    24- Was Jesus' Calming the Storm an Exorcism?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2021 16:09


    In this episode, we look at Jesus and exorcism, specifically in relation to the storm episode on the sea of Galilee. To see the video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/BtmLQ_2lf9A

    23- Jesus as a Jewish Healer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2021 16:46


    Thanks for tuning in. This podcast seeks to increase the knowledge base about the world of the Bible among Christians, Jews, Latter-day Saints (aka Mormons), and others. In this episode, we look at Jesus as a Jewish healer. We situate Jesus within early Jewish contexts and notions of miracle workers and healers Stories of healing in Second Temple literature are few. Most of them are accounts of healings performed by biblical prophets like Elijah and Elisha. healers in Jesus' day—or those thought to be healers—were rare, at least according to the available evidence. Jewish literature does mention, however, a handful of healers that might help us contextualize Jesus' healing activities. Before meeting these figures, it behooves us to step back and explore briefly the ancient Mediterranean conceptions of illness. To view the video version of this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTq3qi-OYNQ&lc=Ugzt51XsC8dWuYy-sTB4AaABAg

    22- Jesus as a Jewish Prophet

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2021 14:35


    In this episode, we look at Jesus as a Jewish prophet. We situate Jesus within early Jewish contexts and notions of prophets. Several scattered suggestions throughout the Gospels illustrate Jesus' prophetic status among some segments of the Jewish population. To see the video version of the episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNlfyu0lrb0 To get Trevan Hatch's book: https://www.amazon.com/Stranger-Jerusalem-Seeing-Jesus-Jew-ebook/dp/B07WGQJ6JM/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=trevan+Hatch&qid=1622238054&sr=8-1 

    21- Jesus as a New Elisha

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2021 18:03


    In this episode, Dr Trevan Hatch explains how the authors of the Gospels compare Jesus to the prophet Elisha. Both were miracle workers who ministered in the Lower Galilee and both filled the shoes of a prior prophet (Elijah and John the Baptist). To see the video version of this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-dtnUOEWxU&t=25s To get Dr. Hatch's book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WGQJ6JM?pf_rd_r=0EA6P8Y1AP9EE7PY146R&pf_rd_p=5ae2c7f8-e0c6-4f35-9071-dc3240e894a8&pd_rd_r=f2066fae-9e9e-409f-8c5a-e7af8ae3f561&pd_rd_w=aeWOT&pd_rd_wg=eDUIt&ref_=pd_gw_unk 

    20- Jesus as a New Moses

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2021 22:29


    In this episode, Dr. Trevan Hatch discusses why the authors of the Gospels portrayed Jesus in relation to Moses. YouTube version of this episode: https://youtu.be/QQg-83hjXI8 Get Hatch's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Stranger-Jerusalem-Seeing-Jesus-Jew/dp/1532646704/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8 

    19- What Did Jesus Look Like and Why Does it Matter?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2021 24:40


    In this video I discuss what we know and don't know about physical characteristics of Jewish males at the time of Jesus? What did Jesus look like? Long hair, short hair, long beard? How tall was he? I also discuss why this issue matters. I review how Jesus has been depicted at various points throughout history, and how these depictions are shaped by theology and vice versa. To see the video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/hO7yijxhH48  Find A Stranger in Jerusalem: Seeing Jesus as a Jew at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WGQJ6JM/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 

    18- Jesus as a Carpenter in Ancient Jewish Context

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2021 19:42


    In this episode, I discuss the typical education that a rural Jewish boy received at the time of Jesus. I also discuss Jesus as a "carpenter"-- what this means practically and theologically. To see the video version of this episode, see: https://youtu.be/nQpAbBBEgWY  To get Trevan Hatch's book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WGQJ6JM/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 

    17- Jesus' Childhood- Lifestyle & Family Dynamics

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2021 13:25


    In this episode, I discuss what life was like for a boy growing up in rural Galilee at the time of Jesus. I talk about rural villages compared to big cities, the infrastructure of small towns, housing style, age of first marriage, birth rate, life expectancy, and more. To see the visual version of this episode, visit YouTube at: https://youtu.be/KX8W_Y5M6XU  To get many more details, find Trevan Hatch's book, A Stranger in Jerusalem: Seeing Jesus as a Jew: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WGQJ6JM/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 

    16- The Dove and the Voice of God in Jewish Context | Jesus' Jewish Baptism Part 4

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2020 20:20


    In this video, we explore the Jewish elements of the Gospels' baptism verses, specifically the opening of heaven, the dove, and the voice of God. YouTube version of this episode: https://youtu.be/6ovLRwL-iYQ  To get more details on this and related topics, see Trevan Hatch's book, A Stranger in Jerusalem: Seeing Jesus as a Jew: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WGQJ6JM/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1   

    15- The Jewish Baptism(s) of Jesus | Jesus' Jewish Baptism Part 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2020 15:26


    In this episode, I explore the question of why Jesus sought out John the Baptist for immersion. I also talk about why Jesus would have been immersed (i.e., baptized) multiple times. To see the video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/x0YGNA3e3hI  To get Trevan's book see, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WGQJ6JM/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1     

