Luther Seminary's Bible Q & A

Craig Koester, Professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary, responds to the question, "What does hope look like?" with reflection on his lifetime of study of the Book of Revelation.

He notes that in between the troubling images of strife and destruction that many associate with Revelation, "every few chapters you're taken into the presence of God and into a worshiping community in which God is raised as Creator ... and this cosmic circle of praise for the wellbeing that God provides."

For Koester, …

Craig Koester, Professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary, responds to the question, "Is the end near?" with reflection on his lifetime of study of the Book of Revelation. Koester traces the roots of rapture theology back to John Nelson Darby and explores the problems with this theology.

In this brief video, Craig Koester talks about Jesus' encounter with Nicodemus in John 3, and what it means to be "born again" or "born from above."

Koester, who is Professor and Asher O. and Carrie Nasby Chair of New Testament, said: "For John, the idea of new birth is really the importance of faith; so it's really an invitation to faith."

In this brief video, Prof. Craig Koester of Luther Seminary addresses the question: What significance do the beast and the lamb hold in Revelation?

"What Revelation does is invite you into relationship with the lamb (Christ), while seeking to alienate you from those powers represented by the beast," said Koester.

Craig Koester provides a fascinating explanation of the number 666 as used in Revelation 13. Watch this brief video to find out what this biblical numerical riddle might mean, and what John's message for his readers might have been.

Craig Koester provides an entry point into the letter to the Hebrews. Watch this brief video to find out about the nature of faith and the promise provided to people who face life's challenges.

Podcast discussion with Eric Barreto, Cameron Howard, and Craig Koester.  Article written by Craig Koester.

What is my favorite part of the Christmas story?

When I think of the story of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, according to Luke 2, I am struck by its subversive quality. Luke tells the story in a manner that is challenging to both ancient and modern sensitivities. If we begin with the ancient context, the opening lines of the story take up familiar themes in the Roman world. The central …

Podcast discussion with Eric Barreto, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Craig Koester. Article written by Craig Koester.

 People often wonder what to make of the book of Revelation. Some find its bizarre images of seven-headed monsters and fire falling from the sky confusing at best and terrifying at worst. The Internet has numerous websites that attempt to turn Revelation into a roadmap for the end of the world. They speculate about the identity of the Antichrist and wonder how soon global conflict …