    14- Jewish Baptism at the Time of Jesus | Jesus' Jewish Baptism Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2020 16:34


    In this video, we explore Jewish immersion practices at the time of Jesus, and where John the Baptist fits within these practices. To see the video version of this episode, go to: https://youtu.be/L2FbGz-pzk0  To get more details on this and related topics, see Trevan Hatch's book, A Stranger in Jerusalem: Seeing Jesus as a Jew: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WGQJ6JM/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 

    13- Where was Jesus Baptized? | Jesus' Jewish Baptism Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2020 6:12


    In this video, I discuss where John the Baptist most likely immersed his fellow Jews, and, therefore, where Jesus was most likely baptized. To get the visual version of this episode go to YouTube at: https://youtu.be/ex2SqEC3S4g  To get more details about this and other related topics, find my book, A Stranger in Jerusalem: Seeing Jesus as a Jew, at Amazon and Wipf and Stock: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WGQJ6JM/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 

    12- The Jewish Birth of Jesus

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2020 19:56


    In this video, I discuss the Jewish context of Jesus' birth narratives in Matthew and Luke. I look specifically at the star and its association with the Messiah in early Jewish texts. I also explain the wise men, why Matthew includes them while Luke does not, and where the notion of foreigners visiting the Messiah comes from. To view the visual version of this episode, go to YouTube: https://youtu.be/4BW7ycJ8KO0  To get more details about this and other related topics, find my book, A Stranger in Jerusalem: Seeing Jesus as a Jew, at Amazon and Wipf and Stock: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WGQJ6JM/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1     

    11- The Jewish Genealogy of Jesus

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2020 18:08


    In this episode, we explore the genealogies of Jesus in Matthew 1 and Luke 3. We look in-depth at what the authors of Matthew and Luke are trying to accomplish with their differing genealogies. Did Mary really commit adultery with a Roman Soldier? Why does the author of Matthew omit five names in Jesus' genealogy? To view the visual version of this episode, click the YouTube link here: https://youtu.be/uXBnpiIuOMkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yf2ZZwFMKFk To get detailed information on this and related topics, see Trevan Hatch's book, A Stranger in Jerusalem: Seeing Jesus as a Jew. Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WGQJ6JM/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 

    10- How the Gospels Betray Peter | What are the Gospels Part 6 of 6

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2020 13:46


    In this episode, we continue our discussion from the previous episode where we discussed how the Gospels portray the original apostles. Here we look at how the authors of Matthew and Mark portray Peter, and how the author of Luke attempts to correct the record and save Peter's legacy. YouTube version of this episode: https://youtu.be/OL8cO_c7mYk  Also check out my related book, A Stranger in Jerusalem: Seeing Jesus as a Jew at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WGQJ6JM/...

    9- How Do the Gospels Betray the Apostles? | What are the Gospels? Part 5 of 6

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2020 13:42


    In this video, we continue the discussion on conflict in the Jesus Movement in the first century. We explore how the Gospels portray Romans and Gentiles, also how they portray the original apostles.  To see the video version of this episode, click here: https://youtu.be/eYF2Rzx0ctY  Dr. Hatch's book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WGQJ6JM/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 

    8- Gentile vs Jewish Followers of Jesus | What are the Gospels Part 4 of 6

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2020 16:08


    In this video, we continue the discussion on the major factors that influenced how the Gospels were written. We explore the tension in the early Church in the few decades after Jesus died. We look at the Gentile-Inclusive faction vs the Jewish-Exclusive faction of the Jesus movement. Trevan Hatch's book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WGQJ6JM/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1  To get this episode with visuals, see it on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/p3u8veAU_iU 

    7- How First-Century Conflict Influenced the Gospels | What are the Gospels Part 3 of 6

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2020 15:56


    In this video, Dr. Trevan Hatch explores how conflict between Jews and Romans, and also conflict among Jews themselves, influenced how the Gospels were written. The authors of the Gospels were writing in the time period AFTER the destruction of the Temple when Judaism was tiring to reinvent itself. This period was hostile to the early Christians, and especially the early Christians who were Jews.   For a more detailed treatment of this and many other issues on the Jewish context of Jesus and the Gospels, see Dr. Hatch's book, A Stranger in Jerusalem: Seeing Jesus as a Jew https://www.amazon.com/Stranger-Jerusalem-Seeing-Jesus-Jew/dp/1532646704/ref=sr_1_1?crid=IKSTKS61D5MW&dchild=1&keywords=trevan+hatch&qid=1616776378&sprefix=trevan+%2Caps%2C193&sr=8-1    To get this episode with visuals on YouTube, click here: https://youtu.be/10_NT7AvIWc 

    6- The Gospels: History or Fiction?: What are the Gospels? Part 2 of 6

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2020 12:02


    In this video, Dr. Trevan Hatch briefly tackles the question of whether the Gospels are historical texts or fictional texts. Obviously, we have no way to prove whether a certain saying or deed in the Gospels is completely historical, but this video provides a few things to ponder on the question.   To view this episode with visual in YouTube: https://youtu.be/EFxp4CrPZMA 

    5 - The Gospels: What are They and When Where They Written?- What are the Gospels? Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2020 18:56


    In this video, I talk briefly about when the Gospels were written, what type of ancient text the Gospels are, and what the authors of the Gospels were trying to accomplish when they wrote their Gospels. YouTube version of this episode: https://youtu.be/RitXk9xZFwU  For a more detailed treatment of this and many other issues on the Jewish context of Jesus and the Gospels, see Dr. Hatch's book, A Stranger in Jerusalem: Seeing Jesus as a Jew https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WGQJ6JM/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1   

    4- The Crime of Being "King of the Jews"- Jesus as a Messiah Part 3 of 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2020 23:03


    Dr Trevan Hatch explains how Jesus' experience compared to Jewish messianic expectations in the centuries immediately preceding and succeeding his birth? Did Jesus' “lukewarm” followers see him as the “anointed one”? Did his closest disciples uniformly recognize him as the messiah? If so, did they refer to him as such? These questions are difficult to answer because the primary sources about Jesus were written forty to seventy years after his death. While the Gospels retain some authentic material about the Jesus of history, they also present a “CliffsNotes” version of his ministry—a brief, carefully crafted, idealized presentation of Jesus' deeds and sayings. By the time the Gospels' writers were putting pen to paper, so to speak, they had already established in their minds that Jesus was, indeed, the messiah, and their written accounts were an attempt to demonstrate his messiahship to others. What we do not have are firsthand accounts from Jews who witnessed some of Jesus' ministrations and heard at least a few of his sermons. Nevertheless, the Gospels do provide useful material to help situate Jesus within the tumultuous messianic milieu of the first century CE. For more depth on this topic, see Trevan Hatch's book, A Stranger in Jerusalem: Seeing Jesus as a Jew at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WGQJ6JM/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1  To get this episode with visuals on YouTube see:  https://youtu.be/zKfLppeJuI4

    3- "Messiah" in the First Century- Jesus as a Messiah Part 2 of 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2020 27:12


    In this episode (part 2 of 3 in the messiah series), Dr. Trevan Hatch explains what many Jews at the time of Jesus thought about the messiah and shows what Jewish literature in the first centuries BCE and CE said about the messiah. That messianic expectations did not include a suffering, dying messiah is crucial to understanding the events immediately following Jesus' death. One must remember that not all Jews held a normative set of beliefs about the messiah's divine status—whether he would be divine or mortal—nor did all Jews uniformly expect the messiah to accomplish a specific set of tasks. As we have seen, the various Jewish texts predating Jesus posited a wide variety of messianic expectations and ideas about the divine status of a future messiah. Beliefs and notions about the messiah common in early Jewish literature are as follows:  He would be a preexistent figure with some divine qualities.  All people would worship him.  He would be a king.  He would reestablish the Davidic dynasty.  His kingdom would be everlasting.  He would have authority over all nations.  He would lead Israel.  He would judge the wicked and overthrow Israel's foreign enemies.  He would be associated with righteousness.  He would heal the sick, restore sight to the blind, and raise the dead  For more depth on this topic, see Trevan Hatch's book, A Stranger in Jerusalem: Seeing Jesus as a Jew at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WGQJ6JM/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1  To see this episode with visuals on YouTube: https://youtu.be/b-4ccSwJQws

    2- Origins of "Messiah": Jesus as a Messiah Part 1 of 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2020 17:44


    In this episode and the other two episodes in this messiah series, Dr. Trevan Hatch discusses Jesus and the Gospels within a messianic context. We begin in this episode by discussing the origins of the term "messiah" and related terms. In the next two episodes, we will situate Jesus' generation and Jesus himself within that messianic context. For more depth on this topic, see Trevan Hatch's book, A Stranger in Jerusalem: Seeing Jesus as a Jew at https://www.amazon.com/Stranger-Jerusalem-Seeing-Jesus-Jew/dp/1532646704/ref=sr_1_1?crid=IKSTKS61D5MW&dchild=1&keywords=trevan+hatch&qid=1616776378&sprefix=trevan+%2Caps%2C193&sr=8-1 To view this episode with visuals on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tLabxsc6ciI

    1- Introduction to Strangers in Jerusalem

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2020 3:50


    Hi everybody, I'm Dr. Trevan Hatch. In this podcast, I explore the Jewish context of the New Testament (especially the Gospels) and the Jesus traditions. I look at the Jewish elements in Jesus' teachings, how the authors of the Gospels utilized the Hebrew Scriptures as they composed their Gospels, what early Jews thought about a "messiah," and a host of other aspects of Jesus' Jewish world. I plan to post at least one new episode every week. For more depth on the material in this podcast, see my book, A Stranger in Jerusalem: Seeing Jesus as a Jew at https://www.amazon.com/Stranger-Jerusalem-Seeing-Jesus-Jew/dp/1532646704/ref=sr_1_1?crid=IKSTKS61D5MW&dchild=1&keywords=trevan+hatch&qid=1616776378&sprefix=trevan+%2Caps%2C193&sr=8-1

    Claim Strangers in Jerusalem Podcast

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel